If there were senior superlatives (like in high school) for states, New Mexico would hands down win best scenary, most unique, most diverse (both scenary and weather) and just overall my favorite state so far.
Seriously. And thats says a lot because the 8 miles in Kansas were pretty superb!
Reasons why:
-The landscape of New Mexico is SO beautiful. We went from flat desert outside Roswell to beautiful mountains. And the mountains are diverse as well, from green-covered to sandy with cactus. And NM used to have lots of Volcanic activity, we went through one area called Valley of Fire with black, volcanic rock.
-The weather has been hot, but it also cools down in the evenings. Its diverse but lovely. Two days ago we literally biked through clouds to clear skys. We also dodged beautiful thunderstorms and could see the storm and lightning from the distance. Oh, and I've seen two rainbows, one which was at the top of a mountain.
-Yesterday I went an extra 7 miles out of the way to go to a Very Large Array (VLA), a national satellite post with 27 HUGE satallites which record sound waves which give data to computers to help us understand the solar system better. Wickedly cool
-We got to the highest point in our trip yesterday: 8000ish feet. Which was at the top of the continental divide...did you know if you were to pee or pour water at the top of the continental divide, some might flow into the Pacific while part might flow into the Atlantic?
-Last night we stayed in Pie Town, NM: population 60. They made us a ton of pie, my favorites were the tri-berry, cherry, and peanut butter. And there was no light polution so when we got up this morning, the stars were more brillant than I've ever seen them.
And now, on to Arizona. The road crossing from NM to Arizona was beautiful, desolate, with lots of up and down hills. My friends have crowned me the "down hill champ" because I speed by them on the down hills, only to be passed going up.
All for now, except I can't believe that were are three states away from being done. That seems unreal. I know that when I started this trip I thought biking across the country was possible, but now it is becoming closer to reality....whoa!
love
allie
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Aliens, Ailments and okay I cant think of anything else that starts with A
Dear Friends,
The plague has struck B2SB route and its possible that we might not all survive (okay well im being a little dramatic). Today there were 11 out of 31 of us in the van...there seems to be some flu/viral/bug going around. I happen to be one of those 11...I'd been feeling weak two days ago but bike 90 miles anyways, and then slept 12 hours. However, yesterday on our day off I spilled my guts in the afternoon. One of the leaders took me to the hospital where I was diagnosed with "Volume Deficiency" or some term like that and sent home to drink fluids (Im mean I know I want to be a doctor but they could have just used lamens terms: dehydration). Anyways, I was able to keep down dinner and breakfast, but only biked 10 miles this morning before hopping in the van.
Even though I (and the group) are low on energy, there are still some highlights: the hills we are passing through in New Mexico are absolutely beautiful...they are green and lush and some people think it looks like Ireland. It was totally unexpected. Also, yesterday in Roswell I did make it to the UFO museum before I started feeling bad...I think either there are aliens out there or the military was definately covering up for some top secret mission. And the final plus, mail drop was two days ago. THANKS to Amanda for sending the HUG (and heres one for you) and mom and dad for the care package...the love from both are helping me through the next couple of days.
Well all for now!
love love love
allie "im sick and still attempting to bike" kossoy
The plague has struck B2SB route and its possible that we might not all survive (okay well im being a little dramatic). Today there were 11 out of 31 of us in the van...there seems to be some flu/viral/bug going around. I happen to be one of those 11...I'd been feeling weak two days ago but bike 90 miles anyways, and then slept 12 hours. However, yesterday on our day off I spilled my guts in the afternoon. One of the leaders took me to the hospital where I was diagnosed with "Volume Deficiency" or some term like that and sent home to drink fluids (Im mean I know I want to be a doctor but they could have just used lamens terms: dehydration). Anyways, I was able to keep down dinner and breakfast, but only biked 10 miles this morning before hopping in the van.
Even though I (and the group) are low on energy, there are still some highlights: the hills we are passing through in New Mexico are absolutely beautiful...they are green and lush and some people think it looks like Ireland. It was totally unexpected. Also, yesterday in Roswell I did make it to the UFO museum before I started feeling bad...I think either there are aliens out there or the military was definately covering up for some top secret mission. And the final plus, mail drop was two days ago. THANKS to Amanda for sending the HUG (and heres one for you) and mom and dad for the care package...the love from both are helping me through the next couple of days.
Well all for now!
love love love
allie "im sick and still attempting to bike" kossoy
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Pros and Cons of Texas
Sadly, I left Texas today. If I had kept a pro and cons list of Texas this is how it would have gone:
Pros:
-The flat land makes everything so visible, and riding into the blue sky and horizon is gorgeous.
-Yesterday we went to the second largest canyon in the US- Palo Duro. I didn't ride down into it, but standing on the edge was great! Plus we had to go East to get there, it was the first time all summer we had a tail wind, we were barely peddling and going 19 miles and hour!!
-We got in to Hereford yesterday early so we could go see the Batman movie, which was awesome! Two of the girls on our trip were extras in it, so we cheered when they made their one second deput.
-Uncle Kenny: I decided this morning that sometime soon we are going to have a bike ride from our house in kansas to your house. Dad said you use to bike a lot (thats so cool i never knew that!). You can either meet me half way, or I can suprise you on your doorstep...maybe dad can tag along too!
Cons:
-The industrial meet plants makes towns in texas REEK! I want to forever have absolutely not part of industrial meet. We biked past 5 or six feed lots...cow death camps. Cows are stuck together in pens where there are so many of them they can barely move. It smells rancid like too much poop and sickness all in one. Tons of semis pass us and after ever one I have to hold my breath. When we entered Hereford I almost blew chuncks because it smelled like poop, then molasses, then road kill (I guess there is a feed plant, packing plant, ethanol plant, and plant where they make raw hide bones for dogs out of left over cow parts).
A funny part:
We stayed last night in Hereford, the Beef Capital of the World. The church we stayed at served us pork.
And so far New Mexico is treating us great! Were staying in a dorm tonight and get this: I get my own bed!!!!!! Also, the land changed rapidly and there are already more desert plans and hills.
All for now, I think I'm off to take a nap (in my dorm room, and I can shut the door and no one will bother me!!!!)
~allie
Pros:
-The flat land makes everything so visible, and riding into the blue sky and horizon is gorgeous.
-Yesterday we went to the second largest canyon in the US- Palo Duro. I didn't ride down into it, but standing on the edge was great! Plus we had to go East to get there, it was the first time all summer we had a tail wind, we were barely peddling and going 19 miles and hour!!
-We got in to Hereford yesterday early so we could go see the Batman movie, which was awesome! Two of the girls on our trip were extras in it, so we cheered when they made their one second deput.
-Uncle Kenny: I decided this morning that sometime soon we are going to have a bike ride from our house in kansas to your house. Dad said you use to bike a lot (thats so cool i never knew that!). You can either meet me half way, or I can suprise you on your doorstep...maybe dad can tag along too!
Cons:
-The industrial meet plants makes towns in texas REEK! I want to forever have absolutely not part of industrial meet. We biked past 5 or six feed lots...cow death camps. Cows are stuck together in pens where there are so many of them they can barely move. It smells rancid like too much poop and sickness all in one. Tons of semis pass us and after ever one I have to hold my breath. When we entered Hereford I almost blew chuncks because it smelled like poop, then molasses, then road kill (I guess there is a feed plant, packing plant, ethanol plant, and plant where they make raw hide bones for dogs out of left over cow parts).
A funny part:
We stayed last night in Hereford, the Beef Capital of the World. The church we stayed at served us pork.
And so far New Mexico is treating us great! Were staying in a dorm tonight and get this: I get my own bed!!!!!! Also, the land changed rapidly and there are already more desert plans and hills.
All for now, I think I'm off to take a nap (in my dorm room, and I can shut the door and no one will bother me!!!!)
~allie
Monday, July 21, 2008
Steak and the Lone Star State
Greetings from Tejas!
Yesterday was really intense. We woke up at 4:40 so we could start riding at twilight (we ride while it is still partially dark but don't worry we have blinky lights). Anyways, I rode about 10 miles by myself because we woke up so early and I needed the first ten miles to wake up! About 2 hours after riding the wind started to pick up, as did the sun. It may have been one of the hardest days of the trip. Sarah, Oliver, Amol and I did a pace line (where you draft off of each other so you don't feel the wind) for at least 40 miles. We were dying trying to keep at around 10 miles an hour (which is pretty slow for us!). Oh, and did I mention that we were doing a century as well? I started to fade around 65, but luckily we had a second lunch at Dairy Queen, so I felt better after that.
So in sum, Texas is big, hot, and windy!
But perhaps more exciting, last night we went to The Big Texan, a famous steak house that offers a free 72 oz. steak to anyone who can eat that a potato, bread, salad and appetizer in all UNDER ONE HOUR! We cheered on Jorge, a native Texan of the group, who attempted to do so. It was really fun, and I lead the group in many a cheer. However, after 55 min, Jorge had 1/4 of the steak left. But we are all so proud of his attempt and the fact that he kept 50 oz of steak down...Also, I had a friend try some Rocky Mountain Oysters (guys...those aren't oysters!), and I stayed clear of the meat and had a Mango Daquiri
Today we are building in Amarillo, and Im excited! I hope the steak story makes you a proud Texan Uncle Kenny, and Uncle George and Aunt Laura it gives you fond memories of your old home!
~allie
Yesterday was really intense. We woke up at 4:40 so we could start riding at twilight (we ride while it is still partially dark but don't worry we have blinky lights). Anyways, I rode about 10 miles by myself because we woke up so early and I needed the first ten miles to wake up! About 2 hours after riding the wind started to pick up, as did the sun. It may have been one of the hardest days of the trip. Sarah, Oliver, Amol and I did a pace line (where you draft off of each other so you don't feel the wind) for at least 40 miles. We were dying trying to keep at around 10 miles an hour (which is pretty slow for us!). Oh, and did I mention that we were doing a century as well? I started to fade around 65, but luckily we had a second lunch at Dairy Queen, so I felt better after that.
So in sum, Texas is big, hot, and windy!
But perhaps more exciting, last night we went to The Big Texan, a famous steak house that offers a free 72 oz. steak to anyone who can eat that a potato, bread, salad and appetizer in all UNDER ONE HOUR! We cheered on Jorge, a native Texan of the group, who attempted to do so. It was really fun, and I lead the group in many a cheer. However, after 55 min, Jorge had 1/4 of the steak left. But we are all so proud of his attempt and the fact that he kept 50 oz of steak down...Also, I had a friend try some Rocky Mountain Oysters (guys...those aren't oysters!), and I stayed clear of the meat and had a Mango Daquiri
Today we are building in Amarillo, and Im excited! I hope the steak story makes you a proud Texan Uncle Kenny, and Uncle George and Aunt Laura it gives you fond memories of your old home!
~allie
Friday, July 18, 2008
Aunt Laura and Uncle George started off a GREAT day!!!
So riding is still going well...despite the heat I never knew existed in the South
Yesterday we made it to Yukon, a suburb of Oklahoma City! It was really great to see Katherine (despite her car troubles!). When we got in to the church I went to look at the mail pile and had a WONDERFUL! card from Aunt Laura and Uncle George (thanks by the way!) (your donation went to quality tires!). I made sure to read it first thing this morning and it gave me good luck for the day. Oh, and to answer you questions, I've seen lots of hawks, some sizzor tails, and have been teaching people how Bob Whites sounds. Oh, and Dave Miller, thanks for the cookies...the entire group swallowed them in one day!
The first couple of days into Oklahoma scared me a bit, my body isn't quite adjusted to the heat and being outside was exhausting. I think the trick is to ride hard in the morning, before the afternoon heat sets in. Also, I think it is important to me to dump water on my head about every hour in the afternoon. Today at 11:40 we had 40 miles left and the bank sign said it was 103 degrees out! I've gone through at LEAST four liters of water. I couldn't belive it! Luckily I rode with Julia and we sang the entire Rent soundtrack and part of Les Mes, so the time went by quickly and with fun.
Tomorrow we enter Texas...Uncle Kenny, I will definately be thinking about you! We have a build day in Amarillo, let me know if you want to come pound some nails! Some of the boys in the group want to do the steak challenge (I think its like 64 ounzes of steak in an hour...gross!)
And Halley, Im really sorry about your bike...maybe youll find it? Let me know if you want to borrow mine. Although I read your plan and it was really cute (even though sad)...did you know that bike and builder's often pee in nature as well (although not in people's back yards)
Well, everyone else has gone to shower....I can either walk six blocks to the pool or use a hose...decisions decisions!
love!
allie
Yesterday we made it to Yukon, a suburb of Oklahoma City! It was really great to see Katherine (despite her car troubles!). When we got in to the church I went to look at the mail pile and had a WONDERFUL! card from Aunt Laura and Uncle George (thanks by the way!) (your donation went to quality tires!). I made sure to read it first thing this morning and it gave me good luck for the day. Oh, and to answer you questions, I've seen lots of hawks, some sizzor tails, and have been teaching people how Bob Whites sounds. Oh, and Dave Miller, thanks for the cookies...the entire group swallowed them in one day!
The first couple of days into Oklahoma scared me a bit, my body isn't quite adjusted to the heat and being outside was exhausting. I think the trick is to ride hard in the morning, before the afternoon heat sets in. Also, I think it is important to me to dump water on my head about every hour in the afternoon. Today at 11:40 we had 40 miles left and the bank sign said it was 103 degrees out! I've gone through at LEAST four liters of water. I couldn't belive it! Luckily I rode with Julia and we sang the entire Rent soundtrack and part of Les Mes, so the time went by quickly and with fun.
Tomorrow we enter Texas...Uncle Kenny, I will definately be thinking about you! We have a build day in Amarillo, let me know if you want to come pound some nails! Some of the boys in the group want to do the steak challenge (I think its like 64 ounzes of steak in an hour...gross!)
And Halley, Im really sorry about your bike...maybe youll find it? Let me know if you want to borrow mine. Although I read your plan and it was really cute (even though sad)...did you know that bike and builder's often pee in nature as well (although not in people's back yards)
Well, everyone else has gone to shower....I can either walk six blocks to the pool or use a hose...decisions decisions!
love!
allie
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The Best Day Ever
Today may have been the best day yet of bike and build....here's why:
-last night we did group compliments, and so everyone seemed to be in a better mood!
-this morning our hosts gave us FREE breakfast at a really good diner and we got to choose off the menu. I was boring and had oatmeal, but I didn't feel gross later like most of the other riders so it was a good choice.
-we were in KANSAS for 5 MILES!!!! it was FABULOUS! We sang the state song and talked about how great Kansas is and OH it made me SO happy!
-We may or may not have biked naked in Kansas for a bit....
-In Oklahoma we stopped and went swimming in a river. It was cool and SO refreshing.
-A couple of miles in there were huge fields (maybe 1/4 a mile wide) of sunflowers. It was SO beautiful to look and see sunflowers everywhere!
-We had ice cream for lunch (I had soft serve chocolate with hot fudge!)
-We got to Vanita, OK (home of Dr. Phil) with enough time to unwind and relax. I went to the community pool while others went to the biggest McDonalds in the US.
All for now. It was really great to have such a good day after some challenging ones!
Love
Allie "I love Kansas" Kossoy
-last night we did group compliments, and so everyone seemed to be in a better mood!
-this morning our hosts gave us FREE breakfast at a really good diner and we got to choose off the menu. I was boring and had oatmeal, but I didn't feel gross later like most of the other riders so it was a good choice.
-we were in KANSAS for 5 MILES!!!! it was FABULOUS! We sang the state song and talked about how great Kansas is and OH it made me SO happy!
-We may or may not have biked naked in Kansas for a bit....
-In Oklahoma we stopped and went swimming in a river. It was cool and SO refreshing.
-A couple of miles in there were huge fields (maybe 1/4 a mile wide) of sunflowers. It was SO beautiful to look and see sunflowers everywhere!
-We had ice cream for lunch (I had soft serve chocolate with hot fudge!)
-We got to Vanita, OK (home of Dr. Phil) with enough time to unwind and relax. I went to the community pool while others went to the biggest McDonalds in the US.
All for now. It was really great to have such a good day after some challenging ones!
Love
Allie "I love Kansas" Kossoy
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Shifters, Showers and Springfield in the Show-Me State!
Missouri....you are so tricky.
I had SO much fun the past couple days in Springfield. I visited Laura McElroy, slept in a bed at her house, and toured around Springfield with her (Andy's ice cream and the Bass Pro Shop ROCK!). Thanks for being so wonderful Laura.
But there have also been some down parts. For instance, our leaders didn't know that county roads in Missouri are gravel. We spent 20 horrible miles on gravel. UGH. after that, my left shifter stopped working. I figured I would fix it in Springfield. But then into Springfield my right shifter broke, and so I spent my first time in the van. I was kinda sad but I made a game of trying to get our group some free food, and everyone loved the spaghetti I got donated.
Anyways, other interesting things:
-Armadillos are everywhere in MO
-I didn't know how montainous the Ozarks are but trust me, they're big!!!
-Southern MO is a lot similar to the south in terms of accents, and cultures (rodeos, cowboys boots....)
-MO is SO humid, and rainy (its rained everyday that we've been in this state!_
Tomorrow is one of the days I've been looking forward to the most: were biking through KANSAS (well only 4-8 miles!)
Im hungry...time to eat!
~allie
I had SO much fun the past couple days in Springfield. I visited Laura McElroy, slept in a bed at her house, and toured around Springfield with her (Andy's ice cream and the Bass Pro Shop ROCK!). Thanks for being so wonderful Laura.
But there have also been some down parts. For instance, our leaders didn't know that county roads in Missouri are gravel. We spent 20 horrible miles on gravel. UGH. after that, my left shifter stopped working. I figured I would fix it in Springfield. But then into Springfield my right shifter broke, and so I spent my first time in the van. I was kinda sad but I made a game of trying to get our group some free food, and everyone loved the spaghetti I got donated.
Anyways, other interesting things:
-Armadillos are everywhere in MO
-I didn't know how montainous the Ozarks are but trust me, they're big!!!
-Southern MO is a lot similar to the south in terms of accents, and cultures (rodeos, cowboys boots....)
-MO is SO humid, and rainy (its rained everyday that we've been in this state!_
Tomorrow is one of the days I've been looking forward to the most: were biking through KANSAS (well only 4-8 miles!)
Im hungry...time to eat!
~allie
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Meeting in Saint Louie!!!
Today was a GREAT day!!!
Mom and Dad met us last night in Salem, Illinois to bike with us today from Salem to St. Louis. They met us at the church at 5:50 am to ride (although we were a bit slow to get going). I must admit I was a little nervous to have them riding with us, but it was a lot of fun. Mom rode the first 21 miles, and handled it great. After about 5 miles she said, "You know I can go faster..." (and so we did!). At a park near the largest lake in Illinois Dad took a turn. He rode 35 with us and I was impressed with his speed and how he handled the heat (I just heard it got up to 90 degrees today!). We stopped with the group for lunch at mile 40 (it happenned to be 10 am) and continued on. Around mile 56 mom and dad decided to both ride in the car and scope out and ice cream place, which we found around mile 65. It was the perfect DQ- ice cream, good conversation, Harry Potter on in the background and air conditioner!
We took a bike path across the McKinley bridge to enter Missouri (the Show me State) and St. Louis. Dad rode with us across the bridge, and we took some really fun pictures with the arch in the background.
When we got to the church, we found out that the Y we were suppose to shower at had closed. So about 10 of us hopped in the van and came over to Grandma's place, where we swam and showered. It was so much fun to have my friends meet Grandma and they all thought she was super nice and adorable. I'm now writing from her computer...they all went back to the church. I kinda feel like part of my soul is missing, I've been with these people non-stop for four weeks....but I guess I do enjoy my privacy. I took a long shower and am now doing laundry...its weird not to wait in line for the shower or laundry or computer. Tomorrow we have a day off and Im excited to just relax...or go to a museum, or sit around and just enjoy mom and dad and grandma's company. I'm sure anytime soon I'll crash but right now I'm running on the endorphine's of a great day!
Mom and Dad met us last night in Salem, Illinois to bike with us today from Salem to St. Louis. They met us at the church at 5:50 am to ride (although we were a bit slow to get going). I must admit I was a little nervous to have them riding with us, but it was a lot of fun. Mom rode the first 21 miles, and handled it great. After about 5 miles she said, "You know I can go faster..." (and so we did!). At a park near the largest lake in Illinois Dad took a turn. He rode 35 with us and I was impressed with his speed and how he handled the heat (I just heard it got up to 90 degrees today!). We stopped with the group for lunch at mile 40 (it happenned to be 10 am) and continued on. Around mile 56 mom and dad decided to both ride in the car and scope out and ice cream place, which we found around mile 65. It was the perfect DQ- ice cream, good conversation, Harry Potter on in the background and air conditioner!
We took a bike path across the McKinley bridge to enter Missouri (the Show me State) and St. Louis. Dad rode with us across the bridge, and we took some really fun pictures with the arch in the background.
When we got to the church, we found out that the Y we were suppose to shower at had closed. So about 10 of us hopped in the van and came over to Grandma's place, where we swam and showered. It was so much fun to have my friends meet Grandma and they all thought she was super nice and adorable. I'm now writing from her computer...they all went back to the church. I kinda feel like part of my soul is missing, I've been with these people non-stop for four weeks....but I guess I do enjoy my privacy. I took a long shower and am now doing laundry...its weird not to wait in line for the shower or laundry or computer. Tomorrow we have a day off and Im excited to just relax...or go to a museum, or sit around and just enjoy mom and dad and grandma's company. I'm sure anytime soon I'll crash but right now I'm running on the endorphine's of a great day!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
OHIO!!!!
We left Ohio yesterday but I haven't gotten a chance to update everyone on it!
Well first, let me just say that I really enjoyed my time in Ohio, I think the Buckeye state is GREAT! Reasons why:
-After about 40 miles we stopped hitting mountains, and finally got to rolling hills. While I do miss the mountains because they blocked the wind, it is so nice not to pee my biking shorts everytime I see a big hill.
-We are FINALLY entering the Midwest. I have taken it upon myself to teach everyone things they should know (did you know some of the people on the trip have never seen water towers...and don't know what corn looks like!) I've been teaching the purpose of water towers, and how to recognize corn, wheat, soybeans and hay (I mean really...how did people not know that growing up!!)
-Ohio is the birth place of Halley Feil!!!! And Halley we didn't actually go through Granville, just the outskirts (before heading on to Buxley). But I made sure to think of you the entire time.
-There are quite a few blackberry trees here (they bloom earlier here Eric!). I've stopped and picked (and eaten) quite a few, but some of the people here think its weird to eat berries from nature...i guess maybe they enjoy preservatives and processed food better...?
Yesterday we left Ohio and entered Indiana, another state I have never been to! Our first town to stay in was Rushville, and the people there were SUPER hospitable! They presented us with a feast for both dinner and breakfast (yum, pancakes, oatmeal, fresh fruit!!). Tonight we are in Bloomington, home of IU. Tomorrow is a build day, and it is so refreshing not to be on a bike (even though I love it). While Im SO thankful to be doing this trip this summer, the last three days have been a challenge. Due to bad weather (the day we entered Columbus we rode through three storms), flat tires (I've now had 11, and just got new tires), and trying to help others, I haven't gotten in before 7 pm each day (and we start biking around 7 am). However, when I find myself in a bad mood, the wonderful people in my group are there with hugs and helping me cheer up. And luckily, tonight I hope to ketch up on sleep and tomorrow after building I can do some "me" things!
Funny thoughts:
-The coolest street name I've seen was "Scarce on Fat Road"...
-Thanks for the note Uncle George and Aunt Laura...I have had some saddle soreness but have plenty of cream!
On the last note, going across the country is somewhat expensive. I didn't realize that I would need to upkeep my bike and buy new tires, tubes and possible a chain. If you haven't donated to the cause or know anyone who would like to, please email me at kossoyal@grinnell.edu, call (785-230-1670) or send me a check through the mail drop system.
Well the public library is about to kick me off the computer. Thanks for reading my blog, I love you all, and sending everyone HUGE hugs!
Well first, let me just say that I really enjoyed my time in Ohio, I think the Buckeye state is GREAT! Reasons why:
-After about 40 miles we stopped hitting mountains, and finally got to rolling hills. While I do miss the mountains because they blocked the wind, it is so nice not to pee my biking shorts everytime I see a big hill.
-We are FINALLY entering the Midwest. I have taken it upon myself to teach everyone things they should know (did you know some of the people on the trip have never seen water towers...and don't know what corn looks like!) I've been teaching the purpose of water towers, and how to recognize corn, wheat, soybeans and hay (I mean really...how did people not know that growing up!!)
-Ohio is the birth place of Halley Feil!!!! And Halley we didn't actually go through Granville, just the outskirts (before heading on to Buxley). But I made sure to think of you the entire time.
-There are quite a few blackberry trees here (they bloom earlier here Eric!). I've stopped and picked (and eaten) quite a few, but some of the people here think its weird to eat berries from nature...i guess maybe they enjoy preservatives and processed food better...?
Yesterday we left Ohio and entered Indiana, another state I have never been to! Our first town to stay in was Rushville, and the people there were SUPER hospitable! They presented us with a feast for both dinner and breakfast (yum, pancakes, oatmeal, fresh fruit!!). Tonight we are in Bloomington, home of IU. Tomorrow is a build day, and it is so refreshing not to be on a bike (even though I love it). While Im SO thankful to be doing this trip this summer, the last three days have been a challenge. Due to bad weather (the day we entered Columbus we rode through three storms), flat tires (I've now had 11, and just got new tires), and trying to help others, I haven't gotten in before 7 pm each day (and we start biking around 7 am). However, when I find myself in a bad mood, the wonderful people in my group are there with hugs and helping me cheer up. And luckily, tonight I hope to ketch up on sleep and tomorrow after building I can do some "me" things!
Funny thoughts:
-The coolest street name I've seen was "Scarce on Fat Road"...
-Thanks for the note Uncle George and Aunt Laura...I have had some saddle soreness but have plenty of cream!
On the last note, going across the country is somewhat expensive. I didn't realize that I would need to upkeep my bike and buy new tires, tubes and possible a chain. If you haven't donated to the cause or know anyone who would like to, please email me at kossoyal@grinnell.edu, call (785-230-1670) or send me a check through the mail drop system.
Well the public library is about to kick me off the computer. Thanks for reading my blog, I love you all, and sending everyone HUGE hugs!
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