We left Hutchinson at 7 am to try and beat the worst of the heat, no such luck. Our route today of 69 miles, included a 58 mile stretch with no services, and today turned out to be the hottest day of our trip. Temperatures reached over 105, but we knew we just had to keep going. We started off with four large bike bottles of water each plus two large bottles of Gatorade, but still ran out. No choice but to knock on a door, not many of those either.
First one no answer, only mildly angry dogs, second more luck and access to an outside pump from the local spring. Even with additional water, this was a very difficult ride and we were extremely pleased when finally we saw Larned on the horizon.
We stumbled into the first cafe for fluid and icecream and while cooling off we're told a big storm is expected any time.
The weather changes so dramatically here, we had seen no evidence of a storm on our way in, but sure enough the sky was rapidly darkening.
Cafe owner happy to let us sit out the storm and decision for a motel night, we deserved it today. The weather is set to cool ( low 90's) tomorrow, which is a relief. We will have to make sure we set off even earlier if the temperatures rise again.
Scary stuff.....I think I could cope with the dogs Sally but not the thunderstorms!
ReplyDeleteNo, I thought of you in the thunderstorms. I think they would kill or cure you. X
ReplyDeleteWow Sally! Was running out of water serendipity! Sometimes I think someone above is pulling strings to keep us safe. Happy trails. Sabina
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