Kansas has SCARY WEATHER! Our first day in, there were massive thunderstorms, with high winds and lightning (and hail, though thankfully not much of that). I was not prepared, and worried for Russ, exposed on his bicycle.

Along the way to Cross Timbers State Park, I spotted two heavily loaded bicyclists, just as two big dogs shot out from a small house. I was able to block them with my vehicle, then pulled over ahead of the cyclists and flagged them down. They were from Germany, traveling the same route as Russ. I told them they might see him just ahead.

And we did! Russ has the pictures of our new friends Mathias and Tilo (not sure of the spellings). At Cross Timbers, we saw them heading for a tent site. We went over to introduce Russ, and invited them for dinner. I had just bought steaks to celebrate Russ’s arrival, and I had plenty of pasta and cheese. They brought salad, bread, and, most importantly, some beer! We had a fine repast, and a great time discussing the differences in politics and biking in Europe and America.

I wasn’t able to stay long in Cross Timbers, but did get some hiking in before Russ arrived. Clearly, there has been storm/flood/tornado damage here.

My layovers will be shorter in Kansas, as Russ will not be able to find adequate shelter in a lot of places. So I may be taking it nearly day by day, after Sand Hills (my next stop) and Sterling, where I meet up with Russ overnight.