Pawnee Rock is Gone

[First of two new posts]

Today was one of our shorter days. We rode about 60 miles, mostly with a tailwind. A storm was moving in from the south, and from across the vast plains we could see clouds heading our way. Thunderstorms and an inch of rain were predicted for Sterling our destination.




Santa Fe Travelers would leave their mark on Pawnee Rock, a prominent landmark on the trail, that is until it was ground down for highway gravel. A few of the original stones have been preserved.

Nine miles northeast of Larned is Pawnee Rock, a prominent outcropping that was a landmark to both local tribes and to travelers on the Santa Fe Trail. It was customary to chisel your name into the rock, thus the stone itself became somewhat of a scrapbook for all who came and went during the trail's use. When we arrived, we did not find a rock. We found a platform that was constructed to the height of the rock, but the rock itself was quarried away at the turn of the century. We wandered around the platform for awhile, then left. It seems to me they shouldn't advertise it as rock if there isn't a rock.

For fans of the Parks and Recreation sitcom, I did not find anyone who resembled Leslie Knopf as we made out way through the quiet streets of Pawnee Rock, a town, like many others, that looked like it lost its will to live. We did see a guy mowing his lawn, that was pretty exciting. I thought I saw Tiny Fey near the grain silo, but I was mistaken.

Lunch at Raymond.

The other feature of this ride was a mass caterpillar migration across one of the county roads we spent a considerable amount of time on. The little guys were crawling across the road, for what reason I do not know because there were miles and miles of fields on either side of the road. Yet they insisted on crossing the road without even looking both ways. Some of them did not make it to the other side. We crossed over into Rice County, which made Steve happy and then we lunched at the tiny town of Raymond, which had about the same level of activity as Pawnee Rock. A message taped to the door of the town's Post Office announced new hours. They would be open only for 1 hour and 45 minutes on Saturdays.

We are now camped at Sterling College. Looking forward to a chilled beer when we arrived, we were shocked to learn that Rice County is dry. No beer for us this afternoon. This part of Rice County must have been settled by some distant evangelical sect of Steve's family. Now thanks to Rice County we are all on the wagon. Somehow we will survive.

Later that day...

And survive we have; just back from dinner. Sterling College, a Christian four-year school, has - hands down - the best student cafeteria we've yet encountered. We gorged like wolves after a buffalo kill, refusing to leave our seats for a long time. I can't wait for breakfast. After dinner, we took a stroll through campus. It's a rather handsome place, founded in the late 1880s. School has not started yet, but the place is teaming with athletes. When I went to take my shower I had to wend my way around piles of students being wrapped up, iced down and bandaged up - injuries from the various practices taking place. It looked like a MASH unit. Turns out 70% of the student body participates in varsity sports here. I don't know what the other 30% do, perhaps play in the marching band. The kids are incredibly polite, too. Makes me wonder with these strong winds delivered us to OZ after all.

Also around us is the Sterling College baseball team, who apparently practice in the fall. If they take batting practice, we in trouble because our tents are pitched in foul territory just to side of the left-field foul pole. I think I'll wear my helmet to bed tonight..

While strolling around campus, I came up a sword in a stone. I knew if I removed the sword I could claim to be King Arthur, and perhaps ward off the dragons lurking in the next county and drink beer there, too. Alas, I failed proving yet again I am merely mortal.

The future king; but alas the sword would not budge.

Russ is still dealing with the knocking noise in his front chain wheel area. He has called every bike shop in central south Kansas (of which there are two) and has left messages, regarding his problem. My bike appears to be OK after last night's fix. No flats today. We are on a winning streak.

We may be getting a break in the weather. The thunderstorms (and predicted large hail) may not occur here. Tomorrow's forecast is reasonably good. Yahoo!



Statistics: Mileage 60. Roadkill - many caterpillars, unintentional (I tried to weave around them, really I did.)

Don't forget to check Steve's blog at: http://stevessantafetrek.tumblr.com/

 

Camp at Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas. Note baseball players stretching beyond Glen's hammock, which is in play.