The Parrots of Council Grove

[Found an internet connection at last, first of three new posts]

Our last rest day has arrived and never has one been needed. I am nursing a sore rear-end, an aching right shoulder and numerous other ailments. Despite the drumming of the Poison Tribute Band, who rocked out at a nearby bar, I managed to sleep well last night. Nevertheless, my body can use a day off.

Gone is the warm dry morning air of New Mexico. Now it is chilly when I poke my head out of the tent like a prairie dog peeping from his hole. A low mist hugs the grass fields of the city park where we are camped. The grass is wet. The tent is wet.

Breakfast is the usual eggs, ham and butter milk biscuit at the senior citizen center on Main Street. I guess I better get used to eating in these kinds of places. The morning newspaper is full of big news. Page 1 headlines scream-out: "Cowgirl Drill Team Expresses Appreciation for Freedom and Those Who Protect It." In the advertising section I see there are a lot of "polled Herefords" for sale, and then I spot a big ad for "Ammo" at Bob's Trading Post in nearby downtown Hutchinson. So Russ has his town, Steve has his dry county and I have my ammo dump. We are complete.

The morning chore: laundry. When I walk into the Clothes Line Laundry a parrot lands on my head. After unsuccessfully trying to eat the button from my cap, he hops onto my shoulder and rides around as I sort my laundry. That's what kind of day it is going to be.



Baby, one of the many parrots that hang out at the laundry in Council Grove.

 

The Bianchi needs tending. The Sea-Brem team has not had a flat tire in several days. Nevertheless the rough chip seal country roads have grinded all the tread off my rear tire. I have a spare and I plan to install it on this afternoon while I have time. We got a long 85 mile pull tomorrow, out last real grind ride of the trip, and the weather report forecasts a southeast wind, not good.

Steve, Russ and Sherri have off to check out a cute small town and Grasslands National Park or something like that. I've seen enough grasslands to last me a lifetime. I need to rest. I would like to take nap.