Kansas was just a drive-through but interesting. Passed through the town where Bob Dole grew up. Small, middle America. Actually wouldn’t mind going back and spending some time exploring. What I found really very nice and convenient were their roadside rest areas. Each one has an area on end that has a loop with picnic tables where you are allowed (and welcome) to spend the night. They were in the prairies with “waves of grain” as far as you could see. Very enjoyable and restful and with clean restrooms!

Next was Oklahoma. At least it was only a day drive to go through. Not a whole lot to Oklahoma but way better going this way than my original drive up through the panhandle of Texas. Never again. This route is 100 times better. Made a stop in Norman to see my grandson at OU. Had lunch and a tour of his new digs in between his classes. Then a 2.5 hour drive down to Erik’s for a bit of van maintenance. Need to get the drawers finally fixed! Thank goodness.

After Tetons, Jody and I headed across Wyoming southward. The expanse of the Wyoming open spaces was captivating. Intriguing. Magical. Alluring. Could easily be a place to live. We took a hike along the way and after getting back into my van, I made a wrong movement and my back was in spasms. I could hardly straighten up. Next stop was Fort Collins, not too many hours away, to revisit my good friend for a couple of days and to go to the chiropractor! Thank goodness I found someone a block away from her who took walk-ins. Stayed around for the weekend for another treatment before leaving on the next leg.