Figment – 08-20/21-12 WY/Canada Trip –Merriam, KS to OKC to HOME!
I must tell you, after the Mamas had their last visit, it was all about getting home. There was definitely a drought in Kansas and northern Oklahoma was not much better. Once we got to southern OK and into TX, it was much greener.

I’m filthy, I’m tired, I’ve got bugs on my face, but I am so happy to be home! The Mamas promised to clean me all up before I have to go away to storage. You know I don’t like that part, but I don’t think it’ll be long before we go on another adventure.

Mary – 08-19-12 WY/Canada Trip – Waukee, IA to Merriam, KS (Kansas City)

We were in 3 states today - IA, MO, and KS. In Kansas City, we crossed the Missouri River and the Kansas River. It is always easy to tell when the trip is coming to a close -- the state's Thank You and Welcome signs seem to come faster and faster.

Today was another very special day. We were able to spend the night just south of Kansas City, KS and have dinner with our very dear friend Brad. We first met and worked with Brad when the three of us were working on a TDY (temporary dudy) assignment in Puerto Rico. Many of you have probably heard the 'OMG, there is a drought here' stories from Puerto Rico. If you haven't, let me simply say it was a real bonding experience when everyone knew everyone else's personal hygiene habits. Brad even took a shower in our condo because there was no water at his for 48 hour spans. Anyway, Brad is a wonderful, kind, funny and inspirational person we are proud to call our friend. We love you Bradster!

 

Figment – 08-18-12 WY/Canada Trip – Woodbury, MN to Waukee, IA
First thing today, I got to step into Wisconsin for a little bit. We went across the St Croix River and it was really wide. Such a beautiful setting. There was a large marina in Hudson where we could see lots and lots of sail boats. In just a few miles it empties into the Mississippi River. I could spend some time here, but Mama Conni just wanted Mama Mary and me to see where she had taken Gully to get cleaned up. It was so pretty that she wanted to share and I’m glad she did.

 

A little later we backtracked back to I35 and crossed the Mississippi River. It took me a long time to learn how to spell that. Mama Conni had to keep correcting me. Anyway, I was really surprised to see that the Mississippi here was not as wide or pretty as the St Croix River.

Also, we crossed into Iowa today and I just thought I had seen corn fields before!! I mean mile after mile. I can see now how America also feeds other countries.