Hollow Mountain in the Outback, Colorado Springs. 7 May, Mon

Wakey, wakey. It was time to get things slowly ready for the days escapades. The original plan was to do both the Garden of the Gods and a good part of Pikes Peak in the one day… this was not the case. We only did Pikes Peak. This might not sound as if we were too enthusiastic, but seriously we went beyond our limits. After the week long worth of activities, both driving and extensive walking, I think we were slowly wearing ourselves out. So, we drove to the base car park and saw a good number of people running both up and down the trail. For potential inclement weather, we got our coats, gloves, water, food all sorted out. Walking up the trail, especially at the start, really was a test on the both of us. By the time we only had a couple of miles to get to the Barr Camp, the snow was the dominant feature on the ground, and ice was a frequent sight in the stream. We eventually got up to a log cabin, while we were passing, and being passed, mountain bikers. In the log cabin we were able to dry off some of our clothes, enjoy some food and ripper of a hot chocolate (for the conditions). Also, snow had started coming down right at the end of our upward journey… Barr Camp (10,200 feet)

We nearly felt like sleeping in the comfy chairs, but knew there was to be a departure. Going down the snow was slowly getting thicker. We, though, wanted to get the full experience. A few miles down the mountain side, the snow eased off, allowing us to want to go off on another trail… or three. We thought that the signage was pointing in a certain direction, well, we were kind of wrong. We ended up walking pass a series of lined up ventilation pipes, as well as what seemed to be pressure relieve pipes. After our discussions about this area we were in, and reading about some information of the area, we decided that we were standing on sections of Hollow Hill, where the government go into hiding during nuclear attacks. After realising that we were seriously off track, we back tracked and headed in the direction that seemed right. Getting to a high point, with snow now covering our tracks within ten minutes, we saw a pile of granite rocks that seemed to be the previous end of the walk. Due to some erosion, and a collapsing ladder, there was no means of getting to the top (safely). After contemplation to safety Ryan was wise in wanting to stay alive; I attempted to go higher. After getting to within a grasp of the top, the risk was not worth it. Edging down, and jumping to next to Ryan, we headed to a junction point and met other hikers. The news came to us: We had gone to a section of path that never existed, the real path was from where the other walkers had come from. We went to the viewing section, where we could not see too much because of the snow. At one point, we saw a sign, pointing up a narrower then normal path, with ‘Eagle Nest’ chiseled into it. After a little bit of a rigorous climb, we were now faced with an even higher group of granite rocks. Somehow or another, Ryan and I ended up being on top of the even more dangerous climb.

After getting a few shots on top of ‘Eagles Nest,’ getting a few views of the kind of valley section and seeing the snow sifting down, we realised going back the original way would be near impossible. Going the back-way, down a rock-face, proved interesting and also delicate. Sliding down for a good part of the way, I got down after Ryan, who then had to run back up to the base of the granite face. He had to go collect his bag. Eventually, after reuniting, we headed on back down the dozens upon dozens of switch-backs. Getting further down the mountainside, the weather started turning for the better. Also, because of all of our detours, the time had suddenly disappeared. I don’t exactly know what the time was, but I think mid afternoon was about the right time. Passing only about eight people on the way down (comparing to about eighty on the way up), we got to the bottom already feeling a slightly tight bunch of muscles.

Slowly getting into the car, Ryan and I headed on back to our campsite. After getting a little bit cleaned up, Ryan got a phone call from his mum. The call was mostly in reference to what had happened in Greensborg (where it once had the world’s deepest hand dug well), as well as how it was her treat to take us to the franchise: ‘Outback Steakhouse.’ The reason why was to let me have the opportunity to experience some real Australian, as well as a means of saying congratulations on our 10,000 feet+ accomplishment by foot. So, after getting cleaned up, we actually had some sunlight left in the day. We went about driving around the sight that we wanted to go to, ‘The Garden of The Gods.’ After driving around there for a short while, night was upon us and we decided to go to ‘The Garden of the Gods’ the following morning. Getting to the Outback Steakhouse, there were some cheesy art slung around the restaurant, as well as some little rippers on the menu. The guy, who was our waiter, found out I was Australian and wanted to hear my opinion of the set up. He also asked for some of those basic non-Australian questions, you know, about koala (bears), kangaroos and surfing. The food, whilst reasonably over price, was pretty tasty.

Finishing the dinner, while there was a bit of rain outside, we went about getting back to the campsite. At the campsite, we decided on the following: Get up pretty early in the morning (I think it was 6.30am), head to ‘The Garden of the Gods’ and then head towards Kansas. After sitting around and chatting for a short while, in particular about the aims of what to do in Kansas.

Climbing Baa-dlands in Black Hills of Drugs, Badlands, Wall, Rapid City, Black Hills. 5 May, Sat Part II.

From the soil being extremely wet at the start of the day, it was in beautiful condition. The waterway had reduced down to a trickle and we were able to get back to Ryan’s car with minimal addition to the already accrued sod. We wanted to head into Wall for lunch. Giving us plenty of time, we were able to appreciate the look outs along the way. Some of the Badlands had higher concentrations of sulfur, other areas were higher in concentration of iron. After seeing the areas of the Badlands, the next scenery that caught our eyes were the Prairie Dog infestation areas. Hundreds of Prairie Dogs ranged over several kilometres of prairie. Either Ryan or I were able to gather a sequence of photos showing a specific Prairie Dog that had the confidence of seeing us stop and look at him, then he slowly went about coming closer to us. Originally from about 70 metres, the Prairie Dog came within 15 metres of where we were standing. The ability of identifying animals, in their environment, was getting a bit more natural for me.

Finally, Ryan and I left Badlands and within 5-10 minutes we had billboards appearing on either side of the road. Things referring to various eateries, entertainment for the family, several other attractions as well as the main attraction: Wall Drug. After the 20 minute drive to the town, it was not new to see at least 10 signs per vision. In this area, the craze with billboards began with the Wall Drug business. A pharmacist opened up a business some time ago, where for the first part of the business being open, there were significant losses and minimal customers. The pharmacist’s wife and daughter, one day, decided to put up a billboard to advertise for free iced water. By the time the wife and daughter had got back from the highway there were already people in the store asking for iced water. While this was all progressing, the store had to expand due to supplies being bought out by the holiday makers coming through. Wall was apparently a relatively central place to these people, and due to the heats of the summer, people wanted to refresh and refuel. Now, this place, still known as Wall Drug. Several things in this place included the Giant Jack-alope, the 6 foot rabbit, various stores contained in the shed like formation of Wall Drug, many, many tourist attractions.

So, after Ryan and I had a hearty lunch and frolicked around the premises, getting up to some crazy antics, we knew it was time to get a move on. We wanted to get to Rapid City, to get a few trip essentials. Leaving Wall, I thought that we weren’t going to see any more billboards, oh so wrong. Billboards ran all the way from Wall to Rapid City. After getting some essentials from Rapid City we headed on to the most patriotic item in USA: Mt Rushmore. After driving for some time, I was in anticipation of some phenomenal sized rock carvings. Well, lets just say that I had a bit too high of an expectation. They were impressive, and the way the onlooking area was presented was well laid out. Walking down the corridor to the main lookout there are flags of every state along the way. OK, hopefully I can get the names right: George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln and the other guy… Jefferson.

After Mt Rushmore, and seeing Mountain Goats along the road side, the other (under construction) rock carving was visited… Crazy Horse. It was funny, I had no idea how much of the rock carving had been completed. After 65 years (with no government contributions accepted), the general face and arm region had been carved and blown out. The anticipated completion date is not actually given as inclement weather is too difficult to project, as well as capable work economy. The Crazy Horse Monument Park, I feel, is a must see. Not only is this for the region’s native Americans, but there is notice given to the other tribes in the continent. History is given of Crazy Horse’s life story, history of the stonemason is given (quite an intricate name), a small presentation of the project, various flags representing major tribes possibly in the region. As we needed to sign in at the Black Hills KIA, we could not see much more of the museum. After signing in at the KIA, putting our stuff in our Kabin and getting some tips from the KIA worker, we decided to drive around the Needles Highway. This place would be one of the prettiest places to drive around during sunrise or sunset. At certain points the way the light would be able to reflect through the various ‘needle’ points would allow for some sensational pictures.

As Ryan was driving along, we decided a short walk would be good. WE stopped somewhere and ended up doing the Little Devil’s Tower. Yea, at the north end of Wyoming is a place called Devil’s Tower. This is actually a famous place, you should google it. Little Devil’s Tower actually has a different environment all together, and is not as famous as Devil’s Tower, but the views were breathtaking. To be able to get to see these views requires both a little bit of fitness, and the ability to enjoy a bit of rock climbing. The beauty of what we saw was also amplified by the fact that we got there right on sunset.

Eventually we got down to the car and drove the back way to Mt Rushmore, again. Now, one of Ryan’s supervisor’s relatives constructed a geometrically perfect series of tunnels. All the tunnels had Mt Rushmore along the focal line. We tried to get photos from all tunnels, but the issue with no sun allowed for the quality of the photos to be less then preferred. The reason we wanted to get to Mt Rushmore was because of the way the lighting worked with the faces. After this was appreciated, we eventually got back to KIA and slowly got ready for the next series of adventures the following day.

Climbing Baa-dlands in Black Hills of Drugs, Badlands, Wall, Rapid City, Black Hills. 5 May, Sat Part I

Waking up, at probably 7am, we went about getting things ready. Our major surprise was to open the door to the Kabin and see the sun beating down upon us. We were able to admire it and take full advantage with the way the sunlight was coming down on us. After taking a few photos of our Kabin, flowers and rocking chair, we began the next part of our experience. After signing out we headed off to do a variety of hikes. The previous night we tried to establish a base plane of what walks we wanted to cover, and where to start from. After a bit of thissing and thatting we thought we would start with the most extreme path, the ‘Saddle Pass.’ Right at the start of the walk we noted how there were going to be a few hassles due to the previous night’s rain. Walking towards the start of our walk we first had to jump over a small waterway. Walking from the waterway to the base of our climb we noted how our shoes were getting remarkably heavier. As we were walking to the base of the serious part of the climb the moist soil was slowly caking up on our shoes. At first we slowly walked up the steeper incline, but soon discovered that with ever 2 metres forward we were initially sliding back 1 metre. At one point, this went to the extent of one metre forward, eight metres back. We actually grabbed pictures of the lack of success we had by a certain stage. Knowing we had been defeated in this battle, we decided it best to keep tabs on the weather conditions in the area.

We wanted to do a certain stretch of path, Castle Trail. We were able to do this from another point in the park. After getting all the caked soil over parts of my clothes, we back tracked down to the waterway to wash the excess from our shoes. Driving to another car park, we were able to walk predominantly on flat paths. This went about on the two trails that we covered: Medicine Trail and Castle Trail. On this walk, we met only one other group, a couple from Boston who were moving to… Wyoming? Also, we saw a number of buzzards that were kind of circling us and a mouse that had gotten drenched from the previous night’s downpour. At a couple of points on the hike we saw a serious of drainage lines that seemed to show evidence of a non natural event (wet line that stretched for about 20 or so metres), as well as seeing where a previous group had attempted to show their artistic value. With them aligning the rocks, there was seen to be some creativity behind it. The pictures, I thought, show a good resemblance of what the area is like, but to gain a full appreciation of it, real life experience of the area was great. The couple we had met on the Castle Trail loop also recommended the views of the ‘Notch.’ We took this on board. So, returning back to the car, with a sighting of a ground squirrel. Driving by, we thought it high time to go past the visitor’s information centre. It had a couple of minor exhibitions in there, as well as some in depth explanations of the area formations. There were several books I wanted to grab, but that would probably mean just another item to collect dust.

We parked at the same place where we saw the guy the previous night at the ‘Window’ hike, but instead travelled in an easterly direction to complete the recommended ‘Notch’ hike. Now, Ryan has the acquired skill of finding animals. Will walking into a valleyed section, at the start of the ‘Notch,’ Ryan was able to find a deer. It stopped temporarily, and looked at us, then it kind of bounded away from us and up a fairly step incline. I actually took a picture of the incline, where we had to go. The human path, that had been adjusted for us, shows how much of a steep incline deers can go up. After seeing the way the deer went, we went up the section that had logs tied together in a ladder formation, allowing people to climb up the wall face. We looked around to see in which direction the deer had travelled, but alas, no success. Traveling along the edge of the slashed out valley, we were able to see back to Ryan’s car. The funny thing was how, while we were at the top of the valley, there were still more wall faces surrounding us. We walked around some of the eroded parts of the wall faces that were right up against the valley top, then around a corner. Both Ryan and I wanted to have higher viewing points, but were having a difference of opinion of where to go. Looking up at the same time we saw a Mountain Sheep just looking at us. We looked at each other and knew straight away what section we were going to be climbing up. We climbed up to where the sheep had been, with a couple of glimpses of it to show in what direction it was going. When we got to, what we thought, a vantage point, we could not see where on earth it had gone. We scoured around for some time, but only saw the remnants of the sheep’s bowel. After some time of hiking around, we eventually found our way back to the path and continued on the way to the ‘Notch.’ This point overlooked the east to south direction of the Badlands, with some open plains to be had in the background. After getting these views on camera, we wanted to find more mountain animals. Actually we thought we had found a goat, but in fact it had been a sheep. We were on a mission to find some more, so once again we went off of the beaten track and found ourselves traveling up some steady ground. We got to a certain point, where the Badlands dropped away into a kind of oasis… with out the excess amounts of water running freely. In the distance we thought we were able to see several mountain goats (actually sheep), but it was hard to tell.

Returning back we walked by a couple, the guy seemed to be showing off with being topless; the girl at the scene seemed disinterested in what beauty was surrounding her. To slightly support their cause, it was already fairly warm and the time was still not yet showing noon. It was these people that we actually meet the following day in the caves. After getting back to the car, we decided to face the challenge we did not complete. Ryan and I went back to the dreaded ‘Saddle Pass.’

When we got back to the ‘Saddle Pass’ hike the waterway had reduced down to a bit more then a trickle. Walking to the base of the climb, we realised how the soil no longer had the same clagginess about it, as it had before. The shoes had not caked any soil all over it this time and we decided to kind of run up the pass this time. Going up the path, it could be seen where excessive sliding had occurred by Ryan and I. We continued running up at a steady pace and made it to the top in a matter of no time, something that measured as being extreme, we were able to conquer a lot easier this time. Man, Ryan if you are reading this, you are one hell of a fit person.

On the way down, we kind of took it easier, more for the fact that we had run out of water and pretty much buggered.

From this final attempt of the ‘Saddle Pass,’ Ryan and I could actually say that while we had lost the first battle, we had won the war.

Twine the centre of the Badlands, Emporia, Cawker City, centre of USA 48, Red Cloud, Badlands. 4 May, Fri

So, waking up early Ryan was telling me how he had the ability to drive for long periods. While I had also offered to drive for some of our trip that he had planned, I kind of had an idea that he was not going to let me. Our aim was to drive through some selected landmarks, and get to Badlands, South Dakota, by 9pm. We also had time on our side, what with turning the clock back an hour. We woke up by about 7.30am, got things sorted in the house and briefly organised the car. After this was sorted the drive was on. Our first aim was to get to the largest ball of twine… in the world. Now to get to this place, we had to get near the border, central north Kansas. It took quite a few hours, with several patches of fog causing mischief we went through the last of the reservations of Long Grass Prairies in the world, without any way of seeing it.

Eventually we got to Cawker City, but on our way there Ryan introduced me to a real good way of filling in time while driving for long periods: The alphabet game. We tried to beat the other person to find a word containing letters of the alphabet, but starting from A and going through to Z. I think we ended up getting a draw overall. We ended up getting our photo taken at the largest ball of twine, I think the pictures have already been uploaded. The pictures should have the exact date and measurements of the twine. After this entertaining adventure, time for the next challenge. Actually, before leaving Kansas we had to stop at the 48 states’ centre. After a few pictures we charged on our journey. It was good being in the centre, especially after travelling for so long in the USA, and having the centre of USA as one of the last experiences. We wanted to get to Nebraska for lunch, at least to Red Cloud. Now, before I forget again, the town of Red Cloud got its name through one of the native Americans that were in the area while the, er, puritans? Settlers? Bah, we’ll call them murderers (The first bunch of white people who started the large scale colonisation). Well, the man, Red Cloud, was one of the major contributions to the native Americans. He was one of the people who stood up against the white people and challenged them to a great extent. Due to his influences and contributions, the town of Red Cloud was eventually established. This was where we grabbed a bite.

Oh yea the following is a true story of what happened with especially Crazy Horse, but I know there are some errors in the story. Ryan and I went to the eventual monument of Crazy Horse, in South Dakota. Anyhow, Crazy Horse wanted to, aah, court with a lady. What eventually happened was the storyline became unsettled. They were getting close when Crazy Horse thought he had a partial vision (Even though he was apparently not experienced enough to have adequate visions). Due to this insight, Crazy Horse went about trying to do the correct method. For a couple of weeks he saw nothing, as he was about to leave he had a vision involving a white Bison and how it somehow allowed him to be protected as long as he did things the legitimate way. When he arrived back to his society he tried to preach his vision. I think at first he did not get his point across, but then when he started to succeed in his missions (in particular battles against both feuding natives as well as some white people) he started to have faith gained by his people. After being out on… missions for some time, Crazy Horse came back and relaxed for a while. While Crazy Horse was back with the tribe, I think Red Cloud was out on a hunt or battle. Crazy Horse went about trying to do the freaky with Red Clouds partner. For one reason or another Red Cloud came back early, heard about the naughty man and went after the couple. Red Cloud charged into the courting tipi and shot Crazy Horse in the face, where Crazy Horse fell into the fire. After all this Crazy Horse survived.
BTW, this was a story one of the gentlemen working at the Crazy Horse monument park told me.

Well, after eating at Red Cloud, Ryan and I began our drive through Nebraska (Pretty much South to North). We stopped in a town to get a memory card from Target and then we continued on driving through Nebraska. I have to apologise to Nebraskans, but from the signage, and what Ryan and I could see, there was not too much in the central region, from South to North. I suppose for periods we had some blah weather. In about seven or so hours we got to our final establishment in Nebraska, Valentine, where there were a couple of photos taken. This was more to prove our passing through Nebraska. The weather was changing here, as well as some of the land. We were getting so bored of the driving path that we started counting windmills.

Passing into South Dakota sunset was coming close, and colours of the sky were changing. The clouds in the distance made it look pretty snazzy, with the colour from the setting sun refracting from the clouds and giving off a plethora of calming colours. As I had never crossed a time zone by land, it seemed appropriate to take photos of this achievement. Another photo opportunity along the same road was the fact that at various intervals there were fire hydrants just within the owners’ allotments.

Getting to KIA, with still a good deal of sunlight left, we were told by the site manager how the weather should clear up after the rain, but we should be happy campers. Getting to our Kabin at KIA (NOTE: Kabin is deliberately misspelt, this is the way the KIA franchises operate), Ryan and I ooh’ed and aah’ed a bit. This was followed by trying to get some of the Badlands into our minds. The reasons for such a name, arose mostly through the area being renowned for criminals to either rob passing settlers or hide out from the law. The rock formations are bloody unique, especially as surrounding the Badlands are totally different soil and flora to the Badlands. So, we went about getting some decent sunset pictures, where at one place (I think called the ‘Window’) a guy was standing to the side of the main viewing area. This guy seemed a bit disinterested in us and even the viewing area nearby. As Ryan went about starting to head back, we saw the guy looking through his camera, following the direction of his camera, we were able to see two guys standing on a point off to the side of the path, in fact at one of the nearby higher points. When the guy near us saw that we weren’t protesting what we had seen, he seemed a little bit welcoming.

We eventually left him and thought about heading back to the Kampsite. On the way towards KIA we went past a sign directing people to the right way to Wall. This was to be the place we were going to visit once finishing hiking around the Badlands. As it was still not too late, Ryan (and I) decided to see what our sight at Wall was like. After stopping by some of the viewing spots, and not seeing much (dusk) we eventually got on our way to Wall. The sight was doing well, and was larger then I had anticipated. We drove around it a little, and got back to the Kampsite at a reasonable time. On the way back, though, we were given the opportunity to see the oncoming storm with an awesome light show. By the time we were at the Kabin, it started to rain. We were a bit worried with what was to happen for the next few days, but were a little tired from the amount of driving that Ryan had done.

Prepare for a haul, Emporia. 3 May, Thu

Well, Ryan had managed to be quiet enough to do what he needed to do in his apartment without waking me. He had a few things to do at work, while I think I had a pretty healthy sleep. By the time I had gotten things sorted out (like shower and breakfast) it was pretty much time Ryan had finished everything. After Ryan and I had… reunited, we went about getting things sorted out for our trip. He had already sorted out majority of our accommodation for our surrounding states adventures. After this we went back to the university , where Ryan had some things to do at his office, as well as get some interviews out of the way; I think this was when I managed to get some photos with the mascot of the university… love the Hornets. I also got to have a good chat to a couple of Ryan’s supervisors, these guys were not only good in their respective fields (medieval literature in one case) but they had this intellectual sense of humour, that had me admiring the both of them.

After chatting for a while to them, it was time to head on out for a bite to eat. This was then followed by going down to the sacred store of Wal*Mart to go get some essential for the trip. Several other things happened during the day, but the memory is so lacking right now.

IHOPe to Leaven, Kansas City, Leavenworth, Emporia. 2 May, Wed.

Waking up, Ryan had already tried to beat the traffic officer and Brett was on his way out to work. Apparently, also, for majority of the night, Annie’s cat had been keeping it cosy with me. This was the news Ryan told me when he had gotten back from his car relocation session.

We all ended up leaving fairly soon after Ryan had gotten back. While Annie went to work, Ryan and I slowly headed to the town of Leavenworth, Kansas, for the Rotary meeting. We actually drove around Kansas City, Missouri, to see some of the sights during the daylight hours (even though the weather was less then favourable). After some time, and not being able to decide on what to eat, we decided to slowly head on over in the direction of Leavenworth. Just outside of the Kansas side of Kansas City, we ended stopping on over at IHOP.

By the way, there probably are many references as to how flat and grassy the state of Kansas is (certain sections are inundated with Prairies and Prairie Dogs). This does not refer to the east side of the state. Getting to Leavenworth had some rolling hills. By the time we did get to Leavenworth the rain had set in. Now, I had been talking to Ryan about attending the meeting of the Rotary Club of Leavenworth over the past couple of contacts. One thing that I did not hear properly was that Ryan had asked me if I was fine with presenting to the club. So, after we analysed something in the river, we tried to determine whether we were looking at a dead body or an animal in the Missouri River (actually it was something else), we headed on to the lunch venue. Approaching the front section of the building, Ryan called out to a lady also heading towards the building. This was the same lady who Ryan had been in contact with since some conference that was had in the recent past.

We were one of the first eight people to enter the meeting room, where behind the registration table was a map of the world of previous guests. It was funny to see the number of people who had come from Australia (specifically Melbourne) and had pinned in that they had come from there. As it was near time of the beginning of the meeting (about 15 minutes), we went about getting some lunch. By the time we had arranged ourselves at one of the front tables, the room had near reached capacity (in the order of 50 people). The President of the club, I believe her name was Joan, approached us and asked if we were ready for our presentation and if we needed anything. Ryan mentioned how I was going to talk for 45 minutes and he for 10 minutes or so, followed by 5 minutes worth of questions. After the President laughed it off she asked who was going to go first. This surprise note of seriousness was when it hit me that in fact I was about to do a speech in front of 50 relatively successful, renowned people. I was to be making my speech first, where I believe I had to talk for approximately 5 minutes, Ryan for near 15 minutes, then several minutes for an open floor. Just prior to the sounding of the bell, our host for lunch jotted down several points about me and claimed she knew enough about Ryan. Also, I was informed (by either Ryan, our host, or another member of the Rotary Club of Leavenworth) how there was a famous fort in the local area (possibly Fort Leavenworth) and the Rotary Club brings in several guests, either weekly or monthly, from the school.

The sounding of the bell was sounded, where I was starting to get used to such methodologies, and everyone stood up. Respects to USA and to the aims of Rotary were given. This, which seemed the typical process, was followed by the welcoming of visiting Rotarians from other clubs then the welcoming of guests. There were approximately six training military visiting, from Fort Leavenworth, where they were from Croatia, Ghana, South Korea, another European country and the Americas (not sure if it was the islands or the mainland). After majority of the agenda had been tended to, our host for the meeting was asked to introduce us. Now from the time, that I knew with confidence, of being informed about my presentation, until now, I had been scratching for ideas. Standing up, and walking towards the lectern it suddenly occurred to me that I had done a speech in the Rotary Club of Ramsey, New Jersey. I stood up at the microphone, said “Hello, this is near impromptu for me,” then rolled into the talk. After talking Aussie, then giving a translation, I mentioned how I became here and ways I had changed, as well as my thoughts of the Rotarian Scholar Ambassadors that I had remained good friends with. At the end of my speech I repeated the last line of my second Rotarian Ambassadorial Scholarship Application, then thanked them. After a brief applause, Ryan had his turn in the limelight. Talk about a person who has the means of both entertaining the crowd and give great information. After the talk, and the crowd being blown away with his experiences and abilities, he remained up there as the President asked if there were any questions.

Now everyone, when you are being bombarded with questions, you normally have an expectation for the types of question to be asked. One chap, the President-Elect for the next period only known to me as… Bill, stood up. He said he had not a question, but more a proposal. With more people turning to him, he at first stood where he was. He began talking about how exceptional us fellows had been and that it is people like us that will allow for the spirit of Rotary to grow and spread forth for generations to come. At this point he slowly began to walk towards the front section of the room. He continued saying that it would be great to have a greater diversity in age as Rotary, typically, is an aging organisation. He continued to say how people, on average, who are being welcomed to Rotary Clubs, are of a similar age bracket of those welcoming them. He then turned to us, and asked what our thoughts were if we were to be accepted into a Rotary Club. Ryan’s comment was along the lines of he needs to see what he is needs to understand what his direction for the future is, and my comments were along the lines of “I would be honoured to eventually be an active member of Rotary.”

Without further ado, the President-elect turned to the President and asked if they could do a vote to see who would want to see Ryan and I to be sponsored into a Rotary club. In the end, the President agreed to conducting the voting procedure and the vast majority of those attending supported the move, ie for our eventual addition to the organisation. My personal opinion was that the people of the Rotary Club of Leavenworth we surprised by such a forward approach. I see why he wants to include a wider range of people in the international organisation, but I thought he did seem a little spontaneous. After it was established that we were accepted to be a part of the organisation we gave our thanks and the President gave Ryan and I a pen, as well as a banner of the Rotary Club of Leavenworth.

After this little surprise, remaining a little speechless for the remainder of the meeting and trying to comprehend what had just happened, Ryan and I went about talking to several other people who attended the meeting. One guy approached me (the secretary or treasurer) and talked about how he had been to Australia several times and understood a good portion of what I had to say. This was followed by giving my details to a lady who had originally grown up in Britain, but had moved to Kansas.

As the meeting was held during the lunch hour, people had to get back to their respective jobs. Ryan and I went about heading back to his apartment in Emporia. Majority of the trip was used to catch up. By the time we were at his apartment we had a few things to do, like organise my sleeping arrangements. After things had been done here, it was time to go Ryan’s friend’s going away party. At the university Ryan works at (Kansas University) Ryan is in an office with a small, and friendly crew of people. Unfortunately I forget several of the names (now being nearly two months since being in Kansas). At the going away afternoon tea, I was able to meet a good portion of coworkers and supervisors of Ryan’s. After a nibble of the going away cake, it was time to wish Ryan’s aunt a happy birthday. Here Ryan gave her a card and we had a bit of a chat. By now it was getting fairly late and a diner that Ryan had pointed out, as we had driven into Emporia, was our choice of dinner. After this, Ryan and I were planning to meet some of his friends at their local waterhole. After getting filled up, we rested for a while at Ryan’s apartment. Driving to this place, Ryan told me about the free popcorn at the bar. Getting there, we went straight upstairs and immediately saw a work friend of Ryan’s with several other friends, all around several bowls of popcorn. Behind them, there was a popcorn maker doing what it is their meant to do. It really says something when Ryan goes for a bowl of popcorn and I go for a beer, yea my priorities are possibly in the wrong spot. After a few games of pool, meeting a few other people in Ryan’s ‘posse’ and me acting like a ‘true Australian,’ Ryan and I eventually left the place with the rest of the remaining friends there.

Diehling with life, Jackson, Kansas City. 1 May, Tue

Today was definitely one of those long arduous kind of days that you want to end in a good way. Nothing bad happened at all, I mean, it all started off well. After the hours had passed in the morning, it was eventually time to head to the airport for the 12.30pm flight. From Houston to Kansas City, with delays in a flight in Houston due to inclement weather just north of Houston. At possibly 8pm at night the plane landed, where getting off who else but Ryan was waiting there patiently.

Well, Ryan was the last Rotarian Ambassadorial Scholar I saw before leaving Australia (back in 18 November) and would officially be the last scholar to be seen in USA. After a brief session of reminiscing we went about heading towards the heart of the Missouri section of Kansass City. This seems to happen in about half a dozen places (possibly more) throughout USA, where the opposite happens in Australia. We have different town names on either side of the state lines (Albury-Wodonga). The aim was to get to Ryan’s friend’s apartment downtown. When we got there we met up with Ryan’s school time friend (and her boyfriend), I think their names were Annie and Brett but this is now being typed up 6 weeks later.

Getting there, and chatting for a while, it was decided to go to some BBQ place (that had sweet ice tea). Apparently this was one of the two better places to go to in the region. Man, the food was so good and so filling. When we had ended up getting over stuffed (well, I over indulged), we went back to the apartment. On the way back a slight tour guide was given by given reference to various landmarks. One was the reference to the cigar building, as well as Union Station and several others. Getting to Annie’s place we hung out and watched some crazy clips that Brett had. As Annie and Brett had work, and Ryan and I also had a few things on the agenda, for the following day.

But wait there’s still more (Holcombes), Columbus, Jackson. 30 Apr, Mon.

Like what seemed a regular event for the past 5 months, people were either already gone from the Holcombe house, or about to leave. After getting my clothes all organised, and returning the clothes I had borrowed, it was necessary to get things all situated for the next leg of the trip. Relaxing saw the hour hand pointing at 11-something, which was also the time to meet up with Steve for one final lunch with him. We went to one of his more popular dining locations (the hospital) and after some good chow, we (Spradley and I) went to the school that Brenda works at so I could say one last goodbye. Before getting to the school, we made a quick stop over at a couple of the properties owned by Steve. The school was one real life situation where there was a security guard standing by a series of metal detectors, and it seemed to allow for a higher volume of guards to be present as well, where my guess was that, during the start and end of each school days, numbers would fluctuate.

So, after chatting to Brenda for a short while, and meeting several members of the school (including the Principal), Spradley and I headed on over to where Steve was working. Due to some small weekend tasks done, Spradley was able to get a small wage. Also at Steve’s office we took some of the excess cement in the office and went about returning it back to the Home Depot. I kind of enjoyed the work atmosphere at Steve’s work, with the various collection of animal heads it really did add to the personal touch. I just enjoyed the lacquered wood, leather arrangements and the family (and friends) pictures.

Eventually, Spradley and I got back to the H house, where I was able to give one last goodbye to D-O-G and Lucky. This would be the last time to see the great little region of the Hill Country of Mississippi for the near future. The drive back was predominantly uneventful. At one stage, when I was driving, I wondered why majority of the cars got off the road I was traveling along and were transferring onto a highway that was on the underpass, this was then followed by a T-intersection a mile or so down the road. Yes, Nick, I did what happened near Talladega, but the road kind of stopped, and it was another road to jump on for a little while, before it transferring into the road that I was originally on. The aim of this last leg of trip, in Mississippi, was to return the car to Jackson, which would be its resting spot until the transport company came along to pick it up and deliver it to SJ in Portland, Oregon. I made it back to Elizabeth’s place before anyone was there (Ben included), so went about preparing all of the things that is best done when no one is there (Wash up, fold clothes and reorder things). In the midst of one of these medial tasks, I heard someone coming in and calling up the stairs. I semi finished whatever it was that I was doing and bounded downstairs. I pretty much had come downstairs in such a hurry that I never realised that it was a friend of Liz’s that had virtually just come back to the region. We introduced each other (I think her name was Cherie) and then the question: “Are you the Ken of the Barbie and Ken couple?” She had never seen Elizabeth’s boyfriend and as we had the same name, it was assumed that I was he… ahh, at least one person believes I am Ken.

We ended up sitting around, drinking a couple of the beers I had bought and just kicking it back until we were joined by Elizabeth and Ben. Cherie had travelled to New York and California, as well as several other places in between. From memory, Liz and Cherie had first met in a coffee shop. Something had happened, where one was standing behind the other and they ended up chatting. This then lead to other meetings between then and until the time that Cherie had left for California. Temporarily near the Jackson region, Cherie was over for a meal, coincidentally on the same night I was there. We ended up hanging around, enjoying some grill chatting and having some (mango?) tobacco with the Hookah. Eventually, after a good several hours, Cherie called it a night. I was feeling fairly buggered after the past few weeks of affairs.

Don’t forget ‘Hands On,’ Birmingham, Columbus. 29 Apr, Sun.

Well, I was exhausted, but managed to get up in time to go with Mary to see Nick off. His flight, from memory, was at about 9.30am. He got there with plenty of time. Also, I had been getting in touch with Michelle, the girl who I had met on the train from New Orleans to Birmingham. So, our plan was to meet in the latter part of the afternoon. Coming back from dropping Nick off at the airport, Dennis asked me if I wanted to go around checking up on his houses that were being ‘fixed up.’ After doing this for a couple of hours, we went back to their house, where Mary and I ended up finally catching up a bit more then we had in the previous couple of weeks past.

Following this, it was time to go on and meet Michelle (Maybe got in at about 3.30pm), where she spoke a bit more about what she wanted to do with the voluntary organisation ‘Hands On’. It was great to be able to meet up with her, as well as get a photo without food in this one. Unfortunately time was limited, as I wanted to get back to Columbus at a reasonable hour and get one final meal with Mary and Dennis. So, hopefully we will be able to catch up some time in the future, but only time will see.

Mary, Dennis and I ended up getting a Mexican meal, where out the front was a fake set of Mariachis. At the restaurant we were doing alright, until right near us a whole pile of kids had a section reserved (so it seemed). We ended up moving out of the area, to another set of booths. At the end of the meal it was time to get a move on for the newly made Norton family, as the Sopranos were beginning at 8pm and it was currently 7.45pm. So, saying our goodbyes and getting some decent hugs into the equation, we headed off into our own directions.

The drive was a pretty quick one, maybe due to the non-peak hour traffic and I was able to get some shopping into what I felt was the time limit. Getting back to Columbus, at some fairly late hour in the evening, Steph’s dad (Steve) was just heading to bed. Spradley and I ended up staying up for a few extra hours, where a six pack was polished. That was enough to call it the end of the night.

The firepower of one, Talladega, Birmingham. 28 Apr, Sat.

Waking up, BBQ was the breakfast, as well as cereal. Man, I am obsessed with this style of BBQ (as well as sweet ice tea). After a hearty breakfast, Mary’s dad went about taking out of town with some supplies. At the gun range he wanted to see what our capabilities were at an array of distances. Other then me being… a beginner, Nick was able to have some fine shots. One example of this was with him using the AK-47, as well as a sniper gun, actually he was really good with a British bolt action gun. The kick on it was fairly exhilarating, too. After this short experience we discovered that Mary’s dad hated killing animals and had quite an array of guns with good history connected to some of the styles.

After returning back to their house, Nick and I set out for Talladega Speedway. Traveling along to the event, we eventually got to the main arterial road to the race. All along the several mile strip of road we saw a whole bunch of stereotypical sights. Scantily clad girls on the back of trucks, beered up guys on the side of the road, men trying to sell (and buy) tickets, helicopter rides and the number one sight: Camper-vans. While Nick was driving to the speedway, people were slowly dropping off alongside us to go to various available parking spots (up to 3kms away). Nick decided to give the front end a try. When we got there, a traffic director directed us straight to one of the closest spots to our designated spot: Possibly 3 rows back and about the 15th car. We ended up trying to have enough room in our wee little coolers, so we had to go about drinking several of our beers prior to the checkpoints. There are two main checkpoints, one for the start line and the other for the back straight. To get from one checkpoint to the other, there are tractors that pull three 30 seat carriages behind each of them.

We didn’t realise that for our General Admission tickets that we were unable to get to the upper seating sections. We were meant to be staying down there, but Nick and I wanted to be a part of the experience and have a view. We approached one of the security men there asking if we could go up, response: “No.” At a security guard, about three sections down, I approached him with my camera out. I asked him if I was able to take a picture of all the camper-vans, both in the centre and outside the field. He said go for it, but only for five minutes. Up at the highest point we had one of the better vantage points for the audience. We ended up staying up there, especially as the seats were not filling up (Sunday was the big one). The lucky thing for us was that we were able to get to our seat about 10 minutes before the whole squadron of race cars came out.

So, prior to the actual beginning of the race was the whole singing the national anthem followed by the flying over of jets. This was then followed by a rolling start of the cars. Within the first ten laps there was already an accident, by the twentieth lap there had been several car accidents/ issues. Also, within the first thirty laps a car had gone into the pit stops and had tyres replaced. For one reason or another, something happened at the pits. Once the car had left to get back onto the track, one of the tyres removed from the vehicle somehow slipped from the guys’ hands. Next thing you know the tyre began rolling across the pit stops and ended up rolling down a small embankment between the pit stop and the starting line. Whilst this was happening the two guys just stood there and scratched their head. A few laps after this… piece of stupidity, I looked in the area between the stands and the fairgrounds to a loud bumping noise. A guy had fallen over a barricade and was bringing up all of his Johnny Walker, where his friends ended up dragging him along.

After we had watched 100 of the 120 laps, we thought it about time to head on away before the crowds rolled out, also the Australian guy was not doing too bad either. We ended up heading back to Mary’s folks place before dark, where her dad was more then happy to take us back out to shoot some more. One of the guns, this time, was so small that after each shot a burst of gun powder would be sprayed on our hands.

We eventually got back to their place, where we received a call from Mary to say that she had landed back in Birmingham (from their honeymoon). By the time the shooting session was over, the evening had crept upon us and we were arriving back at their house right at the start of twilight. There, we went about putting our things away, as well as putting Priestly and Duncan in their respective cages and in the car. Giving our goodbyes (for this trip), I began the drive back to Mary’s and Dennis’ house. All turned out well, with smooth driving.

Back at Mary’s and Dennis’ place, The newly weds looked bloody tired, but were managing to trudge on and get things ready for Nick and I to eat, as well as sorting through wedding related items. While they were doing all this, Nick was getting things sorted, as his flight was the following morning. As we all had had a fairly busy week, we all crashed relatively early (actually it felt early, but it was midnight).