Pony boy!

Well, we got a little sidetracked this week, but it was well worth it. We were sitting in the Houston, MO Taco Bell/KFC after having already wasted a good hour or hour and a half at the library (I say wasted, but it was time well spent to get y'all ssome photos and info). As we were finishing our meal, a Native American-looking guy walks up to our table and politely informs us that the local park is a sketchy place to spend the night and we would be better off camping behind his motel next door. He also added that if we weren't planning on staying in Houston, we should still stop by for a cold beer and sign the biker log. Well, we were NOT planning on staying there, but how could we pass up such hospitality. As we enjoyed our frosty beverages and the company of Pony (check out his website; www.ponyboy.com), more and more bicyclists showed up. We eventually decided to scrap our plans of riding another 39 miles and just stay in Houston.
Pony's wife drove us all to a local swimming hole which was a complete blast and quite a relief on such a hot day. Afterwards, they prepared a fresh salad from their garden and a delicious massive bowl of pasta. All followed by fresh, juicy watermelon! The best meal I've had out here so far. After dinner we played some goofy, shame-inducing games and had a most-appreciated chance to socialize with other bicyclists, both eastbound and westbound. It was really awesome. Today we are riding over to Kansas...I look forward to another state under the belt and one less map. The plan for the next week or so includes no more than 2 days under 90 miles, so it should be a challenge, but I want to get to Pueblo and take a day off. I'm not sure how many public libraries we'll pass on this next big open stretch, but keep tuned and I'll try to post soon!