I just lost about a 2000+ word journal entry about the last couple days. However I am too tired to be frustrated by this. In fact, it has given me the chance to reflect on the most memorable parts of our ride into Wichita, our day off at Cheney Lake, and our ride into Pratt. There is always a silver lining. So I suppose you could say that this slight computer mis-hap has filtered what I might later forget. Good or bad, what will be will be. While the last couple days has been eventful- Paul attempted to find the doctor who gave him birth (pictures later), our hosts have been more than generous (thanks so much!), we visited a 'Love a Llama' farm two things stand out in my mind as I sit here exhausted from the day.

1) The first night camping at the lake the night before our first day off, I fell asleep on a sail boat. It reminded me of scenes from the Arabian Nights. The more fatigued I become, the more surreal this experience becomes as well. The last few days have had a dream-like quality to them- A dream that is constantly changing trajectory, like my journal entries. The night sky was beautiful as I fell asleep and I woke to an even more beautiful morning sky. The sun-light dancing on the water, a few early bird sailors getting ready to head out on the water, and the calm water all made me feel rested despite a relatively restless night. I felt invigorated by it all and inspired to go for an early swim. It was a beautiful start to what would be a beautiful day.

2) In contrast to the serenity of the morning the following evening brought tornados, strong wind, hail, and rain to our part of Kansas. Luckily our area was affected only by the wind, rain, and lightning. The sky was amazing. Invigorating like the morning, but in a different way. The power and chaos of a storm of that magnitude leaves you feeling humbled and in awe. For those of you who know me well, that is my favorite kind of weather. I thought of Dorthy, Todo, and the wicked witch of the east, as I ran around like a mad-woman at 2:30 am taking it all in. I don't think I will forget the way blankets of lightning lit the green sky as I look across the lake towards the wheat fields and imagined a huge twister rolling our way. It was an amazing night.

I'm off to dream of

chaos

serenity

madness

and most of all the 'sad-beautiful'

G'night.

PS Don't sweat the small stuff. It's a lesson all of us are learning on this trip, but applicable to all.