Once again, time ticked away mercilessly and Gretchen and I had to part. I always hope, at the start of a weekend together, that time will never expire. But time runs so fast. We drove solo from Lake Cheney back to Keith and Stephanie's house, where we said our goodbyes, promised to take care of ourselves, and vowed to see each other, alive and well, in Austin.

The weather was really wild today, again accentuating just what I miss so much about Kansas weather. I never knew, until I moved to Wichita for 18 months back in 2000, that steady, strong winds existed, and that storms could come up quickly, cast their rage upon the earth, and be quickly succeeded by a bright blue sky. Today, the wind and wind seemed bitterly cold, and after saying goodbye to Gretchen, the ominous sky seemed fitting.

After about 30 miles of riding, the skies cleared up, and the rest of the day was dominated by clear blue skies and a 20mph South wind.

I would love to be riding in Kansas--I find the landscape enchanting--but during Yoga a few nights back, I messed up my left knee. It was bothering me before Wichita, so today I sat in the sag van all day. It is miserable to know that my body is fit for the task, save one small component, failing the call, which stops everything.

Our hosts here in Pratt are Misty and Joy at the Pratt Community College. We have a sweet setup with dorm rooms and individual beds, a hearty dinner, and breakfast, too!

It is 2305, and the team is perpetually short on sleep, so I need some shuteye before 0615, when the team rises again and heads to Dodge City. I hope my knee treats me kindly tomorrow, as I will start the journey and hope to finish after taking nearly 3 days off.

Andy