August 31: Toronto KS to Chanute via the cemetery and Howard; 44 miles

Downtown Toronto

We left the small town of Toronto by 7:30 to beat the heat.  Toronto has all but closed up.  Sister's cafe that is open 3 hours 3 days a week, Getty's Bar, and a large lumber shop are all that remain.  The school is falling down.  Several churches seem to be thriving.

We met a man last night out in his front yard.  He was glad the weather had cooled a bit.  He said that "you take what you get in Kansas" as he picked a stiff dead mouse off the hood of his car.  Everyone seems to be concerned about the heat.

Today was my favorite ride since being in Kansas.  It was a cool morning with the sun coming up over the farm fields.  The route along Toronto lake and beyond was quite, well paved (mostly), and without traffic.  The farms have become smaller in this part of Kansas.  The fields still stretch on for acres but not for miles.  Corn, soy, hay, and sorghum still rule.  The flat roads have become rolling hills.  

We had scheduled a shorter ride today and were looking forward to staying in a 100 year old school house for the night.  Sue wanted to see Hubbell's Rubbell which she described as farmer's junk turned into sculptures.  I guess she really does miss David and his junk.....

So instead of sticking to the Adventure Cycling transam route we veered off (oh my! 😲) and took a detour to Howard Kansas.  Sue was sag driver today.  She really looked out for us, including parking in a driveway with loose dogs so we would not be chased by them.  She kept parking in inconspicuous places, peering out to make sure we were O.K. and happy with the road conditions.  Somehow we lost her in the tiny non-town of Severy.  She informed us that she was waiting in the cemetery with the giant horse flies.  We stopped at the cross roads where the local dog breeder told us that he didn't think there was a cemetery.  I guess he doesn't get out much as we soon found it about 3 miles away!  Really, Kansas is that exciting.

And if that isn't enough, we went' 40 miles out of our way to see Hubbell's Rubbell.  Mr. Hubbell collected old farm junk and created unique and not so unique objects:

Betsy falls for the Cowboy!

And if that isn't enough, we had lunch at Toots, a local hamburger and ice cream establishment that has been in operation since 1955.  We met a man there who had been coming for ice cream ever since he was 9 years old on the baseball team.  Pete decided to take the local sheriff's advice and order the daily special.  Life is good.

Pete looking happy about the chicken fried steak and gravy ! ? 🤢

We did some grocery shopping in our final destination of Chanute.  The ladies in the store told us not to miss the Safari Museum in town.  It was actually quite interesting and well done.  It told the story of the travels of Osa and Martin Johnson who made daring trips to Africa and the South Pacific to film wild animals and native peoples.  They entertained thousands of people in the 1920;s and 30s around the world with their exciting movies.  Osa just happened to be from Chanute!  

Our accommodations for the evening were at the Historic Stone Summit Hill School house.  A beautifully restored stone school.  Patsy, our host was delightful company.  Sue treated us to cottage cheese filled crepes and salad for dinner. We continue to eat well!  Wonder what tomorrow has in store for these adventurers?  Stay tuned....... I know I will.