July 19-23, 2020

We rode from Amarillo, Texas to Lawton, Oklahoma on July 19th. It was quite a hot ride. We were elated to get out of New Mexico and into Texas. Oklahoma was not as shut down as New Mexico. Still, many small businesses clearly did not survive the initial shutdown. Our friend in Lawton is getting ready to move Henderson, Texas. She’s a very dear friend, whom we’ve known since 1984. We’ve been through so many life changes, joys, and tragedies together. I am grateful that we’ve remained so close. We had a wonderful visit.

Today, July 23rd, we left Lawton and headed for Dodge City, Kansas. We went through miles of farmland, and gently rolling hills, all across western Oklahoma. When we crossed the border of Kansas, the land almost immediately flattened out. Very few trees; lots of fields. As we pulled into the south end of Dodge City, our shifter suddenly stripped out – right in front of the only Harley Davidson store in many miles! God is good. The shifter was replaced while we waited; the people in the store were so helpful and friendly. They recommended a good motel, and settled us with water, etc. in the service lobby. They kept checking on us. We made sure we bought some commemorative shirts while there. Tonight, we are in a very comfortable motel, and tomorrow we head for North Platte, Nebraska. The next day we ride to Deadwood, and meet Bill and Lisa there. We are going to check out the statues of Wyatt Earp, Matt Dillon, etc. on the way out of town. It is humid here!