Day 26 (July 9, 1976): Garden City, KS – 51 miles

Route Map

Journal Excerpts

From Butch’s journal:

The trip from Syracuse to Garden City, Kansas was a short and pleasant 51 miles. We started early and were in by nine thirty in the morning. We spent a relaxing afternoon in the world’s largest swimming pool. It was as large as a football field. We also visited the world’s largest hand-dug well, which was 120 feet deep and over 30 feet across. Everywhere we went the people around each area were astonished to hear we were from the state of Washington and had pedaled all that way.

From Tani’s journal:

I got up with everyone else again, but when they left, I went back to bed. I really wanted to ride. I felt like getting ready and hopping on my bike. They got to Garden City before us. We stayed in a big huge church. We went swimming in the world’s largest swimming pool. Carl sprained his ankle. I don’t think he will be able to ride tomorrow. I know how he feels. I wish there was something I could say to make him feel better. Syd said I could ride tomorrow, and I’m really happy about that. When I crawled into my bag, I found a get well card. That really cheered me up. This club is so great; that is unbelievable.

From Nancy’s journal:

For dinner, I ate a third of a watermelon and a can of cold corn. How original! I got all ready for bed, and for once it was early. I had my eyes closed and was half asleep when I felt something cold and slimy land in my hand. I thought maybe I was dreaming until another one landed on my eye. I opened my eyes, and there was Syd, standing there all ready to bomb me with some more cold macaroni salad. I couldn’t go to sleep after that, so Syd, Lon, and I stayed up and talked. We talked about what reality is and what we thought heaven would be like. It’s kind of neat to hear other people’s point of view. It really made me think.

All Journals

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Photos

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Letters

1976-07-09: Multiple Choice Letter from Don Ellertson, (Garden City, KS)