Lets get the hell outta Dodge
Colorado really seemed like a blur as we walked through the Southeast corner in just 5 days. We were really excited to hit Kansas and finally get out of the Southwest. Kansas has been the state we have been looking forward to for a few weeks because we saw it as the turning point of our walk. We knew once we reached here everything would be better.
Kansas has really been everything we hoped for. It is extremely flat, which has really helped heal our joints and feet. Also, it has been surprisingly more populated than we expected. We have not run into any trouble where our destination has been too far to reach in a day’s walk.
Currently, we are in Dodge City, about 120 miles into the state. We continue to push ahead as we have put together a string of impressive walks. With the help of my brother Mike and his girlfriend Christina, we were able to keep moving without having to worry about anything. Now that they have left we have Anthony’s parents to keep us going until we hit Wichita. Hopefully, we don’t run into any tornadoes but we are in tornado alley so they will be able to follow us in case any bad weather arises. We have already seen some of the craziest lightening in our lives.
The one negative I do have to say about Kansas is the smell is pretty awful. We pass 18 wheelers carrying livestock all day and the stench is putrid for about 10 seconds after each one passes. The smell seems to permeate the air and the only way to escape it is to get inside. I do not understand how people can possibly say New Jersey smells but I guess will save that for another day.
Apparently, we decided to walk across the country during the hottest summer ever recorded in history. 100 degrees has pretty much been the norm for us. As we head further east we are hitting more humidity and more flies. We have had a few gnat and mosquito attacks on our last few walks. That can be real frustrating when you are tired and sweaty and then you have bugs flying all around you.
All in all the whole process of the walk has gotten much easier. We are just under halfway through and feeling really good. We have learned to deal with the aches and pains and have picked up our pace tremendously. We may actually be able to get home closer to our original date then our new date, which would be awesome.
Thanks for reading and following and please help us by telling everyone about our mission.
Hey Rob and Ant, so glad that Rick and Michelle are with you. I know the feeling of seeing you guys on the road and I am sure they are thrilled to be with you both! I am in Florida, but don’t worry, I write letters and send e-mails about you two every day! I can tell by talking to you and seeing how much you walk in a day that things are going well! No matter where I go someone is always asking about the walk and saying how proud I must be! I was proud of you Rob and your brothers before the walk. How blessed are Dad and I with “our three sons”. You and Ant have become an inspiration to many, including your families! Love you both, look forward to seeing you on the road again, wherever that might be!
Robbie and Ant — Yea! A new blog — as I mentioned before it is the highlight of my day! So happy to hear you are making such good time. I mention you both to so many people and everyone is so impressed with every step of your journey. Today is macaroni day in Daytona Beach Shores, and as you remember, Rob, we are having 22 people for lunch — same old same old. Keep it up boys and we’re praying for you every day. He is the wings beneath your wings!!! xox (some good old time religion)
When you were in Kansas, you know you could have both taped your heels togather and said, “There’s no place like home”. But I guess that would have defeated your purpose.
Please film Mom and Dad.
Still bursting with pride!
Luv ya much!
Robbie and Ant
So glad to hear you’ve finally passed the halfway point and we’re still so proud of you. Wish you were joining us in Daytona for Sunday dinner right now, but we can’t wait to see you in NJ in a couple months. Keep it up and we love you!
Morning Guys! Monday morning and it’s great to start the week with your blog. Ant, Jim and I saw your parents Wednesday night and they couldn’t be any more excited about going to Kansas to see you guys. Rob, when we stopped at Ant’s house your mom was there. I’m so glad I got to meet her. Now when I read her responses I can put a face to her writing. CONGRATULATIONS on making it to the fifth state what a great accomplishment. Enjoy your visit with Ricky and Michele:)Always in our thoughts and prayers. Love ya
Don’t know u but love what u are both doing, u make us proud, thanks.
Try some Deet or Citronella lotion, maybe you can pick some up next time your in town at a drug store, apply to skin and also to your clothing to keep the gnats and bugs away. Skin so soft also works but may be hard to find. Internet has lots of suggestions, good luck, hope you had a wonderful day.
Hey my boys! I loved the picture of you both with those smiles on your faces. My favorite picture; finally a picture with both your adorable faces. Even though you were both exhausted, you still had the energy to put a great smile on your face! You two never cease to amaze me. God Bless and I lit a candle today and said my prayers….Love you both~!
Aunt Sara
We were away for a week so I haven’t been up to date on your journey. It was nothing less than utterly inspiring to catch-up on your blogs. Forty-three miles in one day!! Incredible! Everytime I think it’s a hot day here in NJ, I think of the two of you and suddenly it doesn’t seem as hot. The stories and adventures you’re sharing with all of us are captivating. Thanks for taking the time to let us all get a glimpse of this amazing time in your lives!
Hey you guys! I read this blog the day you posted it, but this is the first chance I got to respond. First off, I sympathize with you having to withstand all the foul smell in Kansas! That is the WORST!! On a brighter note, one of my clients at school today knew all about your walk, thanks to that cover article a few weeks ago!! It’s so amazing how a simple conversation about her daughter living in Colorado, led to another one about you walking through there, and all of the charities that are involved. She thought it was so wonderful, and asked that I send you the warmest congratulations on such a wonderful endeavor!
Please tell Daddy and Mommy that we were asking for them, and give them big hugs for us!! We can’t wait for the whole rundown when they come home this week-end! As always, we will leave you with hugs, kisses, and all the blessings that you deserve! Love, Aunt Donna and Billy
yeah the smell is terrible, it only gets worse in Eastern Kansas, as corn and wheat fields give way to giant feed lots. After a while, you get used to the smell of cow shit though, kind of