Journal Comments - Midwest Spring Flings - CycleBlaze

Journal Comments

From Midwest Spring Flings by Susan Carpenter

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Susan Carpenter replied to a comment by Scott Anderson on Up to the Flint Hills

Hello Scott,
I agree that you might enjoy it. Many folks think the midwest is all flat, boring, and windy. It's not all flat, not all boring, and the wind can be challenging. I look forward to exploring the region a bit more in the next few years.

4 years ago
Susan Carpenter replied to a comment by Bill Shaneyfelt on a photo in Up to the Flint Hills

Thanks Bill

I had asked a Kansan about all the turtles - she said it was probably a box turtle. The ornate box turtle is the state reptile of Kansas, but this one doesn't have the coloring, or the shape. So I'm happy to go with river cooter.

4 years ago
Bill Shaneyfelt commented on a photo in Up to the Flint Hills

Nice rescue! Not a box turtle. They are smaller and have high domed shells. Might be a river cooter.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_cooter

4 years ago
Scott Anderson commented on Up to the Flint Hills

I’ve never heard of the Flint Hills, or biked in Kansas at all. This looks like a lovely cycling area, just the kind of place I’d enjoy.

4 years ago
Susan Carpenter commented on T-storms, Tornadoes and Floods, Oh My

Thanks Kathleen. No WiFi on trip, so just now catching up on journal. Several night storms but I managed to stay dry while riding.

4 years ago
Susan Carpenter commented on Out and Back to Virginia

Thank you Suzanne. While I love touring in Europe, these shorter trips in the U.S. have given me a chance to explore pockets of America and learn more of the culture and history that shaped/are shaping this country. It's not always pretty, but I feel it is important to understand.

4 years ago
Susan Carpenter commented on a photo in Out and Back to Virginia

Hello Suzanne,
I wasn't thinking of Dervla Murphy when I captioned the photo - but it makes perfect sense. I have both of those books, but have only started Full Tilt - a remarkable journey. On your recommendation, I'll move her autobiography up on my "to read" list. Thanks!

4 years ago
Suzanne Gibson commented on a photo in Out and Back to Virginia

Love it! Have you read Dervla Murphy's autobiography "Wheels within Wheels"? Or perhaps you are referring to it here? I think it is my favorite of her many books. I loved her more well known "Full Tilt", but I found the autobiography even more amazing and moving.

4 years ago
Suzanne Gibson commented on Out and Back to Virginia

Glad you got this sunny day before the cold and rain came, good for your cycling and good for your readers, too, since it provided so many good photo op's.
I am enjoying your interesting views of America which are seldom on display. I left the US before my cycling days and your journal helps puts me in contact with the country where I grew up. Thank you!

4 years ago
Kathleen Jones commented on T-storms, Tornadoes and Floods, Oh My

We've been following what's going on in your part of the country. Like Jefferson City MO - weeks of floods, then the tornado sirens in the middle of the night. Just amazing. Stay dry!

4 years ago
Susan Carpenter replied to a comment by Kathleen Jones on A wet ride back to Grand Rapids

Thanks so much for your comment Kathleen. One of the reasons I so enjoy bike touring is that it allows a broader yet more intimate perspective on the culture and history of an area - be that in the US or in other countries. In all my travels, I find local folks are welcoming, kind, and always ready to help. It's good for the soul in these divisive times.

4 years ago
Kathleen Jones commented on A wet ride back to Grand Rapids

What a nice ride. As much as possible we go for the unsullied beauty on our rides, don't we? Mining isn't pretty and the effects on the land and towns aren't good, but it's part of what's made our modern life possible. So I enjoyed seeing what the Iron Range had to offer. Thanks for the history lessons.

4 years ago