Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas

This past week has been so enjoyable for our family- we've been doing a LOT of driving and not much sleeping...but have had the opportunity to create some wonderful experiences that we'll look back fondly on. Our first stop, which was VERY much anticipated, was Skyview High School in Nampa, ID. We knew the students had been longtime watchers (thanks to very great educators!) and had sponsored our journey, so we were PUMPED to meet them! 

We were impressed- the students were articulate, insightful, and supportive! Teachers took the time to take other classes out as well, including Geometry, Anatomy and Physiology classes - we had a great time, and the dogs got plenty of attention! THANKS SKYVIEW!

We spent some time in Boise to get work done on the RV (generator down), and had the opportunity to spend time with David and Linda (left) - they shared with us many fun tidbits about Idaho, including bringing us some delicious onions! Ben is an onion fanatic and will eat them raw...needless to say our meals the next couple of days had a ton of onions in it! "Kat this is wonderful. Onions everywhere! Onion fields, trucks filled with onions, even remnants of onions on the ground!"

Our stops in Cheyenne, WY and Wilber, NE were more low key and relaxing. We've realized we have been overly ambitious with our stops and traveling, and at some point have to slow things down to avoid sheer exhaustion. One of the most common questions that has been asked - "So when do you guys sleep?" 
Although we make our best efforts to make as many stops as we can, we recognize our health is important to continue the tour!

We had two events during our stop in Kansas City, KS. The first was at Open Door Christian School - we met a bright group of students (4th-6th grade) to show them some sunspots, and teach them about our star. Thanks to Renee and Joe, who helped facilitate this stop for us, and to Mrs. Christopher, Principal, for having us! The kids had watched a few clips from the Sun Series, and had knowledge of sunspots, coronal holes, flares, etc. One bright young student made a very insightful comment when comparing the Earth scale to the sun - "The Sun is like a basketball, and the Earth would be the size of a peppercorn!" So much potential for these small scientists of the future!

Our evening event was at Walnut Grove RV Park- we had an amazing group of people that came. Lots of laughter and swapping of stories - we hope to visit Kansas City again someday! One consistent feeling that we get at our stops, is that the people we meet never feel like strangers, but long time friends catching up and connecting. It has been such a treat to meet so many like minded! We were even lucky enough to have some ribs from Oklahoma Joe's, a famous barbecue joint in Kansas City that Anthony Bourdain endorsed as one of the top "13 places to eat before you die". Had no idea but we were happy to try it... pretty tasty! 

Tomorrow begins a new month - hopefully another month of safe travels, good health and no more RV troubles!