Day 1282

We got up at 8 today.  There was no reason for an early start, we just couldn't sleep anymore.  Last night sucked.  I now have Elen's cold, and we are both coughing, sneezing, and blowing our noses frequently.  I did a little surfing with breakfast, but it wasn't long before I decided to leave.  Getting ready was easy, we hadn't unhooked yesterday.

The day's drive was 300 miles through flat nowhere.  Gas mileage was good - between 10 and 12.  We made good time, 55 mph average.  That doesn't sound good, but it is when you take into consideration all of the stop sign equipped podunk towns we had to slow down for.  We also made two unnecessary fuel stops.  That's because the place we're staying at doesn't have a gas station in town.

Some of the towns we went through were almost dead.  Their business districts were block after block of empty stores.  Others, the larger ones, seemed to be doing alright.  Kinsley, where we're staying seems to be on the decline.  The campground is nice though.  It's by Coon Creek and has a nice walking path.

Setup was easy, just lower the jacks on the LEVEL concrete pad and connect water and electric.  I don't think I've met a completely level pad before.  There's no TV though.  The internet was great at 2:30 when we got here.  People have moved in now and it's almost unusable.

When we were done setting up I sat down in the easy chair and tried to sleep.  I feel like shit.  coughing or sneezing every few minutes doesn't help.  My nose is running more than it does when I'm in Oregon with allergies.

Dinner was a frozen pizza.  After dinner was a short walk and some reading.  The walk included downtown Kinsley.  I don't think 25% of the store buildings had occupants.  Some of the empty ones were quite sad.  The display windows had leftover merchandise that had probably been there for years.

There's road construction in town that blocks the highway we have to leave on.  It's one way with a temporary traffic light.  I did figure a way around it, but it's awkward.  I'll only use it if things are backed up tomorrow.