We are most certainly in the breadbasket of the United States. I have leaned a new term: Custom Cutter. Farmers that don’t want to own huge combines and employ a workforce, to harvest their fields of wheat, contract out Custom Cutters. It is harvest time in western Kansas and the custom cutters are out in force. They drive their huge equipment that looks like it came from a farming sci-fi movie from farm to farm across the region. It is a sight not to be missed.

The 30th day started out a little foggy. Not because we lost an hour on our first morning in central time either, but from the humidity. Welcome to the Midwest. Chad, Sarah and I rode together for the entire 75 miles. Sarah had her tenth and eleventh flats of the trip. She could be on a pit crew in Indy with the way she changes tires. Weirdly enough the streak of seeing a dead snake on the road every day continues. The Kansas terrain is very gently rolling. Giant grain elevators that look like ships sprout from the horizon every twenty miles. It is really a great way to see the country. Arriving into LaCrosse a dairy stand greeted us with a yummy frozen treat. As in my last entry I am eating my way across the US.

We were hosted by St. Theresa’s parish in LaCrosse. Deacon Duane and his wife Louise arranged for this. Duane and his wife have been with us for two days. We celebrated mass and the pastor’s homily referenced when Paul was led out of the chains jail by the angel. I think this is what CCHD is trying to do for the poor. After mass we had an incredible dinner. Thanks to all for the great food. Duane barbequed the pork loin. Again eating.

Very tired and sore so I’m at a loss for good words. Thanks for all the emails and prayers.

Cathleen my love I miss you so much (Tosh and Buddy too) and count the days until we see each other again.

Duncan Gillies