August 18, 2026 (Tue.) – Meeting Up with the Mitchells.

Finally, Tuesday arrived and the Mitchells were on their way. They’re the whole reason we came to Leavenworth. Lynn had been keeping Stacey updated on the smoke and wildfire conditions for days. Riding a motorcycle from Texas to Canada means dealing with whatever the air throws at you.

Lynn was up just before 0700. The air had finally moved into the moderate zone (AQI 84), and for the first time in weeks the sky looked clearer with actual sunshine breaking through. It felt like a small victory.

Kirk had a slower start, up around 1000. After a light breakfast, he tackled the water filters and did the salt flush he’d been meaning to do. With any luck, it will help stabilize the water pressure, which keeps dropping thanks to clogged lines.

The afternoon passed quietly with chores, blogging, and relaxing. By 5pm we headed back into town to meet Steve and Stacey, along with their friend Daniel, for dinner. We returned to Andreas Keller — Stacey wanted schnitzel, and that’s the place to get it. Dinner was delicious, and we both ordered the same dishes we enjoyed last time. Afterward, we walked through town, shopped, talked, and caught up. The last time we saw them was in Custer, South Dakota over the Fourth of July last year. The weather was beautiful; the skies were blue…thanks Mitchell’s for bringing the good weather with you!

During the evening, Lynn got a request to FaceTime with her mom, the caregiver, and the doctor about her mom’s health. Everything was fine aside from a lingering cough.

We wrapped up around 9pm under a bright crescent moon. We wished the Mitchells and Daniel safe travels as they continued north toward Canada and the Rockies. On the drive back, we passed the same house with the miniature Eiffel Tower — this time lit up at night.

We love having visitors and catching up with friends and family. It’s always an adventure. Who knows what random state we’ll meet the Mitchells in next year!

Weather – High 81*, Low 59*. Winds 6-11/21 mph. No rain, no humidity. AQI 84 (Moderate).

Traffic – None.

Food – Andreas Keller – excellent.

Notable – Visit from the Mitchell’s, clearer skies, Andreas Keller.