07 Jul Miseners will head north when the rain stops

All Aboard welcomes back guest correspondent Emma Misener. Emma’s family is in the Wichita area, waiting for the rain to clear up before moving north. This week, Emma talks about moving to Kansas from Oklahoma, a holiday break, and the upcoming job in northern Kansas.

The Miseners made it to Mt. Hope, Kan. Dad and David left June 23, with our first load to Kansas, from Oklahoma, hauling two combines. They came back that night and loaded up again. June 24, the crew headed up with the remaining equipment, campers and cargo trailer. The cargo trailer has freezers, a washing machine and a pantry. That evening Dad was able to get over 30 acres done. We had a wonderful and safe trip all around.

We harvested three days straight with a few minor breakdowns, but nothing to hinder our spirits. The wheat ran about 30 bushels per acre, and 11.2-percent moisture. We finished on June 27, and then started cleaning—something we do after each job. We blow all of the chaff off the combines, and wash them so that we do not spread any weeds and prevent chaff buildup that could potentially be a fire hazard. The cleaning also makes the machines look better. Marty left the crew on June 28 to help his family out in western Kansas. He will be traveling overseas after their harvest for an internship — we already miss him around here.

Mom and Dad ventured out on June 29, looking for more work, as many harvesters are this year. I asked Dad why more harvesters are looking for jobs this year than years past, and he simply said, “There is no wheat to cut!”

I guess you could say that we have had a great Fourth of July weekend. Dad decided a well-needed break was in order, so he took us to Rock River Rapids Water Park in Derby, Kan. We had a blast!

Our next stop is Oberlin, Kan., so we moved everything but the campers up north. The wheat there is looking like it will be ready around July 7. With all of this rain, harvesters could be delayed. In 24 hours six to eight inches of rain has fallen, with more in the forecast. Wheat fields around the Mt. Hope area are now covered in water; flooding is evident. Minus the rain, the Fourth has been relaxing, as it should be. We stayed close to home and played games, then drove around looking at some of the flood damage. We ended the night with a trip to town to watch fireworks.

I’m hoping, fingers crossed, that if it finally stops raining, we can have our normal Fourth of July celebration with homemade ice cream, pudding, hamburgers, watermelon, and family.  I don’t think that there’s anything better.

Let freedom ring! Let’s remember what made this country — hard work, determination, and courageous people.  God bless the USA!

A muddy field.

The storm clouds move in.

The same field we had been cutting, after seven inches of rain.

Fields flooded in the area that we’re staying.

A whirlpool on the side of the road.

This field now looks like a river.

A farewell breakfast for Marty. He is, and will, be missed.

(L to R) Abby, Elizabeth, Andrew, Josh, Dan, Marty, Joel, Olivia, Mom, and dad.

For more information e-mail crew@allaboardhavest. All Aboard 2010 Wheat Harvest is sponsored by High Plains Journal and DuPont Crop Protection.