2 more days

The great thing about being on the road,  Is there is only the present and the immediate future. I'm growing apprehensive sitting on this couch, worrying about the path ahead of me. Stealth camping presents a big challenge in a flat desert landscape where there's nowhere to hide. I can always wait till dark and head off the road a little where the shadows are heaviest. But then I have more of a chance of bumping into rattlesnakes. If there's an abandoned building, I can camp behind one, but they are few. The towns are about 50 miles betwixt each one and not much cover within. I plan on carrying 5 gallons of water until amarillo, then 8 gallons for the rest of the journey. I will probably walk a bulk of my miles before noon, then take a rest, then a few miles at the end of the day. I'm taking alot on faith, but it makes sense to plan extra for the desert walk.

Hawkins Tx

Woke up and headed into Hawkins tx. It's a small town,  but giving me a reprieve from the sun. It's going to be a scorcher for this walker today. But I got donations to the burrito fund, and now can put ice back on the menu, yay! Yesterday whole taking a breather at an abandoned church, a young couple brought me dome cold drinks, and that hit the spot. Then about 15 minutes later, a car pulled up and a kid comes out with a sonic bag and an ice cold soda.  That really hit the spot! Gonna pick up some vitamins as soon as possible, probably in Minneola.  But that's 20 miles away and a tomorrow kind of thing. My ankle is still giving me crap, but will just have to walk thru it. Twenty miles...sigh.

Leaving Longview

Will be leaving shortly, and though sad to sad goodbye, excited about getting back on the road. Aunt Stacy and I spent most of yesterday talking, so hopefully I've gotten enough one on one interaction to last me through the solitary days ahead. I've decided to head to dallas via 80 even though going 69 to Greenville is a shorter trek. The 69 route is backcountry and I would like to avoid that. With all the rains and flooding, animals like boars may be closer to highways and out of their natural stomping grounds. And I like the civilization more frequent. I'm ready for another week or two on the road, with all that entails.

Miles and miles

Just ate a sub from subway and it was delightful! I don't know why I bother with the chips anymore, I don't really eat them. Habit I guess. Now that in fed, I'm pooped. I did the math and its 366 miles to Texas and 190 to Louisiana. That's about 2 more weeks in Mississippi and another week for the bayou. The roads up here don't really have anything in the way if campgrounds and its just as well. It just means hobo baths versus a shower. Its definitely cooler up this way and the humidity has been cut in half, which all in itself is a blessing. It has been a little cold at night, but I just wake up, do 20 sit-ups and go back to sleep. I've worn my hoodie all day and haven't really been overheated. My right shoulder is sunburned, and the cover helps, but also my shirt is paper thin; so its been helping with the cool breeze. The solitude really catches me off guard up here. I sing every song I can think of, and talk to myself, just to hear a voice, any voice near me. But I guess the bonus is that I make more miles out here, just to get to any form of civilization, people. I really want a nap and a few days off. But not out here. When this is all over, I will appreciate naps and couches more fully.

Miles and miles

Just ate a sub from subway and it was delightful! I don't know why I bother with the chips anymore, I don't really eat them. Habit I guess. Now that in fed, I'm pooped. I did the math and its 366 miles to Texas and 190 to Louisiana. That's about 2 more weeks in Mississippi and another week for the bayou. The roads up here don't really have anything in the way if campgrounds and its just as well. It just means hobo baths versus a shower. Its definitely cooler up this way and the humidity has been cut in half, which all in itself is a blessing. It has been a little cold at night, but I just wake up, do 20 sit-ups and go back to sleep. I've worn my hoodie all day and haven't really been overheated. My right shoulder is sunburned, and the cover helps, but also my shirt is paper thin; so its been helping with the cool breeze. The solitude really catches me off guard up here. I sing every song I can think of, and talk to myself, just to hear a voice, any voice near me. But I guess the bonus is that I make more miles out here, just to get to any form of civilization, people. I really want a nap and a few days off. But not out here. When this is all over, I will appreciate naps and couches more fully.