Day 5. Mile 970. Carthage, mo

It is hot. While pulled over (I wanted to strap something down), tar
melted to my shoe. I got the hell out of there as soon as I could. I
didn't want that shit on my tire. I did a panic stop test to make sure
and I didn't go down. I take that as a good sign. A spot analysis of my
front tire shows tar in the creases. I think I'll be okay.

I haven't suffered more heat fatigue. I am often beset by bouts of
shivering, which I know is a sign of impending trouble, but I haven't
started yawning yet. My engine cooks my leg, lovingly, of course, and
the rest of me is pummeled by the sun. Can't wait to see what 'nix does
to me.

The problem with the interstate is that it is eternally tedious. I
covered 70 miles in 40 minutes and it didn't register on me. It was a
blink and here I am. While taking the off roads, I saw forests, valleys,
rivers, flowers, plains, animals, and other magnificent objects of
nature. On i44, I saw road and grass. Big difference.

Five more minutes then I'm back on. Its 5:30 central. I have three
useable hours of light to get as far as I can
~ I write with your life and my own ~