Day 18: Another Scorcher

June 23, 2022 in Farmington, Missouri

My day started out pretty rough today, but it got better as it went on!

I woke up a few minutes before our alarm time (4 am) and found that I wasn't feeling my best. My stomach was bothering me and I just felt exhausted and upset from my rough night.

I did make myself eat some breakfast–– half of a bagel with cream cheese and some granola with milk, and decided I wanted to give the bike ride a shot, even though I wasn't sure if I felt well enough to do it.

After only two or three miles, I started to feel physically much better. Since it was such wonderful weather in the early hours of the morning, my mood improved a great deal as well.

I rode with my close friend Eliza and a friend I'd never ridden with before, Bry! We cruised along at about 13 mph and made awesome time in the neighborhoods of Southern Indiana.

I've found that I have a soft spot on in my heart for the Midwest, even though I only lived there myself for a year or so. I love the smell of grass and hay and biking by all the houses with the cars in the driveways, with everyone still asleep inside.

Our journey to the first lunch at mile 37 was lovely and it still wasn't terribly hot. I had a funny-looking open faced pepperoni and cheese and sandwich at 9:30 am, and then we got back on the road.

By then, it had gotten quite hot and the hills were brutal. Eliza and I decided that after we got to the state line, around mile 47, we would turn in the bikes for the day and get some rest in the AC of the van.

I've got to tell you, I almost didn't make it to the state line, but after a short break in the shade we made the final push. We also got to cross the Mississippi RIver!

I'm not feeling as much resentment towards myself for getting in the van today. I suspect that is in part because Eliza also came with me, and partially just because the enormity of the trip is really sinking in. And it was just so hot.

I took a nap in the grass at second lunch, and helped unload everyone's bags when we got to the host.

We had a host-provided dinner once again tonight! It was delicious pulled pork sandwiches and sides. We also met the sweetest dog!

Today was so long and so hot though, I've decided to wind down right after dinner and spend some time (virtually) with Jonathan, because we haven't had time in quite a while!

Tomorrow is a build day, and we're hoping to go to a local waterpark after we are finished–– cross your fingers for me!