Alice

As I get further into this trip, these post titles are only going to get more and more obscure... so hold on tight.

Having a pavilion over our heads last night was a gift, it rained hard, and so far we have been lucky enough to keep our gear from getting wet.

Even with the sun at its highest it was only about eighty out today, and compared to the last few days, that was very comfortable.

About halfway through today's walk a jovial woman pulled over to the side of the road near us and asked if we wanted to hop in the bed of her pickup for a few miles, as she was headed that way already.

That's not hitch hiking is it?

Our thumbs weren't out, and we weren't really in the car, so... not hitch hiking?

Good, cause that's the decision we reached on the side of the road.

Due to that friendly lift, we made it to today's destination rather sooner than expected, and had some extra time to relax and get creative.

The cheap campsite we paid for today was worth every penny, as it came with peace of mind, a fire pit, free wood, and even... showers!

Washing off ten days of dirt and sweat was liberating. When I stepped outside after drying off and brushing my teeth, I realized I could feel the wind on my face and arms for the first time in days. This lead to the frightening realization that the grime had been caked on so heavily, that it prevented my nerve ending from picking up the breeze blowing past them.

Ew.

A big bowl of chicken noodle soup followed the shower, and I was on top of the world.

We winded down even further after a relaxing day with a blazing fire and some music, and then prepared to turn in early.

We plan on being in Bloomington on Sunday night, which means we need to do about 12 miles a day for the next three days straight. Which shouldn't be a problem... as long as the rain holds off...