literally, but more about that later. I woke up around 5am this morning and thought the tent was going to fly away. During the night, the wind had picked up and was hitting the tent broadside. So no more sleeping this morning. I packed the stuff inside the tent, and moved outside to start taking the tent down. The wind was blowing so hard it made this a very difficult task. But, finally everything was packed, the sun was coming up, and I was ready for the road. The goal today is to reach Hobbs, check in the motel, a bath, something good to eat, and watch the Cowboys. (comes on around 630pm out here.)
As I was walking down the dirt road where I camped, a guy stopped by and asked where I was walking. He said, "you'd better hang on to your hat today, because if it's blowing this hard now, it'll be something by afternoon." I thanked him for the advice, and headed down the road.I was told there is a restaurant about 12 miles west of Hobbs, so I headed there, about 8 miles away. Traffic was heavier this morning making the walk difficult. With no shoulder, I was on and off the road. Finally started walking facing traffic because there were hardly any cars going from west to east.
Before long Hwy 529 ended and turned into Hwy 62/180. This road was wider, with a nice shoulder for good walking. Shortly after, I spotted the restaurant, Montie's Cafe. I had a good breakfast, asked directions to the motel, and headed toward Hobbs, still 12 or so miles away. By now the wind was picking up, but almost directly behind me........so that proved an asset. When it would stop blowing occasionally, it was as if I was standing still. Around lunch time, I reached the bypass that runs north around Hobbs, and rested there for a while before going on.
By now, the wind was really blowing, hard enough to move me (and the cart) if I stood broadside. And, the bypass ran north/south, so the wind would be hitting me and the cart from the side rather than from the back. Not sure the wind speed, but gust of 60mph were predicted for the afternoon. I think it got close because the next couple of miles were a challenge. Sand hitting the sides of my face and legs stung like bees. Finally, after 2 miles or so, the road turned more to the east, and the winds were at my back. Before long I spotted the motel, and soon after that was checked in, clean, and heading to Chili's for take out. Soon after that was in the room watching the Cowboys lose not only the game, but most likely any chance for a successful season. Oh well, wait'll next year!
During the game, the front desk called and said I had a package. Through Michelle's State Farm connections, it was sent to David Whitten's office here in Hobbs, and held for my arrival. Melissa, who works there, delivered it to the motel. It's nice to get something from home, almost like Christmas. In the package was a blanket for the coming cooler weather, beef jerky, mole skin, my 3rd pair of New Balance 1226 shoes, and Sundrops....the drink of choice in NC.
After the game and a Sundrop, it was time for bed. It was soft and warm, and it was nice not having to set up camp.
As I was walking down the dirt road where I camped, a guy stopped by and asked where I was walking. He said, "you'd better hang on to your hat today, because if it's blowing this hard now, it'll be something by afternoon." I thanked him for the advice, and headed down the road.I was told there is a restaurant about 12 miles west of Hobbs, so I headed there, about 8 miles away. Traffic was heavier this morning making the walk difficult. With no shoulder, I was on and off the road. Finally started walking facing traffic because there were hardly any cars going from west to east.
Before long Hwy 529 ended and turned into Hwy 62/180. This road was wider, with a nice shoulder for good walking. Shortly after, I spotted the restaurant, Montie's Cafe. I had a good breakfast, asked directions to the motel, and headed toward Hobbs, still 12 or so miles away. By now the wind was picking up, but almost directly behind me........so that proved an asset. When it would stop blowing occasionally, it was as if I was standing still. Around lunch time, I reached the bypass that runs north around Hobbs, and rested there for a while before going on.
By now, the wind was really blowing, hard enough to move me (and the cart) if I stood broadside. And, the bypass ran north/south, so the wind would be hitting me and the cart from the side rather than from the back. Not sure the wind speed, but gust of 60mph were predicted for the afternoon. I think it got close because the next couple of miles were a challenge. Sand hitting the sides of my face and legs stung like bees. Finally, after 2 miles or so, the road turned more to the east, and the winds were at my back. Before long I spotted the motel, and soon after that was checked in, clean, and heading to Chili's for take out. Soon after that was in the room watching the Cowboys lose not only the game, but most likely any chance for a successful season. Oh well, wait'll next year!
During the game, the front desk called and said I had a package. Through Michelle's State Farm connections, it was sent to David Whitten's office here in Hobbs, and held for my arrival. Melissa, who works there, delivered it to the motel. It's nice to get something from home, almost like Christmas. In the package was a blanket for the coming cooler weather, beef jerky, mole skin, my 3rd pair of New Balance 1226 shoes, and Sundrops....the drink of choice in NC.
After the game and a Sundrop, it was time for bed. It was soft and warm, and it was nice not having to set up camp.
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