Day 129

5 am alarm clock again. It wasn’t enough sleep but I had to get started early. I had another 24 mile day ahead of me. I walk out of the bedroom and smelled bacon. Mitch woke up early and made me eggs, bacon, and cinnamon rolls. It was so good. We had breakfast together and then he wanted to take me up to the highway to help me have an easier start. It didn’t take much convincing when he asked if I wanted to go a few miles ahead to be dropped off. It turned my 24 mile day into an 18 mile day. I needed that little push. 
I was walking by 630 again and got to see the beautiful sunrise. There were some god awful smells from all of the cattle fields and a Tyson plant. I had to wear a bandana around my face like a bank robbery. The cool morning air felt nice though. I was exhausted but thankful that I had the head start today. I can blast through 18 miles like it’s nothing. 
I got through the smelly part and lowered my bandana so that I didn’t scare anyone lol. It’s a good thing that I did because a woman pulled over and came to ask what I was walking for. I told her and she had a sibling that struggled with addiction. She took a picture and told me she’d help spread the word for me. 
I went on and about 30 minutes later she came back to give me some money. She was so sweet. I could tell that she was excited that she saw me and stopped to talk. I was very excited that she did too. About 30 minutes later she came back again! We were old friends at this point haha. She gave me her ‘trust your journey’ bracelet. I really liked it and what it represents. Thank you Renee 🙂
I passed by some more wagon ruts from the Sante Fe Trail. There was a farm with sheep. I thought that southwestern Kansas was a weird place to have sheep. They were all fighting over shade. A couple of them had that dumb face on them that reminded me of Domino lol. I still think I made the right choice to send her home. 

At one point I looked down and there must’ve been 3 billion grasshoppers per square inch. I was trying to dodge them and not run over them or step on them. No need to kill them if I don’t have to. Sometimes they would jump out of the way. Some of them would jump up and the wind would blow them away. It was pretty funny. This reminded me of my second day when the worms of the wet morning in Delaware were out on the road. 
I walked into town and was starving and had a headache from dehydration. I checked into the hotel and found out that Robin had called ahead and paid for it. She’s amazing. The hotel was recently renovated and the rooms were nice. I set my stuff inside and then walked next door to a diner.
It was some of the best food I’ve had on this whole trip. Just a little roadside diner next to a motel. I considered moving to Lakin, KS and marrying the cook just so I could have that meal everyday. Maybe I’ll do just that.
Went back to the hotel and it was about 1 pm. I fell asleep until 8 pm. I’m hoping that I can nap a little more and get started around 2 am this morning. I have to go 27 miles to the next town and the high is going to be over 100 degrees tomorrow. An early start is mandatory. There is nothing between here and there so I have to do it. So goodnight again!!!