G.A.S.P.

(Great Adventures to Scenic Places)

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January 29, 2000

The next day (1-29) was more of the same. My “motel town” for this night is Lufkin, but at least I made it about 75 miles up the road. I didn’t see an actual temperature today, but I’m sure it didn’t get past the 30s. The wind was still from the northwest, but not quite as hard as yesterday. It’s supposed to get warmer starting tomorrow. I can hardly wait.

After two days of this cold, gloomy weather, I am just trying to remain positive about all this. Sooooo:

· I’m positive I don’t like cold weather

· I’m positive I don’t like gloomy weather

· I’m positive I don’t like riding in the wind

· I’m positive I couldn’t feel my toes this afternoon

· I’m positive my nose ran all day (oops, delete that – people don’t need to read that stuff) Delete Button, Delete Button

· I’m positive I couldn’t wait to get off the road today

· I’m positive there will be warmer days

· I’m positive that the sun will shine again

· I’m positive I will still make it to Hot Springs NP

· I’m positive my journey will go on after this week

· I’m positive that I’m still doing something meaningful

I met two great people today. First, I met, Deangelo, a young African-American man, who works at a Burger King in Livingston where I stopped for lunch. He works three jobs and thinks TV is a real waste of time. He asked a lot of questions about my bicycle journey, then shook my hand and asked me my name as I was leaving so he could tell people he met me when I become famous. Well, Deangelo, I have your name too, and I can tell people I met you when you become famous. You will be successful in life – I can tell already.

Second, I met “D,” a young Japanese-American man, who operates a donut shop in Diboll with his wife. I stopped there in the middle of the afternoon for a donut and a cup of hot decaf coffee. He also asked questions about my journey, and I asked about his business, which he said is doing very well. As I was leaving, he brought me a parting gift of two more donuts and a sausage croissant sandwich. Thanks “D.” The was gift was highly appreciated.

Near Lufkin, I found a “Dollar Store” and bought a pair of really cheap (i.e. $1) cotton stretch gloves to wear under my fleece lined gloves. My hands haven’t been getting too cold, but my “pinkies” were numb today. Now if I can just find some toe gloves and a nose mitten, I’ll be in great shape.