Yesterday it was very hard for me to leave Joplin. I was dragging my feet a bit. It took me a few hours to get my stuff together and leave the church. It seemed like my legs didn’t want to move forward. While I was in Joplin, everything was about Joplin. Now I have to put my thoughts towards the continuation of the Trail.
As I left Joplin my friend Fred decided to walk a mile with me. It was very nice walking with him and I was happy for the occasion. It was symbolic in a way as I let get of my Joplin experience, thankful for my memories. After that mile, I continued on my own.
The weather is still insanely hot. The temperature lingers in the 100s from sun up to sun down. The heat is already getting to me. The weather is expected to linger in the 100s and above for the remainder of the Trail. So I can expect to encounter these boiling conditions all the way to Oklahoma! As I was walking alone, I tried to gather my thoughts and concentrate more on the Trail. I only walked about 12 miles but it seemed like I had forgotten how to walk. It is going to be difficult to get back into my walking routine.
Despite the heat, everything went well. I stopped at a motel about 12 miles north east from Joplin at around 4pm. I’m sure I’ll get back into the swing of things soon.
(Please share your thoughts and this blog. Sharing is Caring!)
Peter,
It was a real pleasure getting to know you in Joplin. We left a day earlier than planned. I searched for you to wish you Godspeed but you had already gone into the field. Now that you are back on the road I’ll be praying for your safety. God bless you on your journey.
Craig