05 Jul Day 65 – Courtesy Of The Red, White & Blue
Happy 4th July!! I think one of the most celebrated holidays in the US. Even though there is a state wide fireworks ban we still had a great day.
The Sign
It has become more and more apparent that as we find new sections of Route 66, businesses really latch on to the emblem. Everything is named Route 66 this or Route 66 that. From gas stations to storage units to casinos, it is amazing how this is just such a strong icon. Route 66 to me seems to brace America. People will latch o to that and seem to try and sell the American dream through it. If i had time I would try and find the owners of the businesses and ask what the sign means to them, but as usual I am on a tight schedule so there is little to no time to try and figure these questions out.
40 Miles
It dawned on me today that a lot of people think what I am doing is amazing, maybe a little insane, but I also find that many people don’t really know what I am going through. I am now walking 42 miles a day. This is 2 miles extra than my set 40 miles. I am close to walking two marathons a day. This takes it’s toll not only on the body but also on the mind. Depending on how we map each day each leg will vary in miles, I try to walk 10.5 each leg as this is more manageable that trying to walk a 12 mile last leg. People keep asking how I do it and what my drive is… I guess I have the stubborness of the scots, the pride of the English and the sheer determination not to fail that the British seem to hold quite close to their hearts. All in I feel that it is ridiculous what I am doing, but I set myself this challenge and failure is not an option.
Terrain
Now we have left Albuquerque, which has taken me all week to perfect the spelling of, the terrain has started looking more like the desert we passed through all those days before we arrived in Santa Fe. I like this landscape as it is interesting to look at and it is vast. Once again I feel like a tiny person in an over sized land. I am very much looking forward to seeing the terrain get gradually more space as we head towards Bullhead City. I am sorry that Nigel isn’t here to see it, I know he was keen to see this terrain, none the less we had some pretty amazing views and sights when we were in Pennsylvania.
Nigel Usher
Posted at 05:54h, 05 JulyThanks for the thought Beebs. It would be great to have been with you on this leg, you are right I would love to see the desert. But you are also right, we saw some pretty amazing stuff on leg 1. It was something I will never forget, we had some real laughs on the way. I can’t believe you are now up to 42 a day! Man you are one crazy dude! All the very best for the rest of the trip. I will buy you a long cold one when you get back to Blighty.
Thedudemoe
Posted at 09:16h, 05 JulyScots has a capital S – just like English.
The one thing the Scots and the English hold dear to their hearts is the great excuse that gives them a reason to fail like in Wimbledon finals etc. etc.
You know better – you are ‘International’ my man – YOU are no longer that skinny long drip of water that started off from the New York seaboard – You are a really fine man now and your Mom and I are so proud of you – you have matured so much – your writing is just great which comes from your feelings developed through the long journey crossing America which is made up of lots of little Americas. A patchworked quilt of States. Love you kid – Go get it!!!!!!!!
PS. Any news from Guinness Book folk?
Yvonnerawlingsjackson
Posted at 16:41h, 05 JulyHi Jon What a clever boy.At mum’s at the moment Enjoy the crazy twosome. We’re so proud of you . Keep thinking of cold driech scotland where Alice is heading tomorrow to cool you down .love you Loads x Auntie Weewon
Vickywilkins
Posted at 16:43h, 05 JulyIt is slightly ridiculous if you are honest walking across Amercia who in there right mind would think that is a good idea. But it sure is one amazing achievement. Walking two matathons a day. Well Done and keep up the walking… So proud of you xx