Day 42 - Janet and Gates surprised me in Neosho!

Wow! What a fun day!! Today, I :

FaceTime 'd with Ms Hernard's 2nd grade morning class. It's always fun and exciting to hear their questions. They are unpredictable, curious, honest and fun! The girls asked the usual questions of where do you sleep, how do you wash your clothes? The boys wanted to know if I've seen a scorpion yet, what animals have I seen (dead and alive), and most importantly, have I seen BigFoot? I had to say 'no' to that last question. So after another couple of questions, a different boy asked if I had seen BigFoot. I'm thinking, they want a different answer. But, I still explain that I have not. Time went on, and it was time for a "final " question. A boy was called on, and said, "I don't have a question, just a comment. My dad says he knows someone who has seen BigFoot crap". I died laughing. Really? What a hilarious ending to the Q&A session. I imagine he might get a talking-to? Simply too funny.

FaceTime 'd with David (at work), along with Steve Myer. I was on the shoulder moving, with trucks whipping by. It's a first hand look at it. My shoulder was luckily about 3 ft, which is better than just the white line I had earlier. Wide load trucks and 18-wheelers everywhere! While talking, I had one of my usual encounters of someone stopping to see if I'm okay, need a ride, or if I have a baby in my cart. Just part of my day. I enjoyed talking to them.

Talked to my sweet Lauren on the phone. She's doing well, and I always love hearing her voice!

Stopped at the Casino in Wyandotte. I had a piece of pizza. I just wanted something hot to eat.

I came upon another 'crosser' today. He and his friend are Walking Across America, about 20 miles a day. The same route as us , but backwards from us (Virginia to California, for them). We talked, and it's so nice to see other people out here. I see folks cycling, but walkers/runners are rarities. It was great talking to him!!

Stopped at the Missouri state line sign, and took some pics.

As you can tell, I enjoyed taking my time today! But a surprise was in store for me around Seneca, MO. I was getting my phone out to blog while I fast-walked the remaining miles. I had a big shoulder that would allow me to safely look at my phone. Cool, I thought! Little did I know that Janet and Gates were just ahead waiting to surprise me! I looked....hey, they look familiar! I was so surprised and excited!! They came to eat dinner with me!! I would need to do 12 more miles before that could happen. They patiently waited as I completed my final miles to the Best Western in Neisho. They had already found a Mexican food restaurant. We shared a meal together (quesadilla, of course). They gave me all kinds of goodies: lots more socks (which I use!), couple more running singlets, Utter Butter lotion, and most importantly......Whoopie Pies from a local bakery!!! I've had three of them so far. I am so grateful that they came to see me - it's a long drive up here. Thanks you, Janet and Gates! You truly made my day!!!!! I appreciated all your thoughtful gifts - and will use them ALL.

Now it was time for me to get settled, and head to bed. What a great day! 50 miles, after all. The weather was PERFECT. Scenery fabulous. I could not have asked for a better day. And......I'm in Missouri now! David was born here, and is very fond of this area. His dad, Max, was born in Cabool, MO. And I'm going to go through there on US60. How does that happen?! This is all meant to be.
Hygiene Report:
Showered, and covered myself with my new Utter Butter lotion that Janet gave me. Put on a new pair of socks. AND, I got to wash my clothes!!!!! I'm very happy about that, but I imagine the people around me are happy about that, too.
It's getting late, so I'm going to head to bed. Thanks for following me along this journey. I am amazed, daily, that I have this opportunity. I'm happy to be able to do this. And happy that you are with me, too.
Cyndi