I Needed This

Friday, July 27, 2007 - Day 36

Distance traveled - 0 miles

I took my day off today. I had planned on waiting until I got to just south of Tillamook for that, but I needed it today, especially after the last two days. This place is really nice and quiet, and I'm still the only biker here. I did have to pay today, for both days, but I'm hoping they can't read my writing or something, as I gave them my credit card info. It's only $8, but hey, that's about 5 or 6 cans of chili.

I really took it easy today. I woke up around 7:45, which I guess just can't be helped these days. The sun is up and I always seem to have to go to the bathroom really badly around this time. I thought about going back to sleep, but that usually doesn't give me very good sleep. So I just decided to lay in my hammock and read. Did that for a bit, then made myself some grits. They were yummy. After that I took a shower, which was fantastic. The water here is warm, but you get little spells of just less than luke warm. It's alright, though. I needed that. Feeling clean, I headed across the street to the beach to do a little writing on the computer. It's a beautiful day. Nice and clear. A little wind, but not too bad. The beach was gorgeous. After writing a bit I decided to just lay in the sand. I went to the firmer stuff, closer to the water, and laid there for about 10 minutes. Then I did some stretching, which was so relaxing. After that I ate some lunch and did some more reading in my hammock. Went for a little bike ride looking for a little store. Didn't find anything within 5 miles so I came back. Found a little trail on the side of the highway that went down to a private beach on the ride back. I hiked down there but was nervous about staying because I left my bike up on the side of the highway, and it wouldn't have been easy to get it down there, otherwise I would have. So I came back here, did some more writing, and that's what I'm doing now. My battery is about to die, so I have to stop, but I'm going to eat some chili and go watch the sunset on the beach. Then I'm going to read and turn in, try to get a real early start tomorrow. Short ride tomorrow, just about 30 miles or so. Should be nice. I know it will be scenic, I rode 5 of it today.

Well, sweet dreams. Hopefully I won't have to fight off the raccoon again tonight.

Music selections for today:
Old Crow Medicine Show - Eutaw
Johnny Cash - Essential Johhny Cash
Little Ones - Sing Song


a perfect place to stretch and listen to music and relax



the trail to the beach from the highway. so cool




this place is scary when you read this









can't get enough of that setting sun

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Comments

songs

Joel

I'm glad to see a little contribution on my part to your journey with the appearance of some Old Crow on your music list. I think I introduced you to them the first time I visited a few years back, down at chapman. What you're doing has some real beauty in it, and I'm proud and glad to add just a little something to it. This trip is an inspiration; I hope you get some of what you want and need out of it.

A Death in the Family is an amazing book. There's a section in which the young boy meets his great-grandmother which i think is one of the best written passages I've read. And all the Knoxville references are great fun, as well.

Here's a little passage from walt whitman that i've been meaning to pass along to you since i've started reading your journal. enjoy...

Song of the Open Road

Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.

Henceforth I ask not good fortune, I myself am good fortune,
Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing,
Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms,
Strong and content I travel the open road.


addendum

Joel

and, oh yeah, Publius Lives!