Long day’s ride. 368 miles traveled in some impressive heat.
Moving at speed certainly helped considering the cooling factor in evaporation. As a matter of fact, I stopped five times to buy cool water and luxuriate in air conditioning. Each time I stopped, I bought a large bottle of chilled water, drank most but poured the rest over my neck and shoulders. It felt startlingly great! That also got me a few wry comments and not a few smirks, even outright laughter. Glad I could entertain. Worth it because I felt good.
I took I 72/US 36 most of the way to Indianapolis then headed north to Muncie, Indiana where I’m spending the night. The traffic combined with construction made it challenging to avoid road rage. Directional signals are clearly optional and often bear no relation whatever to action when they occur. So I spent time slowing down, head on a swivel, and muttered naughty words to myself.
The caution and muttering both helped my frame of mind.
My motel is comfortable and welcoming and is located in a. Ommercial section of town. I must be channeling my engineer father because I noticed that every lawn is meticulously manicured. I don’t mean neatly mowed. I mean geometric perfection. Using the German: alles ist ordentlich. Hardly a tree in sight, but all is uniformly trimmed green. Coming from the sometimes chaotic east coast, it seems that something is wrong. Different strokes.
I also found that folks aren’t quite so open to meeting a garrulous traveler. Civility and manners certainly rule the day. But there’s a diffidence that I notice. There’s just a different culture of social interaction with folks from outside. Not complaining, just noticing.
So today was a “get there” kind of day. With stops I needed 10 hours of travel. Tomorrow it’s off to Marietta, OH, only about 275 miles. I may have time for a stop or two to see what’s what.
Anyway, have a great night. Be well!
Wandering Retirees 