While the weather started out less than ideal this week, each day it gets a little better. It was sunny and warmer today. We still had WIND but less than yesterday. We started our biking abut 8 miles east of Jacksboro on a nice road. Joe was taking pictures of us along the route with his camera and drone. We could hear the whirring of the drone over our heads at times. I can hardly wait to see the pictures!

As we entered town, all was intact and looking pristine. The tornados struck the west side of town. The area was filled with gas and electric company trucks as well as many others. There was a a large area of homes and the high school that were just devastated; it was sobering. There was insulation from homes, roofs, car parts - you name it and we saw it strewn along the roadway we were biking. Our hearts go out to all those whose lives were so disrupted and we were relieved to learn no lives were lost. It gave us a lot to think about while peddling. Joe followed us another 10 miles taking pictures and then we exchanged hugs and he went on his way to his adventure: next stop for him - Oklahoma City.

We are now on US 380. We were a little worried as it is an interstate road but so far, so good. Nice shoulder on the road and although there are trucks, the volume of traffic is low. Sam pointed out to us today that between Graham, Texas and the border of NM (about 270 miles), there are only three towns on our route with populations above 1,000 people. Therefore, I anticipate the traffic will remain low. It does raise some other questions….

On a particularly high note today: I have ridden my bicycle around 1300 miles so far and have officially passed the halfway point in my journey! This has been exhausting and thrilling to date, and I am excited to be counting down now instead of up!