5/18/2011
Waking up was difficult today. I think the fourty-three miles took it’s toll on me. Luckily the Liberty Lodge had plenty of restaurants nearby because my hunger was insatiable. I ate quickly because I needed to get myself back into bed. Considering I didn’t catch a wink at the campground, I think it was fair to allow myself extra rest. I fell back into a deep slumber until house keeping came around to tidy the room. Good thing too, had I slept in any longer the day I might have missed out on the day.
I went to the front desk to check out and say thank you to my wonderful hosts. I gave all the ladies there books for their kids and we took lots of pictures. I didn’t even realize I was being adopted into the Liberty family. It’s a part of Ehrhardt Properties which has several hotels in Missouri. They surprised me by calling ahead to my next two destination cities to make sure I had lodging secured. The little party in the lobby continued to grow. I was signing books and taking pictures. It was pretty fun. Janet the general manager was a sweetheart and went out of her way to make sure I was prepared for my day’s journey. She even went out and bought some Route 66 soda for me to take back to my mom. The attention was nice but the time was ticking and I needed to make Rolla.
Now aside from the mishaps in this state, I think Missouri is absolutely stupendous. I love the people. I think they are all just so friendly. I think just about every single car waved to me while I was running. And, it’s not just the people. As you know, I’ve been very critical about the litter on the side of our highways and streets. It is one of the things that bothers me most. Well, this state has probably the least litter I have seen so far. It’s beauty takes my breath away.
Around mile thirteen I decided to stop running and begin walking. I wanted to take in the nature surrounding me. I wanted to get up close and personal with the plant and animal life. I met a new friend. I call her Blue Eyes. She saw me, called to me and followed my movements. She was a beautiful and friendly horse. She followed me to the end of her property then I had to say good bye. It’s strange the connection I’m developing with mother nature and all her creatures.
I had Andrea Bocelli playing in my ears. It set a romantic tone for my intimate experience with the lush foliage. I stopped often and for lengthy periods of time to really soak it all in. The slight rain also contributed to my breaks. The time passed so quickly and before I knew it, I emerged from the trees lining the old Route 66 to find my next hotel waiting for me. 
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