6/19/2011
I’m not slacking. I promise. I had to fully enjoy the property that I’m staying on. To be at such a special place and not stop to appreciate it would be a sin. I know I’ve had a couple of days off already but really how many times am I going to be able to run across America? I’m really not that far off schedule and besides, this run is also about meeting new and interesting people.
The Ostergen family have welcomed me onto their wonderful property. Rich and Laura picked their son Trace up from Chicago Ohare airport this morning. He is just getting back from Bejing, China. He also happens to be a cross country runner. While they were picking him up, I was receiving more hydro therapy from the hot tub in my room. Yes, I take advantage of hot tubs whenever I’m presented with the opportunity. Of course, the large comfortable bed called me back and I caught up on a little more sleep before joining the family for lunch.
It was a great homecoming and father’s day celebration rolled into one. I didn’t realize I’d be invited to join the family for dinner as well. In between, I took the opportunity to take some photos. I had to make sure I preserved the memory of being in this place. I met Miles, Ashlie, and her fiance Nick, as well as some of their family friends. It kinda made me think about home.
Over the course of this trip, I’ve had lots of time to be with my thoughts. I honestly can’t say I’ve had a boring moment. I see the end of this journey approaching and perhaps taking more time off towards the end is my way of trying to prolong the experience. I wasn’t aware that I could have feelings of missing home and wanting to stay on the road at the same time.
Dinner was at their house on a lake. It was a picture from a postcard. The sun was setting as candles burned. I recieved the confirmation that Trace would be running with me the next day. I returned to the cabin shortly after because we agreed to start the day at seven o’clock. So I had better hit the sack right now.
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