Drove out of Fort Leonard wood yesterday through the Ozarks. Folks there seem very proud to call themselves ‘hillbillies’. Lots of rough-cut wooden shacks and cars in various stages of decomposition in yards. I see my first squished armadillo. This is an interesting area, and I’d like to get back someday, but for now I roll towards Kansas. Gotta get home, gotta get home…

Tonight I’m staying at a Best Western in Larned, Kansas. I’m happy sleeping in my van, but I really wanted internet access. Larned smells strongly of cattle. Apparently there are feed lots nearby. I like the smell of cattle. Usually.

This is one of those praire towns where the local teenagers ride their family trucks up and down the main street of town all night long, occasionally honking and waving to other teenagers. The local movie theatre only opens on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.

Just got this via email:

The purpose of one’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting… “Holy shit…what a ride!”

Drove 458 miles today, and 4,890 miles so far this trip. I’m looking forward to skidding into home.