I awoke to an incredibly windy day today– so windy in fact that I honestly wondered why passing truckers weren’t slowing or stopping more often than I found them to be. Fortunately, I did see them slowing. Thank goodness, the wind was often at my back, and I never had to walk into it. The day full of miles brought me through the largely abandoned I-10 outpost of Kent, Texas.
Last night’s sleeping spot: just out of view from the passing autos, mostly shielded from the wind, and strategically fencing out coyote or other large local wildlife. (I did, however, smell a skunk very nearby late last night.) I do look fwd to arriving to Pecos on Tuesday, where the Oak Tree Inn is hosting me to two complimentary nights. For now, sleeping in the “wild” is working out 
The first structure I’ve come across in nearly twenty miles, as I pulled into Kent a few minutes ago… (I was later told it was an abandoned school house)
- This is Kent, Texas. This tiny, closed store, with an attached, out of commission gas station, and a barred post office around the side that appears to have once imprisoned people.
The road ahead, from Kent. It has been a VERY windy day– my windiest outdoor experience yet– I’ve almost been knocked down multiple times. I’ve worn my rainjacket to shield me from the powerful, punishing gusts. It’s 4:30 here: 15 miles down, 10 or so to go… 
In what I thought was the middle of nowhere, a Chevron station appeared on I-10, exit 181. There is a tiny food mart attached, and a quartet of little homes next to it. Tony, who is working here till 8 PM, and lives next door, has invited me to camp tonight in front of his place. I was gonna go for more miles today, but instead I’ll accept Tony’s offer to camp in front of his place. Works for me. I hope to make it close to Toyah, TX, tomorrow.
Sunset from the gas station on the hill. Happy ending to a blustery day
