Lucky #13!
Having made it to Cross Plains in the mid afternoon, I first stopped for a large, refreshing sub sandwich. I arrived without invitation here in Cross Plains, so I went to research at which of the local churches I might camp out for the night. Locals tell me that coyotes and many other small animals roam city streets at night. A pack of howling coyotes came within half a block of my lonely tent last night, and though I hear they’re of little risk, I still feel comfortable with a bit more space.
Cross Plains’ Baptist Church is medium large. They have a gated area that leads to many rooms, with a nicely kept lawn in the middle. No residences were too close (meaning no loud, late-night alert dogs). THIS was the premiere camping spot of all churches in town.
I found the # for the church, and though I was a little hesitant, a bit of cost-benefit analysis had me favoring calling the pastor, Ronnie White.
White responded with immediate enthusiasm: “Well, I suppose that would be fine, but how’d you like your own room, with a shower and a comfortable bed?” Pastor White had seen me walking Hwy 36 from Abilene, and was now making me an offer I couldn’t refuse. “Turn around and walk back to the local motel, and I’ll be there waiting for you.”
Yes sir!
I arrived to Harley-riding Pastor White’s energetic welcome, and the happy Gujarati owners gave us some tasty Indian treats they’d just made. Storytelling, handshakes, and thank-yous filled the next few minutes, before reaching the room, showering clean of all the sticky, salty sweat, and settling in for the evening.
Time for a good night’s rest, before tomorrow’s 22 miles, a day for which I also have no idea how it will end…