Day 40

Monday, 12/5/11:              3 miles    2,782 total

I left Snyder this morning, with a goal of making it to Roby or Anson, Texas, but only made my way to a truck stop about three miles out of town.  The temp was in the high 20's, with horizontal snow, because the wind was blowing 15 to 20 mph.  I got the thumb out in a very good location, but after several hours I, literally, had to give up.  I was so sure I would get a ride here!  It is so cold; why wouldn't someone stop and give a old man a ride?  I don't know, but it didn't come to pass today.  I was determined to get a ride, but gave up when I couldn't stop shivering and started to show signs of hypothermia.  I decided to dip into the savings account and get a room and thaw out.  I’m not going to do anyone any good if I get real sick.  Tomorrow will be a better day!  The sign behind the tree says "Git-R-Done".  That didn't happen for me today.

Days 37, 38, 39

Fri., Sat., Sun., 12/2 - 12/4/2011:             zero miles

I wanted to stay in Snyder to get some writing and internet work done, and hopefully beat some colder weather.  The writing and internet stuff worked, but it looks like I will be going into some weather when I leave here tomorrow.  I would like to thank all of you who have been sending me very encouraging emails and blog  comments.  They really make a difference and I appreciate it.

These pictures are of a Christmas program they had here Saturday night at their court house.

Day 36

Thursday, 12/01/11:               63 miles  2,779 total

I only had to wait about 20 minutes in the same spot I tried for four hours the day before, when Eddy, who is from Mission, TX, stopped and I got my first ride in a big rig.  Eddy owns his own truck, was headed for Abilene, and dropped me off on the outskirts of Snyder.  We had a really good ride, as he is pumped about sharing the Good News, and he gave me his # if I ever need anything.  As I walked into town, I saw a hardware store, Snyder Lumber Co., so I stopped by.  The rubber had come off of one of my cart wheels and it was kind of hard to pull, so I thought I would try fixing it.  With a lot of help from some employees we got both wheels replaced and it's amazing how much easier it pulls.  I went to pay for everything and Manuel, the store manager, wouldn't let me.  Everyone in that store was so nice to me and I really appreciate their help!  I saw a First Baptist Church, so decided to ask for help in finding a RV park to set up the tent.  After talking to RV parks, and the police, I ended up with a free room for the night from the ministerial association.  RV parks did not have tent spaces and the police would not allow me set up any other place, legally.  I had lunch in a very cool deli called Big Apple Deli.  Bill, the owner, was very nice guy, and was interested in our journey.  I met Eric DeLeon, an administrator at the local high school, who is a stand up comic and does gigs all over West Texas.  He introduced me to Freddy who teaches ESL and adult GED programs.  Freddy made me take some money for the kids.  My first day in Snyder was pretty awesome.  Between Peter, yesterday, and Freddy today we have enough to send out another $100 to “Make Way Partners.” 

The photo is from the inside of Eddy's truck, halfway between Lemesa and Snyder