POST 1299; APRIL 23, 2014; LIBERAL, KANSAS

WIND - WIND - WIND...

SPIA-2 received a gently rocking on her springs most of the night.  Expected today to calm down

WRONG

Wind increased as the sun rose.  By noon time, walking was no longer possible.  Did walk 4 hours beginning 7:00 am local, but left me 8 miles short of reaching the town of LIBERAL, Kansas.  Drove to LIBERAL to find less wind.

WRONG again. 

Parking SPIA-2 at the SHELL Truck Stop, could not stand up against the increased wind strength.  News is forecasting major rain, hail, wind for this afternoon.

So, am hunkered down in the Truck Stop Driver's Lounge for the time being.  May take a shower @ $6.00.  Been one month since my last shower.  Have a $75.00 deficit for the month, so probably no shower for me.

Ice Chest is stocked to last until May 02, next Social Security Pay Day.

I have a number of friends to thank for $173.00 donations this month.  Could not have made it this far without their assistance.  Thank You.

Daybreak at the HOOKER Truck Stop this morning.

Truck Drivers are closely monitored by Federal Authorities.  There are federal laws limiting the number of hours a Truck Driver can be on the road in each 24 hour period.  Upon reaching that limitation, drivers MUST get off the roasd - wherever they may be, and rest (sleep) for a designated number of hours before they may begin driving once again.

Truck Stops across the country provide parking, food, bunk houses, showers, and comfortable lounges with TV, etc.for these drivers. 

Once in a while I am invited to enjoy truckers facilities...like today.

LAND BRIDGE is still rolling.

A HOME for sale.

Received a complaint from a local AG (Agriculture) businessman  about Bio Fuels...in that they strip growing fields of corn stalks (used to process bio fuels) to the ground; leaving NO material to decompose in the fields, thereby depleting important nutrients to replenish the soil, resulting in "excess" fertilization which is not desired for future crops...and the government subsidizes this practice with HIS tax money.

Downtown HOOKER.

* * * * * * * * * *

The wind is taking a TOLL on me.  Walked 5 miles back to HOOKER this morning in a strong head-on wind.  April, it is said, is the Windy Month on the Plains. 

Will enjoy my afternoon off in the Driver's Lounge.

Tomorrow we shall see.  MISSOURI is more than a few miles to the East...still on US 54.