Day 75

It is never fun to report tough news to everyone who reads this blog, but today would be another tough day for the team - especially for Matt. They all woke up around the same time they do every morning, and went to get breakfast with the Wahilas. Matt and Andy had french toast, and Ken had a waffle. Now anyone who knows Ken knows he loves waffles. Andy saw it on the menu and knew Ken was going to get it before Ken even ordered. Ken was not very hungry, and did not finish the waffle. (This may be a first!) Matt was not feeling well, and barely ate any of his breakfast. He attempted to close his eyes and rest until it was time to go.

Andy's parents drove them back to Pie Town, to get one last look and to pick up where they left off. Following the GPS's directions, it took them to a road that would prove to cut off 15 miles of their trip - RT 603. It was an unpaved dirt road, and that meant it was an adventure waiting to happen. Matt started to feel a little better and the crew got moving at a decent clip. Andy was doing double the pushing as a result of his bet with Ken on the previous day. This only lasted about 8 miles, and then Ken insisted that he help out with pushing the jogger. Andy happily obliged, and they kept moving down the road. By mile 12, Matt went back to feeling not so hot, and asked the guys to take a break. He was feeling tired and weak, probably from his inability to eat this morning since he was feeling sick. He told the guys to go on ahead, but they were not going to leave their companion behind. The fellas walked the last 12 miles to where they would finish. The 24 miles on the day was about 4 short of the goal, but Matt was feeling terrible and the decision to stop was made. While waiting for Andy's parents to pick them up, Matt passed out in the grass. It was clear Matt needed some serious R&R. He spent the remainder of the afternoon trying to eat and resting so that he can be good to go for tomorrow.

Now for the fun part of the journey! Andy said it was a tough travel day because of all the walking, and because they felt bad Matt was struggling. But Andy did say that they saw a fella, on this dirt road in the middle of nowhere, waiting with a backpack against a cattle guard. He was hitchiking! Andy said he didn't know what he was waiting for, but he was sure he was going to wait a while! The GPS also took them on to this small ATV type road that seemed like it was going to be a huge shortcut. After climbing over 2 barbed wire fences with the jogger, going up and down hills, through deep loose dirt and sand - it cut off less than a half of a mile! Andy and Ken could only laugh thinking of this part of the trip. I am sure it is one they will never forget! Andy also told me that the scenery was awesome today. No traffic on this road, wide open on either side with mountains in the distance, and just a nice sunny day. Can't get better than that!

The Wahilas picked the guys up and took them into town. The went to grab some food, and again Matt had a tough time eating. After dinner, Matt headed up to the hotel to get some rest. Andy and Ken headed over to the local high school to see if they could grab some computer time. They were able to and spent 2.5 hours uploading all the ballin photos they have been waiting to show everyone. Make sure to take a look at Day 61-65 because Andy and Ken added more to that album, as well as Day 66-71 and Day 72-75. Lots of adventures to catch up on. Check them out!

After the computer time, the guys went to the hotel and showered. They then drove a few miles outside of town in order to get cell phone service to call up me and a few others to let them know how the day went. They planned on heading back and getting some rest for the remainder of the night. They plan on waking up at 7, and seeing how Matt feels. If he is good to go, they will move right along. If he is still feeling ill, they will be taking the day off.

Keep Matt in your thoughts, hopefully he gets better soon! Thanks for all the support! Keep truckin!

- Rick