Day 73

Yo dawg, This is Nick Pampena, aka PAMPERS, writing to you all the way from my computer on the SUNY Oneonta, NY, campus. Matt is giving me the amazing privilege of doing tonight's write up as Rick and Dan were not available.

The team started out their day around 7am in Magdalena, New Mexico. They woke up, packed their joggers, and went on the prowl for some breakfast. They couldn't find any large establishments, so they ended up at a gas station. There they loaded up on sausage egg and cheese croissants(french accent optional), pop tarts, and blueberry pastries. After filling up they headed out on the days trek, making their way through town and out on the open road. The beginning of the day was filled with some hill running on Route 60 which was welcomed by the guys, because as they would soon find out the rest of the day would be flat. After the hills, Matt described Route 60 as being, "the absolute straightest" road he has ever been on, and that he could see for miles and miles in any direction. On this road they saw a sign for the Very Large Array, VLA, which is a radio astronomy observatory consisting of multiple radio antennae that resemble satellites, 19 miles ahead of them.

They thought the Array could not actually be 19 miles away because it seemed visually much closer. However their eyes deceived them, and they turned out to be exactly 19 miles away. On their way there Matt described the scenery as never changing and the flatness and straightness offered no new obstacles. To combat this they had an Ipod Jam Out Session (one of the greatest things ever) where they put the Ipod on shuffle and rock out to the randomness of the music. The highlight of this was when they went from a Notorious B.I.G. song, which they described as the "Hardest song" to a Phil Collins song, which could only than be described as the "second Hardest song." Upon arrival at the Large Array, they found out their was actually 27 antennae all with a diameter of 25 meters that constantly broadcast signals into outer space. They sometimes work together to try and receive signals from space or scan the cosmos.

After they kept moving on the beautiful day, which was 65, sunny, with no wind, and after a while an unfamiliar white Impala pulled up behind them. To their surprise it was Andy's parents! They packed up one of the joggers in their car and chilled while eating an enormous sub that Andy's parents graciously brought. After eating they finished up the rest of the miles, making a 28 mile day, with Andy's parents running the last 1/4 mile with them, getting them on the Official Cameo Appearance list. They then packed up the car and drove 40 miles to the hotel where they would be spending the night. This journey brought them through Pie Town, New Mexico and as you know Matt wants it to be a complete surprise when they enter it tomorrow, Yes tomorrow! In order to keep it completely secret to him, he closed his eyes as they passed through and will do so tomorrow on the drive back to there end point.

At the hotel Andy's parents generously gave them snickers, protein bars, and shoes. On the topic of shoes, Andy says he is feeling much better as of recent and he is very grateful to have new shoes as his old ones were completely worn. They then got lunch where they dominated cheeseburgers as usual. Matt had a western cheeseburger which he said was excellent. After they went back to the hotel and watched the movie Gridiron Gang, starring superstars such as the Rock and gangster beats master, Xzibit. The movie is based around a correctional facilities football team. It is an inspiring tale of overcoming adversity and helping others...while in prison. Needless to say the Rock's superb acting skills, and Xzibits sheer on screen confidence touched the trio's heart, inspiring them to finish the nation in Gridiron fashion.

After they decided to drive around to find cell service. A little boy on a bike gave them the hook up, and they drove over to a dump 4 miles away where the service was exceptional. It was there that Matt and I had our conversation and he wants me to let you know how grateful they all are for your support and how well they are doing. They are all stronger than ever and feeling confident that the nation will be theirs. They want to say thank you to people like Kenny, Laurie, and Vance, who offer to put them up and donate to the cause out of the kindness of their heart. Without people like them this trip wouldn't be what it is and they are amazed and appreciative of their generosity.

With Andy's parents around, the guys have chosen to have the next 5 days be 28 milers, and veer off course on a 15 mile short cut. This will bring them across the continental divide. Soon they will be passing through the Grand Canyon and into California, and they are looking forward to the adventure that awaits them. Tomorrow is officially Pie Day for the guys, as they will be entering Pie Town, New Mexico, and you can only imagine the suspense they are feeling, especially Matt. They are also finally acclimated to the 7000 ft elevation and are feeling much stronger in the thinner air. Their going to spend the rest of the night watching the Yankees vs. Red Sox game and they want to let you know they have tons of amazing pictures they need to update so be on the look out!

Thank You to all, and keep supporting these guys and their dream!
1 day till Pie DAY!


-Real, Raw, Stoop Life-
Sincerely yours,
Pampers