On the Katy Trail

      6:09 departure, found the Katy trail two miles down the road.  Hard packed gravel with gradual grades, no more than five percent. The tree canopies, bridges, tunnels, former train stations and country settings all added up to a very pleasant ride.  Eighty miles in the heat was a little much but I wanted to reach Boontown.  Whereupon I had my third flat,  what a production fixing it.  I had a shower at the YMCA and will be camping in scenic city park.  The heat may be an issue but no other options were available.  I leave the motels for married couples.  I see single woman doing the camping scene but very few married woman.  It must be a security or creature comfort thing.  As a road warrior, I like the adventure of ferreting out a place to stay when I arrive at my destination; ciity parks, hostels, Warmshowers.com, churches, firehouses, and private homes whatever.

       Now that I am off the TransAmerica route, I am becoming more independent in choosing my routes and destinations. The uncertainty puts me a little more on the edge but I kind of thrive on it.  The Katy trail is over 265 miles so I will take me several days to complete it.  I hope the gravel doesn't beat up my tires too badly.  I expect flats but they are pain to fix.