From dubuque to Monticello

Alright, so I came back from Nobrandcon feeling completely exhausted. I was not able to leave Monday morning as I had origionally hoped. However, this did give me more time to spend with my parents before I left, and it's a good thing I did. My parents had gotten some things to help me on my journey; new shoes, a pancho for the rain, and a sleeping bad among other things. I was pretty much set for anything at this point.

Tuesday morning my plan was to get up by 6:15 and leave by 8:00... I didn't wake until nearly 7:30 but still managed to get ready by 8:00. My mom thought about my cousin going to school in Peosta and how that would save me about 12 miles worth of walking. So my cousin Nicole said if I waited until about 9:30 she would give me a lift that far. She let me off at a Peosta gas station and offered me 20$, which I declined. I feel as if I will be safer if I have less money because it will be one less reason for somebody to harm me.

Walking up hills with my heavy hiking backpack was hell, but luckily after a couple of miles it was much more downhill than up. After a period of time I was tired of passing semis throwing rocks and dust into my eyes and by some awesome stroke of luck found a near perfectly intact pair of sunglasses.

I had obviously missed my turn onto 151, and was starting to feel somewhat discouraged, then a man in a truck by the name of Don Regby happened by and asked if I would like a ride. I obliged and asked him where he was going, he said about 2 miles out of Monticello... Wow, things really seem to be working out perfectly in my favor don't they? Don had an adorable little puppy named calvin who quickly cuddled up to me for the entire ride. Don and I discussed past jobs we have had and our ambitions to travel, the ride seemed almost too breif as we reached his home. I bid Don fairwell and he wished me good luck on my journey and I continued down the road.

Now, Monticello is an absolutely GOURGEOUS town. Anybody who finds old style architecture and a plethora of trees and flowers and artistic decorative pieces pleasing to the eye would love this little town in Iowa. When I reached it I was excited for several reasons; first, I had reached my goal for the day before 1 p.m. second, the town was so beautiful I couldn't help but be excited, and third, the first things I saw as I walked into town were signs pointing to campgrounds and a park which gave me solid options for sleeping tonight.

I called my dad to let him know I was alright and sat down to a meal of beef jerky and granola bar in the park while enjoying the view. I then found my way through the town to a church so I could ask if perhaps they knew of someone who needed odd jobs done in exchange for a meal or small amounts of money or a bed/shower. Unfortunately, nobody was at the church... So I made my way to the library, it was very easy to find due to the fact that the town is pretty small and here I sit typing this blog entry.

I will keep you posted, thanks for reading!