From Drizzle to Warmth: A Day on the Road

Daily Miles: 28.51 | Total Miles: 6916.76

My alarm rang at 6 a.m. My mood was low. My body ached. My mind felt heavy. I hadn’t slept much, and I was simply—tired. I heard the rain outside and got ready anyway.

By the time I stepped out just after 7 a.m., the rain had stopped. A light drizzle started after a while, and only once I was back on the highway did it truly begin to rain. I got wet, but not soaked. Just… damp and steady. That’s how the whole day felt—tired but determined.

A police car pulled over in front of me. The officer checked in to make sure I was okay. Kind and friendly. I really appreciated that. Not long after, I chatted briefly with two road workers. Short and sweet—it was too cold to stand still for long.

Later, another police car pulled up. Another warm check-in. “Good on you, good on you,” the officer said. It made me smile.

The terrain today was made of rolling hills and quiet beauty—fields with sheep, cattle, a few horses. I kept moving forward.

When I finally arrived in Tarcutta, I stopped at a small craft store. It’s a community-run shop with about 50 members who all sell their handmade goods. I bought a gingerbread cake and a soda—there isn’t much else in town aside from the gas station. The woman behind the counter told me I might be able to get bread at the post office. That made me smile.

Next stop: the post office. I met Ronda, who greeted me so warmly. After a lovely chat, she handed me a whole frozen loaf of toast bread. Kindness shows up in so many small, beautiful ways.

I made one more stop at the gas station for a can of beans, then jogged the last stretch to the hotel. I had called Gary the night before and left a message. He texted back to say he had a room available.

When I knocked on the door, I was greeted by Gary and Whity, sitting at the bar with drinks. I joined them briefly—grateful for the company, even though I was freezing. Gary gave me a cozy room for a great price. I can use the kitchen to boil water, toast my bread, grab some butter from the fridge, and in a little while I’ll heat up some rice and have beans for dinner.

Gary is great. Staying here feels uncomplicated and kind.

After carrying everything up to my room, I took a hot shower. The heater’s running full blast. I’m warm again.

Tonight, life feels softer than it did this morning. I’m still tired—but it’s the kind of tired that carries peace with it.

Thanks for being with me. Be well. Andrea