Sunday July 11, 2004

Natural Law, Physics, Weather and… Newton IA

Well, I got off to a good start today. Up early, did my stretches, put on the sunscreen. On the road before 8 am. Unfortunately, I didn't need the sun screen. I needed lightning screen.

There were some dark clouds to the south-west, but fortunately they were moving north and east. If I just walked fast enough I'd outmaneuver them. The first wave actually did pass just behind me and felt really smart.

WARNING: You can't outwalk a storm front. It's bigger and faster than you are. After cleverly dodging the storm for a few hours, the storm hit with full force late in the morning. The lightning got too close, so I headed back to a golf course I had just passed - "Yes, there were people out there playing golf!" I might be fooliish for walking with lightning flashing, but at least I didn't have a metal stick in my hand!

Travis and I spent several hours in the country club snack bar waiting for the sky to clear. It didn't. I forged on in the afternoon, got lucky, and managed to make it to Newton - 20 miles for the day. Travis stayed very close, just in case.

This area is really, really pretty. Lots of nice little hills, big fields and trees. I think they don't promote it because they don't want all us outsiders moving in and ruining a good thing.