Day 31 & 32

Day 31
46 Miles
I couldn't wake up for the life of me. I was devoid of energy. I didn't check out until after 10. I decided I would just do laundry.
I found the laundromat. I chatted with a man about my trip and he gave me fabric softener sheets.
I didn't set out for the day until 1 pm. And then it was slow going. The winds were in my face. The wind coupled with my lack of energy made the day near impossible. To top it off, all the stores and towns along the way seemed to be abandoned.

One month on the road

Five hours into the day and barely 30 miles had passed. I couldn't stand the wind. I was ready to lay in the road and just give up. My friend manned her computer and phone and worked tirelessly to find me someplace to camp. She did an awesome job. She found me a place 15 miles from where I was. It took me almost 3 hours to get there though. Some of that was a result of roadwork. But it was still so much effort.
I got to the golf course/campground about 8 pm. I asked a woman playing with her grandchild where I needed to check in. She pointed it out to me. When I was setting up camp the same woman came over to talk with me. She invited me to eat dinner with their family. I accepted gratefully. I showered before I headed to their camper.
I spent my evening eating with Sharon, Ted, their daughter Jill, and Jill's son Jackson. The food was delicious and warm. I sat around the fire with them until it was late. I enjoyed the company immensely. I retired and fell asleep quickly.

Day 32
56 Miles

 I slept well. I didn't get up as early as I wanted but still managed to hit the road by 9. Sharon offered me coffee and talked me through the detours on my route ahead. I thanked her for her kindness. I waved goodbye.
The detour was confusing so I made my own. I made much better time than the day before. The winds had calmed. I was in Little Falls by 1 pm.
I ate Pizza Hut (thanks again Ron). It tasted good. While the pizza was digesting I made some phone calls. I suddenly became more homesick than I had been yet. I began crying. I knew Melissa had a few days off and actually come retrieve me. I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to give up, but going on seemed so tough. I was so alone. I was so tired.
I called Ron. He told me to do what I needed to do. He told me the only person who would care if I gave up was me. He told me I was the only person who would judge me. He was right. And I knew I would not be okay with not finishing this trip. I gathered all my courage and got on my bike still crying a bit.
I was pedaling along thinking of home when...
I got a flat tire! In pure disbelief and frustration I threw my bike to the ground. My front rack popped off. Seriously!?! This just made more tears come. My desire to go home was only heightened. Nevertheless, I fixed both the tire and the rack. A tack had caused my flat. Yes, I said a tack. Ridiculous.
I carried on.
The same friend who found me the campsite the day before found me one again. It was cheaper than expected. and I had it all to myself. I sent some emails from my phone and went to sleep.