Day 94

Last minute Christmas update, wishing you all a very happy day from deepest Texas.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Meet Bivi, Martha, Anita and Joanna, the splendid Silva sisters, who, with their Mum, run The Burrito Shop in the little Texan town of Munday, which I walked into, ironically, on Monday!

I only walked 12 miles today so reached here by early afternoon and was treated to a slap up spicy chicken by these lovely ladies. I can honestly say it was one of the finest meals of the journey, simple, healthy and delicious. The sisters were the best of company too, as the photo shows.

This will be my Christmas dinner as tomorrow I will be walking 25 miles to Seymour, a larger town, where some stores might stay open. Also, a heavy storm is due on Boxing Day, so I’d rather rest then.

After nine walking days on the trot a break will be heaven, but I’ve had such a great time hiking through Texas so far and met some terrific people, including Griselda and the lovely team at Buds in Knox City early this morning. Wow, what a soul charging sunrise too.

Hugely missing friends and family (had a lovely chat to Eliza earlier, who is over 20 hours ahead Down Under) but feel intensely lucky to be here and spend Christmas walking in the great outdoors.

Thanks for your support these last months, it has meant so much and spurred Koko and I on during the tougher spells. Huge thanks too, to all of you who have donated to the three splendid charities.

I’m so lucky to be on this wonderful, slightly barmy quest, and will never forget that.

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and the very best for 2019.

If you’ve had a rough year for whatever reason I hope the world turns your way in the New Year and lets in some light.

In the immortal words of Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush:

Don’t give up, ’cause you have friends.

Don’t give up, you’re not beaten yet.

Don’t give up, ’cause somewhere there’s a place where we belong…