This gentleman took a break from his work, chased me down, and chatted about a bike ride he took in the 80s. In those days he was a rower for Purdue University; today he farms. He was picking rocks out of this field, I was bicycling against the wind, and we thought it might be a good idea to exchange tasks. The wind has had me slowed down to 4 miles an hour at times. At this rate I should make the West Coast around 2016. Near Royal Ctr., Indiana, on a nice sunny Saturday with very heavy winds.
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| Justan Charles Turner |
Justan got out of the Army this last February. He was with Bravo Battery, 4th Bn/319 Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne in Afghanistan. He's home; he's going to use the G.I. Bill to become a gunsmith. We met when I was looking for a place to pitch my tent near Buffalo, Indiana, and I was totally beat by the wind which has been busting my butt the whole day! I never worked so hard for 15 miles in my life.
Justan and his family are such wonderful new friends. Justan presented me with his 173rd Airborne patch and this will be given a place of honor upon my return home. His Mom gave me an "It was then that I carried you" token that will see me safely through this adventure. Chuck...you have an awesome family of which you must be so proud. Justan...see you in Denver next year. 
