Frank has reached Fowler Colorado.

He celebrated the 4th of July in Rocky Ford as indicated in the last report.After the celebrations there was an impressive firework display and the town mayor sang the national anthem.

However, before these celebrations there were some worries: the only motel in town had closed a few months earlier, unknown to Frank. He arrived very tired quite late in the day with his heart set on relaxing and unwinding in a motel room and was disappointed about the closure. Ever resourceful he decided to take the law into his hands, or more accurately to go to the police station and enquire where he could stay that would be inside the law!

They were very helpful and pointed him to a nice patch of grass right opposite, where he could pitch his tent. They also let him use the facilities at the police station the following morning so he was able to make himself comfortable before his next days walk.

Whilst the gentle increase in altitude is still imperceptible on the ground the walk is beginning to get much harder due to the heat (still over 100F). He has to really will himself to get going and have a rest and drink every two miles or so. He added up his fluid intake over a day and it came to 23pints, that's nearly 3 (UK) gallons. He fills his 5 pint water container before he starts each day and fills it at every opportunity. Most of the fields around are green with maize growing, however every so often he finds a sandy dry looking part reminding him that this is a very dry landscape only made hospitable by irrigation. This is a fact that reflects in his own water regime. The population density is also falling as he heads west, he now hardly sees anyone around except in their cars as they drive by. I think he is possibly missing some human company at this part of the trail.

Next week he will be in or near the Rockies. Read this report to find out his progress.