We didn't catch up with Frank last week as he was stuck up a mountain away from civilization and couldn't find a phone.

He was crossing the great divide, the highest part of the Rockies at around 11,500 feet. He had advised that he had some more altitude to cover before things levelled out again and that was definately the case. He is now back to a more reasonable 5,000 feet. The town is called Grand Junction a large town of around 35,000 people with quite a significant area, and a nice central district with some European style open air Cafes. The area is very dry with sparse vegetation.The towns are now 20-30miles apart so he is having to take a lot of food and water with him each day to ensure he does not get caught short. He knows it is going to get a bit worse before it gets better. The next state Utah has towns 60-70 miles apart and is also semi-arid! Never fear help is at hand, Frank has planned for this by enlisting the help of an Australian friend with a vehicle. The plan is simple, the Australian will relieve Frank of his greatest burden: his rucksack and drive ahead 10miles. Frank will walk and join him, then he do the same again and Frank will join him again repeating this until evening falls and they spend the evening discussing old times and the walk so far! It's not all bed of roses as Frank still has to carry quite a lot of water to keep him going in the heat 80-90F

Frank has made more than the papers this time, he was interviewed on TV for the local station in Montrose. He was attending the "Cop's Cookout" where the police supply burgers and hot dogs to the whole town (pop 4000) and was approached by a lady who noticed his distinctive straw hat and asked if he was THE Frank Buykx who is walking across the US. He hasn't seen the report but he knows it went out because a man recognized him the next day and invited him in for tea.

Frank expects to be into Utah next week and the Australian will join him on Monday.