1999-10-13 I didn't sleep too well last night. The park was crawling with skunks and deer. The skunks would walk right up to you. So I decided I didn't want to be directly on the ground. I slept on a picnic table. I took a walk round and marveled at the variety of RVs sporting such amenities as satellite dishes and air conditioners. Many would fold out to offer extra room. But is that camping? I don't think so. Although it would be an interesting way to see a lot more country in a lot less time than what I'll be doing. Early this morning I was listening to the weather on my walkman. The weather guy said that if you wanted to go outside while it was warm, now was the time. He wasn't kidding. Five minutes later the wind kicked up again and spun around to the north and the temperature dropped fifteen degrees. Just like that. Nothing gradual. Even though it was cold, the north wind pushed me down Sheridan Road to Evanston to the guys' house with about one minute to spare before it started raining. A good tailwind makes all the difference. It was so much less work than yesterday. I never had to hit the granny gears, even thoug my legs and ankles were really tired. All in all, Sheridan ran through some nice areas with huge houses. However, because the road itself was so nasty and full of holes, cracks and dents, I had to spend more time watching out for my tires than taking in the scenery. There were a few places where a bicycle path ran alongside Sheridan. That was nice. Now I'm tired. I'll be spending a good chuck of today not doing anything. Probably tomorrow, too. Then my muscles should be ready to jump on that bike and run away from Chicago as fast as I can. I also need to figure out what I can drop from my gear list. It's a little heavy for my tastes. But most everything I have I'll probably need. And I don't have much. The bike, when loaded, actually looks sort of professional. All I really know right now is this couch I'm sitting in is sooo comfortable. But I can't get too used to it. I'm thinking it could take me up to ten days on the road to get to Atlanta. I just hope it's warmer there.