I am eternally thankful for the stacks of mail that came my way during my 3 month sojourn in the Johnson County Jail deep in the heart of Texas. It made my stay much more enjoyable getting mail from around the world and writing back newsy jail letters in the evenings. People sent me dozens of books as well. It was such a kind gesture you have no idea.

I was released a few days ago and it was much the same as flying back to the U.S. from traveling in a third world country. It takes a while to adjust to the much different culture. In fact, I would say that the minimalist motorcycle vagabond lifestyle is great prep for spending time in a county jail. I would classify the Johnson County Jail as somewhat like visiting North Korea. i Volunteered for a work detail so was able to spend my days outside mowing cemeteries and clearing storm damage trees from the wind storms. In exchange for the free labor I got out a few days earlier than otherwise. But I would have done it anyway, since it was much nicer to spend the days in the fresh air and Texas sunshine as opposed to inside the dormitory cellblocks all day.

I am currently back working west of Cleburne Texas and have come into town where there is wifi here at the public library. I have to tile a couple more bathrooms and another kitchen and workroom plus a few other odd jobs before heading back to Nebraska to mow my lawn and pay my taxes. Then it is over to Oregon to paint my sister’s house and down to Arizona in late October to park my truck and catch a plane to Uruguay where I will be reunited with my motorcycle and continue reporting from the roads less traveled in South America.