Monday, August 17, 2015

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.

9 comments:

  1. Very glad to hear you are a free man and your plans are still on.
    Take your time to readjust and make the best of every day.
    Looking forward to follow your travels again.

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  2. Glad you are out. We enjoyed getting your letters.

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  3. Great to see you back in the "real" world. Looking forward to some new adventures from the road. Thought your letter from prison was a real riot. My father in law was pretty confused when he brought me the mail from a Texas prison.

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  4. best damned news I've read all day! Can't wait the read about the next phase of your journeys.

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  5. Great news! Can't wait for you to return to S.A. To continue your journey!

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  6. Wwlcome home John, you were sorly missed.
    Phillip

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  7. Wwlcome home John, you were sorly missed.
    Phillip

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  8. I have heard that it can be difficult to adjust. This is true after even a short few months behind bars. I have worked with quite a few people who were incarcerated at some point. All of them have a very unique perspective on life, crime and food. I think the food part is because of how bad it is.

    Eliseo Weinstein @ JR's Bail Bonds

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