Into Philipsburg...over half way.

Day 19
Distance travelled: 97.7 miles
Time in saddle: 8hrs 14 mins
Overall distance travelled: 1708 miles
I didn't really want to get out of bed this morning. I felt a bit rough yesterday. I think it was the sun. The fact that I had to put my watch an hour forward probably messed with my body clock....when I woke up my little hand was pointing towards the nine rather than the twelve....not a good sign....you guys will know what I mean.
I was speaking to the lady who owned the motel as I left. She wished me luck and told me to watch out for the harvesters....I had visions of farmers out hunting for me, but she meant the combine harvest machines, which will be transported by truck along the highway.
I am nearer to the east coast than I am to the west coast....can't believe I've done that much. I knew during the worst times that if I kept peddling I would get there...it works. It is true, you can spend your life thinking about things...or just get on with it....that's a lesson for the future.
The roads were hilly, again. It doesn't really matter, it makes it less boring. I noticed loads of birds killed by cars, road kills as they are called. They must be the unluckiest things alive. Cars pass every five to ten minutes. These birds can not know the highway code.....fly higher and you will survive....obvious really. I counted at least sixty birds and one tortoise...I didn't know tortoises could fly.
The road was long today and I didn't see anyone but you come across some unusual things. There were hundreds of crickets on the road. As I cycled through them they jumped to get out of the way. They were all over my legs....scarey. A couple hit the middle stump...but it was a no ball.. sorry its a cricket term, only a few of you will get it.
One hit me square in the middle of my riding glasses. I actually saw the expression on its face. It was as if it was thinking 'where did you come from' I was thinking exactly the same mate. I hope you landed with cleaner underpants on than me....not that I am wearing underwear but you know what I mean.
It's funny when I pass cows, they all stop what they are doing and stare at me as I go past. I suppose they don't get many Brits riding past wearing Lycra....or do they think I'm a long horn...sorry. When you are cycling for hours alone you think of these jokes...I apologise but wont stop...it makes me laugh..if no one else.
I arrived at a place called Norton. It was about five o'clock in the afternoon and the temperature was 89 degrees. I was tempted to stay in Norton. It was the biggest town I had been through for quite a while. It was still light and I had only done sixty odd miles. I feel a little disappointed if I don't do at least eighty miles so I decided to travel on. It was another thirty five miles to the next big town.....I went for it.
It helps if I have a goal. Every rise in the distance, town on the map or bend in the road is a goal...it's the only way I can get through it. I arrived at Philipsburg at about eight o'clock and the temperature was still 85 degrees....with lightening in the distance....it looks fantastic, but I wouldn't like to be in the middle of it.
I stopped at a store and bought a new tripod, my old one has been broken for a while. I've been coping but its been a lot of messing. Hopefully it will be easier to get video pictures from now on. I also bought a small American flag, to replace the one I lost a while ago. As I travel through each country I would like to include their flag on my flag pole. This will indicate where I have been.
I tried to phone my uncle Ken and auntie Hilda today. They had sent me an email wondering how I was going on. I was going to surprise them, but my phone wasn't getting through...funny because it is triband...whatever that means, but I was assured that it would work in the USA.
It's the 4th July tomorrow. I don't know what to expect....but I'll let you know.