Posted by Gail Marino on September 29, 2004 at 08:43:36:
In Reply to: RACE ACROSS AMERICA-Louis Rodriguez updates posted by Gail Marino on August 02, 2004 at 09:02:43:
RAA DAY # 16 SUNDAY 6/27/04
It is a very cool morning with a heavy wind as we leave Mt. Carmel Junction (5200 ft) & head off to Panguitch, Utah (6624 ft) for 50 miles with a cutoff of 14 hrs 17 min. The journey runners, Lou & Graeme are both present for the start. Los tres amigos, Kaz, Taka & Lou start out together, walking & jogging. Except for being cold, Lou felt well but after 3.5 miles the hip pain returned. So Lou helped double crew Taka for a while & filled mailboxes whenever we spotted any. It was a long day & only Lou's 2nd day back on his feet, so we didn't want to push it. But at 22 miles, Lou jumped back in running with Taka. We left our breast cancer pamphlets at the Tesoro gas station for the patrons.
We passed through many small towns in Utah & couldn't help noticing the pathway of American Flags, lining both sides of the streets as we entered the towns all the through to the end of town. It was a pleasant site to be welcomed into town, in this manor. Once in Panguitch, we saw signs for the balloon festival we missed last weekend. We finished at the Bryce Motel & the owner had fried rice waiting for the runners, that she had prepared. Lou ran a total of 15 miles for today, then we stayed with Taka, helping him to finish with an hour to spare within cutoff. We also learned that Jesse, Don's crew decided not to continue on. We were sorry to hear this news because we did like Jesse. Now Don is left with one crew member, G. Till tomorrow. Lou & Agnes