RunAcrossTheUSA.com

[Matt]

Our travels started in Iowa this morning and ended 35 miles later in North Sioux City, South Dakota.

Well, once again, we got going later than anticipated. Our plans to start early were thwarted by a flat tire that needed patching. (This is the second flat we have had on this trip.) Once that was fixed, we were on our way again.

Those of you who are using a computer that came in a black and white cow box might be interested to know that we went past the place where Gateway Computers was started.

When we stopped for dinner at McDonald's tonight a girl came up to us and asked if we were running across the U.S. She told us that her father had bicycled across the U.S. two times. We were quite impressed by that information. She then went on to say that we could stay at her house tonight if we wanted to. Unfortunately, her house was quite far away from our route so we had to decline her gracious offer. However, she called Steve, her father, who soon drove up on his motorcycle and offered to find us an alternate place to camp. So, tonight we are camping on the lawn of one of Steve's acquaintances. We really appreciate their help.

Our mothers got together and figured out how much has been collected for our charity so far. As of July 5, the profits from our t-shirt sales combined with charitable donations totaled $1,584. This figure does not include promised donations which have not been received yet--such as the generous donations from the guys from Free Beer and Hot Wings Morning Show and their affliliates. Thanks to everyone who has supported our efforts to raise money for Water for Children Africa.

Speaking of shirts, we currently have a good supply available. You may purchase a shirt on-line for $15 (which includes $3 shipping) or if you live near us, you can call our parents to pick up a shirt for $12.

My aunts from St. Paul, MN, are driving down to see us Wednesday. I am looking forward to seeing family once again. An added bonus is that as we pound the pavement tomorrow, we'll know that a comfortable hotel room awaits us at the end of the day.