Days 46-48. Tom preps dinner and chats about his day. He wonders about the possibility of coyotes running off with his shoes (thanks Kent!). Tom wakes up scratchy and has a middle of the night chat with us to try and distract himself. We hear about Leo with the cane, the $20 donation from an unlikely source, and the stories of two other 'crosser' cyclists (Bart from Holland & Abby from Alaska) that crossed paths with Tom. Lastly we hear about Tom's encounter with a dangerous 'bush" snake. 

Days 43-45. Tom is back on the trail! He's getting used to walking with Little Buddy and discusses the pros and cons of walking with his new cart. Tom's girlfriend Katie gives him a Valentine's Day assignment. Tom discusses the importance of human interaction and solitude before writing (and singing) a new song.

Days 28-32. Tom arrives home in North Carolina to recover. He discusses PT's, the VA, MRI's, as well as the anxiety of being back home so soon after leaving. Lastly, Tom shares a story about being asked if he has his red potato. 

Editors Note – Tom ran into some technical issues with his recorder. Lots of crackly pops have been cleaned out, but to preserve Tom’s story, a few remain. Thanks for your patience.

Days 16-21 bring Tom from Blythe, CA to Katie's father's house in Phoenix, AZ so that Tom can begin recovery on his busted up foot. Tom accomplishes some chores, tries a few different recovery techniques, and picks up a "little buddy" to help him along the way. 

Days 14 and 15 bring Tom into Blythe, CA through an Apocalyptic landscape and Greasy Spoon Diners. He battles a strong pain in his foot with ice baths, hot spas, and a professional consultation with old friend and colleague Lino Cedros as Tom determines what his next steps will be for the days and weeks ahead. 

On Day 13, after leaving the Bradshaw Trail, Tom reflects on the value of those around him.  Tom talks about the Red Cloud exit his brother Joel meets him at off of the 10 freeway to bring him some water, beans and tortillas. Joel brings him to Wiley's well and Tom hits the road eastward towards Blythe, CA. 

Days 11 and 12 take Tom to The Bradshaw Trail.

The heat is rising in the desert, especially when you are wearing a backpack. Tom explains why he needs to eat more pizza and also how he acquired a biker's buff at a roadside gas station. Tom concludes Day 10 at his campsite beside the Salton Sea, while discussing a few of the other interactions of the day.