April 21

Six miles west of Hugo, Oklahoma was our starting point today. We started in a drizzling rain and a wind blowing into our face. After a while, the wind settled down and the rain stopped and it was easy going. Yesterday, John and I passed the 200 mile point on this phase of the walk. We toasted the occasion, John with warm Gatorade and me with warm water.

After six miles, we crossed under the Indian Nation Turnpike overpass and entered the outskirts of Hugo. The Indian Nation Turnpike travels north or here to Antlers and McAlester, Oklahoma.

We stopped at the first gas station/convenience store to use the facilities and rest a bit. John bought us each a cup of Blue Bell ice cream. Very tasty, thanks John.

I would have never related Hugo, Oklahoma with the circus, but there is a definite connection. Today, Hugo is the winter home of 4 circuses and in the 1940s, was the winter home of 20 circuses. The midwest central location allowed the circuses to head south in February and swing north as the weather warmed up. As TV and movies became more popular in the 50s, circuses became less popular.

On our walk through Hugo, we saw the office of the Hugo Daily News and John decided to give them a scoop. He talked to a reporter named Crystal. John told her about our walk, she asked a few questions and took our picture. Now we wait to see if there is an article in the paper tomorrow. I don't know if I can take all of the fame.

Today we found a penny. Stay tuned .....