ok, so ernst and stephan have only 46 miles left to ride. they should finish up by about 1:00, then start driving with my mom back to ky. the temp is now about 100, with wind coming from the east. ernst says it is like riding into a blast furnace. he has had good experiences, though. he and stephan met a family of 4, who have been on the road for 3 months. they are riding a quad(bike built for 4) that pulls a little trailer for their gear. the children are about 8 and 9, and are being home schooled. from now on, when things look rough and i start to get depressed, i will rejoice that i have not been on the road for 3 months, and that i am not riding a quad bike with my husband and 2 children 24/7- in the 100 degree heat.........