Day 566 – USA (TEXAS): From Navasota to Carmine


Today’s distance / ???????: 46.2 miles / 74km
Average speed / ????: 8.0mph / 12.9km/h
Time on skateboard / ????: 5h 45m
Total skateboarding distance to date / ????????????: 2429mi (plus 266mi) / 3909km (plus 430km)
Ascent / ??: 470m
Descent / ??: 580m
End-of-day GPS coordinates: N30.08.38.4, W096.43.56.3

Warm when I went to sleep last night, I woke up at 7am shivering. The cold northwester was doing its thing. Chilly. On went the layers. Two very lightweight merino wool base layers, a mid-weight merino wool jacket, a down vest, and a waterproof jacket to block the wind and to keep any wayward warm air from escaping from between the layers into the atmosphere. Below I have a merino wool pair of long johns and a pair of nylon trousers on. I make a mental note to get some fleece trousers…

Cold morning near Navasota, USA

The roads for most of the morning were not kind. A very wide shoulder but rough chipseal. At times I am moving at no more than 5mph uphill into the cold headwind on the rough surface.

The air is clean and crisp however, and I am feeling good.

Old sign on TX105 entering Washington County, Texas, USA Old building on TX105 entering Washington County, Texas, USA

Stopping in at a small grocery for water, locals Ben and Bubba treat me to a hot cup of coffee. Thanks guys!

Friendly fellows Ben and Bubba in a store on TX105, Texas, USA

The road approaching Brenham did have its good spots, with some stretches of smooth asphelt. Nice rolling hills made the going interesting, with more to think about than just counting to 15 over and over (15 pushes with each leg on the flat). I am getting a little compulsive with this counting thing now. Because I am counting over and over for over 6 hours a day, I find myself counting the weirdest things now. Counting chewing repetitions. Counting breaths. Counting page turns on books. It can’t be healthy.

Rolling hills on TX105 between Navasota and Brenham, Texas, USA

The rough roads returned entering Brenham, and a narrow slither of conctere in the form of a gutter was the only refuge for me.

The only refuge from the rough chipseal on TX105 into Brenham, Texas, USA

Brenham is home to some wonderful old Texas homes.

Regal old home in Brenham, Texas, USA

After the compulsory Brookshire Brothers lunch stop, I headed out of Brenham on the super smooth but super busy US290 highway towards Austin. I have told Kelly, a friend of a friend, than I will be there by Friday. At 87 miles, I should make it no worries.

The wind was cold, but the sun was relentless in the afternoon. Once again I reminded myself that I need to devise some sort of sun visor for my helmet.

Hot afternoon sun near Burton, Texas, USA

By the end of the day, I had made it as far as Carmine on US290. Any small towns along this route seem not to have benefitted much from having a major highway cut through them. The only highway-front stores are antique stores, of which there are a plethora.

One of the many antique shops alongside US290 in Carmine, Texas, USA

Camping tonight in another thicket of trees off the side of the highway.


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8 thoughts on “Day 566 – USA (TEXAS): From Navasota to Carmine

  • Lazarus

    Hey Rob – I'm here in Austin and see you should be here in the next day or so. Though there's a plethora of places to stay should your arrangements fall through, let me know if you need a place to stay and I'll be happy to give you a room at my place. 512.351.2916

    Lazarus

  • Lee Cty Girl

    Enjoyed visiting with you. Hard to believe there is someone like you coming thru our country, what a surprise to see a real adventurer!!!I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news about the next 35 miles of no shoulder but hope you heed my advice and stay clear of the turn lane on hwy 290. Good luck to you and God's blessings on your wonderful journey.

  • Chris J

    Hi Rob,

    Glad to hear that you avoided all the tornados that were flying about the midwest this week. Lots of snow at my folks place in Wisconsin. We may even get some snow here in Nagoya tomorrow.

  • Liz

    Heard about you from a friend CC you ran into yesterday. If you are still in Austin and need anything – food, coffee, shower, bandages – give a call. 512-589-3464.