DAY 6, Wednesday August 27: It’s pouring, but Hiland and its store, The Bright Spot lie six miles ahead and I can make it. The rain quickens my pace. On the way, I meet Lance, a real cowboy. He stops to ask if I need a ride. I admire the two border collies in his truck and of course decline the ride. He mentions he lives a half mile beyond the store and I’m welcome to come by. When I arrive at the store I’m drenched inside and out…the first time this year. It’s an inviting thoroughly authentic place. I make myself at home, shedding wet layers as fast as possible. “Are you the walker?” I’m asked. Lincoln has preceded me! It’s a fun two-hour lunch, drying off, talking to gas pipeline workers, and having a delicious BLT with fabulous french fries. Mostly dry, I tear myself away and slog on. Pretty soon I see a cool abandoned farmhouse and go investigate. Snapping away, I step around a corner and see two sleeping dogs that quickly and loudly spring to life. They’re Lance’s dogs, Mishka and Helper (aka Mother’s Little Helper). Lance appears from the adjacent trailer and offers to show me around. A cow camp, he calls it but it’s also an old homestead that has seen better days. 9.6 miles.