i'm checking in from public library in albuquerque. celebrated 4th of July on my own private piggyback (a flat car with the trailer of a semi-truck on it). my friend virginia lee--en route to santa fe--dropped me in needles, ca yesterday morning. 112 degrees at 10am. waited out midday heat in the shade of friendly trees. not moving and barely breathing. so many trains i had my choice and left needles around 3pm. braved still sweltering sun until altitude and evening finally brought relief. spectacular sunset surrounded by purple desert mountains and crimson bluffs. i even caught a couple of fireworks from the display in flagstaff. stopped briefly for a crew change in winslow, az at 11pm and i promptly sacked out. awoke at dawn approaching yard in belen, nm. found some trees and a little shade to catch a few more hours of sleep then hoofed it around belen for several frustrating hours. finally hitched a ride with a car full of drunk tweakers to outskirts of albuquerque. happily caught city bus that brought me straight here to the library. screening my film here tomorrow nite outdoors next to the rr tracks.