I didn't think I would start writing in my journal before my trip to Laramie, but today I felt prompted to begin. Keith Hull called me just now from Laramie and woke me up from an attempt at a prolonged sleep. Keith is a retired University of Wyoming professor. I didn't have an e-mail address for him, so I wrote him a letter about my project and my visit. I was going to follow up and call him next week, but he got the letter today and beat me to it.

We were working out a time to meet and he offered to take me to the fence where Matthew was murdered. He also offered to give his friend Bob Hing a call to see if he would talk to me.

I feel a little overwhelmed with the response I've received. I spent two weeks feeling very hesitant about prying into the town, invading their lives uninvited. I finally sent out e-mails and every one has responded with enormous support. I've heard from Zackie Salmon, Beth Loffreda, Rebecca Hilliker, Harry Woods, and Jim Osborn.

I'm still trying to process this trip, where I'm going, what that means. How do I talk to these people? What do I ask? I'm sure I should take this trip, but I'm feeling uneasy.

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