Hello from Roanoke Rapids, NC

Hello everyone! What a trip it has been so far! Thunderstorms every day. Scary traffic making my progress a few yards a minute for the first few days. I am finally getting about 18-20 miles a day now, even with thunderstorms in the afternoon.
My route is currently in no-man's land. Towns that do not exist anymore, or only have a gas station. I have not seen any kind of grocery store, restaurant or fast-food joint in 4 days. I'm hungry lol.
Cool wildlife is everywhere. I have stopped traffic to rescue a baby turtle from a 4 lane highway (not sure what kind he was...shell was bright orange), been chased across a highway by a cottonmouth, seen wild turkeys, a bald eagle, baby woodpeckers, muskrats, deer, bear tracks, and was swiped at by a snapping turtle while balancing on an inclined shoulder.
Been in my tent every night except for the first when I was in the city with nowhere to go. It smells bad lol.
On day 2 my left foot looked like a dog had chewed up a rawhide and then glued it to my foot. It is healing and my feet are used to the mileage now.
People stare at me when they drive by. Very few people wave back at me. A few people have offered me rides and gotten mad when I declined. Total donations so far have been $20, 2 Hardee's apple pies, a can of pepsi, a cheeseburger, and a slice of pizza.
I have learned the best place to ask about a spot to sleep in a small town is the fire department. They have hooked me up 3 times and looked after me.
I'm tired and hungry but I'm having fun! See ya soon. And buy me a bottle of water ;)