Hello from Hot Springs, last town on the map. I will hit TN in a few hours, after I explore the town for a bit. The Appalachian Trail runs through here, so I am looking out for other walkers, because you just never know.
Last 2 days have been busy with many people honking their horns at me and yelling encouragement. I guess they think I am heading to the A.T. lol.
I'm tired, hungry, sore, and in shock that my time in NC is almost over.
Going exploring now while I can.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
pics
The structure on the right is actually an open structure...it's jam-packed with hay.
I'll try to post more pics. hard to keep a charge on the old cell phone I just use as a camera, so I have missed a lot.
Random stuff
Came across a library and decided to take a break since my hamstring is killing me, and I need a charge on my ipod lol.
When I got back to the hotel yesterday after the library (left my pack there), I found out the owner was a major packer when he was younger. He walked all over the Hawaiian islands and lived off the land. He showed me some cool walking sticks he had. One was a custom-made aluminum one. Another one was from a cedar tree from Hurricane Dennis (lightning strike). I talked to him for about 30 minutes. Awesome guy. Just a coincidence he was a packer? Nope lol.
A few people told me about Hot Springs, which I should hit on Friday afternoon (last NC town on the map...crazy). The Appalachian Trail goes through it, so they are used to packers and generally treat them very nicely. There is also a big hippie population there. (I was told to let some hippies take me home for the night, because they might let me use one of the hot springs hot tubs for free lol. I could use it.)
My toes are bleeding and oozing gunk for some reason (someone asked how my body was holding up). I think they are cramped up because my shoes are so worn out. (The hotel owner got onto me for not having a proper hat, shoes, or walking stick.) I have some heavy damage on my soles that keeps building up layer upon layer, and it is creeping between my toes. This morning I could barely walk between my toes being so sore, and my left hamstring being a very tight knot. Goody's back and body pain knocked all the pain out in about 10 minutes.
I was telling my mom that I could barely recognize myself in the mirror at the hotel. Not used to mirrors anymore, and after shaving off my NHL-playoff beard, I just looked funny. My chipmunk cheeks are gone. They are now very taut, and my eyes are big like a muppet. I have lost a lot of weight...some fat, but a lot of muscle mass too. I was always very thick around my shoulders and upper back, and now a lot is gone. So I need to think about taking in more protein, rather than just concentrating on carbs. Thighs are leaner. Chest is leaner, and you can see all of my ribs, which just looks weird on me. Overall, I feel fine. Obviously I have a lot of aches and pains, and the feet are a problem. Shoulders are scabs where the pack straps go. But I'm ok.
Mentally I am in a far different place. I can already tell the difference in the way I think and the way I look at things. Things can concern me, but fears went out the window weeks ago. Shyness is pretty much gone. I've always been quick to laugh, and I am even more quicker now. I laugh at myself a lot. I wave to almost everybody that goes by me. I get more horn honks now.
The police have finally taken an interest in me. For about the first 5 or 6 weeks, not a single officer pulled over to talk to me. And now, when I am in packer country, they all want to check me out. I just give them my id as soon as they pull over now. They have all been friendly.
I want to thank my family, especially my mom, for giving me so much support. I don't think my mom understands what I am trying to do and what I am looking for, but she is talking to people about it and trying to understand my thinking, and I think she is getting closer. And she is spreading the word about the blog (biggest day was over 90 hits!) through church and facebook and whatnot. I love you mom!!
When I got back to the hotel yesterday after the library (left my pack there), I found out the owner was a major packer when he was younger. He walked all over the Hawaiian islands and lived off the land. He showed me some cool walking sticks he had. One was a custom-made aluminum one. Another one was from a cedar tree from Hurricane Dennis (lightning strike). I talked to him for about 30 minutes. Awesome guy. Just a coincidence he was a packer? Nope lol.
A few people told me about Hot Springs, which I should hit on Friday afternoon (last NC town on the map...crazy). The Appalachian Trail goes through it, so they are used to packers and generally treat them very nicely. There is also a big hippie population there. (I was told to let some hippies take me home for the night, because they might let me use one of the hot springs hot tubs for free lol. I could use it.)
My toes are bleeding and oozing gunk for some reason (someone asked how my body was holding up). I think they are cramped up because my shoes are so worn out. (The hotel owner got onto me for not having a proper hat, shoes, or walking stick.) I have some heavy damage on my soles that keeps building up layer upon layer, and it is creeping between my toes. This morning I could barely walk between my toes being so sore, and my left hamstring being a very tight knot. Goody's back and body pain knocked all the pain out in about 10 minutes.
I was telling my mom that I could barely recognize myself in the mirror at the hotel. Not used to mirrors anymore, and after shaving off my NHL-playoff beard, I just looked funny. My chipmunk cheeks are gone. They are now very taut, and my eyes are big like a muppet. I have lost a lot of weight...some fat, but a lot of muscle mass too. I was always very thick around my shoulders and upper back, and now a lot is gone. So I need to think about taking in more protein, rather than just concentrating on carbs. Thighs are leaner. Chest is leaner, and you can see all of my ribs, which just looks weird on me. Overall, I feel fine. Obviously I have a lot of aches and pains, and the feet are a problem. Shoulders are scabs where the pack straps go. But I'm ok.
Mentally I am in a far different place. I can already tell the difference in the way I think and the way I look at things. Things can concern me, but fears went out the window weeks ago. Shyness is pretty much gone. I've always been quick to laugh, and I am even more quicker now. I laugh at myself a lot. I wave to almost everybody that goes by me. I get more horn honks now.
The police have finally taken an interest in me. For about the first 5 or 6 weeks, not a single officer pulled over to talk to me. And now, when I am in packer country, they all want to check me out. I just give them my id as soon as they pull over now. They have all been friendly.
I want to thank my family, especially my mom, for giving me so much support. I don't think my mom understands what I am trying to do and what I am looking for, but she is talking to people about it and trying to understand my thinking, and I think she is getting closer. And she is spreading the word about the blog (biggest day was over 90 hits!) through church and facebook and whatnot. I love you mom!!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
the agony...and the ecstasy
Wow!! What a time it has been lately lol!! Not sure where to start.
Let's see...I am wayyy up in the mountains. Currently about to get out of Spruce Pine, which is a cool little town. Very spread out. More on that later. So where have I been?
I went through Wilkes County, which is famous for being the site of Tom Dula (Tom Dooley). Lots of markers about the crime in Wilkes and the next county (Caldwell?). I saw where the murdered happened, passed near his grave, and I could see Laura's grave in a field. More of a pasture that I could not get into. I also came across a really cool historical marker. It was the old kind (big slab of concrete about waist high with a bronze, I think, plaque on top). It showed a map of where I was, and where 2 of Daniel Boone's homes were located (both less than 2 miles away). I was wishing I had a big piece of paper so I could do a rubbing of it. Would have been really cool.
Everywhere I have been lately kind of blends in together. I have to look at notes I make on my map to remember where some things occurred. My poor NC map is about to fall apart lol. I should do a decoupage with it someday on a big table or something, along with the other maps I use. Might be a cool project in the future.
Highlights since I last posted:
--A couple pulled over in a truck and gave me $5 to buy a cold drink at the next store. They had seen me walking earlier and felt sorry for me lol. They gave me a lot of encouragement for what I am doing.
--I was taking a break on the "Tom Dula" road (what I call it) on some firewood. A truck pulled up from the house I had just passed (more a farm, really). I got up and walked over and apologized for stopping on his land and the guy held up his hand to quiet me and started smiling. Then he gave me a pack of cookies. And a pack of crackers. And a BIG piece of homemade apple pie in a ziploc bag (and it was cold). And then 2 sodas. He did it all 1 at a time, and I guess my face was lighting up because his smile got bigger and bigger and he was laughing at me. He said I looked like I needed a snack. And this was at about 9am lol. We talked about what I was doing, and talked about God (people love to talk to me about God, it's really cool!). Basically, this guy saw me through his window, got some stuff for me, and drove over to give it to me, check on me, and then went back home. How awesome is that??! Gotta love farmers!
--A guy pulled over because he thought I was a Mexican looking for a job. The way he said it I was kind of offended by what he was saying about Mexicans. We talked for a bit and he thought I was crazy.
--It rained about 2 or 3 times a day for several days, which means I try to find a tree to hide under, pull an emergency poncho over me and my gear that I sit on, and wait it out. So very slow progress, and nasty smelling clothes (that damp smell). So, a few days ago, I came across a creek with rapids in the National Forest (forgot the name of it, I'll remember later). Apparently this was the place to be on Saturday! I found a nice spot to myself where I had to walk (stumble and slip, that is) down a steep path, and at the bottom was a nice spot of flat rocks, rapids, and a calm pool about knee deep. So I rinsed all of my clothing out in the creek. Better to smell like a river than ammonia and mildew, right? I had some earth-friendly soap and washed as much as I could, and spread everything out on the rocks to dry in the sun. Then I waded into the water, and it felt sooo good! My camera battery was dead, so no pictures, but it was a perfect spot. After about 2 hours or so everything was dry, and I started thinking about continuing on down the road. Storm came out of nowhere and soaked everything before I could pack it all up. About 20 minutes later sun was out again, so I went slipping and sliding back up the steep path to the road. The next few miles were nothing but about a hundred cars and trucks parked everywhere on the road, and people swimming, fishing, and tubing. It was crazy. By the way, this was a dirt road with deep thick brush on 1 side, and a long slide down to the creek on the other side. I was on this road for 2 days. And it rained about 4 times the first day, and 3 times the next. Brutal. Had to pitch my tent on a mountain side, so I kepy sliding in my sleeping bag in my tent. Could not sleep, and it rained the whole night and got me all soaked again. Miserable lol.
The next morning I finally found Mortimer, after getting some very bad directions. (This was an area where my map was worthless, because a town on the map is just a community. So, there might be a gas station, or there might just be a few houses. The roads are not marked as far as Route 66 or whatever, and the map just has a road on it. And not many people to ask for help. I was flagging down cars for a few days, and most of the directions I got were wrong. So I lost a lot of time. And I was getting aggravated. So anyways, I finally come across Mortimer. There is a tiny store, if you want to call it a store lol. And a campground that they run in back of it. And people flock there and sit on the porch and hang out and whatnot. I found the owner on the porch, and this guy was just awesome!! Him and his 2 friends that he had grown up with who were visiting. The guy felt sorry for me. Gave me a big cup of coffee, breakfast (scrambled eggs and sos on toast...best sos I have ever had by far), and a big piece of homemade pound cake, which was the best I have ever had. He went over my map with me. Gave me some great directions for that day (a shortcut over some mountains), explained what I would encounter (steady elevation!!). He said my path would be the hardest, but it would have the greatest rewards as far as views. He thought I was crazy and he kept laughing at me, but it was all in good fun. This guy had a heart of gold. He tried to load me up with more stuff before I left but I declined. He was wearing a shirt advertising his store there (it was awesome. an old man fishing, and "beautiful downtown Mortimer" above it. I got his card, and I'm going to have to order one, especially after all he did for me). So then his buddies come over to the porch to hang out before they leave. One was up there doing some amateur mining in the area, and he showed me his finds. He's really good at finding gems!! The other guy comes up, and the owner told him what I was doing, and he said "That's awesome bro!". When he found out where I started, he said the same thing. This guy was a joy to talk to. He rides across states twice a year on a skateboard to raise money for charity. He has done over 100 miles in a day on a skateboard (custom built downhill board). He's incredible! He gave me some cool tips, including chewing on pieces of ginger root, which acts as a natural ibuprofen. So I picked some up yesterday, and I'll try it out today.
So, got to where I was going the next day, near Linville Falls. Two days of walking on a dirt road, uphill, on mountains, with nothing, and I mean nothing, in sight. I was getting very aggravated. I was told to go on this route, turn left at a church, and then do it again, and I would be near the Blue Ridge Parkway and I could decide my best route for Spruce Pine. It was about a 10 mile walk to Jonas Ridge, he said. Well, I must have been going very very slowly up those mountains, because after about 6 hours I was getting furious, wondering where these churches were. A few times I threw down my pack in pure exhaustion and started screaming lol. And then I saw a bear in the woods and decided to shut up. It was almost dark, and then there they finally were...the 2 churches...almost both of them in sight at once. And the storm pulled in.
Nexy day, bad directions...I wasted about 5 or 6 hours walking all over Linville Falls and the parkway because nobody told me that the gas station I was looking for was not in town, it was a few miles the other way.
So, yesterday, I had to get to Spruce Pine and the Wal-Mart there to pick up a moneygram for a new cell phone (thanks family!!!). I was told Wal-Mart was wayyy out of town, and I had to walk 11 miles to town, and then about 4 or 5 miles to Wallyworld from what I was told. And after wandering aimlessly for a while, I really got started at about 1pm. So I'm freaking. Will I make it there in time? So I get to town around 6 or so I think, and I see the road going to Wal-Mart, and I'm wondering if I will make it. I took very few rests, so I'm dead tired, and I can see long rolling hills. I felt defeated. Then a lady pulled over. She had seen me walking earlier while she was taking her gradndaughter to pottery class. Asked if I was ok. Told her my deal. She said she needed to go to Wal-Mart anyways, so she took me there. It took longer than expected (about half an hour) to do everything I had to do, and when I came out she was waiting patiently for me. I asked about a buffet, and she said there was an awesome Carribean place downtown where I could really get a bang for my buck. So she dropped me off there. This lady took over an hour out of her day to help a complete stranger get re-settled. (Took about 20 minutes to get to Wal-Mart...this town is really spread out lol). I could not thank her enough! Had an awesome meal at the restaurant, sitting outside, watching lazy downtown traffic. They recommended the Turkey Monster sandwich so I got it. 10 oz of turkey, then swiss, spicy mayo, 1000 island and cole slaw on 3 pieces of sourdough. With a hugh side of curly fries and pickle. It was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had lol. Lady was super nice. A couple walking by saw my gear and talked to me. It was getting late (close to 8...gets dark around 9). They said if I had been in a tent for weeks, they knew how to cheer me up. Gave me $50 and told me about a small hotel down the road. How awesome is that!!!!!
So, guy cut me a deal for $45. Got a room and $5 from a 5 minute conversation with strangers. Incredible.
It was an old hotel, but a long hot shower, a shave, a baseball game on tv, and a comfy bed have me feeling like a new man.
So, like the title of this post...God is looking after me. I went through days of pure agony. I was angry and frustrated. I yelled. I slammed my pack a few times. And then the ecstasy of complete strangers doing wonderful things that were not expected.
God teaching me lessons. So now, no matter how bad it gets, I am going to do my best to remember that the worse things look, the better they will be soon.
On to Burnsville! TN is close!!!
Let's see...I am wayyy up in the mountains. Currently about to get out of Spruce Pine, which is a cool little town. Very spread out. More on that later. So where have I been?
I went through Wilkes County, which is famous for being the site of Tom Dula (Tom Dooley). Lots of markers about the crime in Wilkes and the next county (Caldwell?). I saw where the murdered happened, passed near his grave, and I could see Laura's grave in a field. More of a pasture that I could not get into. I also came across a really cool historical marker. It was the old kind (big slab of concrete about waist high with a bronze, I think, plaque on top). It showed a map of where I was, and where 2 of Daniel Boone's homes were located (both less than 2 miles away). I was wishing I had a big piece of paper so I could do a rubbing of it. Would have been really cool.
Everywhere I have been lately kind of blends in together. I have to look at notes I make on my map to remember where some things occurred. My poor NC map is about to fall apart lol. I should do a decoupage with it someday on a big table or something, along with the other maps I use. Might be a cool project in the future.
Highlights since I last posted:
--A couple pulled over in a truck and gave me $5 to buy a cold drink at the next store. They had seen me walking earlier and felt sorry for me lol. They gave me a lot of encouragement for what I am doing.
--I was taking a break on the "Tom Dula" road (what I call it) on some firewood. A truck pulled up from the house I had just passed (more a farm, really). I got up and walked over and apologized for stopping on his land and the guy held up his hand to quiet me and started smiling. Then he gave me a pack of cookies. And a pack of crackers. And a BIG piece of homemade apple pie in a ziploc bag (and it was cold). And then 2 sodas. He did it all 1 at a time, and I guess my face was lighting up because his smile got bigger and bigger and he was laughing at me. He said I looked like I needed a snack. And this was at about 9am lol. We talked about what I was doing, and talked about God (people love to talk to me about God, it's really cool!). Basically, this guy saw me through his window, got some stuff for me, and drove over to give it to me, check on me, and then went back home. How awesome is that??! Gotta love farmers!
--A guy pulled over because he thought I was a Mexican looking for a job. The way he said it I was kind of offended by what he was saying about Mexicans. We talked for a bit and he thought I was crazy.
--It rained about 2 or 3 times a day for several days, which means I try to find a tree to hide under, pull an emergency poncho over me and my gear that I sit on, and wait it out. So very slow progress, and nasty smelling clothes (that damp smell). So, a few days ago, I came across a creek with rapids in the National Forest (forgot the name of it, I'll remember later). Apparently this was the place to be on Saturday! I found a nice spot to myself where I had to walk (stumble and slip, that is) down a steep path, and at the bottom was a nice spot of flat rocks, rapids, and a calm pool about knee deep. So I rinsed all of my clothing out in the creek. Better to smell like a river than ammonia and mildew, right? I had some earth-friendly soap and washed as much as I could, and spread everything out on the rocks to dry in the sun. Then I waded into the water, and it felt sooo good! My camera battery was dead, so no pictures, but it was a perfect spot. After about 2 hours or so everything was dry, and I started thinking about continuing on down the road. Storm came out of nowhere and soaked everything before I could pack it all up. About 20 minutes later sun was out again, so I went slipping and sliding back up the steep path to the road. The next few miles were nothing but about a hundred cars and trucks parked everywhere on the road, and people swimming, fishing, and tubing. It was crazy. By the way, this was a dirt road with deep thick brush on 1 side, and a long slide down to the creek on the other side. I was on this road for 2 days. And it rained about 4 times the first day, and 3 times the next. Brutal. Had to pitch my tent on a mountain side, so I kepy sliding in my sleeping bag in my tent. Could not sleep, and it rained the whole night and got me all soaked again. Miserable lol.
The next morning I finally found Mortimer, after getting some very bad directions. (This was an area where my map was worthless, because a town on the map is just a community. So, there might be a gas station, or there might just be a few houses. The roads are not marked as far as Route 66 or whatever, and the map just has a road on it. And not many people to ask for help. I was flagging down cars for a few days, and most of the directions I got were wrong. So I lost a lot of time. And I was getting aggravated. So anyways, I finally come across Mortimer. There is a tiny store, if you want to call it a store lol. And a campground that they run in back of it. And people flock there and sit on the porch and hang out and whatnot. I found the owner on the porch, and this guy was just awesome!! Him and his 2 friends that he had grown up with who were visiting. The guy felt sorry for me. Gave me a big cup of coffee, breakfast (scrambled eggs and sos on toast...best sos I have ever had by far), and a big piece of homemade pound cake, which was the best I have ever had. He went over my map with me. Gave me some great directions for that day (a shortcut over some mountains), explained what I would encounter (steady elevation!!). He said my path would be the hardest, but it would have the greatest rewards as far as views. He thought I was crazy and he kept laughing at me, but it was all in good fun. This guy had a heart of gold. He tried to load me up with more stuff before I left but I declined. He was wearing a shirt advertising his store there (it was awesome. an old man fishing, and "beautiful downtown Mortimer" above it. I got his card, and I'm going to have to order one, especially after all he did for me). So then his buddies come over to the porch to hang out before they leave. One was up there doing some amateur mining in the area, and he showed me his finds. He's really good at finding gems!! The other guy comes up, and the owner told him what I was doing, and he said "That's awesome bro!". When he found out where I started, he said the same thing. This guy was a joy to talk to. He rides across states twice a year on a skateboard to raise money for charity. He has done over 100 miles in a day on a skateboard (custom built downhill board). He's incredible! He gave me some cool tips, including chewing on pieces of ginger root, which acts as a natural ibuprofen. So I picked some up yesterday, and I'll try it out today.
So, got to where I was going the next day, near Linville Falls. Two days of walking on a dirt road, uphill, on mountains, with nothing, and I mean nothing, in sight. I was getting very aggravated. I was told to go on this route, turn left at a church, and then do it again, and I would be near the Blue Ridge Parkway and I could decide my best route for Spruce Pine. It was about a 10 mile walk to Jonas Ridge, he said. Well, I must have been going very very slowly up those mountains, because after about 6 hours I was getting furious, wondering where these churches were. A few times I threw down my pack in pure exhaustion and started screaming lol. And then I saw a bear in the woods and decided to shut up. It was almost dark, and then there they finally were...the 2 churches...almost both of them in sight at once. And the storm pulled in.
Nexy day, bad directions...I wasted about 5 or 6 hours walking all over Linville Falls and the parkway because nobody told me that the gas station I was looking for was not in town, it was a few miles the other way.
So, yesterday, I had to get to Spruce Pine and the Wal-Mart there to pick up a moneygram for a new cell phone (thanks family!!!). I was told Wal-Mart was wayyy out of town, and I had to walk 11 miles to town, and then about 4 or 5 miles to Wallyworld from what I was told. And after wandering aimlessly for a while, I really got started at about 1pm. So I'm freaking. Will I make it there in time? So I get to town around 6 or so I think, and I see the road going to Wal-Mart, and I'm wondering if I will make it. I took very few rests, so I'm dead tired, and I can see long rolling hills. I felt defeated. Then a lady pulled over. She had seen me walking earlier while she was taking her gradndaughter to pottery class. Asked if I was ok. Told her my deal. She said she needed to go to Wal-Mart anyways, so she took me there. It took longer than expected (about half an hour) to do everything I had to do, and when I came out she was waiting patiently for me. I asked about a buffet, and she said there was an awesome Carribean place downtown where I could really get a bang for my buck. So she dropped me off there. This lady took over an hour out of her day to help a complete stranger get re-settled. (Took about 20 minutes to get to Wal-Mart...this town is really spread out lol). I could not thank her enough! Had an awesome meal at the restaurant, sitting outside, watching lazy downtown traffic. They recommended the Turkey Monster sandwich so I got it. 10 oz of turkey, then swiss, spicy mayo, 1000 island and cole slaw on 3 pieces of sourdough. With a hugh side of curly fries and pickle. It was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had lol. Lady was super nice. A couple walking by saw my gear and talked to me. It was getting late (close to 8...gets dark around 9). They said if I had been in a tent for weeks, they knew how to cheer me up. Gave me $50 and told me about a small hotel down the road. How awesome is that!!!!!
So, guy cut me a deal for $45. Got a room and $5 from a 5 minute conversation with strangers. Incredible.
It was an old hotel, but a long hot shower, a shave, a baseball game on tv, and a comfy bed have me feeling like a new man.
So, like the title of this post...God is looking after me. I went through days of pure agony. I was angry and frustrated. I yelled. I slammed my pack a few times. And then the ecstasy of complete strangers doing wonderful things that were not expected.
God teaching me lessons. So now, no matter how bad it gets, I am going to do my best to remember that the worse things look, the better they will be soon.
On to Burnsville! TN is close!!!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Hello Mountains
Finally get some library time lol. Hello from N. Wilkesboro, NC. Mountains all around me and they are beautiful but slightly intimidating. Been a while since I have been able to update, so what has happened?
Let's see...Winston-Salem. Hmm, not a good experience there. Coming in from the east, I walked through the slums. Just a dirty and poor area, but nice enough people walking by. Then it slowly transitioned to downtown, which at first looked like a bomb had been dropped and everybody disappeared. It was a starnge place to walk, like everything was shut down and everybody disappeared. Then downtown started looking cool (this city drastically changes from east to west). Found the library, and it was a weird set-up for computer time. You had to watch for your number to pop up on a big screen. Felt like I was in an airport or something. Had 2 teenage boys wearing dresses (seriously) near me. One said he liked my tattoo.
So, I leave the library and go to the Salvation Army. I was hoping to pick up some canned food, and maybe get a night in the shelter, so I could get a good night's sleep, a shower, and maybe some laundry done. So I walk a lot of blocks down a steep hill and get there. Lots of empty 40 bottles in bags all over the grass. There was a lady outside. I told her my name and started asking her for food and then she cut me off and said they serve the community at 4:45 (it's about 2:00 now). She goes inside. So, I calm my nerves and try to go inside, but you have to be buzzed inside, and it didn't happen. So, I sit and wait. And I watch everything, and I talk to a guy that was trying to get a cup of water. He said that they have 2 shelters (one here, and one up the road). They give out meal tickets there. You need a meal ticket to get a meal. Without a ticket, you only get a meal if they have enough. He starts telling me the lowdown on how everything works. Very weird. So, people start pulling in around 4:15 or so. People pulled up in new cars. people were watching youtube videos on their new cell-phones. They had bags of snacks and 2-liters that they just bought. It was crazy. These are the people living at the shelters. So I talk to this guy in front of me. He was about to lose his home, so he moved into the shelter. Has his car, phone, clothes. Has a job. Works and goes home to the shelter. Eats the free meals every day, and eats with his own money too. He rides the S.A. bus from the other shelter to this one to eat.
I came away from it all feeling very disgusted. And then I had that long walk uphill.
Once you get out of downtown, it's a pretty town. Lots of old houses and a historical district. It changes quickly from slums to quaint little college town (Wake Forest is there). Took forever to walk out of there.
And then, hills. Lots and lots of hills.
Nothing exciting to talk about for a few days. On Sunday I found a cool church in Ronda (Ronda Baptist Tabernacle). Lots of friendly people and they made me feel like I belonged there. That church pew was the best seat I have had in weeks. After the service some of the guys were asking me about my walk and everything. It was a very nice time, and it lifted my spirits for the rest of the day.
My mind is drawing a blank now. Haven't met many people. Just a lot of curvy hills and dangerous roads. And now the real fun begins. I have mapped out my plan and should be at Brad's in 12 days (a Sunday). Hope to make it to church and then find his house and relax.
Not sure where the next library is. 6 days away in Burnsville as far as I know. I'll be on when I can.
Pray for me on these mountain roads.
Let's see...Winston-Salem. Hmm, not a good experience there. Coming in from the east, I walked through the slums. Just a dirty and poor area, but nice enough people walking by. Then it slowly transitioned to downtown, which at first looked like a bomb had been dropped and everybody disappeared. It was a starnge place to walk, like everything was shut down and everybody disappeared. Then downtown started looking cool (this city drastically changes from east to west). Found the library, and it was a weird set-up for computer time. You had to watch for your number to pop up on a big screen. Felt like I was in an airport or something. Had 2 teenage boys wearing dresses (seriously) near me. One said he liked my tattoo.
So, I leave the library and go to the Salvation Army. I was hoping to pick up some canned food, and maybe get a night in the shelter, so I could get a good night's sleep, a shower, and maybe some laundry done. So I walk a lot of blocks down a steep hill and get there. Lots of empty 40 bottles in bags all over the grass. There was a lady outside. I told her my name and started asking her for food and then she cut me off and said they serve the community at 4:45 (it's about 2:00 now). She goes inside. So, I calm my nerves and try to go inside, but you have to be buzzed inside, and it didn't happen. So, I sit and wait. And I watch everything, and I talk to a guy that was trying to get a cup of water. He said that they have 2 shelters (one here, and one up the road). They give out meal tickets there. You need a meal ticket to get a meal. Without a ticket, you only get a meal if they have enough. He starts telling me the lowdown on how everything works. Very weird. So, people start pulling in around 4:15 or so. People pulled up in new cars. people were watching youtube videos on their new cell-phones. They had bags of snacks and 2-liters that they just bought. It was crazy. These are the people living at the shelters. So I talk to this guy in front of me. He was about to lose his home, so he moved into the shelter. Has his car, phone, clothes. Has a job. Works and goes home to the shelter. Eats the free meals every day, and eats with his own money too. He rides the S.A. bus from the other shelter to this one to eat.
I came away from it all feeling very disgusted. And then I had that long walk uphill.
Once you get out of downtown, it's a pretty town. Lots of old houses and a historical district. It changes quickly from slums to quaint little college town (Wake Forest is there). Took forever to walk out of there.
And then, hills. Lots and lots of hills.
Nothing exciting to talk about for a few days. On Sunday I found a cool church in Ronda (Ronda Baptist Tabernacle). Lots of friendly people and they made me feel like I belonged there. That church pew was the best seat I have had in weeks. After the service some of the guys were asking me about my walk and everything. It was a very nice time, and it lifted my spirits for the rest of the day.
My mind is drawing a blank now. Haven't met many people. Just a lot of curvy hills and dangerous roads. And now the real fun begins. I have mapped out my plan and should be at Brad's in 12 days (a Sunday). Hope to make it to church and then find his house and relax.
Not sure where the next library is. 6 days away in Burnsville as far as I know. I'll be on when I can.
Pray for me on these mountain roads.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Reidsville, NC
What's up peeps? Relaxing this morning in downtown Reidsville, NC. Cool farmer's market downtown with big crowds. Nice to walk around and browse, even though people look at me like a band-aid in a swimming pool. Big motorcycle rally going on, with a bunch of Christian cyclers. Pretty cool.
last few days have been awesome. On Thursday, I was taking a break in the middle of nowhere (as usual lol). A guy on an old Harley rode by me, looked at me, and circled back. He pulls up by me. Young guy, maybe mid-20s. Biker vest, with the name badge "LOCO". So he says...you look so peaceful just sitting here...what's going on brother? So I tell him what's up, what I'm doing. And he totally gets it!! We talked for about 30 minutes, and he completely understands what I am doing. We talked about God, nature, being spiritual even though you are not a perfect human, even got into a little existentialism. The guy's name is Clay. Best person I have met on the trip so far. We could have talked for hours, but he was late to begin with. Kindred souls talking in front of a young pine tree grove on a dirty back road. It was awesome!
Had to beat up a snake on the road yesterday. Wouldn't leave me alone. Think it was a lack snake, not sure. About 2 feet long. Kept following me and going for my feet. I ran over and found a big stick and put him out of his misery. Sorry Mr. Snake, but I just don't like your kind. Stay away from me and we'll get along just fine.
Yesterday, my lunch was bought by a few strangers. First, a man of about 50 or 60 slowed down by me and stopped. He handed me $6 and said "put that in your pocket boss", and drove away before I could say anything. About 30 minutes later I was walking around a very long curve, watching a young guy on a tractor round up the hay and line it up. He finally gets off the tractor and walks up to me, gives me $10 and says "I don't know how far you're walking or why, but you just turned down 2 rides so something is going on. I hope this helps." And he walked away as soon as I said thanks and bless you. A little while later a lady pulls up, give me $5 and says bless you before roaring off. So, $21 in less than half a day. And it helped, because the only store I ran across was expensive. I was desperate for a hot lunch and some cold beverages (water bottles were empty, could not find a water source), so the money helped refuel me.
It's crazy how nice and generous people are to strangers. They just give and go.
And I get a big kick out of it, because of all the things people have stopped and given me...it's all by people of other races. White people have not given me a single thing. It's all been African-Americans, and 1 Asian. And they are the ones that want to talk to me about what I'm doing, too. It's a funny world.
Not sure what road I'll take out of Reidsville...probably head down through Winston-Salem instead of all the small towns. I have a few choices as far as which route to take. Whichever one feels right I guess. I'm off to find a laundrymat. Not sure what town I'll be able to check in from next, probably W-S, and that will be on Monday or Tuesday. It's a long walk.
last few days have been awesome. On Thursday, I was taking a break in the middle of nowhere (as usual lol). A guy on an old Harley rode by me, looked at me, and circled back. He pulls up by me. Young guy, maybe mid-20s. Biker vest, with the name badge "LOCO". So he says...you look so peaceful just sitting here...what's going on brother? So I tell him what's up, what I'm doing. And he totally gets it!! We talked for about 30 minutes, and he completely understands what I am doing. We talked about God, nature, being spiritual even though you are not a perfect human, even got into a little existentialism. The guy's name is Clay. Best person I have met on the trip so far. We could have talked for hours, but he was late to begin with. Kindred souls talking in front of a young pine tree grove on a dirty back road. It was awesome!
Had to beat up a snake on the road yesterday. Wouldn't leave me alone. Think it was a lack snake, not sure. About 2 feet long. Kept following me and going for my feet. I ran over and found a big stick and put him out of his misery. Sorry Mr. Snake, but I just don't like your kind. Stay away from me and we'll get along just fine.
Yesterday, my lunch was bought by a few strangers. First, a man of about 50 or 60 slowed down by me and stopped. He handed me $6 and said "put that in your pocket boss", and drove away before I could say anything. About 30 minutes later I was walking around a very long curve, watching a young guy on a tractor round up the hay and line it up. He finally gets off the tractor and walks up to me, gives me $10 and says "I don't know how far you're walking or why, but you just turned down 2 rides so something is going on. I hope this helps." And he walked away as soon as I said thanks and bless you. A little while later a lady pulls up, give me $5 and says bless you before roaring off. So, $21 in less than half a day. And it helped, because the only store I ran across was expensive. I was desperate for a hot lunch and some cold beverages (water bottles were empty, could not find a water source), so the money helped refuel me.
It's crazy how nice and generous people are to strangers. They just give and go.
And I get a big kick out of it, because of all the things people have stopped and given me...it's all by people of other races. White people have not given me a single thing. It's all been African-Americans, and 1 Asian. And they are the ones that want to talk to me about what I'm doing, too. It's a funny world.
Not sure what road I'll take out of Reidsville...probably head down through Winston-Salem instead of all the small towns. I have a few choices as far as which route to take. Whichever one feels right I guess. I'm off to find a laundrymat. Not sure what town I'll be able to check in from next, probably W-S, and that will be on Monday or Tuesday. It's a long walk.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
NC will never end.
Will I ever make it out of this state? Lost a day to thunderstorms yesterday, but otherwise I'm getting 20+ miles a day now. Still lots of big hills and curves. I'm in Yanceyville and there is not much here. Looking for a cheap buffet somewhere and I just can't find it. The next Golden Corral I come across is in serious trouble.
Nothing else to report really. More people offering rides, and look at me like I'm crazy when I refuse. I'm still like a local celebrity at the gas stations. People crowd around me asking questions because they have seen me for a day or two. They laugh at me, but they think it's cool and they wish me good luck.
It's cool camping in the woods in the middle of nowhere. Lightning bugs are the only light. Lots of strange animal sounds. I try to set up my tent so I can see through a little break between the branches and gaze at the stars. You can see the Milky Way out here. It's gorgeous. I can't wait for the dessert night sky.
Later peeps. I'll try to say hello from Reidsville tomorrow. After that the road is gonna get crazy. I'll finally be off of US-158W, and I'll have to keep changing roads. And mountains. Oh boy, the mountains.
Nothing else to report really. More people offering rides, and look at me like I'm crazy when I refuse. I'm still like a local celebrity at the gas stations. People crowd around me asking questions because they have seen me for a day or two. They laugh at me, but they think it's cool and they wish me good luck.
It's cool camping in the woods in the middle of nowhere. Lightning bugs are the only light. Lots of strange animal sounds. I try to set up my tent so I can see through a little break between the branches and gaze at the stars. You can see the Milky Way out here. It's gorgeous. I can't wait for the dessert night sky.
Later peeps. I'll try to say hello from Reidsville tomorrow. After that the road is gonna get crazy. I'll finally be off of US-158W, and I'll have to keep changing roads. And mountains. Oh boy, the mountains.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Shopping Cart--a moral dilemma
So...I keep thinking Catherine Li had the right idea about what wheels to use. She pushed a shopping cart across the country. Easy to throw all your stuff into and just push and go. Most people have used the top end baby strollers (outfitted with better wheels and whatnot). I want a shopping cart to make life easier. And, when you get out west where things are so spread out, and the desert, you need plenty of food and water on you at all times (like about 15-20 gallons of water). Shopping cart is the perfect vehicle.
But, how to get one? Just take it? Most people do. It's stealing, but I would return it in San Diego. It would be helping a good cause. Homeless people have them and they have obviously not been arrested for it. Would I? It's a moral dilemma. Because if I just go to a Wal-Mart or target store manager and explain everything, of course they have to say no because of company policy. But if I just borrowed one, would I be a criminal? Would a cop stop me? It's a moral dilemma.
And about an hour ago, I came across a Wal-Mart shopping cart on the sidewalk here in Roxboro. I was tempted, but I left it alone.
What do you think?
But, how to get one? Just take it? Most people do. It's stealing, but I would return it in San Diego. It would be helping a good cause. Homeless people have them and they have obviously not been arrested for it. Would I? It's a moral dilemma. Because if I just go to a Wal-Mart or target store manager and explain everything, of course they have to say no because of company policy. But if I just borrowed one, would I be a criminal? Would a cop stop me? It's a moral dilemma.
And about an hour ago, I came across a Wal-Mart shopping cart on the sidewalk here in Roxboro. I was tempted, but I left it alone.
What do you think?
Soul chickens
My friends know I love birds, especially crows (soul chickens). They're fun to watch. Very clever and comical. I have seen crows every single day since I left, and they often are within 10-20 feet of me. When they get that close, I talk to them. I will make a sound (pretend you are kissing someone...that smooch sound lol). I do it 3 times, and wait for them to respond. I keep doing it until they make 3 sounds back. Then I change it to 4 times, and they respond 4 times back. Then back to 3. It trips me out. It makes my day every time that they figure it out and talk back the right amount of times. I call every crow Charlie.
Some old saying about crows guiding your soul from one world to another, so I like seeing them every day. Like my little guardians flying around.
And what is the deal with a mockingbird always winning the fight with a crow? It happens every day.
Some old saying about crows guiding your soul from one world to another, so I like seeing them every day. Like my little guardians flying around.
And what is the deal with a mockingbird always winning the fight with a crow? It happens every day.
The Flip Side
So, apparently there is a magical line starting in Oxford, NC...because once you hit Oxford and go west, people are wonderful! And I mean wonderful!!!!
Oxford is a pretty little town. Very spread out. Everyone stopped to ask me what I was doing while I was walking downtown. A very nice police officer helped me with some directions and advice on the town.
I found a Wal-Mart (about a 4 hour excursion far out of town). Cleanest Wal-Mart I have ever seen. The kid rounding up carts held onto my pack for me while I was inside. Picked up another rolling cart and a few much needed supplies, so I am picking up steam again...about 20-22 miles a day. Found a Dollar Tree and loaded up with some killer cheap food. I was amazed!.
Leaving Oxford, I was walking down a street that was like a dream. Old houses (circa mid 1800s). Beautiful lawns and landscaping. probably the most beautiful street I have ever walked down. I was in another world for about 30-45 minutes. I thought about taking a few pictures, but I realized that there was no way I could capture the essence of it all with a few shots. I was reminded of the scene in Saving Private Ryan, near the end, where Ryan asks Miller to share the memory of his wife trimming rose bushes, and he says no, that one I keep to myself.
Just outside Oxford, I took a break at a gas station. A guy hanging out (working?) there. He asked me if I wanted a swallow of beer because he had some around back lol. I declined. He kept asking me, I kept saying no. He was nice but kinda scary.
Oh, and at the Wal-mart, I was talking to a guy about music. Told him what I was doing, and how I had not heard a song since I left...just snippets as cars passed. So we say goodbye. When I got to the front of the store to check-out he approached me and gave me a little am/fm radio that you wear with an armband. He said I needed some tunes. I was so shocked and thankful I thought I would cry. Very cool!! So now I have music! When I got outside I was checking it out. First words I hear when I turned it on? "If you leave/Don't look back/I won't waste one single day" (If You Leave by OMD). Appropriate. Later on I was in the middle of nowhere, just rolling along, and Bruce came on (Hungry Heart). Just a fun song to sing along to. So there I was, surrounded by endless fields of corn, belting out some Bruce Springsteen. It's the simple things.
Yesterday, as I was walking along, I saw a farmer cutting some hay. He saw me and turned off his tractor and asked what I was doing. We talked for a minute and I continued. We kept the same pace for about 20 minutes, and he turned his tractor off again and called me over. Now, I usually don't tell people I am walking the entire country, because of the looks I get. Once I hit TN I will tell them, because then they will know I am seriously doing it. For now, I just say I am heading toward Knoxville, which is true. That's the first friend to visit, and people actually talk to me about it all. Easier for them to wrap their brains around I guess lol. So, we're having a cool conversation about the area, the wildlife, how beautiful the scenery is, how tobacco and beef cattle are the money staples around here. I could have talked to this guy for hours. Very intelligent and nice, and a great old country laugh. So I started to leave, and he made me take $10. Told me there was a store up the road with great hotdogs, and I should stop there for lunch on him. I thanked him and shook his hand (like shaking hands with a tree trunk!), and he said "just remember the boy from North Carolina". That little span of 5-10 minutes is what it is all about. Just meeting a great person and sharing a little knowledge and laughs. Now, if you don't know southern dialects, you have to understand how NC is pronounced. I'm from Virginia, but I pronounce it Fur-gin-nyuh. He pronounced North Carolina "Nor Care-line-uh", and you drag out the Care for a few extra seconds. So I was glad I got to meet the boy from North Carolina.
Later down the road, a guy bought me a pint of ice cream (dang it was good lol), and 3 people offered me a ride to wherever I needed, or some water or lunch, anything at all they could do for me. Two of these people offered as soon as they pulled into the parking lot of the store. Just incredible kindness!! Met some nice people.
I usually take a break at stores because there is shade, I can refill my water bottles, and peole talk to me because they have seen me walking...especially the dump trucks and logging trucks, who see me for days at a time.
So right now, the walk has turned into a full blast of goodness, which is what it should be.
Oxford is a pretty little town. Very spread out. Everyone stopped to ask me what I was doing while I was walking downtown. A very nice police officer helped me with some directions and advice on the town.
I found a Wal-Mart (about a 4 hour excursion far out of town). Cleanest Wal-Mart I have ever seen. The kid rounding up carts held onto my pack for me while I was inside. Picked up another rolling cart and a few much needed supplies, so I am picking up steam again...about 20-22 miles a day. Found a Dollar Tree and loaded up with some killer cheap food. I was amazed!.
Leaving Oxford, I was walking down a street that was like a dream. Old houses (circa mid 1800s). Beautiful lawns and landscaping. probably the most beautiful street I have ever walked down. I was in another world for about 30-45 minutes. I thought about taking a few pictures, but I realized that there was no way I could capture the essence of it all with a few shots. I was reminded of the scene in Saving Private Ryan, near the end, where Ryan asks Miller to share the memory of his wife trimming rose bushes, and he says no, that one I keep to myself.
Just outside Oxford, I took a break at a gas station. A guy hanging out (working?) there. He asked me if I wanted a swallow of beer because he had some around back lol. I declined. He kept asking me, I kept saying no. He was nice but kinda scary.
Oh, and at the Wal-mart, I was talking to a guy about music. Told him what I was doing, and how I had not heard a song since I left...just snippets as cars passed. So we say goodbye. When I got to the front of the store to check-out he approached me and gave me a little am/fm radio that you wear with an armband. He said I needed some tunes. I was so shocked and thankful I thought I would cry. Very cool!! So now I have music! When I got outside I was checking it out. First words I hear when I turned it on? "If you leave/Don't look back/I won't waste one single day" (If You Leave by OMD). Appropriate. Later on I was in the middle of nowhere, just rolling along, and Bruce came on (Hungry Heart). Just a fun song to sing along to. So there I was, surrounded by endless fields of corn, belting out some Bruce Springsteen. It's the simple things.
Yesterday, as I was walking along, I saw a farmer cutting some hay. He saw me and turned off his tractor and asked what I was doing. We talked for a minute and I continued. We kept the same pace for about 20 minutes, and he turned his tractor off again and called me over. Now, I usually don't tell people I am walking the entire country, because of the looks I get. Once I hit TN I will tell them, because then they will know I am seriously doing it. For now, I just say I am heading toward Knoxville, which is true. That's the first friend to visit, and people actually talk to me about it all. Easier for them to wrap their brains around I guess lol. So, we're having a cool conversation about the area, the wildlife, how beautiful the scenery is, how tobacco and beef cattle are the money staples around here. I could have talked to this guy for hours. Very intelligent and nice, and a great old country laugh. So I started to leave, and he made me take $10. Told me there was a store up the road with great hotdogs, and I should stop there for lunch on him. I thanked him and shook his hand (like shaking hands with a tree trunk!), and he said "just remember the boy from North Carolina". That little span of 5-10 minutes is what it is all about. Just meeting a great person and sharing a little knowledge and laughs. Now, if you don't know southern dialects, you have to understand how NC is pronounced. I'm from Virginia, but I pronounce it Fur-gin-nyuh. He pronounced North Carolina "Nor Care-line-uh", and you drag out the Care for a few extra seconds. So I was glad I got to meet the boy from North Carolina.
Later down the road, a guy bought me a pint of ice cream (dang it was good lol), and 3 people offered me a ride to wherever I needed, or some water or lunch, anything at all they could do for me. Two of these people offered as soon as they pulled into the parking lot of the store. Just incredible kindness!! Met some nice people.
I usually take a break at stores because there is shade, I can refill my water bottles, and peole talk to me because they have seen me walking...especially the dump trucks and logging trucks, who see me for days at a time.
So right now, the walk has turned into a full blast of goodness, which is what it should be.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Still in NC
NC is a long state. I think I have seen 2 days without rain on my journey. Highway 158 has got to be the most unfriendliest stretch of road in America. I have met 3 nice people in 2 weeks on this road. I'll be glad to get off it.
Hard times but I am prevailing!! There is nothing in these towns really. I have some McDonalds coupons but I haven't seen one since VA lol. Rain has soaked me daily, and my gear. My tent has that slightly wet day-old clothes smell. Nothing I do helps it. I spent a day making a makeshift clothesline in a field trying to dry everything out and the smell just seemed to get worse. I smell like a wild animal. maybe that's way (here's the really cool thing lately)...deer come up to my tent at night. And I mean right up to it! One poked me through the tent 2 nights ago with it's head. I unzipped my tent and shined a flashlight around the corner, and there was a good sized deer within arm's reach. We stared at each other and then it snorted and walked away. Scary, because it could have hurt me (and my tent), but incredible that it came up that close. I hear them every night outside my tent now, and it makes me feel safe, because if anybody else was around they would run away.
And after being robbed in my tent, safety is a big factor. I make sure nobody sees me when I dash into the woods to set up my tent for the night, and I even place a few branches on top of it for camouflage. Losing $90 was losing 2 weeks of supplies.
Sooo, (sales pitch lol), if you have been thinking of donating now is a good time. I should be at my friend's house in Tenn in 2-3 weeks. I need new shoes and a new cart, and plenty of food. I am going to transfer the donations to my friend's account a few days before I get there, so he can transfer it into his account and pull it out of the bank and get me some much needed cash.
Until I find another library, enjoy life, and thanks for walking with me. I'll try to have more pics next time. I only get 30 minutes online right now.
loveyameanit
Hard times but I am prevailing!! There is nothing in these towns really. I have some McDonalds coupons but I haven't seen one since VA lol. Rain has soaked me daily, and my gear. My tent has that slightly wet day-old clothes smell. Nothing I do helps it. I spent a day making a makeshift clothesline in a field trying to dry everything out and the smell just seemed to get worse. I smell like a wild animal. maybe that's way (here's the really cool thing lately)...deer come up to my tent at night. And I mean right up to it! One poked me through the tent 2 nights ago with it's head. I unzipped my tent and shined a flashlight around the corner, and there was a good sized deer within arm's reach. We stared at each other and then it snorted and walked away. Scary, because it could have hurt me (and my tent), but incredible that it came up that close. I hear them every night outside my tent now, and it makes me feel safe, because if anybody else was around they would run away.
And after being robbed in my tent, safety is a big factor. I make sure nobody sees me when I dash into the woods to set up my tent for the night, and I even place a few branches on top of it for camouflage. Losing $90 was losing 2 weeks of supplies.
Sooo, (sales pitch lol), if you have been thinking of donating now is a good time. I should be at my friend's house in Tenn in 2-3 weeks. I need new shoes and a new cart, and plenty of food. I am going to transfer the donations to my friend's account a few days before I get there, so he can transfer it into his account and pull it out of the bank and get me some much needed cash.
Until I find another library, enjoy life, and thanks for walking with me. I'll try to have more pics next time. I only get 30 minutes online right now.
loveyameanit
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