I’m so glad I was kicked off Interstate 65 two days ago. Had I been able to continue walking I-65, I would have saved over three miles for the day. Walking across America, as soon as I figure out which points on the map I wish to walk through, despite how circuitous some of these points may make the overall transAmerica route, once I do plan the points, I typically always seek the shortest/fastest way to walk from Point A to Point B, to C, etc. The efficiency-conscious part of me speaks loudly when planning any given day’s miles, and I typically make serious efforts to not have to go any further outside my planned miles than I have to. (Like the restaurant cook who works the 12-hour shift, then arrives home with little or no motivation to start cooking again at home.)
The shortest way possible on Wednesday would have made for 16.9 miles, with over 80% of them being on the shoulder of the roaring I-65. Once booted off I-65 by Alabama State Patrol, suddenly the 16.9-mile day turned into a 20+ mile day. The daily status of my body was OK, and I knew I could make it, but at the time, I still would have rather opted for the shorter route. Only later did the beauty of the banished-from-the-freeway reality take hold. Walking ultra-rural Hank Williams Memorial Drive, passing through historic railroad communities such as Garland; feeling the carefree, car-free stillness and birdsongs; breathing the sweet sweat of surrounding flora; enjoying the sun-shading “hug” of large, shoulder-close trees, I found those final fourteen fabulous forest miles to thoroughly cleanse and refresh my soul & spirit. And I was better off sleeping outdoors that Wednesday night as well.
Though I still seek to avoid too many steps out of the way between Point A and Point B, I now find myself seeking out the more rural roads. (Though I’m sure to experience plenty more of it,) I’ve had my fill of the busy highway car-cophony for now. And I’m ready to at least add some extra steps to achieve a greater nature experience. Today, I’ve been invited to spend the night at the local Sherling Lake Campground. Not only does this shorten my miles and provide me with some rest for today, I’m also betting that tonight’s delightful dose of nature will further energize my spirit once again!
http://www.sherlinglake.com