Monthly Archives: October 2012

Rocio Returns! Onward, Across Anderson!

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After three nights at Paul & Carol's lakeside home, I finally take their advice to take a walk down to Lake Secession.

After three nights at Paul & Carol's lakeside home, I finally take their advice to take a walk down to Lake Secession.

On their small, cozy dock, a sweet morning meditation spot awaited me...

On their small, cozy dock, a sweet morning meditation spot awaited me...

What a lovely place! Paul & Carol appeared about 45 minutes into my meditation; they just bought a pre-owned pontoon boat. They invited me onto what became an hour-long boat ride through Lake Secession. Loved it!

What a lovely place! Paul & Carol appeared about 45 minutes into my meditation; they just bought a pre-owned pontoon boat. They invited me onto what became an hour-long boat ride through Lake Secession. Loved it!

Carol at her downtown retail art space, as I prepare to pick up from where I've left off yesterday.

Carol at her downtown retail art space, as I prepare to pick up from where I've left off yesterday.

Rocio Returns!!! Rocio joins the Walk for this weekend's miles to Easley/Powdersville :) :)

Rocio Returns!!! Rocio joins the Walk for this weekend's miles to Easley/Powdersville :) :)

After three sweet nights near Anderson, I say goodbye to lovely hosts Paul & Carol Cook. Thank You!!!

After three sweet nights near Anderson, I say goodbye to lovely hosts Paul & Carol Cook. Thank You!!!

Anderson, South Carolina

Anderson, South Carolina

Anderson, South Carolina

Anderson, South Carolina

Anderson, South Carolina. Rocio & I walked just a handful of miles this afternoon, to the far side of Anderson. The sky treated us to a fantastic sunset-- part of which the camera actually caught! :) :)

Anderson, South Carolina. Rocio & I walked just a handful of miles this afternoon, to the far side of Anderson. The sky treated us to a fantastic sunset-- part of which the camera actually caught! :) :)

Host Dan Snipes, who lives "out in the sticks," hosted Rocio & me tonight. Living far from town, he's transporting us back and forth from & to Anderson. Dan, 54, has lived his entire life in Anderson County, South Carolina. We love listening to his stories of growing up in the area. Dan also has pictures of his ancestors, many of whom were Confederate Civil War veterans. Like many Southerners, Dan, a member of "Sons of the Confederacy," is very proud of his Confederate heritage.

Host Dan Snipes, who lives "out in the sticks," hosted Rocio & me tonight. Living far from town, he's transporting us back and forth from & to Anderson. Dan, 54, has lived his entire life in Anderson County, South Carolina. We love listening to his interesting stories of growing up in the area. Dan also has pictures of his ancestors, many of whom were Confederate Civil War veterans. Like many Southerners, Dan, a member of "Sons of the Confederacy," is very proud of his Confederate heritage.

They made me 2 offers I couldn’t refuse!

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Hosts Paul & Carol made me a pair of offers I couldn’t refuse:

1) To spend another night at their place,

While…
2) They would drop me off at the point at which I’d left off Monday (a specific roadside telephone pole I’d tagged), and retrieve me in Anderson, at the end of the day. They’re not only very familiar with the area I was about to walk, they also found things they could do which coincided with some of the miles I walked.

I was only too happy to accept their awesome offer!

The walking day began on a rural road, parallel to Hwy 29. Almost anytime I find a parallel, lonely rural road on my route, I take it. They're rare, but when they do appear, they're such a relief from the dangers and noise of the busy highways.

The walking day began on a rural road, parallel to Hwy 29. Almost anytime I find a parallel, lonely rural road on my route, I take it. They're rare, but when they do appear, they're such a relief from the dangers and noise of the busy highways.

Today's destination: Anderson, SC-- the very first of a handful of cities I'll be reaching on foot within South Carolina! :)

Today's destination: Anderson, SC-- the very first of a handful of cities I'll be reaching on foot within South Carolina! :)

By the time I reached these grain silos, about three miles into the day, I could tell that the day off that Paul & Carol hosted me to the day before brought a blaze to my path today. I was hot to trot, and on pace to finish the day's walk over an hour early. Before parting ways today, I told them it would take me at least 5.5 hours. In a very rare move, by the time I reached these silos I called to tell them that I'd probably arrive at least an hour early-- which is exactly how the day turned out.

By the time I reached these grain silos, about three miles into the day, I could tell that the day off that Paul & Carol hosted me to the day before brought a blaze to my path today. I was hot to trot, and on pace to finish the day's walk over an hour early. Before parting ways today, I told them it would take me at least 5.5 hours. In a very rare move, by the time I reached these silos I called to tell them that I'd probably arrive at least an hour early-- which is exactly how the day turned out.

About 80% of the day's walk up Hwy 29 was very rural-- and very beautiful!

About 80% of the day's walk up Hwy 29 was very rural-- and very beautiful!

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I love some of the creative mailboxes I've seen across the miles. Occasionally, I'll find clusters of America where for miles, similarly creatively-themed mailboxes stretch out across miles.

I love some of the creative mailboxes I've seen across the miles. Occasionally, I'll find clusters of America where for miles, similarly creatively-themed mailboxes stretch into a sweet streetscape.

I ALWAYS appreciate roadside flowers!

"God laughs in flowers!"

Just as I was approaching the "Welcome to Anderson" sign, I had to make a call to 911. After speaking with some local kids about the Walk, I was saying goodbye and returning to the road, when I suddenly heard a loud grinding on the pavement, a few hundred feet ahead of me. I looked up to see a motorcycle sliding down the highway. The passenger was left behind. I didn't even hesitate: IMMEDIATELY, I was on the phone to 911, explaining "what & where" to them. They wanted me to ask the driver if he wanted medical attention, which I almost did. The driver had gotten up and walked to the side of the road, and was hunkered down by a sign. I approached; his face was bloody and he appeared to be in serious pain. I then told the 911 dispatcher "Yes, he needs an ambulance." I was asked if the motorcyclist said so. "No. He didn't say so. His face is bloody and he's in a lot of pain. He may have broken bones. Send medical attention as soon as possible." I later found that a deer apparently had something to do with this. I know from experience that motorcycles can be really fun to ride. However, even if you're the best driver around, you cannot control the world around you, and when hazards appear--even when not your fault--you're the one in the most danger. I was on a motorcycle once when a dump truck illegally pulled out in front of me, as I was going 60 MPH. I hit the brakes and had to lay down the bike. I came just a car length from hitting it. I haven't riden much since... I hope the best for this driver. It appeared he'll be fine...

Just as I was approaching the "Welcome to Anderson" sign, I had to make a call to 911. After speaking with some local kids about the Walk, I was saying goodbye and returning to the road, when I suddenly heard a loud grinding on the pavement, a few hundred feet ahead of me. I looked up to see a motorcycle sliding down the highway. The passenger was left behind. I didn't even hesitate: IMMEDIATELY, I was on the phone to 911, explaining "what & where" to them. They wanted me to ask the driver if he wanted medical attention, which I almost did. The driver had gotten up and walked to the side of the road, and was hunkered down by a sign. I approached; his face was bloody and he appeared to be in serious pain. I then told the 911 dispatcher "Yes, he needs an ambulance." I was asked if the motorcyclist said so. "No. He didn't say so. His face is bloody and he's in a lot of pain. He may have broken bones. Send medical attention as soon as possible." I later found that a deer apparently had something to do with this. I know from experience that motorcycles can be really fun to ride. However, even if you're the best driver around, you cannot control the world around you, and when hazards appear--even when not your fault--you're the one in the most danger. I was on a motorcycle once when a dump truck illegally pulled out in front of me, as I was going 60 MPH. I hit the brakes and had to lay down the bike. I came just a car length from hitting it. I haven't riden much since... I hope the best for this driver. It appeared he'll be fine...

I reached my first major intersection in Anderson to find George's Restaurant on the corner. Unfortunately, there's nothing in "my" restaurant I'd be willing to eat.

I reached my first major intersection in Anderson to find George's Restaurant on the corner. Unfortunately, there's nothing in "my" restaurant I'd be willing to eat.

Downtown Anderson. Stopping point for today. 14 of my fastest miles (just over 4 hours; I've never raced myself) complete, on one of the most beautiful, fair-weather walking days of all the miles!

Downtown Anderson. Stopping point for today. 14 of my fastest miles (just over 4 hours; I've never raced myself) complete, on one of the most beautiful, fair-weather walking days of all the miles!

Day off on the Lake!

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I may call it a day off on the lake, and while it’s true that I rested my body from the miles today, it’s also true that I stayed busy throughout the day with catching up on communications, meditation, and more! I’ll never be fully caught up– at least not before reaching Washington, DC. I give a rough estimate of about a year after reaching the White House that I’ll finally be caught up with the videos, audio narratives, blogs, and all else I’d like to accomplish. That said, the more I can do in the moment, the better I set myself up for the endless work that comes along afterward… :)

Welcome-to-South-Carolina hosts Paul & Carol Cook-- great couple!!

Welcome-to-South-Carolina hosts Paul & Carol Cook-- great couple!!

My room is downstairs, in the art studio :)

My room is downstairs, in the art studio :)

The view out from within my art studio room :)

Second Entrance into South Carolina!

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A wonderful restaurant in Hartwell provided me with a free place to stay Sunday night. I was simply going to remain in town for the rest of Sunday; however, Brad, who had walked into town with me, was enthusiastic about walking another 8 miles with me, to the other side of the South Carolina border. I loved the idea of both opportunities, and we found a way to make them work. Brad and family would bring me back to the Hartwell restaurant upon completing our Sunday miles across the South Carolina border, and Luther, an upstanding local youth pastor, would return me to the South Carolina border the following day, so that I could connect the steps from exactly where I'd left off. The plan worked out beautifully!!

If there's one thing I've learned across the miles, it's to be creative with whatever resources I have available to me. A wonderful restaurant in Hartwell provided me with a free place to stay Sunday night. I was simply going to remain in town for the rest of Sunday; however, Brad, who had walked into town with me, was enthusiastic about walking another 8 miles with me, to the other side of the South Carolina border. I loved the idea of both opportunities, and we found a way to make them work. Brad and family would bring me back to the Hartwell restaurant upon completing our Sunday miles across the South Carolina border, and Luther, an upstanding local youth pastor, would return me to the South Carolina border the following day, so that I could connect the steps from exactly where I'd left off. The plan worked out beautifully!!

After reaching the SC border the previous afternoon, and having immediately been brought back to Hartwell for an overnight stay, Road Angel Luther returns me to the exact spot at which I'd left off, the following day.

After reaching the SC border the previous afternoon, and having immediately been brought back to Hartwell for an overnight stay, Road Angel Luther returns me to the exact spot at which I'd left off, the following day.

Thanks for your help, Luther! I'm fully connecting 100% of my steps from here!

Thanks for your help, Luther! I'm fully connecting 100% of my steps from here!

As I had to cross the Savannah River to enter South Carolina, the first couple of miles of SC are uphill. Less than a mile into the day, I pass the official sign! :)

As I had to cross the Savannah River to enter South Carolina, the first couple of miles of SC are uphill. Less than a mile into the day, I pass the official sign! :)

Border businesses. It's funny how next to state lines, you'll always find businesses that specialize in products that are difficult or impossible to obtain on the other side. For example, in Portland, Oregon, where there is no sales tax, large shopping complexes are set up just across the river from neighboring Washington State, whose sales tax is close to 8%. Washingtonians come across in droves to avoid paying sales taxes-- especially on large purchases. This border business in South Carolina has more relaxed liquor and fireworks laws than neighboring Georgia.

Border businesses. It's funny how next to state lines, you'll always find businesses that specialize in products that are difficult or impossible to obtain on the other side. For example, in Portland, Oregon, where there is no sales tax, large shopping complexes are set up just across the river from neighboring Washington State, whose sales tax is close to 8%. Washingtonians come across in droves to avoid paying sales taxes-- especially on large purchases. This border business in South Carolina has more relaxed liquor and fireworks laws than neighboring Georgia.

After just a handful of opening miles of South Carolina, I met Couchsurfing hosts Carol & Paul, who had been awaiting my arrival for several days.

Welcome to South Carolina!!!

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I awoke this morning to the aroma of campfire at the lakeside cabin of Bob & Barbara-- the couple who treated me to great dental work at their clinic in Athens.

I awoke this morning to the aroma of campfire at the lakeside cabin of Bob & Barbara-- the couple who treated me to great dental work at their clinic in Athens.

No lakeside cabin visit is complete without a visit to the lake itself, right..? Arriving after dark last night kept me from making the most of the opportunity till this morning :)

No lakeside cabin visit is complete without a visit to the lake itself, right..? Arriving after dark last night kept me from making the most of the opportunity till this morning :)

Less than an hour into today's walk, in which I was joined by Beverly Barnett and her son Brad, we arrived to downtown Hartwell, a setting of the novel "The Color Purple."

Less than an hour into today's walk, in which I was joined by Beverly Barnett and her son Brad, we arrived to downtown Hartwell, a setting of the novel "The Color Purple."

Cris, a local shopowner, warmly greeted me upon arriving to Hartwell's town square. Cris spent days fashioning the scarecrows in her storefront. Scores of well-decorated scarecrows of all types are to be found all over Hartwell this month. I've never in my life seen anything like it, and absolutely love it! This pair was host Barbara's favorite!

Cris, a local shopowner, warmly greeted me upon arriving to Hartwell's town square. Cris spent days fashioning the scarecrows in her storefront. Scores of well-decorated scarecrows of all types are to be found all over Hartwell this month. I've never in my life seen anything like it, and absolutely love it! This pair was host Barbara's favorite!

Look closely-- can you read this scarecrow's "words of wisdom"..?? =P

Look closely-- can you read this scarecrow's "words of wisdom"..?? =P

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Host Bob Fogg displays what came straight to him in the street, in the wind, as he was awaiting our delegation of walkers to arrive. KARMA!!

Host Bob Fogg displays what came straight to him in the street, in the wind, as he was awaiting our delegation of walkers to arrive. KARMA!!

Renee (center) not only treated ALL walkers to a free buffet lunch at her New York Pizza restaurant, she also arranged a place for me to stay for the night. Thanks so much, Renee!! Autumn (right), has ensured that my stuff will be carried several miles forward for me tomorrow. (WOW!!)

Renee (center) not only treated ALL walkers to a free buffet lunch at her New York Pizza restaurant, she also arranged a place for me to stay for the night. Thanks so much, Renee!! Autumn (right), has ensured that my stuff will be carried several miles forward for me tomorrow. (WOW!!)

Brad Barnett joined me for the remainder of my Georgia miles today. Morgan, his girlfriend, joined us for nearly a mile as well, despite recently having come off foot surgery. Cool peeps!!

Brad Barnett joined me for the remainder of my Georgia miles today. Morgan, his girlfriend, joined us for nearly a mile as well, despite recently having come off foot surgery. Cool peeps!!

At the lake and dam which separates Georgia and South Carolina, five of us walked the final 1.5 miles together. Daniel (white shirt) just met us all there and joined us for the final stretch-- great guy!!

At the lake and dam which separates Georgia and South Carolina, five of us walked the final 1.5 miles together. Daniel (white shirt) just met us all there and joined us for the final stretch-- great guy!!

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Could there be a more beautiful way to conclude Georgia on foot??

Could there be a more beautiful way to conclude Georgia on foot??

After a mile of walking atop the earthen dam, we had to take a side path down to the main Hwy 29, our only way across the river to South Carolina.

After a mile of walking atop the earthen dam, we had to take a side path down to the main Hwy 29, our only way across the river to South Carolina.

Back on Hwy 29. South Carolina, here we come!

Back on Hwy 29. South Carolina, here we come!

Making it past the "Welcome to Georgia" sign, we approach the fast, narrow bridge across the Savannah River.

Making it past the "Welcome to Georgia" sign, we approach the fast, narrow bridge across the Savannah River.

From above the drought-stricken Savannah River, our late afternoon view of the dam ~

From above the drought-stricken Savannah River, our late afternoon view of the dam ~

Almost there!!

Almost there!!

Ms. Beverly, Road Angel #1 (BY FAR) of this past week of Georgia, joins me for the welcome-to-South-Carolina pic. Beverly has in fact been one of the very brightest of all road angels across the 4,000 miles!!

Ms. Beverly, Road Angel #1 (BY FAR) of this past week of Georgia, joins me for the welcome-to-South-Carolina pic. Beverly has in fact been one of the very brightest of all road angels across the 4,000 miles!!

I’m overflowing with gratitude for all of the wonderful people I’ve met and experiences I’ve enjoyed across the great state of Georgia.
I also give a great bow of gratitude for all the awesome South Carolina moments and memories that await me during my first time ever in the Palmetto State!

The Hay People of Hartwell!

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I’ve never seen anything quite like it, and immediately, I absolutely fell in love with it!!
Across the core of the small city of Hartwell, Georgia, population 4,200, you’ll find autumn scarecrows on almost every street. Scores of them line the city square and surrounding streets. At first, at a distance, some of them fooled me for actual people. They’ve been specially placed as we usher in the fall season, Halloween well on its way. They simply refer to their straw men as scarecrows, and the scarecrows represent anything from fashions and lifestyles, to pop culture icons, to churches and unique businesses. Though I don’t know that I’ve seen even half of the scarecrows erected throughout the city, and didn’t snap pics of all I spotted, here are some of the many I walked by:

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In front of the local United Methodist Church

In front of the local United Methodist Church

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Her sign reads: "We believe if you wear enough pretty lipstick, sparkly jewelry, and great shoes, no one will notice the size of your butt!"

Her sign reads: "We believe if you wear enough pretty lipstick, sparkly jewelry, and great shoes, no one will notice the size of your butt!"

Behind the window of the local pharmacy, the scarecrow counts out a prescription for candy corn!

Behind the window of the local pharmacy, the scarecrow counts out a prescription for candy corn!

Local merchant Cris shows off her lovely Lucy display. Thanks for your help, Cris!!

Local merchant Cris shows off her lovely Lucy display. Thanks for your help, Cris!!

"Y-M-C-A!!!!"

"Y-M-C-A!!!!"

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Fun Stuff!!

Fun Stuff!!

One of the funniest parts of it all, was since the scarecrows from a distance often look like people, people standing still on the sidewalk at a distance (in a cell phone conversation or whatever), would start fooling us for people!!

I <3 Hartwell

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Today’s “Goldmine” walk brought me up Georgia Hwy 29, from Royston to Hartwell, passing through the community of Goldmine along the way…
Michael Lord, one of my co-hosts in Royston, joined me for the first five miles of the day. Mike & Tim, his partner, pulled my stuff forward to Hartwell for me, tremendously lightening my load as I walked all the steps from one city to the next. Thanks Guys!

Tim & Mike bid me farewell from their home in Royston. Mike joined me for the first five miles of the day. "I haven't walked a mile in twenty years," Mike told me, "tomorrow's my birthday, and this is a good first step into taking a nice walk every day."

Tim & Mike bid me farewell from their home in Royston. Mike joined me for the first five miles of the day. "I haven't walked a mile in twenty years," Mike told me, "tomorrow's my birthday, and this is a good first step into taking a nice walk every day."

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A handful of miles into the day, and we reach Goldmine, home to the first pumpkin patch I've seen outside of my native Pacific Northwest!

A handful of miles into the day, and we reach Goldmine, home to the first pumpkin patch I've seen outside of my native Pacific Northwest!

Five miles into it, and Mike's completed the first of many more walks he'll be taking this year. Mike hasn't gone on a mile-long walk in 20 years-- and today he walked five. I sense something very awesome beginning here...!!

Five miles into it, and Mike's completed the first of many more walks he'll be taking this year. Mike hasn't gone on a mile-long walk in 20 years-- and today he walked five. I sense something very awesome beginning here...!!

Forward to Hartwell

Forward to Hartwell

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Ah-Yeh-Li A-Lo-Hee, the Cherokee "Center of the World." I had no idea this existed, and though I was on a tight schedule, I immediately had to put all else on hold to stop at this VERY special place, meditate, pay my respect and gratitude before returning to the road...

Ah-Yeh-Li A-Lo-Hee, the Cherokee "Center of the World." I had no idea this existed, and though I was on a tight schedule, I immediately had to put all else on hold to stop at this VERY special place, meditate, pay my respect and gratitude before returning to the road...

Buck & Beverly Barnett were awaiting me in Hartwell, where their great friends, Bob & Barbara (who hosted me to the excellent, comprehensive dental treatment this past Wednesday) own a lakeside cabin. All are at the cabin this weekend, and have invited me to join them! (Yay!) Barbara has a warm friendship with Tim & Mike; it was Beverly who called them and asked them if they'd like to host me. She hasn't seen either in a while, so I enjoyed witness a warm reunion among them all upon arriving to Hartwell tonight! :) :)

Buck & Beverly Barnett were awaiting me in Hartwell, where their great friends, Bob & Barbara (who hosted me to the excellent, comprehensive dental treatment this past Wednesday) own a lakeside cabin. All are at the cabin this weekend, and have invited me to join them! (Yay!) Beverly has a warm friendship with Tim & Mike; it was Beverly who called them and asked them if they'd like to host me. She hasn't seen either in a while, so I enjoyed witnessing a warm reunion among them all upon arriving to Hartwell tonight! :) :)

Saying goodbye to Tim & Mike. Awesome Guys!!

Saying goodbye to Tim & Mike. Awesome Guys!!

Arriving to the lakeside cabin, in Hartwell, Georgia

Arriving to the lakeside cabin, in Hartwell, Georgia

Buck helps to prepare a late evening cabin meal

Buck helps to prepare a late evening cabin meal

Bob Fogg talks college football with me. Bob & Buck are fans, and I have plenty to learn from them both! :)

Bob Fogg talks college football with me. Bob & Buck are fans, and I have plenty to learn from them both! :)

Barbara & Beverly, Road Angels :)

Barbara & Beverly, Road Angels :)

From Fundreds to Royston

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Early in the day, I spoke to "fundreds"--a very fun group of hundreds of kids at Fowler Elementary School in Athens. Athens was already some 20 miles behind me, so I readily accepted a ride to return me to Athens, and ultimately back to Shiloh, where I'd left off yesterday. I remembered the good camera for today's meeting with the kids, but didn't find out till the last second that I'd forgotten it's memory card. Oh well, the cell phone snapped this pic (fifth in a series of pics) of a single class which had attended the assembly. Fun people! Fun Stuff!

Early in the day, I spoke to "fundreds"--a very fun group of hundreds of kids at Fowler Elementary School in Athens. Athens was already some 20 miles behind me, so I readily accepted a ride to return me to Athens, and ultimately back to Shiloh, where I'd left off yesterday. I remembered the good camera for today's meeting with the kids, but didn't find out till the last second that I'd forgotten it's memory card. Oh well, the cell phone snapped this pic (fifth in a series of pics) of a single class which had attended the assembly. Fun people! Fun Stuff!

Returning to the exact spot in which I'd left off yesterday, in the driveway of Tony & Audrey, I'm greeted again today by Audrey, and her daughter Amber as well. I say goodbye to Buck, a wonderful man whom I'd only begun to get to know. He and his wife have been SO helpful to me!! They're slated to meet me this weekend in Hartwell and at the nearby lake and dam, which I very much look forward to!

Returning to the exact spot in which I'd left off yesterday, in the driveway of Tony & Audrey, I'm greeted again today by Audrey, and her daughter Amber as well. I say goodbye to Buck, a wonderful man whom I'd only begun to get to know. He and his wife have been SO helpful to me!! They're slated to meet me this weekend in Hartwell and at the nearby lake and dam, which I very much look forward to!

Walking up and down the hills to Royston today, I'm SO thankful that Buck transported my belongings forward for me! It's challenging enough just walking for miles along an unpredictable dirt and grass roadside shoulders-- doing so with the Chariot makes things much slower and more difficult. Thank You Again, Road Angel Buck!

Walking up and down the hills to Royston today, I'm SO thankful that Buck transported my belongings forward for me! It's challenging enough just walking for miles along an unpredictable dirt and grass roadside shoulders-- doing so with the Chariot makes things much slower and more difficult. Thank You Again, Road Angel Buck!

Over the occasional bridge, it becomes necessary to stop, gaze and breathe ~

Over the occasional bridge, it becomes necessary to stop, gaze and breathe ~

Walking through rural America typically means that one needs to always be sure to bring enough water. It also means that one must become flexible and creative when seeking spontaneous bathroom opportunities. Golden Arches ahead amid long, rural miles often spell relief. (Though I haven't kept up on them lately,) Unless I'm convinced that at least one of their menu offerings might actually be more healthy than not, I'll continue to neither buy nor eat anything from them. I will, however, always help myself to their McBathrooms and McWater. (I've paid my dues!)

Walking through rural America typically means that one needs to always be sure to bring enough water. It also means that one must become flexible and creative when seeking spontaneous bathroom opportunities. Golden Arches ahead amid long, rural miles often spell relief. (Though I haven't kept up on them lately,) Unless I'm convinced that at least one of their menu offerings might actually be more healthy than not, I'll continue to neither buy nor eat anything from them. I will, however, always help myself to their McBathrooms and McWater. (I've paid my dues!)

Reaching today's final miles, the sidewalks emerged!

Reaching today's final miles, the sidewalks emerged!

There seem to be never-ending surprises wherever one may roam ~

There seem to be never-ending surprises wherever one may roam ~

Despite appearing to be a restaurant of the lowest grade of food, I LOVE their sign!

Despite appearing to be a restaurant of the lowest grade of food, I LOVE their sign!

By the end of the day, I reached Mike & Tim's, in central Royston.

By the end of the day, I reached Mike & Tim's, in central Royston.

Mike insists I take his bed while he sleeps on the sofa. He would not allow me to swap with him. Wow-- I feel like I'm in a classy Bed & Breakfast!!

Mike insists I take his bed while he sleeps on the sofa. He would not allow me to swap with him. Wow-- I feel like I'm in a classy Bed & Breakfast!!

Tim and Mike. Mike prepared a FANTASTIC vegetarian bean stew, with delicious home-made cornbread. We all enjoyed hours of good conversations! Awesome Guys!

Tim and Mike. Mike prepared a FANTASTIC vegetarian bean stew, with delicious home-made cornbread. We all enjoyed hours of good conversations! Awesome Guys!

Shallow Shift through Shiloh

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SHALLOW SHILOH

Though it doesn’t register on any digital map I use, today’s handful of miles took me across the small, rural community of Shiloh. I didn’t even know the community existed, till I met locals today who told me that this was the name of the community. At first, I didn’t hear correctly: “Shallow? Like shallow water??”
“No, Shiloh.”
I still often find myself slowly getting used to pronunciation variations found in many parts of the country. In many parts of the rural South, the man’s name “Jim” sounds like “jam” to me, but knowing that no mother here names her son after a jar of strawberry preserves, it’s effortless to quickly understand the Jim-jam difference. Other words, including far less common words, carry the potential to confuse me. It took a friendly local gentleman to actually spell out the name of his community to me, for me to understand that no, I hadn’t reached the community of “Shallow, Georgia,” I’d just arrived to “Shiloh, Georgia”!
I should clarify that I’m not even trying in the slightest to pretend that my pronunciation is superior. Not at all. I’m the foreigner here, so if anyone has an accent around here, it’s me. Having formally studied four foreign languages, and having learned to speak two of them proficiently (Spanish & Portuguese) amid nearly two years in Latin America, I’ve long lost any ignorant, idiotic ego barrier of somehow thinking that only in places outside my little home community is where people have accents–but never I. Therefore, if I’m to learn to speak like a local, I’ll tell them just how sweet I find the people of “shallow” (Shiloh) to be.

BARNETT BOOMERANG
Buck & Beverly Barnett, who almost feel like family now as I reach a third night of their sweet Georgia hospitality, are very kindly giving me “boomerang support” for today’s miles. Though I spent a number of hours earlier today working on communications, hosting and shipments which I’ll soon be meeting in South Carolina, I also still wanted to walk a few miles amid today’s awesome 80-degree weather– and Buck & Beverly helped to make that possible for me–offering to pick me up at the end of today’s walk, and return me tomorrow to my exact stopping point–to connect all the steps for tomorrow’s miles to Royston.

Learning today that I’ve been invited to speak to Fowler Elementary School, which is nearly twenty miles behind me, Buck & Beverly will take me back there early Friday afternoon to speak to the K-5 students. They then will drop me off in Shiloh, at the exact address at which I left off today (home of Tony & Audrey), allowing me to easily connect all the steps and continue walking the handful of remaining miles into Royston tomorrow afternoon, where I’m to be hosted at the home of their friends Mike & Tim.

Today's miles quickly ushered me out of little Ila and into the beautiful rural countryside surrounding Georgia Hwy 174.

Today's miles quickly ushered me out of little Ila and into the beautiful rural countryside surrounding Georgia Hwy 174.

Nearly halfway into today's miles, a door opens and a voice calls out to me: "Would you like some water?"

Nearly halfway into today's miles, a door opens and a voice calls out to me: "Would you like some water?"

!\” \”S-H-I-L-O-H: [Shallow!]\”"]"Welcome to [Shallow]!" "S-H-I-L-O-H: [Shallow!]"

"Welcome to Shiloh! S-H-I-L-O-H: Shiloh!"

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After first barking at me, this shy-for-five-seconds youngster gave me a very warm, wet, energetic welcome outside the local evangelical church-- running laps around me! I stopped, petted, and played with him for a few minutes before moving on. Though keeping his eyes on me, his new playmate, as I walked away, Thank God he didn't try to follow me!

After first barking at me, this shy-for-five-seconds youngster gave me a very warm, wet, energetic welcome outside the local evangelical church-- running laps around me! I stopped, petted, and played with him for a few minutes before moving on. Though keeping his eyes on me, his new playmate, as I walked away, Thank God he didn't try to follow me!

Peaceful, rural Georgia Highway 174

Peaceful, rural Georgia Highway 174

Rusty Roadside Relics

Rusty Roadside Relics

IMAG0623

By the end of the day, I'd reached Georgia Hwy 29, a much busier highway. Though the quietest roads are make for my favorite walks, a common benefit of busier highways is more roadside shoulder space to walk on. Case in point: freshly-mowed green grass. Ahead on the right, the sweet couple Tony & Audrey are about to walk out their front driveway to introduce themselves to me. (!!)

By the end of the day, I'd reached Georgia Hwy 29, a much busier highway. Though the quietest roads are make for my favorite walks, a common benefit of busier highways is more roadside shoulder space to walk on. Case in point: freshly-mowed green grass. Ahead on the right, the sweet couple Tony & Audrey are about to walk out their front driveway to introduce themselves to me. (!!)

Tony had driven by me a few minutes earlier, read my sign, and informed Audrey, his wife, upon arriving home, just up the road from me. By the time I reached their Shiloh home, they'd both come out to the front of their driveway to greet me and offer me water. As it turned out, the Brilliant Barnett Boomerang caught up to me here, while speaking with Tony & Audrey. I therefore will be continuing from their driveway tomorrow. Thanks, Everyone!!

Tony had driven by me a few minutes earlier, read my sign, and informed Audrey, his wife, upon arriving home, just up the road from me. By the time I reached their Shiloh home, they'd both come out to the front of their driveway to greet me and offer me water. As it turned out, the Brilliant Barnett Boomerang caught up to me here, while speaking with Tony & Audrey. I therefore will be continuing from their driveway tomorrow. Thanks, Everyone!!

I Love ILA, Georgia

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I awoke this morning to a tasty, home-cooked Georgia vegetarian biscuits-n-gravy breakfast, courtesy of hosts Buck & Beverly Barnett

I awoke this morning to a tasty, home-cooked Georgia vegetarian biscuits-n-gravy breakfast, courtesy of hosts Buck & Beverly Barnett

Host Beverly Barnett, long-term volunteer work veteran, and participant in many charitable walks, joins me for five miles today into Ila.

Host Beverly Barnett, long-term volunteer work veteran, and participant in many charitable walks, joins me for five miles today into Ila.

On our way into Ila, walking up Hwy 106, Beverly points out to me what was formerly a slave church-- the first time I've knowingly seen such a site.

On our way into Ila, walking up Hwy 106, Beverly points out to me what was formerly a slave church-- the first time I've knowingly seen such a site.

Nearby Nicholson Elementary School invites me in this afternoon to speak to a cafeteria full of kids about healthy living-- Fun! Fun! Fun!

Nearby Nicholson Elementary School invites me in this afternoon to speak to a cafeteria full of kids about healthy living-- Fun! Fun! Fun!

Thanks so much, Bob, Barbara & Brenda-- owners and managers of Athens Family Dental, for gifting me with a full dental update!! They offered me top-notch "tooth-whitening for the White House." Once there, in the late afternoon, they stayed open late to take X-rays, give me a full cleaning (which I haven't had since the Walk began), and have one of the experienced dentists on staff examine me. The y gave me tips for more efficient tooth & gum care, which despite more trips to the dentists throughout my 37 years of life than I can count, I've never received. After first treating me to some delicious local Thai food, they sent me out the door with a happy dental care package as well. (WOW!!!) BTW: this is completely connected to yesterday's side-of-the-road meeting with Ms. Beverly Barnett, my current host in Ila, who introduced me to Bob & Barbara last night. Thank You, Road Angel, for introducing me to the Tooth Fairies!

Great Gratitude to Today's Tooth Fairies!!

Thanks so much, Bob, Barbara & Brenda– owners and managers of Athens Family Dental, for gifting me with a full dental update!!
They offered me top-notch “tooth-whitening for the White House.” Once there, in the late afternoon, they stayed open late to take X-rays, give me a full cleaning (which I haven’t had since the Walk began), and have one of the experienced dentists on staff examine me. They gave me tips for more efficient tooth & gum care, which despite more trips to the dentists throughout my 37 years of life than I can count, I’ve never received. After first treating me to some delicious local Thai food, they sent me out the door with a happy dental care package as well. (WOW!!!)
BTW: this is completely connected to yesterday’s side-of-the-road meeting with Ms. Beverly Barnett, my current host in Ila, who introduced me to Bob & Barbara last night.

Thank You, Road Angel, for introducing me to the Tooth Fairies!

An absolutely delicious Thai food dinner!! ...and for the cherry on top, Beverly handed me her gift card to the local organic frozen yogurt shop--convincing me that it would go unused otherwise. I'm almost feeling TOO blessed!!

An absolutely delicious Thai food dinner!! ...and for the cherry on top, Beverly handed me her gift card to the local organic frozen yogurt shop--convincing me that it would go unused otherwise. I'm almost feeling TOO blessed!!