Saturday, May 30, 2009

Day29/whole lotta' healin' goin' on

Hosed out the van and hangin' on the porch. I listened to a book on the I-pod about a boy stranded on a 26 boat after a ship went down. He was stranded with a hyena, arangatang a zebra and bengal tiger. Quite the story.....

Amazing what a body can endure


The life of Pi
Yann Martel

Friday, May 29, 2009

Three days till the dressing comes off.

Getting anxious to see the stub of my finger. I will see it for the rest of my life. Nevertheless ,I am anxious.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

My top knuckle got cut off!

For someone who is checking where in the world I went, disappeared to, I am healing from having an amputation.
I worked today using just one hand, wrapping my hand in a towel so I would not use it . No matter what I do evryday when I wake up the swelling is down but still it is swollen. In a few hours my hand is puffed and visbly more swollen. Even if I do nothing. After working six hours my arm aches to the shoulder.
I am still determined to get back to the road as soon as I am able so ,again, bare with me.I am with myself..

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Day24/day thirteen of healing:

I fell asleep last night while listening to a book on the I- pod so I missed saying anything about Memorial day. I went to a city function and donated to the Flag fund for our fallen heroes. I have great respect for our forces and veterans and here personally thank them.

Still healing slowly and waiting for my appt. early next week and stll hope to get back soon to our little walk.I most likely will be going slower till I completly heal but will continue as best I can to raise awareness and collect donations for the ADA.
Have a great day!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Day22

My other fingers are loosening up and have only had a couple spasms o' pain in the stubby finger. Have spent the day reading, not using my hand.

Consolation: raining in Illinois

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Day21/ still healing

Two years ago when we walked to Pittsburg from Louisville I took with me a pocket sized book by Kahlil Gibran. A short tale of a man stranded on an island state for twelve years. On the day a ship from his homeland came the people of the city gathered to ask him to share his thoughts on simple things like marriage, children, giving and work.
On the day my father passed I read it aloud at his bedside.after I finished we all left his room, but for my sister. He passed minutes later. I have never read from it without inspiration or comparison to my life.Both my mother and father(niether outwardly religious to extreme) had given me this short tale at different times as I was growing up. Now since I have this time of healing from my fingertip being removed I will share a section or two.So I'll flip open my mothers own copy and copy the chapter it opens to...

Then a Ploughman said, "Speak to us of Work."
And he answered saying:
You work that you keep pace with the earth and the soul of the earth.
For to be idle is to become a stranger unto the seasons,and to step out of lifes procession, that marches in majesty and proud submission towards the invinite.

When you work you are a flute through whose heart the whispering of the hours turns to music.
Which of you would be a reed, dumb and silent, when all else is singing in inison?

Always you have been told that work is a curse
And labour a misfortune.
But I say to you that when you work you fulfil a part of earth's furthest dream,
assigned to you when that dream was born,
And in keeping yourself with labour you are in truth
loving life,......work is Love made visible.



Ok I shortened it s bit the b
finger is throbbing.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Day 20 /dayninehealing

Good day with a couple instances where I could tell I was missing a. DIGIT

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Day19/day eight of healing:OUCH

I received the invoice for the first hospital , the loving hands of Memorial hospital in Jasper which included the ride to Jewish hospital here in Louisville.... OUCH

Perhaps universal healthcare is a good idea lol.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Day18/day seven of healing -Worldguy van-

Juggling the Dog,the world and carrying a back pack is just too simple so today I got my old work van out of moth balls (I paid up the tags and insured it again)to use as a supply vehicle when I return to the road .What I will do is ask for help by taking the van ahead of us some days travel and get a ride back to where the world is and walk to it. Then re supply or clean up when I get to it, then walk on. It is a walk of faith that I will get some willing participants in this endeavor. My cause is good and I think having a base on wheels will be helpful if I need to make a side trip, store food and water, or something like keeping the dressing clean on my healing finger
It will also give me something else to juggle...my phone # is 5024085772 if you know someone who may be willing to let my supply van stay on their lot for a few days.
When I return I will re-begin at the 44 mile marker of Ind state road 64. That hopefully will be the frist week of June. My appointment to get the dressing off is the first of June.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Day17/day six of healing

Did some cleaning around the house and walked the dog a bit. Finger top stinging and the swelling getting better. Onelong stinger down thbe bsckside of finger. I guess its the tendon. Healing well I think.

turning a corner @ 4:30am

I woke up with the music.
Began dancing to the tune
Blues traveler was playing
I danced til my finger throbbed and laughed to myself.,still I felt I'd turned a corner.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Day17/day six of healing

A beautiful cool day. A good day spent with my son. Doing laundry. I even fixed a door at the house. Yes, I fumbled with the screws in my right hand but I am healing well and hope all is well under the bandage. Once again, as with the pasr year I am waiting patientl for when I can leave again.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Day16/ day five of healing

Stinging tip,swelling going down a little everyday, finger wanting to move with the others. Kinda' hurts. I keep looking ast the weather channel and seeing where I was. It has been sort of cold so it's all for the best.considering the lessons learned.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Day15/day four of healing

A quiet day, I had a visit from an old friend and his brother (who saved my life as a teen by stealing my girlfriend). We sat and talked on the porch till he had to leave for his flight back home.I would not have seen him had not Nice(the dog) accidently bit my fingertip off. Many other examples of good have come in these days since the incident. All things happen for a reason if we just can see it. I have been reading religiously while I heal.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Day14 / day three of healiing

I went to the American Diabetes office today and "hand" delivered the generous donation I received for the first Eleven days, I realize the healing ticker will pass the walking ticker before I get back on the road.
Thankyou again.Erik

Thursday, May 14, 2009

D13/dtwo sad bull in the china shop

Never doubted he didn't mean it,
From the look on his face, when he tasted what he had done.
I tossed him the toy,and nodded it's okay.
He just picked it up, tossed it in his mouth and lay his head on it.
Sad ,sad pup, sad. Bull in my china shop.

Day13/day two of healing

I have been doing what I was told by the Doctors, keeping my hand elevated above my heart, moving the other fingers, not lifting anything with my right hand and keeping it bagged and dry when I went to the shower. Today I went to the health food store and got collegen, minerals and protein shake plus I am loading up on Emergen-C . That should help the healing process so I can get back on the road.
This time may allow the rains of spring to pass though the heat will then be a factor. When we walked to Pittsburgh it was during late July and August of '07 so we have experience at that.
The nurses in the O.R. Were impressed at my positive attitude while having surgery as I could not have anesthesia because I had a big breakfast. They wanted to know my secret, and wondered how my heart rate was 45 bpm during this. I believe it is a fine example. That even a fat (overweight) 47 year old can stay healthy with excersize, diet , sleep and keeping stress low.I am.not walking for diabtetes awareness for just donations. Perhaps this may inspire activity for those at risk.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Day12/day one healing

I just finished asdding the donations. For the first eleven days of my walking before the dog whisperer incident . Happy to report: $2716.45
Thanks to all who have donated so far.
I will be back on the road as soon as my injury heals so be patient.

Day 12:day one of healing

I will now stop being "cryptic" and tell yesterdays story more clearly.
I had just had breakfast with my host who had me stay with them for the night. "Rupe" had helped me and Nice(the dog) on our last five miles and his parents were kind enough to let us stay. They have two dogs so when we arrived the night before in transport with "Rupe" and his mother he took Nice from the truck and introduced the dogs.(Establishing himself as the dominant/alpha dog)The dogs got along well enough till the next morning when me and "mom" were out on the patio and "Rupe" let Nice(the dog) out of the porch where he had stayed the night. That is when their male and Nice (the dog) commenced to re establishing dominance because "Rupe" was inside. I had broken Nice (the dog) away from others before but(life changing "but") as I grabbed Nice (the dog)'s head he lunged for a better hold on my hosts dog my middle finger was wedged in the crushing molars of a biting "force of nature". The result being the quick amputation of most of the top of my middle finger. "Rupe" then rushed out and separated the "pack". (Being the established Alpha).then after a couple of chews Nice(the dog) realized he had "Dad" in his mouth,lowered his head and let the top of my finger roll onto the patio stone .Obvious to all involved...regrettable. I clinched the wound as "Rupe" and his fine new Mustang took us to the Loving care of the emergency room staff in Jasper from which I was then transported to Jewish hospital in Louisville where Kunz and Klienert (the finest orthopedics in the world) did what was best and finished the job by taking the rest of the crushed bone tip off and dressing my stub in a bandage that I must keep on until I go back on the first of June for a look-see . Then I will know better when I can continue on my walk to Kansas .
I am of the opinion things happen for a reason (beyond "keep hand clear of fighting dogs" and I will use this healing time to lighten my supply pack and clean my house so I can better maneuver the World.
So, for now, I will be posting my story with two time tables.I.e. Day12/ day one of healimg

Day11 The journey must be postponed

I must heal for several weeks.
I can not get my stump wet or infected and let it heal over before I begin where I left the road yesterday. For those who are following me here you must know if I could go on I would. I lost my top joint on my middle finger but the real hurt is not being able to go on right away,I must be patient and take the time to heal.I will return!
I will post the amount I have collected in the mocollected in the morning and take it to the ADA

Please be patient and firgibe my stupidity in getting my hand in th way of two dogs doing whst dogs do.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Day11

Some things just aren't nessessary , like breaking up a dog fight.


L
More details later, but if you look on Facebook on todays pics. And you can see a hint.

I am taking thw day off

Day11 Bully Coyote

Yesterday my little plan of taking it easy was just about in the can marked success. We had just entered Pike Co.,met the local police had an interview and a picnic lunch with the obligatory "my life story" as table conversation and were gearing up at the mouth of the driveway when a force of nature pulled up in a new black Mustang.. The man inside is a Iraq veteran and had to see what I was doing. But moreover it seems he was concerned with Nice (the dog)who was looking pitiful with is pack swaying from side to side as he walked. After telling my quest to "Rupe" he offered to go get his ruck and boots and take Nice (the dogs) pack and a portion of mine and walk with us.

When he returned in fatigues we loaded these things in "Rupe's" ruck and he, just like Saturday pushed my limits walking with enthusiasm and twenty one year old youth (military trained youth) .We doubled our. " Lite day" goal of 5 miles.
Here's the funny part..Nice (the coyote) turned into a jumping, pulling playfully on the leash. Yes, your humble narrator and "Rupe" fooled us,tricked us, perpetrated a fraud. He had been looking like a dog in pergatory, on his last legs,and a bum leg at that.

So this morning I am putting my fate in the hands of our nations finest who will be with us again today.

Gotta' go.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Day10 Slow the roll

All yesterday I was thankful for our two twenty year old helpers from Saturday that pushed us thru the head wind with youthful speed and vigor. It rained just a bit though the night and my old-man barometer is pointing to my pack-burdoned feet,thrice broken back,and my snoring puppy .It is fun doing what I do for the cause but I need to look at the result of pushing too hard as a lesson in patience.
Today I will give my dogs and my Dog a rest and slow my roll.
A little maintainance goes a long way and we have hundreds of miles to go.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Day9 Top it off

Today was sunny all day which gets the World tight and big. Then when the sun goes behind clouds it gets limp and mushy.this evening when I thought I might rest two gentlemen came to me and one had in his truck an air pump that we used to give the world a boost. They just leftand my tired eyes have returned. Alas no witty stories . I can't keep my eyes open......ZZZzzzz

day9 Nice needs a break

We made it to Huntingburgs lake park and are pretty tired. Nice,who usually lays down when I stop to talk was falling fast asleep during he stops so this is where we will stay. I need some rest also.
Hope I can post later but fir now I must relax.
Note: Nice is a Nanny dog, he us now watching a man who is trying to keep his toddler from running off,and is growling at him(from a distance)because NO ONE LAYS A HAND ON CHILDREN around Nice.

Day9 Small world (I think I may use that title often)

I made a mistake last night after it became dark. I rolled the world down a steep embankment where it looked like the small city I was leaving had mowed the tall grass. I threw my tent up and had just lay my head down when a car pulls up a drive that I had not seen and honked. A woman said I was camping in her front yard and had to leave, she was calling her husband and the police. To keep this short after we moved up the road a bit the sherrif gave me a Dubois Co. Jr deputy sherriff badge and the woman sent a Lb. Bag of sliced turkey over with him. Apparently she volunteers for Diabetes fund raisers herself.So now I have some sort of clearance thru the Co. and am thinking it more serendipity than a mistake.

I am entering Sprint pcs no signal land but will do my best over the next days to find a sweet spot to post.

Thanks again to "Dipity" and "Seren" who helped me against the wind yesterday (Mark and Andrew)
Again also thanks to those who have found it in their hearts to give support to the diabetes cause by their generous donations to The American Diabetes Association during our journeys.

Still walking with Love in my heart, Erik

Saturday, May 9, 2009

day8 nightfall

The wind has died down and it seems like I will be able push on a little further to find a place to camp. I am still in sort of a shock that I had help to make it so far today. I can't thank those young men enough. One even carried my pack the last half mile seeing that I was beyond my energy.

Day8

So I have said that sometimes we get help even at times when we don't realize how much we need it. Today serendipity smiled on us again.We left The cottage inn and rolled past Eckerty then up the long rise to Birds Eye which I hear is the highest point between there and St.Louis.The higher I got the stronger the wind became at our face.
When we got to Birds Eye we were interviewed by the local newspaper and after I offered to let some of the people standing there to help push the world a bit. We got two takers,cousins who enthusiastically helped push aginst the wind through town and then asked if I'd. Mind if they went along a little bit further. We never had help like this so I said yes and they ended up pushing with me to the next gas station. Little. Did I know the next gas station was miles up the road in ST. Agnes! I know I,d only be half that distance with that wind . They wore me out but it was worth it. Thanks boys!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Day7 Raining buckets

The road angels are looking out for us! Just as it started to pour we were offered two places to stay over night snd each were fifty yards away from where we stood. Thanks to The Cottage Inn for opening the trailer and turning on the water.now I will do as Nice (the dog) and pass out.

Day7 Thank our sponsors

For almost two years since me and Nice (the dog) finished our wlk from Louisville to Pittsburg I have been preparing for this new walk.getting my affairs in orderdoesn't compare to the help of our sponsors.
Those good people who help us along our journey. I can't thank you enough.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Inspiration from George Bernard Shaw

This is the true joy in life,
The being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one.
The being a force of nature rather than a clod of ailments and grievances, complaining the world will not devote itself to making you happy.
I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.
I want to be thoroughly used up when I die,for the harder I work the more I live.
I rejoice in life for its own sake.
Life is no brief candle to me.
It is a sort of splendid torch which I've got to hold up for the moment.
I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it over to future generations.

Day6 The good people of Indiana

I began my day of walking after a restful night at the good Mormons home (Thank you for your more than generous hospitality) to find a couple beginning their days work on a new fence row at the end of the drive who had been talking to each other about me just before I came up. They were happy to see me and wished me luck. In two and a half hours I talked to fifty or so passers by and was in English having a fine lunch. Then went to the CVS and transferred the Donations I had into a money order for the American Diabetes Association. Before I left the parking lot I began receiving more.Really before I left the counter I began receiving more. I can't tell you how good people are. At every turn their smiles and conversation reinforce that what I have begun is worth all the pain and sweat.
Make no mistake I would gladly trad all I have done to have had my Mother be here today. She was a public servant who cared for many yet failed to do what was nesessary to manage her diabetes. I think what she could have done above her many accomplishments had she lived.

Back to the walk...the days clouds broke into a beautiful sunny afternoon. The hills were long and at the top of each rise the westward wind pushed against the world.I tacked from side to side enjoying the challenge. To those who would apologize for stopping me to talk or take a picture of Nice (the dog) I would say I welcome the rrst and it truly is a joy to talk to so many different people,to see them smile.
We made it to Tazwell and are camped on the hill in the grveyard above the church. When we got here twenty poeople showed up to wish us well one man and his toddler who we had talked to twice today brought me a most welcome gift.A gallon of warm water.... .

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Day5 Days End

I think a review of the day since my last post is in order... Just after I wrote that the rain was letting up it stopped altogether. Of coarse I got my large plastic bag out and put it on the ground, removed all the packs, broke down the tent and put Nice's gear on. Just as I was about heft the pack on my own back it again began to drizzle. It was too late, I was committed to go so I put my ground bag over the back pack and off we went in the rain that didn't stop until night fall.Glorious
We walked through Merengo but not before being invited to talk to the cub and boy scouts at the church Stopping to eat in front of the dinner under their porch and having a parade of school teens come and get their photo shots. Many others did the same.
We made it to the church with ten minutes to spare.
Now we get to go back to my post earlier where I sais some airy fairy thing aboutg getting where I need to be just when I need to be there. A coincidence?I had to walk mostly up hill to get there in the rain. I talked to the scouts and they seemed truly glad for the experience and the photos with Nice and the Earth.Did I mention the name of the road was Goodman Ridge? Hmmmm The good Den Mother and her husband have a spare house (long story) so I am writing you from a real bed!
Who knew the day would end like this.I should sleep to be ready for the day tomorrow ,good night

Day5 special delivery!

A man we met yesterday at the US64 fuel cell and food mart(VeJay owner) just brought a generous donation in a check to the ADA from the Milltown Sons of the American Legion Squadron 332 - in memory of Randall Brooks- Thank you Sirs!

He also left wit me todays edition of The Corydon Democrat "Indiana's leading Blue Ribbon newspaper and Harrison County's news source since 1856"(www.corydondemocrat.com) with a front page feature of our story. Again Thankyou!

It is 1 P M and still raining. I am watching the traffic go by swirling up a spray that surely would not make Nice (the dog) live up to his name.though it is letting up a bit and we should be back on the road soon.

Day5 morning rain break

Good morning! I am hanging out in the tent enjoying the pitter patter of raindrops a mile or so east of Marango caves (that's what the sign said) waiting for the rain to stop. I was going to post last night but at 3am when Nice(the dog) woke up and ran out of the tent in "protect mode" I realize I had fallen asleep with the Blackberry in my hand.
I have been averaging 8 to 10 miles each day at roughly 1 mile per hour. Today I may not get to far for the rain. I am patient and have faith that I will get where I need to be at the appropriate time so this break I am catching up with friends at home, making sure things are zip-locked, and stretching my back a lttle.
I want to thank the Colglazier family for letting me camp by the entrance to their home and for all the hospitality they showed me. Troy does some fine craft with horseshoe art and is a Farrier.And thanks for the generous check to the American Diabetes Association too.
This rain is getting a bit stronger now and is beginning to lull me to sleep.I worked, planned, prayed and meditated for this journey for the past two years and now the love comes back in this soothing rain. I can't resist...zZzzZzz

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Nice gets a rest

We have stopped at the HWY64 fuel cell and food mart whose owner gave a generous donation in a check to the ADA and has called his local business associates for their help. We will be back on the road soon.

day4 Relax and enjoy!

It was bound to happen some where along the way that some people would complain that the world was getting in the way and the Harrison county patrol man was obliged to inform me the parameters of the statutes in the area of roadside obstructions. At no time whatsoever is the world to break the edge of the fog line(white line). I see this as a good thing, a blessing from a power greater than myself if you will. Now I can walk at a much more relaxed pace in the grass, the swails and the trenches. Making sure not commit an arrest able offense while enjoying a much more relaxed pace albeit arduous.So if you are following my progress just understand I will get there sometime. This gives me longer toconversate with the fine residents of Harrison County Indiana, (please refer to yesterdays picture of the fine treatment my dog Nice received on my Facebook page)


Walking with love and a smile,Erik

mid night day four

I woke up dreaming
Shivering cold
My feet were aching,feeling old.
Snippets of the dream linger of friends preparing to play. Some cowboys and indians game. All images now gone...
Like the shutters from the cold since I put my cap on.Zzzz

Monday, May 4, 2009

Day three ends clean and friskie

This morning I got up and sewed up the hole in my pocket.It tore out from the change I took with me.(A no-no on long hikes)just as I made camp last night. Then hung the clothes line and air dried what I could while packing up to leave.It had just stopped raining.
After we got going I remembered that walking against traffic is safer The day went well from then on.After awhile I was interviewed by the reporter from the Corydon Democrat. The day became even better when we stopped for a bit at lunch and talked to the Harrison co. Sherrif who obliged to frisk Nice so I could plaster it on the internet! It is on my FB page.
I finished the day cleaning up and having dinner with a wonderfully nice family who have let me camp in their yard. I can hardly keep my eyes open now except to ssy "Thankyou all for supporting me."

Sunday, May 3, 2009

d2 rain camp

A good day. It has begun do rain lightly so I set up close to the road I guess nice didn't like the tent so much because I made him stay in one spot last night. So he is tucked under a cedar. I attached him to the world with his cable lead. He will get good and soaked then come in covered with ticks. I only had four today so far. THIS WILL BE THE LAST TICK UPDATE.
I am using my mobile charger so I will find out how it does. Till next time

See my few pictures on facebook
I am going with what works with this blackberry so give me so slack please

D2update

Here I sit in Georgetown Indiana taking a load off upon the burme in front of the Optimist Park (appropo') where I was stopped by some good people with a bit of food and drink for Nice (the dog) and more doughnuts than I would eat in a week. I am walking for diabetes awareness so maybe fruit and veggies would be better. Nice is sleeping off the pulled pork and hamburger.
Thanks for the smiles, brings a little tear or maybe it's just the spring air..
Well. Here comes another curious person so...

raining on the secnd morning

Nice (the dog)is not happy that I have rolled up the bed roll. Or perhaps he thinks I will be walking in the rain. I believe I should take this time to write in my notebook and let this rain pass hopefully.
I am sore and a rainy wet walk is not very appealing.
T.U.:2 crawling on me and 2 on Nice.(Tick update)

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Day 1 of the Walk

I'm now lying in my tent atop the Knob at the place where 64 and old 64 meet. The hill to get here was probably the steepest and hardest I have climbed..and on the first day it was quite the challenge.
The people I met today were. Wonderful and helpful. I am tired so please fogive the short post goodnight.

okay I'm really going

When I wake upin the morning I am starting on the walk!!!!!