Last spring and summer when Nice (the dog) and I walked from Louisville, Kentucky to Kansas City, Kansas, I had network signal even in the most remote spaces and never gave it a thought that my cell phone that I use for blogging and sending pictures would text and call but not connect to the WWW (wide world o' wifi). On the high mountainous areas as we rolled to the top of Pike's Peak in Colorado I had no service, which is understandable, but what has the world come to when in the heart of Maryland horse country --an hours drive from the capitol of our nation-- a guy walking his dog can't send a picture to a friend(s)? What's a Worldguy gonna' do?
My last post, I was waiting for the evening traffic to lessen so the world could keep turning. When we finally went in motion we walked for an hour or so and were passing by a country home that was fenced-in for dogs. Down the drive came a twelve pound shaggy bijon-poodle-type. But Nice almost stopped in his tracks when a deep bark came from the small dog's direction. A larger dog was obviously about. Nice's reaction was comical.
Just as we were almost past the property a woman came to the fence to ask what our story was. Within a few minutes she had offered her yard and a ride back to the Two Ton Grape (Worldguy Supply Camper). When we returned, a woman whom had spoken to me during the rush hour break was waiting by the World. We all discussed the direction the world should follow and the woman wrote out GPS instructions into and thru the beautiful horse country. She then brought me dinner: a salad and hearty lasagna. Tillie you are so nice!
From that point is where my net access disappeared and we were going by word of mouth. We soon got some great advice to use the NCR trail, a converted rail trail which cut off several dangerous miles, that led us into Monkton. When we left Monkton following the directions, we found ourselves on a road that had guard rails on both sides with nowhere to go.
As logging trucks and semi-trailers flew by, I felt as if we were like cattle in a slaughter slew headed for the hammer. Then in a space between double rails a man was tending his garden. He offered to ride us out of harms way. Pride be d--med! You can't rake every leaf in a yard, and I don't need to walk every inch for my ego.
When we were dropped-off, a woman stopped just a minute later who was very supportive to ease the doubt in my mind I get at times like those when I ask myself "what am I thinking?". A few miles later we enjoyed picture perfect sights and people, culminating with Mr. Phil and his Fair Lady giving us their hospitality and a ride to survey the next day's options. After a search on their home computer, we decided to take a long road but one that was back to wide shoulder access that allows good passage for a man and his dog.
Of all the days, many fine people and conversations, one I will never forget and have no words to express my gratitude for is when we walked by a dentist's office and a throng off dental nurses/hygienists/assistants/angels came out to coo over the star of this tour: Nice (the dog).
Earlier in the day a happy man stopped to film us on the road and ask our purpose. A joy to talk to, he is the type of person that meeting for a few minutes makes the day better. It turned out *he* was the dentist who's fine coworkers we'd just met! It was soup day and they offered me lunch. And, as the bevvy of women led Nice (the dog), the happy man offered to fix my chipped tooth while I was there. By the time I left, he repaired several problems and given me no small miracle: the happy man gave me back my smile! I don't usually name full names but, as he said, he does business by "word of mouth". A dentist... word of mouth... Get it?
Joseph Castro D.D.S.
2106 Fallston Rd.
Fallston, MD11047
(410) 893-0513
Fabulous results and great people. Hug this man for me! And give him your business!
We walked over thirteen miles on the good road and are in Bel Air, MD., without phone/net signal, sitting at a Starbucks. Today will be a supply and clean-up day. I learned from last year's walk that we need a day on occasion where we don't walk, and where Nice (the dog) can also rest. The road to Maine, through all the states in the northeast, will be more enjoyable if we savor the experience. I will post again as soon as I can. I must find some way to keep good service on this journey. Recommendations?
Have a great day!
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