Saturday, July 31, 2010

If I can

Monday night through Tuesday morning we made it almost six miles into hurricane force winds before being pinned down and had to deflate our little world then carry it down through the brutal winds. We were beaten up and down. Still today we walked over forteen miles. If I can do that surely some of you who have a little trouble getting to the mail box at the end of your drive could go just a bit more untill a bead of sweat rolls down your brow.
Diabetes can be prevented or controlled better with some sort of athletic activity. A little more today than yesterday, soon you may come to enjoy the burn, the salty taste of accomplishment.
And please click on the side bar to D.E.S.A. for information or link to make a contribution to the cause.
Acadia is not far and soon I will be working my way south to prepare for the next walk. I bet there is a long route to the coast...

Somewhere between the Maine line and the sea.

We were helped last night and today so much by a night in a palace outside on the grounds of P.& S.. To sleep on the ground was healing and the bones are lively. I had the longest sustained roll without touching the ball with hand or stick; the best roll of my life today. For almost forty minutes I held onto the staff and rope and wove along the white line as traffic passed and rode along asking our cause. Finally a railing, a stiff wind and it was gone. The word from the locals, it's not far to the coast, to Acadia! That's sounds so good with an exclamation point!

not so bad

When I rolled out of the sleeping spot, walked around a bit, I realized I wasn't "wicked" sore. Not that I'll walk up another World class mountain anytime soon, but the soreness has lessened. Now that I may stop thinking of the pain, I can ponder the Lesson. Not time to talk about those nuggets of inspiration yet, but close.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Ob

Rolling a painted canvas facsimile of our World up Mount Washington at night to face the seventy mile forces of wind sand and rock will beat the philosopher right out. We walked over eleven miles yesterday, passed the last hills of New Hampshire, passed the path to the fallen face of the Man on the Mountain -The Father-, saw a moose cross in front of us, were followed by a large bird while the wind helped our weary bones, were helped by the family atmosphere and good sense people of the first town we came to in Maine and I've got nothing because of the thrashing I took knowing when I went up 'full in' I'd be facing the impossible just to see how far I could get. I am down to one can of paint, my brush is small, our battered World needs my attention.

LIve Free or Die!

The New Hampshire motto inscribed on all the license plates. While getting one of my evening rides to the support van a lawyer recalled it's origin. Look it up, the reason is more than the words spirit convey.
New hampshire is a wonderful State. "I'll be back."

Thursday, July 29, 2010

The Line

The World is half in New Hampshire and half in Maine. Ethan Wolf is still there, has not passed through. I am full in. Acadia, here we come.

the stroll

I walk slower than a mother pushing twins in a carriage.
We walked the Boston Marathon in forty seven hours one minute.
We survived strong winds on the worlds wicked est mountain.
We are walking to show that, whoever you are, you can somehow get fit. Walking the dog, with your son or your thoughts.

Moving on

We are at the poo again where we walked with the World yesterday after repairing the staff and saying goodbye to The Mountain. I tried to write a couple posts and lost them, like the summit, not meant to happen. We will start late this morning and move along to the final State on this journey.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

I feel like I was beaten down by a mountain. Two naps of two hours a piece since I got back from the mountain and I know I'll have some bruises. Just one afternoon to bounce back just will not be enough. I haven't even looked at the staff to see if I can cobble it, or retire it like Mt. Washington retired us. The World is still in a bundle squeezed in the back of the van. It was no ordinary day in my world.
This morning after checking at the resort office I was sitting in the shade outside looking at the mountain in the distance when a family from Connecticut walked upand asked if I was Worldguy, they had been following my trip online through this site and my writings. What a small world. I am touched that they came to talk, a blessing after being crushed by the forces of nature. I can't deny the elements took me to school, to the shed, to the bottom. It may take more than a day for me to do it but I will bounce back and be stronger for the experience.
No parting words from me today, good night New England.

the butterfly

All through our journey I have missed the butterfly. Today my first on this trip to stop, a black and white one. The few others flit, but not like this one. It landed on the doorway of the van as we prepared to leave the quiet pool. After allowing two pics it lands on my back, then shoulder. It leads me to a nearby rock and poses with black and white wings splayed open and then flutters in front and inside the drivers door when I get in. Ah life,we are all butterflies. It flits by the open door now, as I write. Ethan Wolf patiently waits for me to head back to town,away from this moment. Goodbye, scarce butterfly.

The reflecting pool...

We've come to a pool beside a pull of with a hydrant and guard post that reads P and O. It is formed by a old foot bridge across the rocky stream that has become a waterfall of rock,tall tree roots and planks. Here we can rest and I can look back on our days in quest of The Mountain. The time we were given came with the choice to not try, or go as far as we could. Had the night been calm and without the light of the full moon we would have taken it. Ours was one with full moonlight and hurricane force winds. The wind sent our best efforts, and us, packing in her gauntlet of fury. I enjoyed the dance, down to the walk of shame with my broken staff and world bundled to cradle on my shoulders like a crucifix for miles. My calves ran purple like my van from the effort. No summit, but a shaded pool and reflections of the day. The gem of facing impossible winds till you can go no further and survive. The mountain. Survive what no one has ever endured, except in myth and I was only cursed one time back down the mount.



Jeez! I better stop and just look at the shiny objects in this reflecting pool.
Ooh, shiny!

Mt. Washington, home of the Worlds worst weather

However pumped up I got, as much as I did all I could, all ethan and I could we did not make it to the summit. The devilish wind had it's way with us in the end.Almost six miles we climbed and pressed against the force of nature. We found our selves pinned in a ditch huddled under all we had, the tent was good for a blanet for Nice (the dog) as ethan curled under the plastic base tarp for the tent. When I finally came to terms and was reaching to pull the air plug on the World the hardest of winds cracked the staff that was wedged between a rock and a hard place. Now I truly know what it is like to have the weight of the World on my shoulders. We arrived back at the bottom at Five thirty after leaving at 6PM last night. Lashed to my back the WorLd is a heavy load.
We went as far as the law of the wind allowed. Sorry to let anyone down. I did carry it back down. Sometimes a little failure is good for the soul.
Off for some sleep and then we'll ride to the top like real folk.

Monday, July 26, 2010

just as...

As we await our turn up the Great Mount Washington and I was going through the tunnel from the area by trail and parking lot I felt a stange contrast to the chute of a gladiator as I turned up and right toward the mountain. Undaunted I crossed the lane amidst speeding cars who slowwed and gave us the victory sign and a fist pump. I carried the beast (Nice the dog) across the bridge to the gates..." Shadows and dust Maximus!", the cry from Gladiator !
Then a tiny brown ladybug lands on this small screen of the blackberry
n to remind me how small I am, Ethan Wolf checks and has forgotten his head lamp, things don't always work out like clockwork.orange you glad I have sense of humor?
Whatever happens we have the road for one night.

the quiet time

We slept in the employee parking area, thanks to the management of the resort and this morning I was told as soon as they stop uphill traffic we can launch. The parking lot was not quiet enough for a mid morning nap so I touched some of the worn areas on our World, took out some non essentials from my pack and then we got a shower in the coin operated shower in the resort sports shop. The winds up top are at seventy miles per hour today. The moon will still be full and bright while we are under clear skies. I have no fantasy of being able to push against seventy mile winds though I could hold on with hard winds. This is the day we have walked with random precision to be here. Whatever is in store it is as it should be.
The random mp3 song plays-Magical Mystery Tour, followed by Fool on the Hill. Roll on to the... The eyes in his head see the World spinning 'round...

Time to be quiet, enjoy the night!

A Place to Stand

Some time ago on the road thru Vermont a voice came from the shadows -Give me a place to stand and I can move the World- as I placed a feather in my cap. This night I was awakened thinking it was near daybreak to find the round moon bursting light onto my bed. The wind buffeting the van, I am anxious for tomorrow night when we will roll up the road on Mount Washington. I walked for over five hundred miles last summer against the prevailing winds of the mid-west. The mountains' winds could be all those combined. I often write of the wind, its favor and its lessons. What gems will the Mounts' winds have for us tomorrow? I wonder if the moon will still shine so brightly.
Given my 'place' to stand, can I move the World?

Sunday, July 25, 2010

THE MOUNTAIN

We are walking from Goram' to the base of the auto road of Mt.Washington. We have been given permission to walk up Monday night after the road is closed. What a gift! Thanks to the management of the Resort.
In case I loose. Signal I want to remind people to walk (or something) for fitness to keep away or help manage diabetes. We all run on insulin.

The World and Friction

I do my best to keep from being a drag on the World
Pulling on it, this way and that. It can only take so much.
Left to the wind and gravity it gives me all I need. Impatience, desire to go farther faster wear it down. The World has it's rhythm and pace, it will get me where I need to go with attentive, steady motion. Without friction.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Misty Rain alarm clock

I was going to get up early, the cold misty rain pulled me back to sleep. It's cloudy now and the rain has stopped. No more rest for the weary. I'm not that weary and too much rest makes me sore to the core.

Friday, July 23, 2010

he said

He shook my hand
You're a rich man
You're a Very rich man
I cowered
Turn on the earphones, the random song plays...
Baby you're a rich man too!

Season for New Hampshire

We were walking along 2E when behind a moss covered wall of field stone on a level and well kept green a grandmother played crochet with her grandson and granddaughter. We had almost past when they called us over for a drink and cookies. Ahh, the old ways. The woman of 39 @ had witness to her 'moment for the storybook life she had. Enjoying family in the yard with family. Another seven years and she will have seen a century and can count this day among the gems. We were passing another yard when a young woman of 87 stopped us, she had worked for twenty years with the "cog" railroad up mount Washington. She had been diabetic for decades and treated it as another thing in life. " You watch yourself, and go on." She shrugged the diease and meets it head on. We left her and her John Deere behind. Looking back I saw her talking to the state police who had just pulled in to check on her, we would be a mile down the road before she would let him out of the driveway; a lovely woman...
We were plodding up a hill when Ethan and Nice passed me and took the lead for the first time. The grade was steep, I was pushing for all uphill progress and they slowly passed. My son taking the lead. I watched him notice he had gone in front then went back to listening to the music too loud in his earphones. Nice then noticed and after a few glances back and then took point--a proud dog--surveying all before him! They both relaxed and I walked behind for awhile-- a proud dad --my randomly recorded mp3 played Father and son by Cat Stevens sung by Johnny Cash. I can't complain, I am with my son and the dog. What two better companions?

gettin' Big out here'a'

Had my first look at a grand, open, vista of New Hampshire this morning after climbing the final rise over a hill. The road stretched out in the distance and disappeared far off amongst the mountainous background. Catch my breath , please!

This is livin'!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

what i didn't do at three a.m.

Some of my posts are "thumbed" early on late nights when wake up with what to say. This A. M. I was possessed to tell a story about a book I read two winters ago. I don't rmember the name. It was about a man who got a job in the depression with a circus,found the love of his life and an elephant that no one wanted; he was the only person who spoke the elephants language.The book alternates from the past to present where he is in a nursing home that overlooks where one of the last gypsy style road circus acts is setting up for their show. He is not allowed to go to the show but musters up the way to get out the door and use his walker to get to the ticket booth just down the road. With his walker he gets taken in by the Carney head man and is able to run away to the circus two times.



And. At three A. M. I thought I could not review a two hundred page book in one poorly written paragraph... If I only knew why I woke up wanting to write it.

The Roller Coaster

The day went well for our first in New Hampshire, we got moving in reasoable time, well fed and dry. The wind was workable. Forward motion was achieved. I was unable to have the moments I had yesterday and my energy was low. The back pack was heavy and awkward, though it had the same weight as he day before. I stepped in a rut on a well cut lawn and turned my ankle. Good thing it's the bad foot. I'd hate to have two bad feet. I did have some great help and the people are friendly. I was just not having the fun I did yesterday. we had our picture taken for two newspapers, spreading the word of exersize and awareness for diabetes. But the flow and 'dance' wasn't there, I was working. The world is my roller coaster. Some days a better than others.

Into "The New"

Here we are in New Hampshire, it rained off and on all night after the torrential rains of last evening. Stopped just long enough to air up the world, then we slept a good sleep. This morning the son has finally risen, the clouds have split, the roads are being blown dry with traffic. I have a good sized mountain to keep in sight for reference. Another good day.
A New Hampshire day.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Boomerang or, A Great Day for Sailing Served with Humble Pie

As with everyday, and this was the best, Nice (the dog) dove into a splendid spot of shade. The grass in the ditch line already was laid down from groundhogs who where obviously borrowed close by. The sun was high,the time of day where in one half hour the slight shade goes from one side of the road to the other. I wrote the previous post there. Then I read it back to my son having forgotten what I had just written. I remember starting with a thought but nothing I'd written. Who wrote that? But good, okay; so I was hot from sailing half the day... We had good rest while the shade did its spin across the road. We got up and made the best of times with ease. I was rolling uphill with a head wind with no effort at all. Just hold the rope and guide the World as it trundles the grades and swells of the highway; the passing traffic swirls the air and helps the rolling. All day I hardly touched it; kept it out of traffic and would buump it back to the roadway. I was just a guide to center the line and pull as I tacked over the waves of the open highway.
It was the best day of sailing with our World-boat ever!
We both noticed something..



That green jeep...




We passed it this morning. . .







It began to rain...







We made it back to The Mooselook just before the downpour and had the most delicious turkey sandwich, they had no crow for my embarrassment, with apple pie, they had no HUMBLE pie. Everyone was amused. We opted to get the world loaded and get to the next town and wait out the rain. At the rate we had be walking, during the best day ever, we had walked twelve miles. The truck stop across the bridge is at eighteen. If we abstract this a bit... We were our saving ride to safety and the evenings rains. We had ta wonderful day looking at the scenery forward and backward. I never look back , it was all new the second time... and beautiful by the way.


We finally crossed a bridge across to New Hampshire in the pouring rain and are parked looking at Vermont at the foot of the bridge in the truck stop.
Goodbye Verr' -mogh'!The pleasure was all mine.

the moment

I's like a dance , a dance with road and wind. The DO-SI-dO with eighteen whEels and loggers. With open lane we swirl and pass, with five or more trailing so much air is moving behind that the wind cools and the world looses stiffness. After the moment, the struggle for motion forward in the cool and it is Gone
Yesterday wi left Lyndonville with our "fresh off the sqeezer" tub of Bag Balm and made it to Concord again, this one is in Vermont; not Massachusetts,where we stayed withwarmth and great conversations. Many special moments.
Walking yesterday I was plodding along listening to U-2 on the MP3 player a friend had given me. He loded it off a giant list his brother had compiled, he just clicked on this vast list wwithout hearing many of the artists before. The moment came when I was lost in the song and two women called from the house by the side of ther road. We are out in the Northern Kingdom and for me to miss this house hidden on the other side of the world was uncanny. The women were as sweet as they could be. As they took our picture I complimented them, their house and yard were in perfect bloom just after a soothing rain and all the hard work they had been laying down since spring had the shade vines on the porch thick an sparrkling with red blasts of flower. The yard lush and all flowers open for the day. Beauty, and a moment.
Nice (the dog) lay down a few minutes ago. I check to see if I finally have a signal to post off of my little hand held fter 13 hours of black out in Concord, the moment to thank you for THE MOMENTS.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Equal share

We are now taking the third break in the shade, one for all. All for each. If it weren't for Nice (the dog) I would have missed this one altogether. He picks the best spot sometimes...

The tour, the town, the next goal.

I walked into the Bag Balm Factory just as the men were turning the machines on. They had just been talking about us as we were on the front page of the newspaper. What the paper did not say was that I had come for a tub of "the balm" fresh off the line and that is what I got, a fresh can from the first run of the morning. They even gave me a few empty cans that had some imperfections, one was outside in where the label was on the inside of the can. I am glad I walked hundreds of miles to come here and not just buy a tub from a store. They were very nice at the factory and I got the special morning tour that I am certain no one else sees.
Now with a short delay to wash a load of laundry we will start back to the road East to New Hampshire, a mountain is calling, more adventures and people to meet. Yesterday I met a woman whose shirt read - follow your dreams- The adventurers club 313- my favorite number and a splendid motto, the woman let me have a t-shirt and hopefully will send me a long sleeve one that I will surely wear with pride. It's not the destination but the moments along the way that are more special. It may take us some time to get to New Hampshire, all in good time- with good times.

Through the rain to the bosum and in the middle of the night.

Hard and heavy was the World, soaked with the rain of Vermont and covered with the sand off the roadside as we walked the last miles to the heart, the bosom, of Lyndonville where Bag balm is made.. It began to rain after we got underway and rained most if the day but we pressed on. Route 5 is the main route to many parts of the Northern Kingdom and in none of our time walking from Vermonts' southern border was traffic so dense, always having to tuck the World in the tall grass or roll through the rain puddles on the highways edge. Buy it was worth it to get here and see the home of Bag Balm in the heart of town. I can see that in 1899 when trains were the way of things and Bag Balm is made by the hub, the bosom of town by the station. Whatever hardships I endured to get here along with the fine folks and memories, sleeping here at the center of town by the chamber of commerce and within sight of all the Bag Balm facilities was worth the effort. I had to write it down in the dark of night, lest I forget to mention it in the hustle and bustle in the light of day.
In the morning when they open I hope I can get the tour, then I can rest, a happy man.
You can blame this posting on the two men who woke me so excited to see the World at the doorstep of their town.

Monday, July 19, 2010

It's Good for what Ails Ya'

Vermont's Original Bag Balm.
We could not have walked these hundreds of miles without the best salve known to man or beast. It's the stuff that keeps our World turning. Good for cows a' milkin', dogs and men alike. If it rubs or gets chapped Vermont's Original Bag Balm is so good I have walked from the states' southern border to get to Lyndonville so I can get a fresh tub from the factory.
Just yesterday my boy didn't put enough Bag Balm on and was walking like a bow legged sailor while I could move the World. Why, I even use it on the toggles on the rope that steers the ball so they can spin easily.just yesterday I was talking to some folks who also used the Balm and where telling me I could have the tub they had so would not have to walk the extra miles and go ahead over to New Hampshire at St Johnsbury. Just as the woman came to hand me the half empty tin a stiff wind came and the World went sailing North toward Lyndonville as if it had a mind of it's own. Who am I to argue, I refused the offer and followed the wind.
This afternoon or first thing in the morning I will be rolling to the doors of the factory for the best, Vermont's Origional Bag Balm!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Every Town should have one

Today we walked from McIndoe to St. Johnsbury. Last night we slept at Paul's Whistle Stop. When I got up late at six thirty, not early enough to be the first at "the liars table" where all the local men come for morning coffee and scuttlebut. Very few towns have or admit to such a place, at McIndoe the congregation is so large on Sunday they fill the outside with chairs and tales while Paul gets his work out taking care of their needs. A true liars corner. Our morning routine for preparing for the day takes awhile and was observed silently as the men from town went about theirs. With a check and double check, the ritual petting of Nice (the dog) and hug for Ethan (my son) we set out for "Saint Jay".
Maybe we can have some coffee and tell some tales at the L. T. At St.;..

The Mirage

We had been trudging in the desperate Vermont heat for hours.
The roadside seemed as if it were lined with tall fields of corn against a background green hills of tall trees.
From the distance an image appeared,yellow and shining.
It drew closer.
Knowing it could not be real I refused to yield the roadway as it bore down on us.
The image came to a stop.
Still not believing, I offered the staff connected to the rope on our small insignificant world for the mirage to hold while I got a picture.
No one back home would ever believe.
It was a lovely family of "Canucks" in a yellow Volkswagen bus.
I still can't believe it myself.
"It must have been a mirage." I said to myself as the image turned about and drove back toward Canada.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Roadside Visitors

A special shout out to "The Don of Northfield" and his lovely wife. They coerced their friends to go up to northern Vermont for a hike and on the way track us down for a chat by the side of the road this afternoon. A bit of hot air to keep the world rolling, some water for our Nice dog and a warm memory for the soul. "The Don" made us an offer we could not refuse on our last night in Massachusetts and we were honored to be guests at his home. A good fella' who gave me a "rich" gift I will cherish. Happy trails!

Two days for the Price of one!

Our Walk to Wells River from Bradford started hot and sunny until we stopped midway for a break then the skies became cloudy. Just before the heavy rain of the front passed over we were called into a Home for the elderly for a hearty lunch by two women, one helps run thehome and the other comes to play piano for the residents. I don't name names but I must tell you the pianists name rolls off the tongue like a line frome a lively song, her personality fit her name. While getting ready for the second leg of the day she had left but called to offer a ride to our van. At the end of the day which was drizzly she had helped arrange my transport back to Bradford (home of the Wilson Globe)so I could leapfrog the support van to Wells River. A wonderful note in Vermonts walking song. I know, that's corny, work with me here...
This morning it is sunny and finally we had a cool night of sleep. I know we will have little relief today from the heat and sun so I am letting my son sleep till he awakes on his own. Nice (the dog) never complains of too much rest time. I need to let some things dry in the sun before we begin anyway.
I mmet an elderly couple last evening who were walking. The man was diabetic and said that they walkked to help control his diabetes; encouraging. We met a man yesterrday whe had lost thirty pounds recently to prevent the onset of diabetes after advice from his doctor; inspiring. Our days are filled with good stories where exercise saves lives.I received a comment from a woman in Bradford who was walking to the Parade on Thursday so she could see the World and tripped from catching her flip flop on the sidewalk- a new meaning to flip flop. Don't be discouraged, just wear proper walking gear!
Enjoy the cool morning, we will!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Parade, rest, on the march again.

The Bradford Parade was fun with Ethan flying his hand made Worldguy sign. The mile and a half walk was a good rest from the fifteen of the day before that got us to Bradford. Sometimes the rest makes for a hard day when we get going again. This morning we have rolled to Newbury in the sun along with a couple miles of road with railings on both sides but we made it thru alright. Now we are taking a break in front of the Village store across from the post office and green. I could sit here all day but there are miles to go and after a spot of lunch we will get back "on the march".

Thursday, July 15, 2010

The World, the Globe, the Fair.

When I Began this journey In April from The National Mall in Washington D.C. My plan for the World was to touch every state in the North east of Pennsylvania, from the first day I have been touched by special people who color my World and influence it in thousands of special ways that I could never have planned or scheduled. I have walked for diabetes awareness, to show that whoever you may be you can do something to get fit,by walking your pet, taking a stroll or anything that get your juices flowing to control and prevent diabetes. I have gotten so many wonderful benefits from walking that I never dreamed would come from just committing to myself to put one foot in front of the other. After all these weeks, miles, new friends, rich conversations, guidance from folks who happened to influence this world I have found myself sleeping in a field in Vermont in the fair grounds of the Connecticut Valley and tomorrow I have been invited to be in a parade from Bradford to these grounds where the Fair is being held. This town is where Mr. Wilson created the first Globe of the World. Would you believe that when I began this trek on Earth Day I had a plan to arrive here on a Wednesday in the middle of July so I could attend the parade honoring the first globe ever made.

My plan has worked only with the help
Of good people from Virginia to Vermont.
Like the man who stopped to talk for a moment yesterday said, "Thanks Neighbor!".

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Catch up post

From Hartland we walked to Norwick where we stayed at the General store Dan and Whits where "if we don't have it you don't need it" after my day of whining. Then we walked to Thetford and were saved by the matriarch of the Pomponoosuc (I butchered that spelling Mill where we stayed till this morning. Today I walked fifteen miles to Bradford. I will tell the Bradford walk and the rest in the morning when I can keep my eyes open.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Attitude

Yesterday I complained of the aches and pains, I whined about walking in the heat and sun. It did me no good, the kvetching' only made eah step more of a labor. I knew it would not help and I did it anyway. Today I have a better attitude and the walking is easier. The world is the same, it's how I hold it.

Monday, July 12, 2010

I made it through the day

Eleven mile is how far I walked and up a couple heartbreak hills toboot'. I was a whining child in my mind. Even with the aches, pains and general lack of enthusiasm we did it. Now for some sleep.

May I have some Cheese

This is one of those days where I'd rather be fishin'. I am still walking and it's a good thing, I know, but my steps are served up with a cask of whine.



I walk anyway.

Pull it up

I had to get up at midnight and look at the stars to clear my mind of the dream I was having. It was one of those end of life as we know it dreams that looped to give the characters another chance to get right, they were 0 and 2. Unfortunately I still remember the details this morning. The moral of the dream, don't lite a fuse if you don't know what will happen when the medicine ignites. I went back to sleep and had more hopeful dreams, thankfully.
This morning is covered with a lite fog. This morning I would rather not walk. This morning I have to pull up the motivation from my core and get going in spite of the aching back, sore feet and stinging tendon in my arm. This figurative fog will let up and I will be better for finding that spark when my powder dries.
We found sanctuary at EarthStar Pottery across from The Green in North Hartland and were offered a shower by a good simaritan who neighbors the Green. I am still amazed how things work out, like the sisters who were there with the ride to our van last evening just at the right time.
Sorry I don't have much to say, it's the fog.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Looking

A day of rest out of the sun does a lot for the mind and spirit. The First afternoon in Vermont when we crossed the border from Northfield Massachusetts was like walking into the farmlands in Kentucky during the heat of summer. It was as if we brought the humid and scorching weather with us. Vermonts' beauty was not lost in the haze, the hills and centuries old farming tradition were not lost to my eyes. Good sense agriculture can be seen in little things, even the roadside trenches tell volumes, all through the other states in the North I have missed the trenches of the farming states that cradle the World ball while the cars pass. This heat wave has passed with a good soaking rain then a night of fog and mist. When (the son) rises we can enjoy a day of walking after a good rest.
When my son was an infant I, like any parent, watched him as he slept. No simple thing can compare. Now he is grown and when this journey has come to a close I may not have the pleasure of watching my own as he sleeps. When he came to join me on this trip the littlest thing would wake him. A train, or a door opening. Now he is relaxed and comfortable, he feels safe enough with me here to sleep deep. I knew when he was an infant this was something I would miss as a parent, I let him sleep as long as he will, watching over him once more.

Back to the message... To prevent the onset of diabetes you may want to go for a hike, walk your dog,or play ball with your son. This is also good advise if you are controlling diabetes. Do something, anything, to be active. Get the juices flowing, keep the stress down, and rest well like your parent is watching over you.

Take the time ,Vermont, to see the beauty around you. Go for a stroll.

The mist is returning, perhaps we will get to rest a bit more.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Walking in the Hartland

The clouds have broken into a beautiful day and we have entered the Hartland, Hartland Vermont. We are stopping for a meal at Stella's and I think it appropo' to have the Journeyman Roll and Ethan was talked out of the Simple to upgrade and eat the Stella Burger. MMMMM.

For every Flower some Rain must Fall

Alright! I know I have Learned the lesson to rest, it took the rain to make me do it. Yesterday we didn't walk far, we had a relaxing morning' as the sun grew high we waited for the shadows to stretch into the road so we could stay in some cover as we made it to Windsor. Then The Hens of Windsor requested the Police investigate the earth. For safety they dictated we walk on only one side of the road- the sunny side- so by the time we finished our "relaxing walk" we were cooked. Luckily this morning it began to rain so we got Nice to the vet and moved the world in the van until it dries up.



Now, after a long nap I feel better though my dreams had me writing on this blog. This entry where I fell asleep before I posted. I had some profound things to write in the dream.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Fair Winds and Windsor.

Since we entered the Lands of Vermont we've had a following wind, often I have been able to guide the World by it's short leash and the staff while the wind and pitch of the roads help it sail along. We left Ascutney intending on walking a short day to Windsor where we could recover a bit from the days in the heat. With the help of the locals we found a public pond and shade just as strong winds rolled in and a nice woman gave me a ride to fetch' the support van. Shade was the order of day for the remainder if the day. Thanks to the sergeant of the Windsor Police who informed the force of us we are staying the night at the pond area. In the morning I will take Nice (the dog) to the local vet before we head further North. We have had the fairest winds I can recall of any State here in Vermont. Just enough help at just the right time.Thank you to those who have helped in every way.
Again I have awakened in the dark of night to post a few words. I don't have much to say other than I am thankful the heat has begun to lessen. Keep walking!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Clouds

This morning the sky is overcast which is a welcome sight after days of oppressive heat. The day we visited the Rudyard Kipling home we walked during the afternoon into Putney from the roundabout on the edge of Brattleboro. From Putney we somehow made our way to the police and fire department at Bellows Falls.

The heat that day had us taking many shade breaks and the long straights in the sun with fresh blacktop was brutal. The boots for Nice (the dog) were worth their weight in gold that afternoon. Though it was very hot yesterday, we had the luck of a good amount of shade. So, the sprints across the sunny stretches were not so bad. We made it to the truck stop at route 5 and 11 by the expressway and have been able to shower and wash a load. The heat brings out the aroma, I was glad the truck stop had a washing machine we could use.

I am waiting for Ethan (the son) to rise so we can scoot to aSkutney up route 5.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

A Feather for our Caps

We walk slowly in the shade. We walk fast from shade to shade. The dog dictates when we stop, and that is often. When we stopped for a moment I looked down to see a black feather which I picked up for my cap. As I placed it a voice boomed, "Give me a place to stand and I can move the world!" The dense shade revealed a house by the river tucked amongst the trees. No one revealed themselves but for the metaphor uttered from the comfortable darkness. Need I say more?

Make a stand. Move the World.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

The House, the History, the Room, the Chair, the Man Cave.

The Walk up the hill to Rudyard Kipling's historic home would have taken some time were it not for a good man with some time and a truck. Yes, I do get the occasional lift in certain situations. An invitation to the Kipling home where he wrote four books including "The Jungle Book". My son and dog were given a ride there earlier, and I would have been all morning pushing the world up the mountain road. Our hostess had rented the home for the week and gave us a tour from top to bottom and through the grounds. We saw the remains of Kipling's grand design of a home and gardens influenced plucked from his world travels and ideas planted by great friends such as Arthur Conan Doyle and Mark Twain: the first clay tennis court in Vermont, the remnants of the spring-fed pool, and the pool table given to Kipling by Samuel Clements after the Man Cave was established on the top floor. I was in the same rooms where some of the greatest authors in this country once enjoyed food, conversation, and even a game of checkers. What luck to meet such fine people by the side of the road, drawn to such an historic place. I was allowed to sit in his study chair and look out the windows of inspiration by the hearth with a quote from Kipling's father, "The light comes when no man can work". . Food for thought while gazing long nights and cold days. It was more than a chance meeting with a friendly person, a walk in history and inspiration.
Thanks for the opportunity to step where giants once stood.

"THE LIGHT COMES WHEN NO MAN CAN WORK"

I know myself so little. I am an orphan. Both parents gone, I grieve before I realize why my eyes well up. Like I did on Fathers Day as I walked the last miles of the route for The Boston Marathon with my son and dog at my side forcing back the tears half the day before my conscious mind made the connection that it was Fathers Day and I missed the old codger'-the most important influence in my frail life short of my mother. The 5th of July is my Mum's birthday. I awoke to the full light of day and began to prepare for the day when a woman arrived in a white car and invited us to breakfast. She took Ehtan and Nice (the dog) while I gathered our supplies for the day in my backpack, gave our World its morning burst of air, donned my hat, and began to follow the written instructions to the home the woman had rented for the week for her visit to Vermont from Minnesota. During this hurried time of waking up, talking with the woman, and preparing for the day, I was curious as to why I was forcing back tears. I was well on my way when I made the connection that it was my mother's birthday -the most important influence on my frail life short of my father.

I know myself so little.

Happy Birthday, Gerta.

Monday, July 5, 2010

From the Mouth of Babes

The walk from Vernon Vermont to Brattleboro was filled with good meetings and conversations. First thing we learned was there was a parade in Brattleboro for the 4th. So, we set our sights on getting to the step-off sight in the high school parking lot before the start of the parade. We started out early and beat the heat. Then, there was Brattleboro's own Heartbreak Hill -Cotton Mill road- which also had the first sidewalk of VerrMon'. At the top we stopped by the shade of a tree after the steep climb and asked two kids how to get to the high school. They shyly explained, "Go up and around. You will see the parking lot next to the high school. STAY ON THE SIDEWALK (echoing their parents) and you will see the high school first. It's taller than the parking lot." They were so cute in giving us help, the best GPS of the trip.
We were allowed to enter the parade, but Nice got too excited with all the loud vehicles and I had to walk alone thanks to Ethan staying behind, they napped while I walked the Parade route. Then I called our helpful border friends who had offered us a ride if we needed it to scoop up Ethan and Nice so they could get to the Commons where the parade ended. It all worked out with good timing. Today, we had a pleasant morning talk with a neighbor of the Vernon Fire house, and gave thanks to the man who shuttled me from the shopping center parking lot back to the commons. We also walked the extra distance after stopping at the fire station in Brattleboro's downtown for advise for a safe place to park and directions.
I need to get more sleep, so enjoy the New England!!!!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

The Son, the Moon and My Lucky Stars

I like to take time to look back at the time we have had in each state as we go from one state to another, sometimes "the world gets in the way" and even my simple life gets too cluttered to "stop and smell the roses" of all the experiences. This night I am pulled from sleep by the glare of the sun reflecting off the moon into the van like an alarm clock of light. Massachusetts is the latest garden my son Ethan, Nice (the dog) and me have walked through and I will hold the memories close to my heart like diamond on a necklace that will never be lost, tarnished or stolen. We began our time in Massachusetts not knowing one thing about the road we would take and by the days end we had taken wrong turns that led us to the right people who helped us, guided, fed amd encouraged us; by the time we went sleep that evening we were gearing up for our own Boston Marathon, in traffic and the heat of the last days of spring. The tortoise surely enjoyed the race with the hare and we approached the route of the marathon knowing we would be the first, maybe the only, to roll an earth ball from he starting line to it's finish. We started from a fire station, walked most of the day to get to the start line, then stayed at two more fire houses alomg the way while enjoying many meals, shade breaks, and conversations along the way. Truth be told, we took a wrong turn and lengthened the marathon so we could get to the fire/police station where they let us shower and gave us patches from the fire, EMS and Animal Control becfore we went to bed. I'd bet no one has had as much fun as I while climbing "heartbreak hill" or stopped for a Vanilla latte' while rubbing the belly of a nice dog during their rush to the finish line. I know I am wondering off, blame it on the moons' shine.

We saw many sights in Boston, the Commons, the memorials to Gibran and to the president of Venezuela aand General Hooker at the State house riding atop his anatmically correct steed. We spent time with family after setting our record in Boston which was a memory I will cherish more. We walked through the state of Massachusetts guided by it's good people, the best memory of the state. From the first morning where we given a helping hand at Northbridge to the folks who offered us shade and lunch within the last mile before the Vermont border in Northfield I thank my lucky stars for the good people we have crossed paths with along the way...Too many to mention and I am gratful to you all.

The sun has abandoned the moon and is creeping our way so I must post this. I am never able to say all I want but sleep is important for a healthy life too. Now that the morning birds are calling the world to wake I will fall back to sleep for awhile. I don't know whether to say good morning or goodnight, how about good day.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Quicky Border Update

Not resting on our laurels we have crossed into Vermont!
More about our crossing and the last days in Massachusetts later when we get to the town of Vernon Vermont.
Have a beautiful day!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Inspirations and the "Friendly City"

Image courtesy MICHAEL PHILLIPS
Still heading westward we walked yesterday through Athol where we had a delicious lunch before we headed into Orange, "The Friendly City", where we were soon met by J.K., who had read about our walk in the local paper. He invited us to his home last evening and his hospitality, help, and conversation is proof that Orange is true to it's title: "Friendly".
We made it to the edge of town and were treated to "frappes" as Nice (the dog) enjoyed a double scooped ice cream cone from the hand of the woman at "Ser-and-dipitties" (I'm sure I've spelled the name wrong). Nice gently ate the cone frome her "friendly" hand and was soo cute I had to take a picture. We walked on and were passing Annie's when a call came over the P. A., "Would you like some Ice cream and water?" We could not resist the "friendly" offer. Finally, we made it into the "friendly city" center where we met the local police who had gotten the call of an earth rolling into Orange. Doing his job, he collected our IDs, but the "friendly" locals who were surrounding us by then prompted him to just write our info in his notebook without calling it in just then. The mob of shame kept him from it. One of those moments that I will remember for a long time.
This morning my sister delivered the new core for the World (the 35 year old ball's inner tube is failing) and we are taking time to rest this morning before we head away from this colorful and "friendly" city.
I have met a few wonderfully inspirational individuals over the past days who give me hope that these walks can do some good for those -like myself- who need some inspiration. As I stopped at a breakfast diner in Westminster, I was talking to a grandfather who was eating with his young granddaughter about how those with diabetes can control it, life long, and be around for their grandkids. He knocked on his prostetic leg and agreed. He was diabetic and had neglected a blister but did not let even the loss of his leg dampen his joy. He was obviously having fun with his young relative. I was inspired by this man's great attitude despite diabetes. Inspirational!
In Athol, I met a skinny man who came up with his son to ask what we were doing, and he shared that he had once suffered from pancreatitis (I can't spell) and was in a diabetic coma for over a week. He then was insulin dependent, but after loosing 100 pounds was now free of taking insulin and looked to me to be "fit as a fiddle." I was inspired!
As we stopped in front of the Athol historical society building and were being interviewed by a local news reporter, a woman who lived next door walked up for a picture and, upon hearing our story, agreed that walking can change things for the better. She had lost over seventy pounds and in my opinion was "stunningly beautiful." I would never have guessed she had topped out at 200 pounds. I was inspired!
This afternoon I am going to take inventory of my assets, walk off some of the ice cream I could not pass by yesterday, and find more people stronger than me to show me I can get fit and lose this fluff... thus keeping diabetes away.

Happy holiday weekend, New England!!!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Conversations

On Our little walk for Diabetes Awareness we stop often, of course, for conversation with all kinds of people. The World draws more topics than our chosen theme, "Saving the World, one diabetic at a time." People want to talk of the environment, politics, religion, animal rights, and other topics into the obscure. I give them all to the time they deserve --after all, they have taken the time to pull off the road, leave their work place, or take time from their morning routine to speak with us. Sometimes the things we talk about are so appropriate to the moment I have to thank "my lucky stars" they came to pull me from my mental funk.

I am thankful for the brief meetings with everyone I encounter, although I am sometimes sore, fatigued, and beaten by the wind to distraction at the moment. When it gets quiet and I have time to reflect I appreciate the little things brought up in those conversations.

This morning I was going to post a few more thoughts and examples of people who help their fellow man who suffer from diabetes, like the men and women of the E.M.S. and fire communities who are the first to help. Last night I was having a conversation with the Assistant Chief at Phillipston and they were called to aid a woman in diabetic stress; this was not the first time I have been at a station and a similar call is made to the public servants to come to the aid of a diabetic. Thank you.

My Son Is ready before me!!! I must go.

Thank you all.