Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
The Ball
I was going to" leave it at that" with the previous post. My journey has been long and filled with wonderful people, sights, challenges and moments close to being spiritual. This being the third time I have walked to reach out and promote active living for health, I thought a thorough review of all the roads we walked as I return home will give me perspective. Last year I did the same thing as I made my way back to Kentucky at a whirlwind pace. When I finally got to the house I had a period where I felt sad and was generally not my usual perky self. I worked through it more by blocking my feelings with work and life back in my hometown. I wanted this time to take in the experience differently and avoid that low, emotional part. Thinking by visiting with all the memories and many people whom I met during the trip would do good, would help me; and it has. I have learned something about myself I couldn't see before. I think I am sad to part from the rich friendships, the places, the moments I have loved along the way. Like loosing something close to my heart. The cost of having a ball all these months, in all these states, with all you fine people is I can't help but have a bawl.
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Stand
I've made my stand. I have been blown back from mountains and attained high peaks. I stood up and I'll do it again. Will you? Some are listening, throwing popcorn at the parade. Have I inspired action?
The random mp3- Philadelphia...
The random mp3- Philadelphia...
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Spoiled...
Sure, I've been on the road since April 17th, but the Past two months I have been in the great wide open spaces. There has been plenty of traffic, but not a slew of obnoxious soandsos who can't drive and can't see a purple van beside them when they ddecides to fade lanes in a corner. There are a dozen or so stars bright enough to see in these Jersey skies. There are stores open past eight PM. I guess I am just grumpy. Driving through some of these miles I have walked is more stressful than two Mount Washingtons. Or even walking in New York City.
I will have a better perspective after a nap.
Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine spoiled me.
I will have a better perspective after a nap.
Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine spoiled me.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
From the Poo to the Starting Line and the Cross road
In the last days of spring I crossed the starting line of the Boston Marathon. In the last days of July we sat at the reflecting pool by the highway in New Hampshire after attempting to climb windy Mount Washington by the light of the still full moon. We have completed the summer walk and in the past week we have made it back past the starting line. Now, I sit in Connecticut just west of where the Connecticut State Troopers had us move the World out of state at the intersection of route 6 and Cross Road. I drove out of the rains covering the northeast these past few days and am enjoying another Connecticut sunset.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
rain day=movie day
I continue my review of my little walk to promote activity to control or prevent diabetes during the past four months. Most of that time I spent with my son. Today, I'm waiting out this four days of rain with my sister and her "party B." We have just finished watching "The Big C", the first two episodes. Let's put aside that after walking for these months all day almost every day miles and miles I now feel, "useless as teats on a boar hog", and focus on the second episode where the woman who has cancer is wanting to spend the summer with her teenager instead of allowing him to go to a six week soccer camp. The boy (no one) has not been told of her condition. The last scene of the episode has her getting a blanket and pillow out of the closet and going to her sleepimg son's room to sleep close to him on the floor.
I can very much relate with her wanting to lay near her grown boy, to listen to him breath as he slept, just as she had enjoyed that simple pleasure when he was an infant. Life is short so don't let a life ending disease be the reason to be close. I will ever be grateful to have spent time watching my grown child and listen to the rhythm of his breath, even smell his teenage odor. Tomorrow I may be gone.
During our walk we were stopped by an elderly man, I told him of our journey, he broke down and shared he had lost his wife ten days before and said I should hug my son everyday because tomorrow I my not get the chance.
I asked my sister if we could watch something next that didn't make me cry. Then I received a phone call from a woman who I met my first week on the road who asked that I stop through to meet a friend of hers who is heavy and has been told she is pre-diabetic but is not concerned, her family is full of diabetics and she is just waiting until she has to take medication to add to her poor diet and lack of activity. I'll go where no doctor has been able to convince her to go, walking for her health. Wish me luck. And this is my rain day- watch movies day.
I can very much relate with her wanting to lay near her grown boy, to listen to him breath as he slept, just as she had enjoyed that simple pleasure when he was an infant. Life is short so don't let a life ending disease be the reason to be close. I will ever be grateful to have spent time watching my grown child and listen to the rhythm of his breath, even smell his teenage odor. Tomorrow I may be gone.
During our walk we were stopped by an elderly man, I told him of our journey, he broke down and shared he had lost his wife ten days before and said I should hug my son everyday because tomorrow I my not get the chance.
I asked my sister if we could watch something next that didn't make me cry. Then I received a phone call from a woman who I met my first week on the road who asked that I stop through to meet a friend of hers who is heavy and has been told she is pre-diabetic but is not concerned, her family is full of diabetics and she is just waiting until she has to take medication to add to her poor diet and lack of activity. I'll go where no doctor has been able to convince her to go, walking for her health. Wish me luck. And this is my rain day- watch movies day.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sad Goodbyes
Few people are able to spend as much time with their son as I have this summer. We have been constantly together since Memorial weekend. Yesterday I left Ethan, he and a friend are going to travel together to the West coast. I will cherish the memory of our time together. In today's society for a son and father to have this much time is priceless. After our last hug and our last "I love you", I drove away in the rain.
My cheeks were wet,
my windows closed,
my heart heavy.
My cheeks were wet,
my windows closed,
my heart heavy.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
No way!
When driving along the highways of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and now in Massachusetts, it is hard for me to believe I walked these miles. Then I remember stopping here or there for the night and am blown away at the distance we walked to the next night's rest. I have driven in hours what took many weeks. The narrow roadways in Vermont are now even more so from the overgrown grasses, the tight bridges, and guardrails forgotten. I'm seeing them now and am in disbelief. Yet, we walked the miles. From the expressway above Bangor to Boston may be a four hour drive. By the path we took the drive was more than a day, several hundred miles. Though I walked the distance I need to be convinced. I really did the deed, and I have only retraced my steps through three states.
This is one small piece of my thoughts about this journey. My mind is in overload...
This is one small piece of my thoughts about this journey. My mind is in overload...
The First Goodbyes
As Ethan and I walked along the beach at the ocean, you would think a sea shell would be the souvenir to remember our goodbye to Acadia. No. A feather washed up at my feet. We went to the summit of Cadillac Mountain to stand together, an Eagle swooped low then disappeared. Just before driving over the causeway to Maine's mainland where I'd expect a sea gull, a hawk flies close, crosses in front of the van, rocks it's wings, then banks sharply away. At all exits these past few days these grand birds have revealed themselves in close sight. Walking about the northeast I have seen many large birds, but none so close as these ushers of goodbye.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
The plan and the way it goes
My plan has been to return home following as well as possible the route we took and see some of the people we met, sights and sites we found on the way, reflect, write my thoughts, relax. As we walked closer to Acadia we were invited to stay at a home on the Island so we could have time to see the sights, clean up a bit, relax. We were also invited to a gorgeous cabin by a lake north of Bangor to stop, just be there to relax. I accepted both invitations. The home on the island was great and our hostess gave us all the space and time we wanted. The teenage angst of my son, the throngs of visitors to the national park, the poor signal for posting, as well as the weariness of the road, had us off the Island a little too soon. It was a great experience aside from these things. The lake cabin was a welcome stop cut short by our hosts' family emergency. I wish their loved one all the best. We had time to swim a bit, canoe a bit, make good friends, and have wonderful conversations. We also stayed a night with our friends in Carthage who treated us as family like the others had. I can't thank all of them enough for their kindness. Even now we are staying with friends we met along the walk. If I can find the space to write about the return trip so far I will be truly blessed.
As with all plans, the world sometimes gets in the way.
As with all plans, the world sometimes gets in the way.
J. W. and the Yetti man
Dreams are hard to describe. I talked to John Wayne in my sleeping dream. I also talked to a lime green headed security officer who was working a fair and who's hair and beard made him look like a sasquatch. Though he had frightened a few hundred school children he said that Emily who was dressed as a bat was more frightening.
Other dreams are more reasonable. Like the one I have of encouraging people to be more active for their own sake, saving the World's resource: the humans.
Other dreams are more reasonable. Like the one I have of encouraging people to be more active for their own sake, saving the World's resource: the humans.
the contrast
There we're two type2 diabetics I have met recently who had sharply different views of the disease. One had the notion that he didn't have to worry because type2 was the form of diabetes that didn't kill you. The other man has taken his diagnosis more as an opportunity for a life change. He has exercised regularly and watched what he eats and drinks. The second has made a fundamental change, the other is swimming in de' muddy Nile. There's things in that water that WILL eat you.
Friday, August 20, 2010
How long?
The girl behind the counter said she liked it, and asked how long it took to make it look like that. As she paused and answered her own question with a guess of ten years, I answered, " Four months. It didn't have a bead sweat on it when I started."
My hat.
My hat.
the pond, the sun, the pool
"There will Come another day and I'll make my getaway to a lipstick sunset." I turned on the random MP3 as I settled down to write. We have just pulled off the road after leaving beautiful Maine as the "lipstick" sun set over the last miles of the journey. Far from home. To the Atlantic ,the "pond", and back. The Maine sweet memories...
Sweet air, people with big hearts, grand Acadia, and Steven King's black cat. To close this Maine chapter with another night at the pool we had stayed by outside Gorham New Hampshire after being "schooled" by Mount Washington. Had the sun not set when it had I may have passed this splendid gem that is on no tour book. I remember the help this brook and pool gave me time to reflect and rest before. After a night of sleep the pool will have my gaze one last time.
Sweet air, people with big hearts, grand Acadia, and Steven King's black cat. To close this Maine chapter with another night at the pool we had stayed by outside Gorham New Hampshire after being "schooled" by Mount Washington. Had the sun not set when it had I may have passed this splendid gem that is on no tour book. I remember the help this brook and pool gave me time to reflect and rest before. After a night of sleep the pool will have my gaze one last time.
The benifits
Sometimes I can see what I have accomplished. Whether I build a wall, paint a house, stack wood, drive for hours on a road that took weeks to walk, or give people reason to smile. Some of the best times come from what I don't see at first. If not for the lessens I learn from hardship, my missteps and downfalls, I'd be less prepared to appreciate where I have gotten. If I hadn't gone through it, I'd not get to it; the benefit.
This was my incomplete though for the morning.
This was my incomplete though for the morning.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Reverse Vacation
The national park is filled with car loads of families with campers,buses,cars with bike strapped on the back all playing musical chairs for the few parking areas so they can hike or ride and have a lasting memory of being with family in the great outdoors. We are walk-worn. Driving in circles to catch and open place to park during peak tourist season in Acadia is much like Washington D.C., too many cars with too few places to park. A twist to it all is so many have seen us on the long road to Acadia, heard of us from the news, or the net. Even in our van we are recognized. "Look! It's Worldguy!"
We have hiked and bonded all summer and need a vacation from what most families plan all season to do. Our bodies need the vacation in reverse.
We have hiked and bonded all summer and need a vacation from what most families plan all season to do. Our bodies need the vacation in reverse.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Ants on a Volcano
I don't know what I wrote this morning, I had to drive to the mountaintop for some unfinished business and to press "send". I thought I might read it and decide "not to." I hope it wasn't something embarrassing.
We walked onto this beautiful island in the rain to end our walk for diabetes control and prevention with exercise. Ethan and I have been around the island and seen many wonders of nature. We both agree on one thing: All our country has beauty if we would only slow down to look. Perhaps it's just outside your window or within an afternoon's walk with a loved one, or in memory of one. We came to the top of Cadillac and stood together today. The symbolic end of this walk. A boy, his son, and Nice(the dog) walk from Arlington to Acadia.
We walked onto this beautiful island in the rain to end our walk for diabetes control and prevention with exercise. Ethan and I have been around the island and seen many wonders of nature. We both agree on one thing: All our country has beauty if we would only slow down to look. Perhaps it's just outside your window or within an afternoon's walk with a loved one, or in memory of one. We came to the top of Cadillac and stood together today. The symbolic end of this walk. A boy, his son, and Nice(the dog) walk from Arlington to Acadia.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Possible post
I am awake after three AM looking out the window at the stars. One has caught my gaze. I know even as it fades and appears again through the clouds it is always there and constant. As constant as a star. Like love, when not cluttered with thought. Late night is time for ease and purity o' mind. No facades, no covers, no care for what others may think. I walk for love in a way. Love for people I will never meet. For some I may greet in passing. Loosing my mother too soon has in its way given me the World and countless memories of people who enrich it. Yes, I'd trade it to sit with my mother in her old age. There is no network signal here and if we can get clear to post this, I will.
Never get too busy to stay healthy, get healthy, for the stars in your world who want to shine along side of you and not remember how bright you had shined.
Never get too busy to stay healthy, get healthy, for the stars in your world who want to shine along side of you and not remember how bright you had shined.
Rage
Okay, so I walk hundreds of miles to Acadia, lash the rain soaked World to the rear of the van and drive it to the summit of Cadillac Mountain because I do NOT want to crush or hurt anything along the way into one of our national treasures. I get the World to the top and walk the last bit to the summit. The wind is blowing and the foggy mist has visibility to a few hundred feet. Not many are at the summit in these conditions. I find the high benchmark and look to see a happy man and woman with their young son and daughter. They looked to be from India and as I said, very happy. Then I noticed to see both parents carrying a small evergreen they had pulled up by the roots from the mountain top.
For the first time in a very long time I felt rage.
For the first time in a very long time I felt rage.
Pause, decompress, breath
I want to say much more than I am able about this journey, this cause, my little message. Four months ago today I left my home, locked the door, and began. I hope a few people may have been inspired to get up and work out or walk a bit farther with getting healthy in mind. If half of the people who said they would link to DESA and contribute on line do, the ... world might explode. As I see the gems of Acadia and then meander to my homeland down south from down east I will keep posting . Now I am still in shock. I need to breath a bit before I attempt to tell the tales and my thoughts. Finishing a walk for diabetes awareness through ten states and the District of Columbia will give anyone cause to pause.
That's all I have to say about that.
That's all I have to say about that.
The ocean crossing
Of all the states I have walked in, Maine is the most stingy with the width of their bridges. It was good that we started out early and crossed the bridge to the island before the traffic was too heavy. The rain became hard and the wind strong as we passed over. When we reached the edge of the island, I got out my rain jacket and gave it to my son. He had not been happy to start so early (the earliest start all summer) but managed a sincere thank you when I handed him the jacket. It's funny how a random act of kindness can change someone's mood. Even a nineteen year-old who rarely smiles.
We pressed on toward the entrance to Acadia!
We pressed on toward the entrance to Acadia!
The bounce
Our last day of walking began very early, just as the sun made the morning clouds gray. The previous day Nice (the dog) had eaten something off the road before Ethan noticed he had it. He had an accident in the van from his tasty road treat, I won't describe further. I took it as a sign to get up and going. A good thing too, it began to drizzle just as we began walking. Had we waited we would have stayed at that spot to wait out the rain which lasted much of the day. Nice gave us our early morning bounce out of bed for our final furrow to Acadia!
Monday, August 16, 2010
TEN YEARS AFTER
I just awakened from an unremembered dream with the words of a song from the band, Tem Years After, "I'd like to change the World, but I don't know what to do. So I leave it up to you."
Sunday, August 15, 2010
eleven,twenty five, or nineteen.
I have gotten so many numbers of miles to Acadia park entrance from locals. The wind was directly at my face today and the going was slow. The sun was cooking my ear that just healed from the last burn. My John Wayne swagger pronounced from walking the ditches and berms of the new and unfinished roadways; my theory is he walked like he did because he was hurting. The diverse estimates didn't help. As well as I can determine I am one mile from the bridge or causeway and ether seven or fifteen from Acadia, nine from Bar Harbor. The close of the walk is near however you add it up. A day or two.
Ethan has found a couple of girls to drive him to Bar Harbor and I am sitting at the van getting ready for an early start. No worries...
Ethan has found a couple of girls to drive him to Bar Harbor and I am sitting at the van getting ready for an early start. No worries...
Even now...
When we have under twenty miles to get to the gates of Acadia Park we still stop in the shade when Nice (the dog) decides it is time.
When I passed the last blooms of roses wilting on their stems, I still stopp to smell the roses. The first wiffs of spring as good as these in the Maine summer.
When I'm tired I sleep.
When I'm hungry I eat.
When I, you know, I do.
When I passed the last blooms of roses wilting on their stems, I still stopp to smell the roses. The first wiffs of spring as good as these in the Maine summer.
When I'm tired I sleep.
When I'm hungry I eat.
When I, you know, I do.
The big sleep
We got going early toward the next town. We walked all day with just enough breaks to keep cool. At the end of the day we were given a yard to stop in and I was driven to the van. We had walked more than fifteen miles. Much of it was on newly finished road construction with out lines. My ears are ringing from the honking, the encouraging toots are like a barrage of noise that get Nice (the dog) thinking a friend is about to stop with treats. The tourists never stop for moose. New road, no shade, we weee tired. I had to lay on the floor of the van after the long trek of the day to relax for a minute, I just awakened at four AM. Hmm, am I that tired?
Friday, August 13, 2010
Penobscott perils, big toys and the Holden pattern.
It could not have been a more beautiful day on 1A out of the metropolis of Bangor while I balanced the world across the river bridge atop the jersey wall. How people driving by think that when they honk at a man using both hands to roll a canvas world on a six inch concrete wall over a river can wave back is as twisted as a Steven King novel. I asked Ethan to do it; he had to turn off his headphones for the bridge and did a fine job of waving to the encouraging passers by. It was a much shorter bridge than the one in Connecticut but with equal peril to our world if I should loose balance.
A short distance. Further and a track hoe was moving dirt on a building lot. The operator looked like he knew his machine; I asked him if he would hold our world in his bucket for a picture. He was like a kid with a big toy and handled the task with care and a smile. I love big toys, like the highway-the trillion dollar playground- for our world. Yesterday I came by two well groomed lawns joined by a deep ravine, I had to unleash the world, let gravity do the rest and give chase.
At the end of the day along the busiest road in Maine we rolled into the first general store in Holden when the local police officer pulled in to ask if we could hold en' up our walk until the rush hour was through. He also told us of the best place to park for the evening. Our favorite friendly dysfunctional veteran was there to shuttle me to the van and all was good with the world by the time darkness fell on the valley.
We have a good sixteen miles to go before we can turn off 1A to more scenic old roads. We need to eat our wheaties in the morning and get ta' steppin'.
Ta ta for now-TTFN
A short distance. Further and a track hoe was moving dirt on a building lot. The operator looked like he knew his machine; I asked him if he would hold our world in his bucket for a picture. He was like a kid with a big toy and handled the task with care and a smile. I love big toys, like the highway-the trillion dollar playground- for our world. Yesterday I came by two well groomed lawns joined by a deep ravine, I had to unleash the world, let gravity do the rest and give chase.
At the end of the day along the busiest road in Maine we rolled into the first general store in Holden when the local police officer pulled in to ask if we could hold en' up our walk until the rush hour was through. He also told us of the best place to park for the evening. Our favorite friendly dysfunctional veteran was there to shuttle me to the van and all was good with the world by the time darkness fell on the valley.
We have a good sixteen miles to go before we can turn off 1A to more scenic old roads. We need to eat our wheaties in the morning and get ta' steppin'.
Ta ta for now-TTFN
you would too...
If you were walking hundreds of miles and happened to be invited to a doggy daycares open yard for your puppy who just stopped for a rest, you would stop too.
I don't know how long this is gonna' take.
Then BAHHAghabagh we will go!
I don't know how long this is gonna' take.
Then BAHHAghabagh we will go!
The Room, The Wall, The Core
I am anxious to get out on the road after the comfortable night in a soft bed, with fluffy pillows, no mosquitoes, a bathroom and shower. Ethan is beginning to stir, I am sure he will jump back to bed after he sees the time. We are within seventy miles from Acadia, the end in reach if I can keep us all motivated, Ethan has been bored for awhile. A nineteen year old who would love to hang out with friends and do what irresponsible kids do. I have been glad to spend this time with him though his enthusiasm is like that of a bored kid... Just as I predicted, he is back under the covers.
After walking for close to four months I too have had my days against "the wall" when my energy is low, the boy is dragging a cloud of frowns, my body is fatigued and the roads keep rising ahead. Ethan wants to get on with the return trip and visit the people we have made friends with along the way, he wants to have fun. I have fun everyday, I enjoy the sights, the terrains, the people. I am old, there will be no party all the way back to Kentucky. A little fun and merriment, yes, but I sent that wild horse out to pasture years ago. Keeping my eye on the line with my worldly plow to Acadia is what is on my mind, at the core. Acadia, the gems of Maine.
After walking for close to four months I too have had my days against "the wall" when my energy is low, the boy is dragging a cloud of frowns, my body is fatigued and the roads keep rising ahead. Ethan wants to get on with the return trip and visit the people we have made friends with along the way, he wants to have fun. I have fun everyday, I enjoy the sights, the terrains, the people. I am old, there will be no party all the way back to Kentucky. A little fun and merriment, yes, but I sent that wild horse out to pasture years ago. Keeping my eye on the line with my worldly plow to Acadia is what is on my mind, at the core. Acadia, the gems of Maine.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Is it bad luck?
We walked yesterday from Carmel to Herman where we were treated with much kindness We were allowed to park in the church lot. A woman who we met on the road took the time to arrange for a room tonight at the Best Western on the outskirts of Bangor and this morning we were on the road there when a gentleman who lives in the city let us know that the hotel is more than five miles from the turn in the wrong direction to Acadia and Bangor, he offered his help by keeping the World safe in town and shuttling us to the van so we could have our first nights sleep in a room since the beginning of our journey. Everything worked out. I have checked in after walking into Bangor. The helpful man had uus stop for a photo in front of his old teachers home; Steven King. Just as we stopped a friendly black cat walked across the road behind me. Is it bad luck if Nice (the dog) almost eats Steven Kings' cat?
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
"What are the odds?"
Another beautiful morning in 'vacationland', Carmel, Maine. Not a cloud in the sky. It rained a bit before it got dark just at the end of our day. A man offered for us to stay in his drive just behind the store in town. His wife and he had seen us several times in two other states recently. She knew what we were up to and had been diabetic since having one of her children ten years ago. The doctors said it would "go away". It has not. She said the people at her office have been talking about us and now she could say we stayed at their house. "What are the odds?", she asked. Pretty great odds for us staying in her yard at this point.
I have been walking to help prevent diabetes and promote awareness for fitness as a control and prevention, but the odds of any of us getting diabetes is getting close to 2-1 by my reckoning. I just woke up, so excuse me for making that observation without factual data to back me up.
We are fifteen miles from Bangor city center, I am told. If the day is a bit cooler we may get close today.
What are the odds?
I have been walking to help prevent diabetes and promote awareness for fitness as a control and prevention, but the odds of any of us getting diabetes is getting close to 2-1 by my reckoning. I just woke up, so excuse me for making that observation without factual data to back me up.
We are fifteen miles from Bangor city center, I am told. If the day is a bit cooler we may get close today.
What are the odds?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
"It's a natural aroma"
It had to happen sometime that I find out the reason when I smell skunk it doesn't repulse me. I am one of those who, say, if your dog jumps out of the van late at night and gets sprayed in the mouth and eye would let him back in to sleep with the door closed.
I had to go for a walk, then come back to it to smell it. It rained last night and the gravel road to this camp leaves sand on the wet globe. So, I walked it up to the highway and left it in a farm yard till I make it back to begin walking again. The woman who lives there had some parting words, this post's title.
As I write this I hear one of the neighbor campers choking... a sort of gagging cough. Just a coincidence. Maybe.
Well, it is a fine view of the lake.
I had to go for a walk, then come back to it to smell it. It rained last night and the gravel road to this camp leaves sand on the wet globe. So, I walked it up to the highway and left it in a farm yard till I make it back to begin walking again. The woman who lives there had some parting words, this post's title.
As I write this I hear one of the neighbor campers choking... a sort of gagging cough. Just a coincidence. Maybe.
Well, it is a fine view of the lake.
Monday, August 9, 2010
who's the boss?
Yesterday we were all tired and the rain last evening gave us a good start at getting the rest we need. When Nice (the boss) didn't want to get out of the van this morning after the sun came out, I decided we would walk just a few miles to a camping area, get a shower, wash some clothes, give the boss a break for the day and enjoy the lake view.
Two rules on the road with your dog. When the dog won't walk it's time to stop, and all puddles must be sat in for as long as the dog wants.
The dog is always right.
Two rules on the road with your dog. When the dog won't walk it's time to stop, and all puddles must be sat in for as long as the dog wants.
The dog is always right.
Break time; The Maine rain
We awoke on Sunday feeling lazy, I wanted to find a shady spot before we left our host's farm. Picking blueberries was tempting, but we got the World rolling toward Bangor. It was sunny though not very hot. Walking in the full sun does take it's measure, which is why I wear long sleeves to keep from being sun dried and burned. There were many people who stopped during the day and the trees' shade during those conversations were welcome. Luckily at the end of the day it became overcast: the best walking condition on the open highways.
This journey has been long. I began from the oldest known structure in Arlington Virginia and officially stepped into the walk at the Lincoln Memorial in April, Earth Day, to walk here - Vacationland - Maine. I have walked in all weather short of sleet and snow on this walk. I began when the spring flowers and stubble fields from last years harvest covered Maryland. I prepared for cold weather at the beginning by turning off the heat at my home much too early... it was still winter then. Ironic that within the first week the temperatures in Maryland topped in the high 90's. I have seen thousands of beautiful scenes from great mountains to tiny views between trees on the side of the road. Beautiful people all along the way, whatever state I was in. Any poor reputation for any state I have found to be hearsay; the worst turned to be the sweetest and kindest. I have seen Paul Bunyon and sat on the same throne as Mark Twain in Rudyard Kipling's home. I have saved the best for last, I am told. The wonders I have seen will be hard to beat.
After last night's rain, which helped me to sleep almost twelve hours, we have rested a bit. But the sun has broken through and we will make our way to some new wonder, I'm sure not far from this edge of Newport Maine. No ten mile trek today.
Thanks to the school teacher who appeared while we were eating dinner last evening who shuttled me to the support van. These things work out despite my doubt they will (I was about to hitchhike back.) Thanks to all the fine people I have met who help in their own way, if even just a kind word or a smile as they drive by. This is a wonderous journey. I recommend it to anyone.
Good day, Maine!
This journey has been long. I began from the oldest known structure in Arlington Virginia and officially stepped into the walk at the Lincoln Memorial in April, Earth Day, to walk here - Vacationland - Maine. I have walked in all weather short of sleet and snow on this walk. I began when the spring flowers and stubble fields from last years harvest covered Maryland. I prepared for cold weather at the beginning by turning off the heat at my home much too early... it was still winter then. Ironic that within the first week the temperatures in Maryland topped in the high 90's. I have seen thousands of beautiful scenes from great mountains to tiny views between trees on the side of the road. Beautiful people all along the way, whatever state I was in. Any poor reputation for any state I have found to be hearsay; the worst turned to be the sweetest and kindest. I have seen Paul Bunyon and sat on the same throne as Mark Twain in Rudyard Kipling's home. I have saved the best for last, I am told. The wonders I have seen will be hard to beat.
After last night's rain, which helped me to sleep almost twelve hours, we have rested a bit. But the sun has broken through and we will make our way to some new wonder, I'm sure not far from this edge of Newport Maine. No ten mile trek today.
Thanks to the school teacher who appeared while we were eating dinner last evening who shuttled me to the support van. These things work out despite my doubt they will (I was about to hitchhike back.) Thanks to all the fine people I have met who help in their own way, if even just a kind word or a smile as they drive by. This is a wonderous journey. I recommend it to anyone.
Good day, Maine!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
someone pinch me
Well we've made it! We have our picture on thr top front of the Bangor Sunday paper! Can it get any better? We are in Palmyra now and hope to get to Newport this evening. We met a nice couple who drove from the Acadia area just to find us with cold water and kind words. Maine just gets better everyday. Yet I meet diabetics of all ages and types each day. It is a global problem and I hope at least to get people to be more active in some way. There is no doubt it helps.
the extra mile
Waking up Saturday morning to the mist over the river I fought myself to stay longer. A man pulled in who loved to talk. He had said he'd always heard of people who rode and traveled across country but had not met one in the flesh. I gave him an extra news article from the friday payh'pah' because I could just imagine him trying to describe what he'd seen. I have listened to hundreds of people telling others over the phone about us and sometimes a visual tells the story best. We got ourselves ready and headed toward Cannan. When we reached the towns' sign. We were invited to stay for the night at a home just off route2 where they would feed us a good home cooked meal. R. said for us not to eat till then. We were at least seven miles from the turn and it was still before noon, we stopped for a bite. We stopped to talk. We stopped for shade. The ten miles turned to thirteen once we made the turn but it was worth it for the good family and food we went the extra miles for.
Today,Sunday, we may take it a little slower and see what the extra mile brings.
Today,Sunday, we may take it a little slower and see what the extra mile brings.
Friday, August 6, 2010
The Great Eddy
We meandered through town and came to the place where the river does also. I saw in the rivers turn the largest Eddy I had ever seen. I almost turned and pointed it out to Ethan but I had my sights set on the turn off where some locals had fresh veggies for sale. The view of the river captured me. The sparkle lulled me to sit and take it in. I hurried to write a post, lay my hat on my hip and drifted off to sleep. When I awoke refreshed an hour had passed and the wind was urging the world east. Ethan and I both agreed we would find a place to stop soon but didn't now where. We were walking along the river shaded by trees and a following wind when a man pulled off to talk, a local; he knew where the next available place was and it happened to be at the next turn. The turn in the road and the other end of what people from here call The Great Eddie! (Sounds like it should be pronounced with a shaarp Irish accent). That is one of the great things when walking, not biking or driving,I get to talk to the people. The historic marker here at this rest stop tells of Benedict Arnold and the falls but I would not know the name of these turns of the river unless I met someone from here. This gem of Maine.
Is it ok
This morning I let Ethan sleep till he woke up on his own. We have done well by walking to and thru Skowhegan where I stppoed to get a patch from the firehouse; they have quite the collection themselves. Now we are on the outskirts of the town center. We passed the dam bridge and are at a pull off by the river. Is it alright for me to stop and enjoy?
lighten up
I have lessened my load. No, that's not a double entendre' though it could be. Took out the tent to loose some weight, a couple spare bottles of water
Added two garbage bags in case we have to sleep or get out of the rain. I should have more faith; I have not been left out in the cold the whole trip. I need to loose some weight.
My 'station attendant' is ready. Nice (the dog) has eaten and sunned himself. Let's enjoy the sunny day here along the highway in Maine.
Added two garbage bags in case we have to sleep or get out of the rain. I should have more faith; I have not been left out in the cold the whole trip. I need to loose some weight.
My 'station attendant' is ready. Nice (the dog) has eaten and sunned himself. Let's enjoy the sunny day here along the highway in Maine.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
the Wock
We made it to Norridgewock in a light rain. We were able to get the same ride as yesterday. Thanks to L for his help, I hope his walk-about gives him pleasure.
My heal is burning, I'll not speak of it again. The nine miles to the place we stopped was really eleven and a half. Early to bed tonight.
My heal is burning, I'll not speak of it again. The nine miles to the place we stopped was really eleven and a half. Early to bed tonight.
the fall of brave Achilles
I met a man in New Hampshire who had researched the Achilles line back to the location of the palace site. I met the man while walking up a long hill when my achilles tendon ws burning. I had pulled it badly when I stepped in a hole in HavredeGrace Maryland. At that moment I was down, prone like the day when the legend fell. I have taken blows and sprains but when I tore my heal I was down before I knew what happened.
I say this because this is the first time since that day In Maryland where I have had to stop and give my heal a break. The limp and pain are pronounced today. Only a couple of weeks or better and I can
Walk less for awhile.
I say this because this is the first time since that day In Maryland where I have had to stop and give my heal a break. The limp and pain are pronounced today. Only a couple of weeks or better and I can
Walk less for awhile.
i'm just Saying
It is not easy posting while I walk. I am rolling wirth one hand and thumbing bow.juist met a woman who is diabeticand when I said my walking talk shetotally agreedthat It helps. A livingand enthuisiastic example of why I walk. That's what I'm saying.
The look my son gave me when I fooled him into getting ready early, at 730 heasked the ytime and0 I swear his look burned the hair off my cheek.
The random song on the Mpr is a railroad bum song by Johnny Cash.
The look my son gave me when I fooled him into getting ready early, at 730 heasked the ytime and0 I swear his look burned the hair off my cheek.
The random song on the Mpr is a railroad bum song by Johnny Cash.
Two AM
We were allowed to stay in the lot of the general store in beautiful downtown. New Sharron. Because of the heat wave today the van was a bit toasty, I had some trouble getting off to sleep but with the door open and dreams of travel to far off places I didn't mind waking up with Maine's state bird. Leaving an itchy bite on my bottom. Now that I am awake and have seen the night stars in the clear sky I can tell I am a long way from home, the stars are in the wrong spots.
I met several diabetics today, as I do each and everyday.
Even here in Maine. That will not do! Let's walk for awareness , to get healthy and work to find some solutions to this spreading problem.
I am going back too bed. Goodnight New Sharron and New England.
I met several diabetics today, as I do each and everyday.
Even here in Maine. That will not do! Let's walk for awareness , to get healthy and work to find some solutions to this spreading problem.
I am going back too bed. Goodnight New Sharron and New England.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
the afternoon break
Usually we have a good , relaxing rest in the shade during a days walking. Good for the spirits and allows the hottest part of the day to swell past. As we walked past this area I can still see some history along the edges of times gone by. Long before this broad highway had made it's swath through. The aged graveyard, the old church, the old road and overgrown commons .after a while we will find more hints of time before cars and steamers. Sometimes I walk too fast and miss so much scenery, this morning I had to stop and take a picture of a front yard who's patrons obviously worked hard for the lovely scene. The roses and rhododendrons of New Jersey have transformed to more subtle and richer beauty of Maine, The Vacation State.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
We're being watched
While we walked yesterday from Dixfield to Carthage I saw a large bird through the trees then noticed the bird flying ahead along the treeline along the road. The birds up here are few compared with the lower states and to see a bird of prey is a treat. I have collected a feather or two along my way, usually at some interesting juncture on our path. Today we walked to the edge of Farmington to the Walmart where we were met by a couple who talked with us and offered a ride and good conversation. As I stopped and took off my pack for the niht there lay a small feather at my feet. Good stuff I say! This afternoon a shadow crossed from above once and then again. Moments later the Falcon passed low above me so close I could see his eyes watching me, he then swung around above the boy and the dog who were lagging behind. Could it be the same one as yesterday?
We were approached also by a Jay, a policeman from Jay he thanked us for walking to promote fitness to control and prevent diabetes. Good stuff I say! I have met several police officers and even a chief of police who serve their communities well despite diabetes. Young or old, whatever type of diabetes, exercise is vey helpful to control your levels. For those who can prevent the disease with fitness, walking may be a start. A woman came to us today who had bEen trying to get a picture for days and finally got her chance to stop and get a good one, no drive by shooting this time. She'd checked us out online also and knew our tale. She said she was not a stalker. I believe her. Even if she had read every entry on my blog from the beginning.
I need to rest. I totally lost my closing thought, so you can fill in the blank __________________________________________________________________________________________ good people of Maine.
We were approached also by a Jay, a policeman from Jay he thanked us for walking to promote fitness to control and prevent diabetes. Good stuff I say! I have met several police officers and even a chief of police who serve their communities well despite diabetes. Young or old, whatever type of diabetes, exercise is vey helpful to control your levels. For those who can prevent the disease with fitness, walking may be a start. A woman came to us today who had bEen trying to get a picture for days and finally got her chance to stop and get a good one, no drive by shooting this time. She'd checked us out online also and knew our tale. She said she was not a stalker. I believe her. Even if she had read every entry on my blog from the beginning.
I need to rest. I totally lost my closing thought, so you can fill in the blank __________________________________________________________________________________________ good people of Maine.
raindrops
It is raining this morning. We don't walk in the rain unless it begins after going. I walk slowly from town to town, state to state but even I need a little rain sometimes to slow my roll. To. Take time to get back to the calm deep within, away from the chatter that goes on in all of us. I don't know how long this rain will last, I will enjoy it.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
The family
Each state has it's own way of things. From our first hours in Maine I felt the family and friendly neighborhood atmosphere . Where some areas I have been through they may not know the people across the road the Maine way is what we all need to take home when we visit this " vacation state".
We are Moose
The tourist sensibilities are booming here in Maine and all are in search of the illusive moose. They must be fast for such a large animal for every time a line of cars slows and take pictures I turn and the moose are gone.
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