Sunday, January 15, 2012

Daphne to Mobile

The night seemed colder than the previous two even though the canvas world was not covered with frost. Once the sun came up it warmed quickly. I sported my new 2011 Nat-champ Crimson 'hoodie, went across the parking lot for a coffee, talked to a highway stripe-crew and a few people from Lowes in the fifty yard trip. After a couple pictures the Lowes trio singled out their "token diabetic". A woman approached me and told me of four or five close family members she had lost to diabetes. So many, I was in silent shock as she told me how important it is for her to take care of her body. For some reason that stuck with me all day. Some of the most fit an energetic people I've met during my travels are diabetic, they take their diet and exercise seriously as if their life depended on it. Oh yeah, it does. The token diabetic... Anyway, I got Nice (the dog) fed as I packed my gear, then we rolled to the causeway across Mobile Bay. The cold morning warmed to perfect temperature for walking.
After some narrow roadways with very sharp ravines on both sides then some mall frontage action we crossed over I-10 to the Old Spanish Trail with a pull off lane; my express lane. The first two river bridges gave me ample room to walk. The third was only passable because a man in a truck stayed behind me as cars sped by in the fast lane. I was helped through the tunnel under the bay by a police escort coordinated by the city photographer who also helped me find the firehouse and then shuttled us back to Daphne where he lives, coincidentally. The men at the station are great, they fed me, found an old patch and let me shower. So far Alabama is shaping up to bump Nebraska from the hospitality national championship. Feel the tide! All states are full of everyday-great experiences but blocking off a tunnel skews the stats heavily...
Happy Birthday! You know who. Goodnight.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

WorldGuy just walked past Greater Mobile Chrysler Jeep in Mobile. He said he has walked over 4000 miles to promote his cause. Thats amazing!

Kelly Ficarelli said...

I work at the Press Register here in Mobile and have received calls this morning about "a man with a dog pushing a globe." One of my editors directed me to your blog. Great way to raise awareness. SOOO glad to hear you were treated hospitably while in the Mobile/Daphne area. Good luck & God speed. I will be praying for you and Nice.

Jonsmith89 said...

I just saw you at walmart. My fiance with me is a diabetic. Keep up your great work!

Theresa Yarbrough said...

lSaw you walking today on Highway 90 and came home to look you up! Thank you for supporting a great cause in a great way! Keep on Movin'!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for letting my boys and I take your picture. We told my nephew all about you he has juvenile diabetes. I hope you made it to walmart before dark. We saw you on hwy 90 today when the police stopped traffic for you> Good work!!

Nicki said...

It was very nice to meet you and hear about your efforts! I was with the trio at Lowes. We told everyone about you that day! Your message is being heard! Good luck to you on the rest of your journey!

Virginia from Gautier said...

I enjoyed meeting you and your dog Nice, I love and support your cause, I have been encouraged to walk more. Thanks and God bless you and Nice