POST 548: 02/09/12: OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA

Finished painting the hand railings for Melinda and A.J. A particularly unpleasant job because of the height and bending (became a contortionist to reach many places). May still have to return to do some touch up.

Food Pantry is progressing well on Sunday, Wednesday, and Fridays.

Each day has been filled working with Tim on his new home. Painting, except for final trim, is complete. This week helped Tim install hardwood floors, install doorway jambs and actual hanging of doors.

Am learning much from Tim, who is a perfectionist...who spends 10 percent of his time trying to find where he left this tool or that rule. Have organized all his tools, putting all like items in one spot, and keeping the floors clear of litter and construction debris.

Am putting on weight again. Barbara is an excellent chef, insisting I try this...have more of that...here, take this home for a late night snack.

After Food Pantry tomorrow morning, Pastor Steve is driving me to the Kitty Hawk Eye Outpatient Clinic, where my left eye cataract will be operated on. Will be nice to see clearly again.

Outer Bank constant 20 - 24 mph winds keep the wind chill near freezing day and night. SPIA is toasty with the propane furnace heating up the inside to 70 F. in less than five minutes. Use the furnace only to take the chill off so I keep nice and warm...if it gets too cold, climbing into the feathers is a great solution.

POST 547: 02/05/12: OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA

10:20 pm and just returned "home" from enjoying big screen Super Bowl, endless food treats, and the families of Melinda and sister Melanie. Way to go New York Giants...victorious in a rather good game.

Past two days have been spreading lots of paint on the railing - should be finished with the second coat by tomorrow - and this afternoon finished the second coat of next to last room in Barbara and Tim's new home.

Must share an interesting development regarding my eyes:

Returning from Columbia (Karen and Craig's home), stopped in at the Eye Clinic in Nags Head (village), where prep work was done for my next Friday Cataract operation. In the process, the Doctor discovered my 15 year old right eye lens replacement had deteriorated to the point that laser treatment was recommended.

For the last 12 years or so, I have been losing my night vision to the degree that I could not safely drive at night - difficult to see the road without the white line -, and could not see the dashboard well enough to read how fast I was going.

Turns out that the new lens is "smaller" than the original lens - replaced 15 years ago. After a while, the "excess" iris material apparently becomes sagging - kinda like getting baggy jowls - which cuts down on light entering the eye. The laser treatment, which takes all of five minutes, punches holes through the iris, letting in more light.

Tonight driving home in the dark from Melinda and A.J., I could see the highway perfectly...first time in many years.

Down side from the upcoming left eye cataract surgery is significant $$ cost, expected to be somewhat in excess of $1,000.00 after insurance - heck, the eye drop medication preceding the surgery cost over $200.00 for two itsy bitsy lousy bottles of a few drops each.

Seriously considered cancelling the entire process.

Then again, I might get lucky to live a few more years...and why not...being able to see would be a plus.

So, we are proceeding.

It will be necessary, however, to extend my "winter-over" on the Outer Banks until the end of March to refill the $$ kitty before continuing my walk.

Instead of walking through Vermont to the St. Lawrence River, will most likely choose a shorter route; i.e., North Carolina diagonally North West to De Kalb, Illinois where my sister Carol is in full assisted living - suffering from a number of ailments.

In the mean time, will continue to volunteer - sans $$ receipt -, helping folks recover from the September hurricane damages.

I know, I know...have been told I'm a bit unrealistic to reject payment. I have determined, however, to complete my walk solely on my Social Security $$. In any event, I enjoy helping as many folks as possible while I have the physical ability...what better way to show my appreciation for all that has been received from so many along the way.

POST 546: 02/03/12: OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA

Another weather front moved onto the Outer Banks last night bringing rain and cold.

Assisted at the Food Pantry until early afternoon. A large contingent of canned goods arrived while I was away in Columbia last week, filling the shelves. Already, nearly all of it is gone because of an unusually large number of hungry folks stopping in.

This morning, many boxes of fresh meats arrived for Friday patrons. A new addition is the delivery by the bread distributor truck, leaving ten trays of bread items.

Pastor Steve tells me that business is slow at the moment because it is "off-season". During high season, the truck apparently picks up food every day - now pickup is Friday, Sunday and Wednesday.

After closing (Food Pantry), drove to the home of Melinda and A.J., where I painted until too dark to see. I was invited to share dinner before driving back to HAPPY CLAM for the night.

It was bitter cold (wind chill out of the North). I kept adding more warm sweaters and thermal gloves (under my rubber painting gloves), and still became quite chilled. SPIA's propane furnace has warmed to 70 F., but I am still shivering. Going to climb into the feathers to warm up.

Tomorrow, a final gallon of paint is to be delivered (ran out of paint today) at 9:00 am. Should be able to complete the second coat (Melinda applied a second coat on more than 50% of the railings while I was in Columbia last week).

Melinda and A.J. have invited me to watch the Super Bowl on their big screen Sunday evening.. Look forward to that.

POST 545: 02/01/12: COLUMBIA, NORTH CAROLINA

One Week.

Simply unbelievable.

My third visit to the home of Karen and Craig has come and gone in a flash. I am rested. I am contented. I am overwhelmed by kindness.

I, a complete stranger, invited into the home and hearts of Karen, Craig, Noah and Carson. Beyond reason...simply beyond reason.



Please, once again, say HELLO to Craig (on the left), his simpatica wife, Karen, and precious Auggie.


My Room.

Many tranquil hours I have spent in that bed, sleeping like a baby. Nearly as many hours, I have read from my Kindle nestled into that rocking chair.

Memories...so many times in recent months I gazed into en-ending emptiness striving to comprehend that which might wait around the next bend...over the next hill.

Blow my mind...there is always something...someone(s)...waiting for me - no room for doubt...no room for depression. Only the wonder of walking into another's life, sharing, leaving a bit of oneself behind...taking a bit of someone into the future.


Two times I have visited C.L.

Top notch haircut for $6.00. C.L. has been barbering since 1957.

I plan to sit in his barber chair one more time before walking away from Columbia, North Carolina.

Cypress Tree beside the Columbia, North Carolina "River walk" one block from Karen's home.


Pigeon nesting only 4 feet away from the Scuppernong River Board Walk.

Yes, we had a chat.

To the consternation of this fellow standing guard next to her !

I tried to chat with him, but he just stared at me, turned, and walked slowly crouching under concrete (Scuppernong River) bridge beams to disappear into the blackness.


Scuppernong River Bridge, looking West across the shallow waters.


SPIA parked in front of Karen & Craig's home.

My room is behind the upper-left window.


Karen & Craig's graveyard.

Pic is taken next to Karen's SUV sitting in their driveway.


Click click to read the headstone of SARAH SUTTON...died 1830.

This morning, I exchanged emotional "goodbyes" after Noah and Carson went off to school.

I drove back to the Outer Banks, filled my spare propane tank - which was bungied into the new basket -, and drove to the local Nags Head (town) Eye Clinic. Introducing myself as friend of Karen and Craig, I was immediately escorted into an examining room, where I received a through going over for the next two hours...all with no appointment.

Was informed that I needed laser treatments on my previously treated right eye (lens implant 15 years ago), which was done on the spot in less than five minutes;

Also informed that I suffered from Maculate Degeneration, requiring immediate attention. Oh My !

Also informed that on February 10, 2012 (next Friday), surgery would be performed on my second (left) eye to implant a new lens.

Returning to Rodanthe and Avon, checked in with Barbara and Tim. Tim suggested since tomorrow is going to be a gorgeous day, I should help Melinda and A.J. finish painting their railings.

Tracked down Melinda at the Food Pantry...no, says she, we should go help Linda - Linda has considerable Hurricane (September 2011) damage to her home and has been bouncing from friend to friend as her home is not safe to move into -. So, in the morning, will take on yet another homeowner damage repair.

This is the way of folks out here on the Outer Banks...those in need receive help from caring neighbors and friends...sometimes it takes a bit of waiting as there is still so very much damage.

Next week, the Food Pantry / Church second-floor addition will begin...which will be the new home of Melinda and A.J. and their four young-uns. Melinda and A.J. - as well as sister Mandy - lost their homes entirely during Hurricane Irene in September.

I will volunteer myself to assist Pastor Steve in the remodel project.

Yes, I am busy. Yes, this is why I am out here.

It is going to take a humungous effort to coax SPIA to leave.

More corners to round...

More hills to cross.

POST 544: 01/30/12: COMUMBIA, NORTH CAROLINA

I got chewed out today.

Uncle Babe (Frank) and "Auntie" Elenore made one of the very few phone calls I have received in the last year, demanding to know why I don't write more often (on this blog). Had not talked to them in years before my walk started, but if I miss a couple blog days, they get all bent out of shape...

No, really, these two have been special friends nearly all our lives; heck, Uncle Babe is only a couple years older than me (his Sister, Patricia was only 10 months older than me and Uncle Fred is two your younger than me)...all these relatives have been more like brothers and sisters than Aunts and Uncles.

I treasure our weekly phone calls...and they can chew me out anytime.

Arrived at Karen and Craig's Columbia North Carolina home last Friday. Both are in good spirits, as are Noah and Carson. I have had to beg for something to do around the house and finally I have been assigned some tasks. Am nearly complete with the garden work and under Craig's close supervision, helped install sliding doors in the entry closet. Well, it is a start.

The past three days, I have - after a six week layoff - again hit the road; 10 miles Saturday, 8 miles Sunday, and another 8 miles today, rediscovering long unused leg muscles and finally getting some sinus relief (intense exercise is the ONLY relief I have ever found for my life-long sinus problem).



Took a new route, walking South on SR 94 out of Columbia. Interesting topography in this neck of the woods. Waterways crisscross the low lying land, lying only a foot or two below the roadways.


SR 94 bridge crossing one of the many swamps lining the vast shallow waterways between the mainland and the Outer Banks.


The inevitable dogs try to intimidate me. I usually chat with them as they take a run at me. Taking out my camera usually causes them to put on the brakes. Believe they are confused that I am not afraid of them.


The roadways surrounding Columbia are usually lined with swamps or waterways.


This area happens to be wildlife sanctuary.


Residences are few and far between.


The harsh weather - constant wind with salt-borne moisture laden air takes a toll on all buildings.


Most folks appear to be in constant motion repairing their homes.


On the way to Columbia Friday morning, stopped in Wanchese to install SPIA's new basket. It will carry spare propane and gasoline on my upcoming walk back to the Peace Arch near Vancouver, B.C. (Canada). Have delayed departure from the Outer Banks for another four weeks or so.


My assigned gardening task of installing a rubberized flowerbed liner is nearly complete. Only 20 more feet to prepare a trench and bury the liner.


View through my room's window screen overlooking the Scuppernong River.


A bit clearer view of the Scuppernong River.


US 64 has received a new bridge over the Scuppernong River.


Click click to enlarge the flight of Canadian Geese coming in for a landing on the river.


A small swamp covered over with rust-colored algae.


Ever present waterway lines a field lying fallow during this sunny winter day.


The same waterway trickling under a foot bridge.


Tree farms abound all over the South East. Unusual to see such row alignment.


Turkey Buzzards devouring a road kill rabbit.

Turkey Buzzards are common in every part of the West and South that I have walked.

They have often check me out quite close while walking the deserts of the West.

In a couple days, will return to my painting jobs on the Outer Banks. May take the next couple days off here at Karen's and simply rest, relax, and read. Current read is The Fall Of The Roman Empire. Just completed a detailed book on Tienanmen Square 1989 Massacre ... cannot help but make comparisons to the growing "Occupy" movement sweeping the USA.

POST 543: 01/27/12: WANCHESE - COLUMBIA, NORTH CAROLINA

Yesterday was an exhausting day at Melinda's home...painting from 8:30 am til 5:00 pm with 30 minutes out for lunch with hubby, A.J.

A.J. and I enjoyed a pizza dinner together (his treat) while Melinda took her group of 13 girls to Cheer Leader practice.

Exhausting in that the outside face of the deck railing stretches a full six feet down, requiring me to reach over the top of the railing to try to paint. I did not succeed. The final 14 inches were beyond my reach, leaving a challenging task to figure how to get paint onto the vertical 1.5 inch slats without getting the deck itself splattered.

My fist barely fits between the slats. Painting will require sight-unseen paint application while lying on my stomach. I may have to remove every 4th slat to stick my head out to see what I am doing.

To keep paint away from the deck face, I have designed and had constructed a thin steel plate which I plan to drive under the edges of the two opposing slats, effectively covering the deck face.

It will be a time consuming uncomfortable effort, but feel I have come up with a reasonable system. We shall see.

and, the wood is rough-cut acting like a sponge soaking up the initial coat. A second coat of paint will definitely be needed.

Oh, such fun.

Today, I am sore and stiff from yesterday's contortions...I did, however, complete the entire third story railing with a first-coat, which consumed 1.5 gallon.

For today, I have driven SPIA to Wanchese (village) on Roanoake Island, where the new fully aluminum welded basket has been installed. It can be removed by loosening four bolts. It looks excellent. It will hold two spare propane tanks plus a small gasoline can. This basket will make it possible to trek across the wide expanses of Montana and North Dakota.

I have determined that it is best to delay departure from the Outer Banks for another four to five weeks, making a new departure date of approximately March 01, 2012. This will still allow for a August 15, 2012 arrival at the Peace Arch South of Vancouver, B.C.

Installation of the basket took about 2 hours. I arrived at Karen & Craig's home about 2:30 pm this afternoon in Columbia, North Carolina. I stopped in at the Food Lion Supermarket in Columbia, picking up some chips and sweets (Craig has a thing for sweets). Today being Friday makes this evening "Chile Nite". Look forward to Karen's chile. Karen is a certified Chef, making her cuisine something special.

My room was ready and waiting for me. A large soft queen four-poster bed; a mirrored desk (on which this update is being written), a dresser and closet. One window looks to the West, offering a panorama of the Scupppernong River with the Sun setting over the distant Appalachian mountains.

SPIA gave me a scare yesterday as the motor temperature pegged out HOT. Turning on the heater full Hot, the temperature came back down. Believe the thermostat spring - probably the original from 1987 - lost it's tension, refusing to open to allow cold radiator water to circulate.
On my drive today, the temperature stayed in the "normal" zone. To be on the safe side, I stopped in at NAPA Auto Parts where I purchased a new thermostat and radiator cap.

The cost of my custom-designed basket - including installation - was $351.00; $50.00 UNDER the estimate...now how often does that happen !

Taking the day off tomorrow. Karen and Connor are travelling to a science project. Craig, Noah and I will be staying close to home.

Will give me time to take some photos and test the new basket.

POST 542:: 01/25/12: OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA

Since our last blog on January 19, 2012, I have been fully employed - painting and helping out at the Food Pantry.

Yesterday, Pastor Steve and wife Betty returned from their short trip to Florida. The new truck - which I helped paint - performed with perfection, Betty says. Both expressed pleasure at my effort to paint the church Dining/Meeting Room...was a pleasure and for me, fun.

The home of Barbara and Tim is nearly 100% painted inside. Only two rooms remain, both needing a second coat of paint. Tim is tickled pink with my presence. He has been 6 years - mostly working alone - building their new home, all the while living inside the original two rooms.

I must say, Tim is a perfectionist at his work. Look anywhere inside his new home and see only Quality. Tim is, I think, also pleased to have someone to help him...mostly to chat and accompany him on his morning and afternoon 15-minute breaks (which usually extend to 30-45 minutes), which he insists: "...as a life-long Union Man, I am accustomed to my breaks".

Both Paul and Les know my feelings about taking breaks (Hi guys).

One great omission in my prior blogs is that Barbara has created delicious lunches and dinners on the days I painted. I have been welcomed into their family of sons and daughters and grandchildren...most of whom drop in during evening mealtime. Am putting on weight to the point I must put some miles in, or visit the clothing store.

and, today, have started Melinda's painting project...painting the railing of -seems like miles - deck railing and unending outside stairways on their 3-story beachfront home. Put in four hours this afternoon - after assisting the Wednesday Food Pantry -. Upon seeing my progress on the top floor railing, received rave review from Melinda.

Just for the record, I mention that ALL my local work-efforts are "volunteer", taking NO $$ from my bosses.

I am just grateful I have been offered places for SPIA and I to park during our Winter-Over.

Have been on the Outer Banks for nearly three months. Original plans were to rest until the first week of February...that plan is now modified because of unpredictable and intensity of nationwide winter storms. I will stay on the Outer Banks for at least one more month.

Two more offers have been received for SPIA to park - complete with electricity and water - whenever we take the fancy.

Tomorrow, will once again tackle the deck railings. On Friday, its off to pick up SPIAs new front-end basket (for spare propane and gasoline tanks)...then continuing to Karen & Craig in Columbia for a few days.

The word is getting around that this old man knows something about painting...would not be surprised to receive another project or two...still much repair to Outer Banks "rental" homes before the arrival of the high season which begins sometime in April or so.

As an aside, the homes - all within a block or two of either the Atlantic Ocean or Pamlico Sound - rent for $5,000 to $12,000 per WEEK ! A nice piece of change for lucky owners.