POST 1082; MARCH 16, 2013; COLUMBIA, NORTH CAROLINA

* * * * * * * * * *
Away from the Holiday Express at 8:00am...located on the West side of the town of Plymouth, I was cautioned that it would be over 30 miles to reach Columbia, North Carolina. 

It rain for about 2 hours.  Did not use my rain gear.  Instead, used my flimsy PANCHO which, as always, kept me dry as a bone.  Along the way, came upon a large pickup truck pulling a trailer of Palomino horses.  Asked the 3 ladies if I could help...no, just retrieving a bag that floated out the window.  As SAM & ME walked away, one of the ladies ran after us, slipping $25.00 into my hand...please just take it...we want to help.

Late in the afternoon, we ran out of water.  The rain had stopped...the Sun came out...and sure enough, the distance to Columbia was at least 10 miles more than I had allowed. 

A lady was watching from her mobile home as SAM & I walked and rolled along US 64.  I held up my empty water bottle...and she immediately came to the fence (US 64 is a fenced "freeway at that point) carrying five full water bottles.  To meet her, I had to descend a 20 foot steep grassy slope.  On the way down, my left foot slipped, causing my first injury in three years walking.  Somewhat like a blister...but much more serious, as the top layer of tough skin separated from the heel bone...O U C H !

The above image is of SAM looking up from the bottom of the slope.

I thanked the lady profusely...I was really hurting from thirst.  As we walked away, she followed asking if we would like a ride...explained that Columbia was only 7 miles, and that we would be OK walking.

She would not take NO for an answer.  She followed on the side road insisting that we accept her offer.  Finally convinced her we would be OK.

Five minutes later, my heel was in excruciating pain from the injury.  At that moment, the lady's SUV pulled along side SAM - heading in the direction of Columbia...this time a gentlemen got out...My wife says you need a ride to Columbia.  So happened, there was an official "cross over" to his side, so I pushed SAM to his car. 

Took only a couple minutes to load up SAM...and off we drove the final 6 miles toward Columbia.

You know, says he...I remember you from last year.  I met you when you were walking back to the Peace Arch from OBX (Outer Banks). 

...and then, I remembered him, also.  We did meet one year ago.  Now, here he was rescuing SAM & ME at the exact moment we desperately needed help.

...and yet, another swamp along North Carolina roadways.

US 64 as SAM & ME walked today from Plymouth toward Columbia.

Please say HELLO to TIM.  Tim is our rescuer today...and the gentleman we met one year ago walking this same road.

Tim drove SAM & ME to the front door of the home of Karen and Craig, helped unload SAM...then lift SAM onthe front porch for safe keeping.  Took a moment to introduce Tim to Karen...Tim apparently knows (of) Karen, having visited many events in Columbia.  All parades and functions pass in review before Karen and Craig's front yard...the prime viewing point.

Wilmington, North Carolina to Columbia this past week has been full of surprises...kind and gracious new friends...and now Tim from our walk last year. 

Sure beats sitting on the couch guzzling beer munching chips...

Thank you all for being there for SAM & ME at the very moment(s) we needed you.  You will be always near our hearts.

At the moment, I sit in "my" room in the home of Karen and Craig.  Wine has been enjoyed...scrumptious ham sandwich filled my tummy (also Augie's), and all is quiet as I finish this post and slip into the feathers.

Tomorrow is another day...gone with the wind !

POST 1081; MARCH 15, 2013; PLYMOUTH, NORTH CAROLINA

* * * * * * * * * *

After yesterday morning's short walk, SAM & ME hibernated all afternoon and night in the hotel...grabbing a "continental" breakfast and rushing out at 8:00am this morning for our walk to WILLIAMSTON, N.C., some 23 miles north on US 17.

Left in such a rush, totally forgot ALL water bottles and on-the-road ham sandwich.  Tempted to go back, but decided something would turn up...so, continued on our way.

SAM

Fallen Tinker-Toy Barn.

Please say HELLO to WILLIAM "Will" ROGERS and 5-month old "TIP", who insisted I play with him at every moment.  Will filled two water bottles from his house spicket...water problem solved.

Will lives at the intersection of US 17 and NC (North Carolina) 171.   NC 171 is a diagonal roadway alternate to reach Jefferyville on US 64 some 10 miles to the East of Williamston...while being the same mileage as US 17 is to Williamston.  From Williamston, it is 10 miles on US 64 to Jefferyville.

So, opted to walk n' roll NC 171 to Jefferyville...then hung a right on US 64 to the next large town, PLYMOUTH, N.C., where we are holed up for the night in the HOLIDAY EXPRESS hotel. 

In all, SAM & ME walk n' rolled 35 miles today.  Took from 8:00am until 6:00pm...with a couple time-outs for purchasing more water.  SAM performed perfectly.  ME, not so good.  Basically, this ole' body did well.  SAM weighs something over 200 pounds, so it is a bit of a chore pushing her for 10 hours on narrow berm of undulating roadways.

Nevertheless, we are in Plymouth, having accomplished the magical 35 miles...actually, quite incredible that we did it so soon after starting out on March 07...and except for sore ankles from straining to push SAM, I am in excellent condition.

I make somewhat of an issue of today's 35 miles, as there have been some who questioned the veracity of my report(s) of averaging 32.5 miles per day during our 8-month circumnavigation of America a couple years ago.  During that trek, SAM was not often used.  Pushing SAM while covering 35 miles is even a more exciting accomplishment.

In the morning, we will again leave around 8:00am.  It is only 25 or so miles from Plymouth to COLUMBIA, N.C., our destination for the home of Karen and Craig...which we should reach by late tomorrow afternoon...completing the first phase of our walk.

Blossoms are "springing" on North Carolina trees.

Walk past a number of "family" burial plots.

This land is quite low...probably only a few feet above Sea Level.  Mostly, it is swamp land.  Over the past 300 or so years, forested sections haves been cleared for growing of cotton, peanuts, and a large variety of other "cash" crops...often employing SLAVES on the sometimes vast Plantations.

As an aside, a local explained that SAM & ME walked near the home of Blackbeard, the Pirate, only a short distance from NC 171.  Blackbeard was killed by British Naval Lieutenant Maynard at the nearby Island of OCRACOKE...see my blog of 1.5 years ago.

Highway NC 171

SAM & ME were on a continual pace of over 4 miles per hour all day.  Did not stop to take many photographs today.

POST 1080; MARCH 14, 2013; WASHINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA

* * * * * * * * * *

Was prepared to start walking at day break, but promised Roger I would see them before leaving...so, began walking about 8:00am.  Let me tell you, it was COLD...do not know why I was so cold - there was no ice on the ground -, but I was cold thru and thru...

Sleep last night was superb...warm, comfy, quiet.

Roger has done a super job repairing SAM's front wheel.  Arriving in the city of Washington around noon, SAM steered perfectly...her ball bearings remained in place...all in all, just a great job, Roger.  Thank you, again.

JIMMY - ROGER - KAIDEN

In all, walked about 15 miles this morning.  Walked a very quick pace...something over 4 miles per hour, arriving at the new US 17 By-Pass Bridge around the city of Washington and over the Tar River - above.

Some interesting trees beside the 2 + mile long new by-pass bridge...reminding me ever so much of "lodge poles" as found in the Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona and New Mexico...which two ago years suffered a massive forest fire only a couple days after I completed walking through the Navajo Reservation.

Arriving in Washington at noon-time today, stopped in at a unique fully automated restaurant...where each client electronically selects meals from a series of detail images...including kind of meat, type of salads, many selections of dressings...I could not figure it out; received help from one of the young employees...thank you very much.

As I sat to eat, I began shivering uncontrollably.  I then realized that my entire body was cold...seems like the cold was coming from my "core"...i.e., from inside out.  I simply could not stop shivering.

I did realize that the 4 hours I walked this morning was in a very cold wind, as I kept adding layers...but did not realize I was becoming cold to the core.

  The next town is 21 miles north on US 17.  At 2:00pm, I was walking out of the town of Washington when I came upon the motel COMFORT INN, where I am registered from many prior visits over the years. 

Even after eating a good lunch, I was still shivering and felt weak...so, I asked for and received a room (at a very low $$).  It is now 6:00pm, local Eastern Daylight Time.  I have slept soundly for 2.5 hours, taken a hot soaking bath for 1 hour, and enjoyed another meal - Chinese Buffet -. 

Finally, I am beginning to warm up.

In the morning, SAM & ME will once again venture out onto US 17 north towards the town of WILLIAMSTON, where we are told more motels are available.  Our budget has no $$ for motels, but I am a bit concerned for my body's apparent weakness at the moment. 

The flight to WILMINGTON from SEATTLE 10 days ago took a lot out of me...two nights spent sitting all night in airports...with our first night walking tenting on the COLD hard ground of the Wilmington KOA.  I was simply emptied of all reserves...land have not yet recovered. 

So far, SAM & ME have walked and rolled nearly 200 miles, with another nearly 100 to go to reach Karen and Craig in Columbia, North Carolina, where we plan to rest and enjoy a few days before attempting to cross America once again.

For three years, have been searching for the limit - if there is a limit - to this old man's body abilities...perhaps we are creeping up on that limit.

We shall see.

* * * * * * * * * *

POST 1079; MARCH 13, 2013; WILMAR, NORTH CAROLINA

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * 
Yesterday's blog introduced Karen and Greg Garris, retired couple married 38 years, both of whom are suffering from major diseases (cancer and heart), who have taken on a major project to provide their community of WILMAR, North Carolina...with... their words:

...to pursue the project(s) of BLESSINGS CLUB OUTREACH to prepare food for the sick, elderly, and homeless...providing low cost housing to homeless families. 

Karen and Gary have received a "convenience store" a 10-unit motel, and a plot of land for growing veggies.  Rent for the facilities is 1/2 the NET income from DONATIONS received.

Begun in October 2012, the convenience store provides FREE lunches to ALL...THOSE IN NEED AND NOT.  Donations are accepted.  From daily donations, food is currently procured from local sources for the next day's meals, which include two types of soup and three sandwich selections daily.

No one is turned away.  There is no set price and donations are "secret". 

The motel is made available at $100.00 per week or $20.00 nightly.  Currently four homeless families- nine folks all told -  live in the one-room spaces....I was offered my room at no charge....only a "secret" donation of my choice.  Each room has:  ultra modern 12 x 12 floor space, queen bed, TV, Microwave, fridge, dressers, desk, night stands, new carpeting and fully remodeled...including central heating/cooling system, and full bath...linens furnished.  Each tenant pays as each can afford...or helps maintain, clean, etc.

All residents receive FREE food...Donations accepted, but not requested or required.

In process is a new modern kitchen to expand food service(s), including cooking lessons as needed for homeless residents.  Out back, a large garden is to be planted shortly to supplement veggies.

The entire operation is licensed by the State of North Carolina as a non-profit Corporation...shortly to be issued certification to become a food bank location.

All this is being done as a VOLUNTARY program by Karen and Craig.  They make their own donations for all food and services they consume...and receive NO remuneration for their efforts.

These comments are intended to be a bare bones peek...the ultimate goal(s) are much more expansive.

It has been my pleasure to spend two nights with this small community...and as is my fate, I will be sad to leave in the morning.  I have, in one spot, however, earned a new family which will fill the following days of SAM & ME trek.

Please say HELLO to the KITE family...l. to r.:  CHRIS, KAIDEN, SHERRI, and ROGER. Missing is daughter McKENZIE (7 years).

 Roger is currently uunemployed...looking for work.  In the meantime, he assists Gary with maintenance and constructing new facilities in the store...presently building cabinets in preparation for installing stoves, sinks, freezers, etc. 

Today, Gary disassembled, cleaned, lubricated and reinstalled SAM's front wheel...which nearly fell apart during yesterday's 25-mile drive through torrential rains. 

Sherri, in addition to being MOM, helps by cleaning the motel rooms and assisting Karen in the store.

Please say HELLO to JIMMY VICK.  The motel is Jimmy's home...I mean Jimmy's life-long home.  His father built the motel back in 1952, naming it PARKWAY MOTEL, complete with all the latest modern innovations...TV, central heating/cooling, modern bath...etc.  As Jimmy says...in the days when pride in what you did meant something.

Today, Jimmy is blind.  Totally Blind from the ravages of Sugar Diabetes.  Jimmy and I spoke for many hours today...sitting in the store after enjoying Karen's Soups and sandwiches.  Jimmy is one of the most learned, knowledgeable, and intelligent persons I have ever met.  His mind is sharp as a tack...and he instantly speaks with authority and conviction on every subject we touched. 

Roger and Kaiden guiding Jimmy from the motel to the store, some 300 feet away.  Greg told me today was the FIRST time Jimmy has left his room since they assumed responsibility for the properties back in October 2012...says Jimmy broke out because of my presence...to spend time talking to someone about things important to him.

Two other families live in the motel...of whom I have no photograph:

Keith Anderson, partially paralyzed from a stroke; and,

Tammy McAntosh and daughter Eva. for whom I have no information.

Lunch time at Karen's.  Karen invites EVERYONE every day to join in her FREE offerings.  Karen said to me this evening, as we chatted for a couple hours before saying goodbye (I leave early in the morning), that today was her largest customer day by far...then babbled something about encouragement and stimulation ...something to do with SAM & ME.

Do believe something good has happened here in WILMAR in the past 24 hours.

THE STORE

POST 1078; MARCH 12, 2013; WILMAR, NORTH CAROLINA

* * * * * * * * * *

After gleening an  armload of SAM's stuff, reduced weight considerably...so much so, that today, pushed SAM most of the day...in  a POUNDING RAIN...with one hand only. 

We started out at 7:30am...still dark because of the rain storm passing overhead.


Guiding SAM on much of US 17 was very difficult...with the roadway running one-inch deep in rain...and lots of traffic - including many 18-wheelers - and very narrow berm.  One Sheriff stopped by in response to a complaint that SAM & ME were walking in the middle of the highway...of course, we do not, but the Sheriff and I got a good chuckle before he sent us on our way.

Passed through two or three small villages on our way to the town of WASHINGTON , some 35 miles distant... our objective for the day.

Wore my full rain gear, including Gaiters and new "waterproof" shoes.  It rained so hard that when the Sun broke out about 1:00pm, every stitch of clothing - including my "waterproof" shoes were soaked thru and thru. 

Need a bit of reconsideration regarding walking in heavy downpour.

No, we did NOT reach Washington.  We stopped for the night about 10 miles short...meaning we walked and rolled a good 25 miles.  Was tired and sore - including chafed nearly bloody on the thighs from the rain gear rubbing.

A swamp we passed by.

Same swamp, however, on the opposite side of the road.

Always stop for a chat with curious animals.

Please say HELLO to JUANITA RAMOS (r.) and JUANNY CARRILLO, where we stopped for a bite of delicious lunch.

Both ladies are from Mexico...as were many of the clients who dropped in...and I left forgetting to leave a tip.

Local Mail Box Art.

Motel where SAM & ME are staying tonight.

Please say HELLO to KAREN, GARY, and DIAMOND - in Karen's arms.

Karen and Gary are my hosts for toight. 

I first telephoned...was directed to a not-so-small store next to the motel.  Asked if a room was available...YES...do you have ID...Yes...OK, your room is No. 2.  What is the cost, please:  For you, there is no cost.

...and we have dinner ready...are you hungry...Yes, but...

Serving a bowl of Chicken Soup - 2-inch chunks of white meat chicken in delicious broth...and you cannot pay for dinner either.

For the next hour +, Karen and Gary Garris sat with me as I enjoyed my dinner.  On a large sheet of paper, I made copious notes, ending by excusing myself to go to my room...but not before Karen asked for my room key back...then disappearing.

Karen returned in 10 miunutes or so, saying the heat is on, as is the TV.  There is lots of hot water for your bath and plenty of room for SAM inside.  Need anything more, here is our personal home phone.

In reply to Karen's comment that she has been waiting for me to come along...as she has tons of questions and wants my advice, I agreed that I will hang around another day.

I could, at this moment, write MUCH about this couple who recently celebrated their 38th anniversary, he supporting her 4th level throat cancer...and she supporting his heart problems...and who, together, have mamouth plans to expand their newest challenge...which we will get to on tomorros's blog.

POST 1077; MARCH 11, 2013; NEW BERN, NORTH CAROLINA

* * * * * * * * * *

We finally found ourselves on the road before the Sun rose in the East.

The restaurant across Highway 17 was closed...NOT OPEN MONDAY !

So, walked the entire morning withing to eat...sure missed Tonya's bread and cold cuts which we forgot when leaving the church last evening.

Sorry Tonya...was very thoughtful of you.

Fields seemed to be steaming as moisture rose from the earth as the rising Sun warmed things up...just before Sun-up.

STERN River...about 1/2 mile north of the motel on US 17.

The first bovine to be seen on this trans-continental stroll.  This steer had a couple dozen buddies...all staring at SAM & ME.  Yes, I stopped to chat with some of them...chatting captivates their attention.

A local Methodist Church...on US 17 as we drew near New Bern.

1950s vintage PONTIAC Station Wagon...parked in the hotel lot.

SAM & ME walked about 20 miles this morning to the North end of the small city of New Bern, North Carolina.  Today, the wind was again in our faces...out of the North East at about 10 mph.  Started out clear, cold, and sunny.  Arriving in New Bern, I was gratefully still with energy...having walked some 4 hours without stopping to rest.  SAM performed just fine.

Clouds began moving in from the South-South West.  Stopped to enquire about motels on US 17 north of New Bern.  A trucker offered his GPS to search, finding that there is not a single motel until reaching the city of WASHINGTON, some 44 miles away. 

Knowing we could not reach Washington before dark today, decided to take the local MARRIOTT motel for the night ($105.00/night...clerk called 4 other hotels in town...all were more expensive except one which was $102.00)

Took the opportunity to completely unload SAM, emptying every single bag.  Carefully evaluated need for taking along all things aboard, and finally left the bathroom sink stacked high with clothes, tools, electrical parts...some quite new and costly.  Have now repacked SAM, who is considerably less heavy.  Arriving at Karen and Craig's, will remove the solar panels, which will take off another 50 or so pounds.

Hopefully I will be able to maneuver SAM up and down the 8% - 5 mile long hills crossing the West Virginia Allegheny Mountains in a couple weeks from now.

Tomorrow is forecast for 90 % chance of rain, wind from the South west (behind our back, thank goodness).  Washington being 44 miles away, we will start before sun rise, and try our best to reach a motel in Washington.  I am still a bit weak - usually takes a good month to return to top walking condition...and been on the road only 4 days, so cannot expect too much in the way of success for tomorrow.

Will probably set up our tent some 15 or so miles short of Washington.

Took the opportunity this afternoon to hand wash some really icky dirty things.  Also enjoyed a very nice buffet in the restaurant next door.  Without the kindness and help from A.Christie and family and Tonya the Scott, would not be able to enjoy the Marriott Hotel this evening.

Thank you again.

Is now 8:40pm EDT...SAM is packed ready to roll...I am ready to go count  cloud hopping angles.

* * * * * * * * * *

POST 1076; MARCH 10, 2013; POLLOCKS, NORTH CAROLINA

* * * * * * * * * *
Checking in to A.C.'s motel room gift, discovered there was no drain plug in the bath tub. 

Please say HELLO to Greg, manager of our motel, who immediately fetched two plug candidates...neither of which fit the tub.  ...We just don't have plugs for our tubs...no one around here takes baths, says Greg.  OH, Really, says I...but I must have a soaking hot water bath...sore muscles, you know.  Sorry, but there are no other plugs...we simply do not use them any more.

Think...think...think...

Rummaging through my "duffel" hand carry, I located my shower cap...brought it along as it fits easily in a pocket for when it unexpectedly starts to rain...and putting it over the drain hole...then inserting the plug over the plastic cap formed the perfect water tight plug...and so I enjoyed my 1 + hour soak.

The motel was on the far southern part of Jacksonville.  On the way through town, stopped at the Golden Arches for a EGG McMUFFIN...then on US 17 north to the town of Maysville.

Passing this forested land ... actually, thousands of young Evergreens (not pine trees usually found in these parts) were growing in vast tracts along US 17.

While training for my quest after the Boston Marathon back in 1975, ran many times on the Post Road of White Plains, New York...and here it is in North Carolina.

A look at US 17 as it runs north of Jacksonville, North Carolina.  A nice road for walking, as it has a suitable berm (the area outside the white line).

Of course, many of us remember the famous 1953 Chevrolet...

Please say HELLO to TONYA and hubby SCOTT. 

About three in the afternoon, becoming unable to continue walking, I plunked down on a guard rail post, leaned onto SAM, and fell asleep.  Another Angle voice..."...are you OK"...opened my eyes and there stood Tonya...you OK?  Oh, yes...just resting a bit on my walk...anything you need...well, I could use some water (had 1/4 bottle remaining...and still 10 or miles to go to the next town).

Hold on, says Tonya...Scott and I will drive back to Maysville - only 15 minutes (by car) and bring you some water.

Not waiting for my reply, they were off...a "U" turn and hurrying North. 

Sure enough, 30 minutes later, up they pull with two bags...one filled with water bottles...the other with bread and cold cuts.

Anything else we can do for you???  (seems I on a roll, so why not !!!), well perhaps you could tell me how far it is to the next motel. 

Tell you what, says Tonya...we are having a meeting with the Pastor or our church at 5:00pm...If you agree to join us...as I know they would love to hear about your walk, Scott and I will treat you to tonight's motel...we will carry SAM in a friend's pick up truck.

I agreed.  Had a wonderful meeting - probably talked too much to Betty, hubby Bob, Pastor Johnson, and John...after which, we loaded up SAM and drove to the small motel in Pollocks, NC.

Is now 8:30pm (EDT), this blog is near complete...will post it, take my much needed shower, and again sleep in a real bed.

In the morning, will partake breakfast in the restaurant across the street...then walk to and beyond New Bern, some 15 miles north on US 17

I am totally flabbergasted...and very much thankful for the kindness shown SAM & ME...yesterday A.Christie and her family...and today, Tonya, Scott, and their church folks.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you...All