POST 1093; APRIL 8, 9, & 10, 2013; KEYSVILLE, VA

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Before continuing, I wish to give my deepest thanks to Pastor Warren and the Jackson, N.C. Baptist Church members for receiving me and filling my pocket with over $100.00...

My entire 3 year walk has been financed by my Social Security $$ - plus life-saving donation(s) from family.  My purpose in walking is to encourage "old" folks to get off the couch, fill their minds and bodies with positive thoughts/actions, and LIVE as we did 50 years ago...and to do so with the meagerest of funds.

There are times when I simply do run out of $$.  My dearest friend Karen Estey of Columbia, N.C. added a PAY PAL "Donations" button to my blog. Receiving donations such as from Pastor Warren has opened my eyes to the reality that many I meet wish to help me on my way...and simply put, I sometimes do need a $$ push now and again...sure is nice to rest in a comfy motel bed instead of on the patio, back porch, or my tent in the back 40.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.  I could go on as to how much my walk has improved from recent donations...all of which are used for food or lodging along my way.  I am a "giver"...has never been easy for me to "receive", and these words do not come easy.

Welcome to the State of Virginia.

As we go forward, we approach the mountains of the Allegheny...some of the steepest roadways...as well as most historic and beautiful vistas - AND PEOPLE -, many of whom are becoming my new friends.

This image is the face in a massive naturally grown tree.  The coloration is from nature.  Simply could not resist sharing it here.

Virginia has many magnificent palatial homes...often enhanced by manicured grounds, including lakes and waterways.

Welcome to downtown LAWRENCEVILLE, Virginia...an old historic place...but with, regrettably, nearly 1/2 of available commercial shops closed and locked up tight...an increasing stigma of towns across America...being left behind by "progress" and the pumping of our precious tax $$ into fewer and fewer hands...not to mention trillions spread like a spinning hurricane to countless nations thousands of miles from our own shores.

People in middle America are hurting...no, not true.  People in middle America are dying along with their historic towns.  I have found that I must first help my body and mind as I walk America...before I can help those in need who invite me into their crushed lives, sharing what little they may have.

Our leaders may be well served by considering such a fact.

The Cruiser of Officer Moody. 

Arriving in Lawrenceville, Virginia, it was late in the day; being no motel available, I, at the insistence of the Manager of the local DOLLAR GENERAL, telephoned the local Sheriff Office, asking for assistance to find a place to sleep for the night.  Officer Moody was at my side within 10 minutes, closely followed by the Mayor, Mayor POND.

It was Mayor Pond who took me LITERALLY by the hand, found me a special spot within the Municipal Building (see below), bought me a delicious dinner, and had his Police Officer check on me many times during the night.

Lawrenceville Municipal Building.

Entrance to the Police Department Offices of the Municipal Building.  SAM was parked all night as seen above.  I, on the other hand, slept soundly in the small alcove to the right at the top of the stairs.  Mayor Pond unlocked the building door so I could use the restrooms inside and be comfy if I chose to browse around during the night.

This, my friends is a community at work.  Trust, such as this - and also, by the way by Pastor Warren, who gave me the same privileges at his church -, is a sign that the heart of America is well.  A pity that priorities on high do not respect our people, as are so many, thousands of miles from our shores

Please say HELLO to a very special young lady...KAYLA. 

Enjoying Mayor Pond's gifted dinner, Kayla and I had the opportunity to chat for nearly two hours...when she was not pulled to other diners hoping for a moment of her time.

I departed the downtown restaurant with a final plea from Kayla that I stay one more night in Lawrenceville so we could share more time.  I owe you, Kayla, my most sincere apology.  As with Tammy a couple days ago...and with so many more new friends, parting is like "receiving"...a most difficult moment...especially when I wish fervently to stay with you a bit longer.

Lawrenceville Court House, sacked by Union Troop during the Civil War.

Please say HELLO to (l. to r.) GWEN, her fab Son, and SANDY. 

Temperatures at near 100 f., and I being very tired pushing SAM up and down the increasingly difficult hills, I stopped for a moment to ask for a glass of ice water (warm drinking water simply does nothing to quench thirst on very hot days when the body is working at over 100 percent).

No only did I receive two cups of ICE, but also three bottles of ice water. 

I promptly plopped down beside their seats, leaned back to drink many cups of iced water, and remained for nearly one hour chatting...also, entertaining the young man...who had a length of plastic pipe, banged it on the ground and throwing it around.  I asked him to put his hand at one end...in the other end I poured some ice water from my cup.  The little guy was shocked and broke out laughing when the cold water flowed into his hand...he had no idea what a pipe was for and pestered the ladies to play that game with him some more.   He and I learned a couple more things too, before I said goodbye and continued on my way...

but, not before...

Please say HELLO to JONES...grandfather of the young man...who was a combat veteran with me in the Korean War over a half century ago.

Yes, it is so very difficult to say goodbye...

Southern Comfort

Southern...but not so comfy. 

Locals tell me that a generation ago, all sorts of folks kept animals of all kinds, grew lots of tobacco.   These days, no farm animals are to be found around the many old historic homes as above...indeed, the folks themselves are also mostly gone...replaced by mega farms growing Angus Beef, or cotton.

Another moment to reflect on the changing middle America.

Highway 40...no place for SAM & ME to walk, except on the pavement.  Over 100 trucks - 18 wheelers_ roared past on the narrow 10 foot wide lanes.  Each passing truck forced SAM & ME completely off the highway, where, for our safety, STOPPED in our tracks while the trucks roared past.

Dangerous and annoying when we were struggling in the heat, wind, and long distance yet to go before darkness closed over us.

Most Crossers Of America do so with a team...almost never alone as I have done from the beginning.  The teams follow along with vehicles loaded with iced drinks, snacks, convenient protected places to rest, knowing their lead team members are out a few miles arranging dinner and a place to stay the night. 

SAM & ME are alone...no support team...no sponsor(s)...no waiting dinners..no waiting overnight accommodations...and I have been immensely proud to do it our way. 

This past week has brought three Newspaper Interviews...an unusual occurrence...I am so pleased our efforts are beginning to be noticed...at this moment abut 500 readers from many foreign nations read these words and see these photographs...yes, I love to give, and hope SAM & ME will continue.

I am most embarrassed.  This gentleman stopped SAM & ME to find what we were about.  He listened...we chatted a bit...then he handed me $40.00..."..to help you find a comfortable place for the night..."

He told me his name two times...and in my oblivion, I could not associate it...and therefore cannot introduce him.

For this image, I have nothing but total embarrassment.  In the town of KENBRIDGE, I stopped in at the most highly recommended MILDRED'S Restaurant for a bite...broiled trout with Corn Pudding as the side...YUM.

This young lady was also a diner.  Standing at the counter to pay my tab, this lovely lady stood, introduced herself - and her dining partner - neither of whom I can remember names.  She asked me if we could share photographs...of course...as I snapped the above pic, she quipped in the crowded room..."..and I even have my shirt on.."...which led to the next pic...

..."I graduate from Nursing School next week...", so she and I shared hugs...perhaps for being in a crowded restaurant, a bit too many and too intimate hugs for the time and place.

Saying goodbye...etc...etc

In Kenbridge, I checked into a motel.  It was a disaster.

The welcome morning brought the above sunrise.

Old design water tower...every town / village has a water tower.

Water tower of a more recent era.

Highway 40...beautiful to walk...dangerous to walk...grateful to share it.

Please say HELLO to JUDY.

Judy and her husband have been proprietors of this small country store since 1974...We shared comfy chairs while I downed my ARIZONA Ice Teas (two of 'em) and chatted for over a half hour. 

TANNER'S GROCERY, where Judy and Hubby spend their days..."...please convince my husband to get out and start walking..." Judy pleaded...

I'm out here to observe...I try not to change America...just share it at 4 miles per hour with the world.

Picturesque...but oh so difficult to push SAM on a hot day up and down serpentine hills...the bloody serpents are getting bigger !

Our destination has been achieved...25 miles in 8 hours...dismally slow, but oh, so rewarding!

Please say HELLO to AVERETT JONES,Jjanitor and Editor of the SOUTHSIDE MESSENGER...the youngest newspaper in America...began only 9 years ago...given at the time 90 days till succumbing and disappearing.

Averett interviewed me for an article in his newspaper...to appear on the net in a couple days or so.

Averett's secret to success:  all my life I have read newspapers!

So bushed, could not hold the camera steady as Ole Sol slipped behind the distant Allegheny Mountains...ending another day for SAM & ME.

Tomorrow, we will be challenged by torturous hills as we approach the city of ROANOKE, following which we enter the dreaded 8% 5-mile long hills (three sets of them), crossing West Virginia. 

Two weeks should find SAM & ME crossing the Ohio River...provided we get that far...

Last evening, promised to try to put this update together later.  Well, I began sorting over 100 photographs, editing, arranging the story line, posting images in selected sequence, then narrating the entire effort.  I began at 3:00 am (in the wee morning hours).  It is now 8:00 am...taking me 5 hours to prepare and publish this offering.

I truly hope you enjoy...I surely do; 8 hours on the road...5 hours at the computer....only a crazy old man could put in such a day...day after day...after day...after day...for three years...with no end in sight.

Thank you!

POST 1092; APRIL 10, 2013; KEYVILLE, VIRGINIA

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Hello All.  Yes, I am OK.  The past three days have found me forging our way North into Virginia...temperatures in the mid 90s on the roadways (official temps in high 80s)...as we approach the Allegheny Mountain foothills, the narrow roads (no side berms to walk upon, so must walk and roll on the pavement...got chewed out good today by a passing Sheriff),  are becoming curvy and rolling; i.e., getting difficult to push SAM up the hills.

Three days ago SAM & ME walked and rolled 35 miles.

Two days ago we put 25 miles behind us.

Today we covered another 25 miles.

All in temperatures approaching 100 F....plus a rather steady head wind.


Am tonight (Wednesday), in a motel in Keyville...on Highway 40.  As I walked this route last year...and confirmed my locals...I ain't seen nothing yet...from here to the city of ROANOKE about 80 miles to the West, the hills become truly prodigious.

Have stopped many times to visit folks along the way...sometimes taking up to 1/2 hour breaks as I am truly worn out.

Have many photos and interesting folks / events to share, but I am simply too tired to do so this evening...perhaps I can tackle the blog update at 3:00 or 4:00 am during the night.

Have received three (3) newspaper interviews, including one this evening...just concluded. 

Apologize for my shortcomings.

May have to take a day ...or perhaps a 1/2 day off to recover my strength.

SAM is performing as usual...magnificently!

POST 1091; APRIL 07, 2013; JACKSON, NORTH CAROLINA

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It is now 5:30 am, Monday morning of April 08, 2013. 

Yesterday afternoon, I walked - without a doubt my fastest ever walking speed - from the town of Jackson, North Carolina to I-95 near Roanoak Rapids, where I checked into SUPER 8 Motel for a much needed evening soaking 2 hours in a tub of hot water...enjoying the remainder of my meagre store of food - mostly gifted by parishioners of Jackson Baptist Church...then a dreamless sleep in a humongous king-size bed.

Now, somewhat refreshed, I am tackling yesterday's blog...a day which will remain for me, a most important bench-mark.

Please say HELLO to PASTOR WARREN and TAMMY. 

Pastor Warren spent nearly his entire day with me yesterday.  Breakfast with five of the elders...inviting me to join the Men's Bible Study, at which I did most of the talking, answering the many questions (said to be spot-on for their pre-selected subject of today's study)...attending church service, during which Warren - in the middle of his sermon - invited me to come to the altar and address his church as to why this old man is walking America.

Returning to my seat to applause, a young lady sitting in the next row was weeping.

I was at once startled at her intent gaze into my eyes...then, totally mesmerized.

Please - again - say HELLO to TAMMY MARTIN.

As Pastor Warren closed his service and all in the sanctuary had left, I sat next to Warren seated at his communication booth at the rear of the room...you, know, Bruce, I have recorded your words...as requested before hand by some members.  A bit embarrassed...but also pleased, Tammy appeared, sat next to me, tears still flowing...taking my hand in hers, she remained...hands in hands for a full hour.

12 years since any close physical contact with a woman, set off long forgotten emotions. 

I am not certain what was occurring, but I made no attempt to remove my hands...and, all the time looking on, Pastor Warren finally said they had a lunch engagement and had to leave.

Jackson, North Carolina Baptist Church.

Please say HELLO to BILL, Custodian of Jackson Baptist Church for many many years.

Bill and I chatted - before services - over a half hour about his life, his work, and the pride Pastor Warren has taken in his church...introducing many video and communication technologies which I witnessed being used during the service.

Stained glass window overlooking the sanctuary.

Among a number of roadside monuments during my ensuing walk from Jackson, North Carolina to MOTEL 8 at the intersection of I-95 and Highway NC 46, some 18 miles apart, is this special message of a young "colonel" leaving his mark...and his life...on the battlefield of Gettysburg during our Civil War.

Departing in Tammy's car together, Pastor Warren mentioned the Old Mill Pond which I would pass on my way today.

Three hours later, Tammy's car pulled up in front of me as I rushed at nearly jogging speed...to once again take my hands...sharing hugs...only to inform me that those two had been driving the roads ahead looking for a suitable motel for my coming nights rest...recommending MOTEL 8.

As ever, I again experienced difficult moments of loss as Warren and Tammy got back into their car and drove away...arms waving from their open windows.

As difficult as leaving new friends has been these past three years, today has been particularly devastating...

...giving me much time for thought and remembrance as I take the next steps of the long Odyssey still before SAM AND ME.

POST 1090; APRIL 05 / 06, 2013; JACKSON, N.C.

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It is now Saturday night, April 06, 2013...finding us soundly ensconced in the walls of the Baptist Church of the town of Jackson, North Carolina.

SAM AND ME spent a warm comfy night two nights ago sleeping INSIDE the Men's Rest Room.  Outside was raining cats and dogs and the night was COLD.  When Neal arrived for work at 8:00 something, he quickly agreed that the Men's Room was the right place to be on such a blustery night.

...was handy for me too...being an old man needing to respond to the call of nature two or three time each night...was quite handy!

The street side sign for Neal's River Center.

At the entrance to the River Center is the new Farmer's Market...constructed entirely by teenage laborers...soon be the subject of a video to be shown at an international film festival.

 On our way out of Windsor, N.C., stopped for a breakfast sandwich...and so was Joe Ayers.

Please say HELLO to JOE and his business manager, JULETTE.  Joe invited me inside his place of business...an Internet Cafe where we chatted while downing our breakfast.

Joe's Internet Cafe also offers gaming on the many computers lining the large room...affording clients the opportunity to win prizes. 

This was my first visit to an Internet Cafe, so, was a bit surprised as to what constitutes such a business.

Joe's Internet Cafe



Please say HELLO to JOE...another Joe...who some hours later was enjoying lunch where I stopped in for a fish sandwich.  Joe and I had a chat during lunch, I introducing him to the Lymphatic System.  Seems Joe has Lyme Disease for some time now and is looking for possible treatment options.

Passing by their pasture, started chatting to these horses...who immediately galloped over to me at the fence, where we looked eyeball to eyeball...and I even caressed a couple noses.  Animals very much enjoy being conversed with.

A particularly beautiful field.

Homes along Route NC 308 where we walked, are lined with hundreds of homes set well back from the roadway...vast majority of these homes are of the factory manufactured type...and most are occupied by African Americans.

Please say HELLO to Bob.  Bob was dragging his push rotary lawn mower as I stood along side NC 308 in the small town of Lewiston-Woodville, North Carolina.  As he passed by, Bob asked from where we walked and where we were going.  After explaining, I said I was looking for a place to set up our tent...or a place to sleep for the night.

You got money?  Yes!  For $20.00, I have a private home for you to spend the night.  Let's go! 

Followed Bob across town to his "second" home, which was empty as he co-habited with his lady friend.  The couch is yours for the night.  Two hours later, after chatting with a half dozen of "drop in" relatives and friends (I think they were curious who that white guy was), I announced I needed to get to sleep.  All except Bob left...he hummed and hawed for another half hour and finally his lady friend showed up...both leaving together, letting me to take a shower and slip into my sleeping bag...this was about 10:00 pm.

Six times during the night, Bob returned...turning on the lights and radio...cussing about any number of things...I trying to ignore him.  On his barging into the house trailer at 4:00 am, I announced that this was MY home for the night for which I paid...he shouted at me (details omitted), slammed things here and there...

I told Bob his attitude and disregard for our arrangement was not acceptable, so I rolled out, dressed, packed up, and left...daylight still 2.5 hours away. 

Spent the rest of the night sitting in the local Truck Stop...at daylight, started walking North on NC 308, arriving at the town of Jackson, North Carolina about 4:30 in the afternoon...an 8-hour day covering nearly 30 miles.

Along the way, passed by a large PURDUE Chicken Processing Factory.

Admired more Mail Box Art

...and upon stopping for lunch at a Greek Restaurant...

Please say HELLO to TIM and his gorgeous young daughter, KAYLIE, with whom I chatted for a bit...they, fascinated that this old man was actually walking across America...Kaylie...to take one's breath away!

Click click to enlarge.

They were both covered in paint...taking a lunch break from their painting job.



Walking into the town of Jackson, stopped in at the offices of the Sheriff, introducing myself, and being asked to sit and rest while the receptionist, Karen made some phone calls.  Directing me to the Baptist Church two blocks away, I met a charming man, Warren, who said the church was mine for the night...i.e., I could set up my tent anyplace I wanted on the grounds...or if I preferred, take my sleeping bag and air matress inside the church where I could choose a spot to sleep the night.

Warren, whom I later this evening discovered is the Pastor, and I chatted for over two hours as he showed me around his church...then making a few phone calls, arranged an impromptu gathering of three of the church elders, who arrived bearing bags full of food - all for me - and we five chatted for another 1.5 hours...finding much to our delight, many similarities of our lives.  J.D., now 91 years old, his Son in Law, Steve, Bill, and Pastor Warren and I sat around Warren's office desk as I ate and everyone related war stories of nearly a century of life.

I have been invited to address the Men's Bible Study Group in the morning...and stay on for services presided over by Warren.  After the "elders" left, Warren and I continued to chat for another hour or so...he explaining his intended sermon...raising a few questions on my opinion (geeez...who me?), and a half hour ago - it is now 10:00 pm - went on home across the street, leaving me at his desk to complete this blog update...to think/dream about his questions and be prepared to respond in the morning.

I'm really not certain how it is that I sit alone in this big cathedral late at night...my sleeping bag waiting outside on the newly mown lawn...supposed to dream about Warren's intended sermon...and address the menfolk about the adventures of an old man walking.  Warren says some of his men have become a bit downcast...and thinks my chatting might help lift their spirits a wee bit.

We shall see.

After services tomorrow, I will walk the final 15 miles to the city of Roanoke Rapids where I have been directed to a few motels.  I am in need of a good hot water bath soak, a good night's sleep, and a few moments to enjoy an empty brain before heading North on Route NC 46, where on Monday, SAM AND ME will cross into the State of Virginia.

POST 1089; APRIL 04, 2013; WINDSOR, NORTH CAROLINA

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Two days ago, April 02, 2013, SAM AND ME said our goodbyes to Craig, Carson, Augie, and Karen...embarking on our fifth walk across America...about 3,200 miles, to the Peace Arch, Blaine, Washington.

Please say HELLO to KAREN ESTEY and AUGIE...both of whom rolled out of bed two hours earlier than normal to see us off.

The White House On The Corner where SAM AND ME have spent  pleasant days during 4 different visits. 

Karen asked if I could return to share  Christmas once again with them.

We shall see.

The Bridge over the Scuppernong River.  Crossing over meant we were really on our way.

Our first map.  Columbia, North Carolina is at the far right hand side at the start of the orange line.  Our first destination is at the home of Pat Dodson, at the split of the orange line.  From Pat's, we will take the upper orange line, following route 308 to the village of Windsor.

Clicking on the image will enlarge it making reading small print easier.

The orange lines come together again at the top near the large town of Roanoke Rapids, N.C., near the state of Virginia border.

We should reach Roanoke Rapids in 4 days...

We have been rushing to stay ahead of a major weather system bearing down on us from out of Texas...promising to bring strong winds, rain, large hail stones, and potential tornadoes. 

Mail Box Art.

The home of Pat Dodson, where SAM AND ME enjoyed Pat's company for two nights.

Please say HELLO to PATTY DODSON, our hostess for the past two nights.

During the day yesterday, Pat and I drove to her friend REE, living in the town of Plymouth, N.C.  Ree is suffering from multiple cancers, and further slowed down from reconstruction surgery of a crushed pelvic and left leg.  Ree is two years younger than I.  We chatted, we three, for a couple hours...leaving me with realization of my good fortune to walk to these brave exceptional ladies, making certain that I waste not a moment of the pain-free time they are being denied.

This is the sleeping arrangements...on the front porch of Pat's home...comfy on the cushioned couch fully protected from the elements. 

It is still quite cold in this part of North Carolina, but I was toasty all night, sleeping soundly in the quiet of the countryside.

Please say HELLO to SHIRLEY.  Shirley has her own cozy restaurant at the intersection of Route 45 and 308 on the outskirts of Plymouth, North Carolina.  Opening at 5:30 each morning, Shirley offers up delicious BBQ, along with many selections of sandwiches, soups, and meats...all prepared to each customer's desires. 

Since Patty, like Karen, sleeps late in the mornings, I walked the 2 miles to Shirley's for my egg/bacon breakfast on toasted bread...and a BBQ sandwich for the road.

Shirley and I agreed to share hugs if I put up a second pic.....

I came out ahead on this one !

Walking from Pat's on Highway NC 308, crossed the Middle River, which empties into the Sound.

By paying attention, discovered this rather large (about 1.5 foot long) turtle sunning on a log.

Wetlands extend some distance from the salt waters of the Sound.

The NC 308 roadway, however, proceeded to make a continuous shallow ascent from the Atlantic Ocean waters toward the distant Allegheny Mountains.

As we proceeded towards the town of Windsor, the massive storm was closing in on us...heavy clouding overhead...increasing cold descending...it was becoming a real race for SAM AND ME to reach a safe haven in Windsor before the rains began.

The "Southern" way of remembering historic moments from the past.  These signs are found throughout the South.

We reached downtown Windsor as the rain clouds moved overhead. 

We checked in at the local Bed and Breakfast Inn...only to find the $69.00 price beyond out budget.  The one motel, we discovered, was over 3 miles away on US 17, which we crossed over one hour ago...too far to return before the rain began.

;...I was beginning to become concerned that we would be caught unprotected from the gathering storm...decided to proceed out of town too find a spot to erect our tent and slip inside...SAM also fits INSIDE our tent...a bit cramped, but she is good company.

As we walked out of town, a pickup truck backed out of the driveway of a large historic-looking home.  I walked over to the truck, introducing myself, asking if the driver could recommend a nearby place where SAM AND ME could find protection from the imminent rain.

Please say HELLO to NEAL.

Neal listened to my plea...smiled...yes, I know just the place...for which Neal gave verbal instructions to find the Roanoke/Cashie River Center.  Explaining he had an appointment at the moment, but would meet us at the Farmer's Market, which led the way to the River Center.

SAM AND ME found out way to the Farmer's Market...and true to his word, Neal promptly drove up. 

Please click click to enlarge the above document.

Seems Neal the the Manager of the Non Profit organization...the ROANOKE/CHASIE River Center...one of three such centers...the other two being in the city of Washington, North Carolina (which we walked through two weeks ago), and surprise of all surprises, the Visitor Center in Columbia, North Carolina...only two blocks from The White House On The Corner...which I have visited in the past.

Neal showed us where we could set up our "camp" under extensive covered patios surrounding the building housing offices, meeting rooms, and educational rooms.  Then, Neal took me on a detailed tour of his highly unusual (for me) educational River Center.  For the next two hours, we enjoyed chatting about his involvement in formulating and leading hands-on classes on gardening, nature, the local river...which, by the way is the LONGEST River in the United States which begins and ends in the same County.

Neal then telephoned the local Sheriff's Office, explaining that "Bruce Maynard", walking across America, would be spending the night at the River Center - quite unusual...to which the Sheriff's Office responded...you mean SAM AND ME???...we already know Bruce...as he has been here before (indeed, I did walk through Windsor one year ago on my 4th crossing of the USA...and they remembered me).

So, SAM AND ME have been welcomed back...safely protected from the passing storm.

As Neal and I were chatting, the rain began...starting out with heavy HAIL and bitter cold.

Neal's map of the region served by his all volunteer organization.

As I type this blog update, I sit under the patio roof...fingers frozen to the bone...wearing all four of my sweaters and coats...and still shivering uncontrollably...IT IS VERY COLD...be we have shelter.

The ROANOKE/CHASIE River...about 100 yards from our overnight sleeping spot.  Taking this photograph, it was still hailing.

The main building as seen from the river.

SAM AND ME  will spend the night under the above protection...and grateful to have the pleasure to do so.

The rain is predicted to continue until mid-day tomorrow.  We will stay put until it is safe to venture out.  Our goal is to continue North on NC 308 toward Roanoke Rapids, which will take at least two more days.

The weather is predicted to be pleasant for the next few days.

Again, my mantra...around the next corner...over the next hill...awaits the that which we most wish for...

Thank you, Neal...and the town of Windsor for taking SAM AND ME in.

POST 1088; APRIL 01, 2013; COLUMBIA, NORTH CAROLINA

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The cold front passed through Columbia, North Carolina early this morning, bringing the most spectacular Spring day.  Another cold front is dipping into northern North Carolina tomorrow.  35 miles from Columbia the temperature will dip to 30 degrees - below freezing. 

All is ready for SAM and ME to begin our new Odyssey across America just after daybreak in the morning.  SAM is packed up, except for this computer.  No one - including myself - wants us to leave. 

Karen is entering a critical phase of her current cancer treatments...which she has endured for nearly 10 years...sometime tomorrow CT results will be known.  This afternoon Karen asked me if I had my DELTA Miles Card with me...yes, Karen, I have it and am prepared to fly back on a moment's notice.

I asked Karen how is it that I, a complete stranger, have been invited and embraced as a friend and family...she smiled...I collect people, Bruce...once accepted into our realm, you are ours forever.   Yes, Karen collects people...but unlike most of us, she does not let them go...countless of us love her dearly and count ourselves among the fortunate to be with her in spirit if not in person during this, the time when she is preparing to meet us once again...as Karen says..."on the other side".

With a heavy heart, SAM and ME will cross the Scuppernong River Bridge as Sol rises in the East... looking back once more on the White House On The Corner.

Took a stroll with SAM around town this morning, thanking my many new friends and neighbors for accepting me in their town...and saying goodbye for now. 

The Winery was my last stop before returning home.

Inside the Winery is the Coffee Shoppe of Shari and John, pictured in part above.  Among the most pleasant comfy coffee shops in all America.

Please say HELLO to GABRIELLA, daughter of Shari and John.  Gabby lives about 10 miles from Columbia and is dedicated to help Mom and Dad in their new endeavor.

Ordering a Cappuccino, I asked Gabby to prepare it as though she herself were to drink it...it was spectacular!

One block from the Winery is the Columbia Marina...now home to three sailing yachts...just across the street stands the White House On The Corner.

Please say HELLO to JOSE'.  Jose' hailed SAM and ME as we walked to town.  We chatted for nearly 30 minutes about Jose's wish to travel across America...free as SAM and ME seem to be...alas, his wife recently left him, leaving their children in his care...so, his obligations are first to his children...then perhaps, Jose' will embark on his dream trip.

Hearing more and more...Jose', like so many others, referring to SAM and ME as an inspiration...the reality that there really can be adventure and travel in their future...in the mean time, they follow SAM and ME here on our blog.

...a humbling place to find myself...what better way to enter into old age.

Our objective tomorrow is 28 miles from Columbia...West on US 64 to the home of Karen's friend Pat Dodson, who awaits SAM and ME for the night.

...and so, it begins again...

...for whatever reason, I admit to being just a bit afraid...SAM and ME will, however, do our best to be worthy of your following.