POST 1115: MAY 12, 2013; LOW MOOR, VIRGINIA

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The flight(s) from Seattle to Roanoke following the full day with Carl, took nearly 48 hours without sleep.  Thankfully, Chuck and Donna were busy, so I crashed for nearly 12 hours.  Two days ago, Chuck took me shopping at WAL-MART to re provision SAM.  We also spent over one hour at the VERIZON Sales Office...another failure on the part of VERIZON employees to program my new DROID...it makes phone calls just fine, but will not allow FACEBOOK access...which is needed to proceed with creating our blog.

Have a sinking feeling that the DROID may be the wrong equipment to accomplish what I set out to do with VERIZON.  When we reach CHARLESTON, West Virginia, will devote an entire day to VERIZON Corporate Store to try to get to the bottom of the problem.

Yesterday, it was raining with thunder heads all about.  I was about to delay my departure another day, but Chuck says..."...NO NO, I have many chores...you must go today...".

Please say HELLO (again) to CHUCK INSMAN, my host and patient "taxi" driver.

After putting SAM in the back of Chuck's Jeep, we headed out to the approximate spot where I stopped walking three weeks - before flying back to Bellingham to recover from the bout of Anemia.

Am now feeling very good...ready to continue our walk and roll through the West Virginia mountains and on to the Peace Arch, Blaine, Washington...some 2,500 miles distant.

The first town SAM and ME passed through was FINCASTLE...a tiny berg on US 220 about 10 miles north of ROANOKE.

In Virginia, a Convenience Store is to be found on just about all secondary roads.  We soon came upon the first one...OLD MILL COUNTRY STORE.  It takes 2.5 hours for SAM and ME to walk 10 miles, so I take advantage to stop in for a "cold" power drink...and sometimes a small snack...also gives my legs a short rest before continuing.

US 220 is a modern divided highway...with ample berm...for the first 20 miles or so north of Roanoke.

Many impressive Southern mansions line US 220 as we head towards CLIFTON FORGE...where we intersect with I-64 and the old side road, US 60...which SAM and ME will walk across the West Virginia mountains...arriving at the Ohio River in 4 - 5 days.

US 220...

Along the way, we twice cross the famous JAMES RIVER...which flows out of the Allegheny Mountains, emptying into the CHESAPEAKE at JAMESTOWN.

A few miles before arriving at Clifton Ford lies the small town of IRON GATE. 

As we walked into Iron Gate, the sunny skies clouded over...a large black storm cloud beginning to sprinkle rain drops...and we knew nothing or anyone to help us find shelter before the belly of the clouds burst open...

Please say HELLO to PRESTON and wife NANCY. 

Preston hailed me from his back yard as we passed by.  SAM and ME immediately stopped...introducing ourselves...and admitted walking across America and in a rather urgent need of a place to get under cover for the night.

Preston admitted they had no acceptable place for us, but said the Mayor would.  ..."go another mile or so to the other side of town...where Mayor Al has a small convenience store...the Mayor will certainly have a place for you...in fact, I will drive over to tell the Mayor that you are coming..."

Thanked Preston, and hurried on our way through increasing rain sprinkles.  Arriving at the Mayor's store, Preston was waiting in his car at the parking lot..."I told Mayor Williams that you were on your way...it's all arranged"...and off he drove.

Please say HELLO to Mayor Al Williams...Mayor of Iron Gate since the year 2000...having been re-elected every two years.

Al invited me to set up for the night on his attached Patio...complete with picnic tables...anywhere I pleased.  I chose a spot between the picnic tables...then went inside to chat.  Al offered me a "cold" drink...then refused my $$.  I finished off the first...then took a second...lying a five dollar bill on his cash register. 

A man, Warren, and his Son came onto the patio to chat about our walk...and his work helping to build a mansion on a nearby mountain top...then offered to treat me to dinner...which Mayor Al prepared in his kitchen inside the Convenience Store. 

At the early hour of 6:00 pm, I excused myself, crawled into my sleeping bag...and slept until thunder and lightning cracked overhead, the rain pounding on the metal roof...and the stormy wind send sheets of water through the open side walls, inundating me, my sleeping bag, and various items I had laid out on top of the tables.

So, crawled out again...moving everything to the center of the patio...crawling back in ...instantly back to sleep to the sound of the surrounding storm.

Mayor Al's Convenience Store.

At 6:00 am, packed up SAM...then walked into Al's kitchen...where he was busy cooking up a bunch of meat patties, bacon, muffins, and brewing coffee...all of which he offered to me.  While I was enjoying Al's efforts...and conversation..."regulars" walked in...and without a work to Al, helped themselves to muffins, patties, fixin's and coffee.

Al's store is like the town kitchen...Al provides...townfolks come and go - mostly with few words - as though coming and going in their own home...

Al, a railroad man for most of his working years, is quite the unusual man...loved and respected far beyond the city limits of Iron Gate...

Please say HELLO to the Son of Warren (naturally, I wrote his name on a handy napkin...then threw it out, using it to wipe away rain water during the storm...sorry!).

20 year old Son of Warren works with his Dad...expressing no desire to look for any other work.

My original "bed"...before the storm inundated us.

Have an air mattress under the sleeping bag...both of which are getting plenty of use on this trip.

As we head into the West Virginia Allegheny Mountains, we will encounter untold numbers of "Coal Trains", hauling most of it to river barges or nearby seaports for export to foreign countries.

Bellingham, Washington, is presently considering building a seaport terminal for receiving such Coal Trains for trans-shipment of the coal to China...many residents of Bellingham are not the least bit pleased by the ideal of Coal passing through pristine Bellingham.

US 220 is absorbed into I-64 a couple miles north of Iron Gate.  The above roadway is called US 220 Business...a by-pass leading to the city of CLIFTON FORGE.

Even Clifton Forge's Welcome Sign is not receiving maintenance...is a bit crooky.

Clifton Forge is a rather substantial city, important from the time of the Revolutionary War.  The C&O (Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad - created by George Washington) uses Clifton Forge as a primary rail yard...the C&O, of course no longer exists, but the rail yard is still very busy...AMTRAK and many coal trains pass through each day.

Clifton Forge sits near the base of the Allegheny Mountains. 

City Hall.

Downtown Business Street.

Continuing on our walk, we passed through the village of SELMA...a residential whistle stop...still within the boundary of the Clifton Forge Rail Yards...this on Old US 60, which parallels I-64.

We continued another 5 miles to the next wide spot of US 60...LOS MOOR, which has the distinction of possessing a modern Motel.  It is another 12 miles to the next town of significant size...which is host to a work crew of over 250 construction workers expanding a local factory...i.e., there is not a motel room to be found after leaving Los Moor.  We have, therefore, decided to stop at Los Moor for the night.

Tomorrow morning, SAM and ME will get an early start, walking to the first of the four 8% steep hills.  There are no facilities for the next many miles...looks like our tent will finally be used.  And, the weather forecast for the high mountains is below freezing and possible rain.

Oh, fun fun.

...and I have decided that I will attempt to PUSH SAM up and over those waiting mountains...

We shall see !

POST 1114; MAY 10, 2013; BEDFORD (Roanoke), VIRGINIA

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My first ride on the new bus service from Bellingham to Seattle was supplanted by the offer from Nephew, Carl, to spend the day (May 08, 2013) together, with Carl's eventual drive to SEA-TAC Airport in time for me to catch my 11:00 pm flight.

From Bellingham, Carl drove us to Seattle.  Click click to enlarge...find the Space Needle in the lower left slot between the sky scrapers.  Behind the camera is the sports complex (SAFECO FIELD - Seattle Mariners; and CENTURY LINK FIELD - Seattle Seahawks) and the twin railroad stations (KING STREET STATION and UNION STATION, serving the old Great Northern Railroad - following I-90; and the Northern Pacific Railroad - following I-80).

Nephew Carl, following in his father's footsteps (my brother RUSSELL), by being a railroad man his entire working life, wanted to visit to recently - one week ago - completed renovation of the Union Station.

First, however, Carl took me on a tour of Seattle Cemeteries, to visit the grave sites of my Great Grandmother Hanna, my Grandfather Leo, and brother Russell...of course, Carl's Great Great Grandmother Hanna, Great Grandfather Leo, and father Russell.

Carl, for over 20 years, has authored a vast family history...going back centuries.

My Father's father, Leo A. Maynard - and stepmother Bertha grave site.

Russell and wife Mary Johnson, Carl's parents (adopted)...and my brother Russell grave site.

SEATTLE MARINERS - Baseball Stadium:  SAFECO FIELD.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS - Football Stadium:  CENTURY LINK FIELD.

Grave site of BRUCE LEE and son BRANDON

Click click to enlarge.  

UNION STATION:  Newly renovated Northern Pacific (AMTRAK) Railroad Station, Seattle.  King Street Station (old Great Northern Railroad) sits directly opposite.

Electric Car "refueling" station...in the parking lot adjacent to King Street Railroad Station.

LIGHT RAIL LINK...rather new Seattle rail system. 

Carl and I decided to make a round-trip from the King Street Station to SEA-TAC Airport.  My "all day" ticket cost $1.50.  Carl's "all day" ticket cost $3.00.

The ride to the airport took 35 minutes, taking a circuitous route - giving residents in nearby neighborhoods inexpensive public transportation to many other parts of Seattle.  

As part of SOUND RAIL SYSTEM, Seattle's Light Rail connects to many nearby towns and cities...all rather new to the Pacific Northwest.

The DUWAMISH RIVER...aka Green River, flowing South to North from the Mt. Rainier (volcano) foothills to Puget Sound near downtown Seattle.


Carl and I also drove to Grandpa Leo's homestead (now replaced by commercial properties) in the Kent valley...then to our "Stump Ranch", where we visited with the new owners.

Dropping me off at nearby SEA-TAC Airport, Carl drove back home in Alger - near Bellingham...while I purchased a paperback while waiting for my flight.  Took off from Seattle at 11:00 pm...arriving in Roanoke (via Detroit) at 11:35 am yesterday morning...it now being 7:45 pm, Friday, May 10, 2013.

Today, Carl took me shopping for tomorrow's resumption of the walk and roll SAM and ME will make.  By Tuesday, we should be well into West Virginia...attempting to push SAM up the waiting mountains.

Weather forecast:  Thunderstorms - intermittent with rain...

Oh, fun fun to be back on the road.

Look forward to another peaceful night in the downstairs apartment in the home of Carl and Donna - and father Ray.  I know the 4 dogs and 4 horses will be sad to see me once again leaving...

...returning yesterday, I received a loud (barking - neighing) welcome "home".

POST 1113A; MAY 07, 2013; BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON

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In the interest of decreasing weight in SAM...and in the interest of improving efficiency of communication, I have, today, purchased the latest VERIZON  DROID Telephone with all the bells and whistles. 

Took the entire afternoon and until 9:30 pm - beyond closing time - for the phone to be set up to replicate my tired old Computer. 

Must admit that I am royally confused by the technology...and look forward to arriving at Chuck and Donna, who have similar systems...

For the moment, I am retaining my old T-Mobile phone until I feel comfy with the new equipment (the Droid has a new telephone number, but will be switched over when I feel ready).

My Nephew, Carl and his lovely wife have asked me to accompany them all day tomorrow to Seattle...and on to SEA-TAC Airport to catch my 11:00 pm flight...so, will not experience the new BOLT BUS service...at least for now.

Am eager to return to the road with SAM...and have decided that SAM and ME are going to climb TOGETHER over the Allegheny Mountains...feel we would be cheating if I sent SAM on ahead on a truck.  May take me a bit of extra effort and time to push SAM  up the three 8 % + hills awaiting in West Virginia, but being the masochist I am, we will figure a way to walk and roll together to the plains of OHIO.

Our new ETA to return to the Peace Arch, Blaine, Washington is August 02, 2013...will be fun to see how well we maintain this objective.

Will be trying to figure out the Droid so it can be used to replace my computer.  All the software is in place...just need to get this old brain to comprehend the new technology.  The Droid will also replace my Panasonic Camera...so very much to learn !

...something about old dogs and new tricks...OMG !

POST 1113; MAY 07, 2013; BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON

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This is a test.

POST 1112; MAY 06, 2013; BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON

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This morning was a lazy morning...sleep in...do the washing...take another nap...then walk over to see the final moments of a massive apartment house fire next door...thank goodness, no one was injured.

This afternoon enjoyed a 1.5 hour dialog at the PARKWAY CHATEAU with the senior residents...all seemed to go well, as no one left early...and a number of folks came forward to chat afterward.  Rachelle, my hostess, seemed pleased with my presentation and the apparent interest in what one of their peers was up to out on the backroads of America.

Bellingham - Fairhaven over-the-bay walkway...looking across Fairhaven anchorage to distant LUMMI and ORCAS Islands.

Please say HELLO to RACHELLE (again) and Hubby ETHAN.  We enjoyed a pleasant seafood dinner together at one of the many fine restaurants overlooking Bellingham/Fairhaven Bay...chatting until the Sun slipped behind VANCOUVER ISLAND into the distant Pacific Ocean.

This photo could be one of a number of famous vacation paradises...

but, it is in fact Bellingham Bay...truly, one of the most desirable small cities in the World.

POST 1111; MAY 05, 2013; BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON

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The good weather continues...and looks to celebrate Summer for a few more days...

Yesterday, took a walk to the barbershop where I got my ears lowered... and Fred Meyer's, where I found and purchased a new walking shirt.  Bought 1/2 gallon ice cream (Neapolitan) as a treat...and it is nearly gone already.  As kids back in the 1940s, we lived near a dairy creamery, where a gallon of ice cream cost $1.00.  The rule was:  only one gallon in the freezer at a time.  We 5 - two brothers & two sisters - brought home a new gallon every other day. 

... in the event one wondered what a fire hydrant looks like in action.

Mount Baker Volcano peeps over the top of the Cascade Mountain foothills.

We have five volcanoes in Washington State...our Mt. Baker lets off steam from time to time.

First lawn sprinkler of the season.

Mt. Baker Highway early on a Sunday (today) morning...at 6:30 am.

Bellingham owns the last major undeveloped deep water seaport on the West Coast of the United States...undeveloped as yet because of the recent "gift" by Georgia Pacific of the old paper mill property.  There is a major push to create a Coal Transfer Facility to ship coal to China...which has become somewhat controversial.  Personally, I would prefer to create a major Cruise Ship Terminal...and make Bellingham a "people port".

The "Hill" in the center distance is today's objective...; I call it the "Y Road Hill" because Y Road lies on the far side, about 8 miles away.  My 16 - 20 mile walking route is from Interstate 5 (I-5) to the far side of Y Hill which I circumnavigate, returning to town on North Shore Road bordering Lake Whatcom.  A picturesque walk with many challenging hills...and an excellent restaurant, The FORK, about 2.5 hours walk from my apartment.

Portion of the Y Road...a little travelled twisting hilly route through the Cascade foothills.

WHITE Barn...

BROWN Barn...

Lake Whatcom is about 300 feet deep and is fed cold clear mountain water from  diversion of part of the South Fork of the Nooksack River.

Y Road

Please say HELLO to WADE and THEREASA.  The FORK was quite busy this morning when I arrived, so I joined Wade and Thereasa at the "bar" for breakfast.  Both being bikers (pedal) and runners, we had lots to chat about.

I ordered eggs over pulled pork, baked onion (whole onion - halved), diced potatoes, and biscuit...also served is the beaker of East North Carolina BBQ Sauce...heavy on the vinegar...

Please say HELLO to KYLE and SHYANNE...pronounced as in CHEYENNE, WYOMING.

About the moment Wade and Thereasa were saying "goodbye", Kyle and Shyanne joined me at the bar...continuing my diversion from eating breakfast...which was still pretty much untouched until Kyle and Shyanne also finished their breakfast and said "goodbye". 

Shyanne is a "Local" girl, from the now famous Olympic Mountains town of FORKS...put on the World Map by the popular book(s) / movie(s) TWILIGHT.

Kyle and Shyanne, I discovered, live a stone throw from my apartment...perhaps we will get together when I return from Roanoke, Virginia in late July.

Tomorrow we do the rather public TV-like interview at the PARKWAY CHATEAU.  On Wednesday, I leave Bellingham by Bus, travelling to Seattle, where I will spend a few hours walking and photographing...before taking the new Light Rail System to SEA-TAC Airport for my 11:00 pm flight (red-eye-special), arriving in Roanoke, Virginia Thursday about noon...where Chuck will meet me.

Plan to stay with (Brother/Sister) Chuck and Donna - and "Father" 97-year old Raymond for two nights...to continue SAM & ME's walk on Saturday morning.

...and so, the saga continues...this time with a bit of $$ help from kind folks who used the above DONATE button in the past few weeks...thank you !

POST 1110; MAY 03, 2013; BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON

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After yesterday's very long challenging walk, meeting many new friends, and enjoying a simply fabulous day (weather) in Bellingham, today was a mostly take it easy day.

Did walk a few miles to the local Bellis Fair Mall and back, enjoying the local Buffet ($7.89 for Seniors), shopping for a special walking shirt and light weight quick dry walking pants.  Did not find a suitable shirt.  Did not find a suitable pant, except for one pair at BIG 5 SPORTS costing $45.00...and I will not pay that much.

So, I will make do with my single pair walking pants and three walking shirts.

Returning home, stopped in at the local Shop Rite Pharmacy to pick up my heart medication...only to discover that my Cardiologist REFUSED to renew my prescription.  Calling the Cardiologist office, was told I must first schedule an appointment for a check up - last checkup was in 2009.  Last Fall, I did check in with my Cardiologist, who then also refused to see me...saying..."..after 18 years and your still alive...just keep doing what your are doing." ...I took that as his message that he no longer wanted to see me.

The first current appointment is not for another two weeks...and I have no $$ available to cool my heels in Bellingham, waiting for the "system" to do it's work to fit me in.

Bottom line:  I return to Bedford (Chuck reminded me they live in Bedford, not Roanoke, Virginia) and walk 'til I drop...if that is ordained.  At this point in my life, I am so angry with the medical system, I could spit...I told the Cardiologist's Office to go to He_ _. 

In summation:

1.  My AARP Supplemental Insurance was terminated - without my knowledge - on December 31, 2012...reason:  the entire program (I was enrolled in) was deleted, and since I did not respond to the "mailing", I was dropped after many years as a member.  AARP knows all too well I am walking, not receiving any mail.  They do, however, have my telephone and e-mail information...but, ..."...that is not within our procedures...".

So, I no longer have Insurance beyond MEDICAID.  OH, JOY

2.  Since my Cardiologist has moved to another distant city...and since I was not offered an alternate "in-house" doctor...

So, I no longer have a Cardiologist...and no more medication.  OH, JOY !


3.  My Primary Doctor retired.  His prior organization was integrated with a much larger group, which advised I was terminated as a patient because I did not respond to mailing...they also are very aware of my "availability" "contact" situation, as above...but again, ..."...is not within our contact procedures"...this after more than 25 years as their patient.

So, I no longer have a Primary Doctor...a requirement to obtain "referrals" such as I attempted to get...the ONLY reason I recently returned to Bellingham after the Anemia situation in Virginia.

So, I must find a new Primary Doctor.  OH, JOY !


4.  I applied for acceptance in three other "Primary" groups, only to be told they were either not accepting new patients, or that there is a long "waiting list".

So, no immediate solution to replacing my retired Primary Doctor.  OH, JOY !


4.  Have applied for VA (Veterans Administration) medical coverage through the Seattle VA Hospital.  That application has been acknowledged, but will take some many weeks for processing.

My nephew will accept any VA mailings and somehow forward them to me.


In my experience, the Medical Institution is a humongous CASH COW...interest centered in the $$$ available to suck in.
Yes, I am angry. 

...but, not an overt anger...not my style !

Have discovered a new BUS SERVICE...a subsidiary of GREYHOUND BUS.  It currently has been in operation in the Northeast for a few years.  Last year it was placed in operation between VANCOUVER, B.C., BELLINGHAM, SEATTLE, AND PORTLAND, OREGON. 

It is a scheduled service...at a fraction of the $$ charged by the current AIRPORTER service.  Tomorrow, I plan to make a "test run", taking the new BOLT BUS from Bellingham to Seattle...then the LIGHT RAIL from Seattle to SEATAC airport....and, of course, back to Bellingham by tomorrow evening.  If the connections are acceptable, should save significant $$ over the current AIRPORTER service of $32.50 one way Bellingham - SEATAC.

Will try to make a small diversion in Seattle to obtain some photographs for the blog.

Haave not decided on a date to return to Roanoke, but all the ducks are lined up.