POST 1178; AUGUST 11, 2013; BELFIELD, NORTH DAKOTA

SUNDAY...SAM AND ME are once again on the road, bound for The PEACE ARCH at the USA / CANADA border crossing, BLAINE, WASHINGTON.

Please say HELLO to SHELL and MARIE-MERCED, owners of the OASIS Motel.

 Please say HELLO to KIRSTIN and MARION...my "temp" employers at the COMMAND CENTER.

After considerable analysis and research by half dozen local folks, DICKINSON cost of living wipes out all 'temp" $$ income...I.e., a permanent position with considerable more $$ income is required to justify staying in DICKINSON.

Suggested that since I AM TOLD BY Management that MY WORK ethics produce the results of two 30-year olds, simplying me double would solve the $$ problem; THAT thought resulted in looks of increduality.

Result:  SAM & ME are back on the road...my SENIOR status still at the fore-front.

No, I do not feel well.  Yesterday, I intended we would walk and roll the 30 miles to MEDORA, N.D....actually, after a two week lay0ff, I struggled to reach BELFIELD...only 20 miles distant.  I expect having my LUNGES filled with Construction Area DUST has something to do with that.

Today SAM & ME will attempt to reach MEDORA...tomorrow, to reach the town of BEACH, N.D.; Tueesday we should cross into MONTANA.

Marion and Kirston, my Tremo employers were not pleased to see us Go.  I, too, hoped for better results.  SAM & ME did, however enjoy a full evening with SHELL and MARIE-MERCED, owners of. the excellent OASIS Motel. (thank you)...great salad...good wine...great conversation to past midnight...also perhaps contributing to my tiredness walking yesterday.

POST 1177; AUGUST 08, 2013, DICKINSON, ND

Many new ache and pains...why..

I HAVE A JOB.

Am working day to day on a construction site ... Doing cleaning work...picking up after contractors.

First real work in many years...but have been asked back for the third day adding to reserves.

Marion and hubby JIM have invited me to overnight.

I plan to work tomorrow, Friday, and stay the weekend to work Monday...then make a short term Dr decision as to stay on in Dickinson or walk home.

For the moment, is pleasant to discover that someone finds value in this old man...was told by management that my two days of work have out performed any. two 30 year olds.

The feet are fully heald.

POST 1176; AUGUST 07, 2013; DICKINSON, N.D.

Back in DICKERSON, N.D.

Bus arrived at midnight...luckily, at the 24/7 bus terminal restaurant, where I sit until STEFFEN BIKE opens...SAM is stored at STeffans.

Been vasselating  between walking US 2... or the freeways.  After bussing the freeways, am leaning toward US 2.

Freeway overpasses are not as frequent as I envisioned...and most importantly, many steep miles long hills are necessary to cross.  Winds on the freeway are fierce...more Dothan on US 2.

Us 2 is shorter by 50 miles...and has only one significant hill...the GLACIER NATIONAL PARK portion of US. 2.

Major concern now is possibility of winter storms catching SAM & ME .  US2 has more towns to seek shelter...the freeway overpasses do not have the same design as those in North Dakota...taking away the primary reason I was considering walking the freeways.

So, looks like back to our original route...US2.

It gets bitter COLD out on the high plains...thentoo, snakes like warmth at night...making our warm cozy tent inviting.

Will try to ffind experienced locals for advice.

Will try to add some photographs...difficult to understand this Smart phone..

POST 1175; AUGUST 04, 2013; BELLINGHAM, WA

Spent a good part of my day with Nephew Carl...lunch and another visit to VERIZON to reset this smart phone as somehow GOOGLE changed my login ..now OK.

...also, alle-mail was blocked...not reset under a new icon...Doggie something or other.

Did research on routing from Dickinson to Blaine...discovered walking the freeways all the way to Washington State is only a few miles more than walking the narrow US 2  highway.

If Montana will allow our overnighting undeu overpasses , itwould be safer and much faster to complete our walk.  In the morning, will query Montana.

Am set to catch the bus tomorrow.

POST 1174; AUGUST 02, 2013; BELLINGHAM, WN.

Friday evening in Bellingham...with the following update:

The mini computer has been replaced with this hand held Smart phone DROID.  All systems of the laptop have been loaded and tested...for ME, a new world.

In the process, am saving $80.00 per month from VERIZON.

Received a cardboard box of old mail collected since last May...ALL bills from medical costs not covered by MEDICARR...and more cancellations of programs, such as AARP & AAA.  OH, fun fun...

Have reserved a seat on GREYHOUND to return to DICKINSON, ND on Monday.  Will resume the walk of SAM & ME Tuesday.

No, am not fully healed...but will be OK.

This time, we CAMP...setting up the tent, etc...unless kind souls help us along.

Should return to Bellingham by September15.

Amconsidering NOT to renew the lease...becoming voluntarilly HOMLESS.

We shall see.

POST 1173; AUGUST 01, 2013; BELLINGHAM, WN

Today,we lost the Mini computer.

In April, purchased the VERIZON ANDROID...just for this event.

Spent most of today to learn thhis complex device.  Timing could not be better.

We will have some weird posts, but will give it my best effort.  Already like the on the fly Spell Checker.

Spent hours on my feet without apparent damage.

My apartment lease is up October 31, so have a big decision...close up shop and become HOMLESS by choice...or ???

POST 1172; AUGUST 01, 2013; BELLINGHAM, WN.