POST 1421; SEPTEMBER 05, 2014; OSAGE, IOWA

Asked to identify the highlight of this South Central part of Minnesota, one might choose to say:

CORN

In every direction to the horizon are fields of Corn,

Asked to identify the people of this Corn Belt, one might choose to say:

EASY GOING

Life is at once laid back...and at once moving forward at a quick pace.  Vast fields are tended by resident farmers...some a bit overwhelmed...others lending a hand or their new Monster Machine to help a struggling neighbor put in a crop...or harvest a bumper crop.

Lying in the approximate center of a vast Plains reaching from the OHIO River in the East...to the Purple Rocky Mountains on the West...some 1,000 miles distant, it is said that the finest richest soil in all of America is found in the land SAM and ME Walked and Rolled today...some 75 miles.

We Walked and Rolled three sessions..about 7 hours all told, squeezed in between  three rides.

My feet are quite sore.  Have been wearing the "rain proof" Columbia shoes with the traction nobs on the bottom of the sole...each nob becoming a "pressure point" on the bottom of my feet within 5 minutes of starting our walks.  My NIKE AIRs wore out some 500 miles back in North Dakota, and I have not slowed down to purchase a new pair from J.C.PENNY (Cost:  $50.00 ...a GOOD buy !)

Yes, this is CORN...about to be harvested. 

Please say HELLO to ALLEN, living in WASECA, Minnesota.  ALLEN, who gave SAM and ME our first ride of the day to the town of BLOOMING PRAIRIE, Minnesota.

BLOOMING PRAIRIE is a town I shall remember all my days, for it was in this small town on June 30, 2013, that a crowd of some 20 people joined SAM and ME on the road from AUSTIN, Minnesota...some pushing SAM as I enjoyed so much friendship and on-the-go conversation...all in response of a two-day ABC Television report on SAM and ME.

I shall never forget those folks and the miles we walked together...nor the surprise Birthday Party they threw for me (it was my Birthday) at the SUBWAY in BLOOMING PRAIRIE.

Thank you, too, ALLEN for introducing me to your friends and for picking up the TAB for our lunch.

Downtown BLOOMING PRAIRIE.

Please say HELLO to SHANNON KINLEY, Reporter for THE TIMES Newspaper of BLOOMING PRAIRIE, who interviewed me on our way out of town.

The TIMES may be contacted at:   www.bloomingprairie.com.

US Route 218...our road for today as well as for the next day or two

Please say HELLO to TOM, who picked up SAM and ME for our second ride of the day.  TOM took us all the way to US Route 218 on the South East side of the city of AUSTIN (Home of HORMEL, the Meat Processing Company).

Leaving AUSTIN, a POLICE Officer pulled up along side SAM, asking what we were about.  We chatted for a bit before SAM and ME continued on our way...the Officer watching as we thumbed a ride (not successful).  He again pulled along side, chastising me for my methodology and offering safety tips intended to keep us from hindering traffic...or becoming a statistic in his town.

FAMOUS "ROAD KILL"...this time, Little Stinker, the Skunk.

Please say HELLO to LANNY, of AUSTIN, Minnesota.

LANNY stopped, offering SAM and ME a ride.  Alas, his car was too amall to stuff SAM in.  So, what does LANNY do?...he drives away, offering to return with his BIG Pickup Truck.  Good as his word, LANNY was waiting with his Big Truck a mile or so further down US Route 218.

First thing he does was GIFT me a new Reflective Jacket...so better to see me by approaching vehicles.

Loading SAM, LANNY drove us to the small town of OSAGE, Iowa, where he delivered us to MOTEL 8...so I could get a good night sleep and get in out of the coming rain.

* * * * * * * * * *

Even tho $$ funds are short, getting good rest has enabled me to increase my efficiency walking these past few days.  Setting up CAMP under the stars after Speed Walking some 7 or so hours is NOT my idea of FUN.  I know it appears to be contra-effective to our eventual goal.   Must share that it was COLD this morning and promises to get colder during the next week.

FALL is upon SAM and ME.  We have not a moment to waste.  Investing some seriously needed $$ for sake of a good night rest seems - at least long range - justified to avoid the coming Deep Freeze suggested by FARMERS ALMANAC to arrive EARLY and Freeze deep...much deeper than last year.

I brought NO cold-weather clothing.  Best SAM and ME do that which moves us out of harms way. 

POST 1420; SEPTEMBER 04, 2014; OWATONNA, MINNESOTA

This morning, we tried a different method of finding a ride.  Instead of standing in one place, we immediately walked and rolled from the city of MANKATO toward the city of WASECA on the 4-lane divided highway Route 14, which has a 4 foot wide paved berm, giving us plenty of room.

We normally walk facing the oncoming traffic.  When asking for a ride however, we walk "with" the traffic.  Hearing traffic approaching from behind, I either turn to see if a suitable vehicle is approaching, or I simply keep walking, but raise my left arm with my Thumb sticking UP...the universally accepted signal that I am asking for a ride...more commonly referred to as "hitch hiking".

We walked over 5 hours with no ride.

Hearing a "BEEP" close behind us, I turned to see a Red Pickup Truck stopped not ten feet away.  I did not hear it approaching, but it pulled up beside SAM and ME...are you looking for a ride...?

We, of course, accepted, loaded SAM, and was delivered to the city of OWATONNA, Minnesota, some 40 miles from MANKATO.

Local corn is tall, dark green, and about ready to be harvested.  The corn pictured is FEED corn, used for cattle food...or used to manufacture ETHANOL, a gasoline Additive.

Local farm.

I am told most farms are not worked - or even lived on - by the owner.  Many farms are LEASED to other farmers.  This practice has resulted in the Taxing Commission to classify such land as COMMERCIAL...not AGRICULTURAL, resulting in a considerable higher tax being applied.

Please say HELLO to CRAIG, our benefactor today.

In addition to delivering SAM and ME to OWATONNA, CRAIG bought us lunch and drove us to our Motel, near Route 218, which we will walk and roll in the morning.

* * * * * * * * * *

Received a big surprise checking into the motel.  We were already in their computer, as we stayed in this same motel one year ago as SAM and ME were walking and rolling from North Carolina to the Peace Arch.

POST 1419; SEPTEMBER 03, 2014; MANKATO, MINNESOTA

Today SAM and ME traveled approximately 80 miles, of which we walked 3 times for some 6 hours.  We also received three rides...one from KURT, one from JACK, and one from TAMMY, delivering us to the MANKATO MALL, where we have taken a room at the QUALITY INN @ $59.00.

I walked hard, fast, far, while pushing SAM up some fair hills.

Last night, we stopped in at McDonald's to do our Blog update, and ended staying the night...yes, at McDonald"s.

It rained a good part of the night, but using SAM as center piece, I arranged our under-the-stars room so that we were snug and DRY all night.

The McD Maintenance Man, LOU, checked on us during the night ansd early morning hours...just to be certain we were cozy and safe.

Walking and Rolling today was mostly during steady rain downpour accompanied by a stiff head wind.  Yes, I was made to work extra hard to continue throughout the day.

I am pleased with our progress.  We must, howevery continue to press for rides and walk and roll in between so as to achieve the most miles each day.

Being caught by a Winter deep freeze before reaching the home of DALLAS in HURRICANE (near CHARLESTON), West Virginia, is not a cheerful thought.  DALLAS has e-mailed me that SAM and ME are welcome to spend the Winter with him if need be.

WHERE SAM and ME spent the night...using SAM to anchor our Camp Site, keeping ME and SAM comfy and dry.

Please say HELLO to LOU, McDonald Maintenance Man.  LOU kept a protective eye on SAM and ME...and chatted later as I took some breakfast before walking out of REDWOOD FALLS, Minnesota.

MURAL on the VFW Building in REDWOOD FALLS.  I am a member of the VFW in KEY WEST, Florida.

The town of MORGAN, Minnesota.  KURT met us along Route 67, driving us some 10 miles this morning.

Please say HELLO to JACK, who picked us up for ride number two.  Offering to drive us to the town of SLEEPY EYE, JACK took SAM and ME all the way to the city of NEW ULM.

The camera lens is sticking , not opening fully.  Believe condensation from being in my pocket (walking hard creates sweat, which penetrates the pocket of my reflective vest) causing the condensation to make the camera wet...even in 100 F. hot days.

Please say HELLO to TAMMY, who delivered SAM and ME to the city of MANKATO. where we are spending the night in luxury of a fine motel.

* * * * * * * * * *



In the morning, it is back to US Route 14 to make our way to the city of OWATONNA, where we change to Route 218 / 56 to the village of LE ROY.  We will then take US Route 63 into the State of Iowa, heading for the city of DUBUKE, where we enter the State of Illinois..

  

POST 1418;SEPTEMBER 02, 2014; REDWOOD FALLS, MINNESOTA

A penalty of sorts was introduced by way of our "gratis" motel room last night.  The motel was actually in the nearby town of KANDIYOHI,some 6 miles from the south end of WILLMAR where we picked up US Route 71 leading to the city or REDWOOD FALLS, Minnesota. 
Beggars cannot be choosey it is said, and we are VERY appreciative to the Salvation Army and the City Police of WILLMAR for putting SAM AND me in a comfy motel for the night.

IT WAS 10;00 am by the time we reached the "countryside" of US Route 71 where we could solicit a ride.   Our ride came along by 11:00am, dropping us off 39 miles later in the small village of MORTON.

We tried until 1:00 pm for another ride, which never came...even though at least 100 suitable vehicles passed by.

We finally Walked and Rolled 6 + miles, including up a steep 4-mile long hill to reach the city of REDWOOD FALLS, where we are completing our blog update at McDonalds.

Upon entering REDWOOD FALLS, I noticed my new wrist watch had for the second time, stopped functioning, even though it was "new" from WALMART in Idaho...and had a new battery from the time it stopped running one week ago.

Mentioned to SAM that what we needed was a WALMART for the watch replacement and a grassy spot to spread our sleeping bag for the night.  Not 100 yards later, WALMART materialized.

Lots of lakes as we walked through WILLMAR early this morning.

Local Train Museum.

WILLMAR is a centralized Grain Depot.

...with beautifully manicured lawns.

Looking back into WILLMAR Route 71 as we say good bye.

Please say HELLO to BOB, a local resident who stopped for SAM and ME, delivering us to the town of MORTON, some 40 miles South on US Route 71.

As BOB said, the black soil of this region is some of the finest in all of America, laid down as the recent Ice Age moved North.

Old US Route 71 Bridge over the Minnesota River.

Nearing the top of the long steep hill leading to the city of REDWOOD FALLS, Minnesota.

Corn field somewhat past due to be harvested.

In the morning, SAM and ME will Walk and Roll to US Route 14, which we will follow East to the City of OWATONNA, Minnesota.  We have chosen US Route 14 as it is a major secondary roadway with considerable traffic affording the opportunity to find a ride.  From OWATONNA, we will proceed on US Route 218 to AUSTIN...then Route 56 to the Border town of LE ROY.  This route will lead us to the city of DUBUQUE, Iowa, where we will enter into the State of ILLINOIS.

POST 1417; SEPTEMBER 01, 2014; WILMAR, MINNESOTA

Today was a very unusual day in that SAM and ME did not walk.  Instead, we received a ride with OLE OLSON of SUNBURG, MN from the city of MORRIS, all the way to rhe city of WILMAR, MN...a distance of 53 miles.

PRAIRIE INN, MORRIS, MN, where we received a room courtesy of the MORRIS Police Department.

PRAIRIE INN, MORRIS, MN, where I stayed three years ago.

Route 9...

Please say HELLO to TIM...who gave me a ride from MORRIS to the city of BENSON, MN.

SAM was carried all the way from MORRIS to WILMAR, via BENSON.  OLE OLSON driving a small utility Sport Truck, carried SAM all the way to WILMAR.  I rode with OLE from BENSON to WILMAR.
In the rush to be visiting friends in WILMAR, I failed to take a photograph of OLE...sorry.

In WILMAR, OLE drove us to the POLICE Station where once again we have been given a room at a local Motel - compliments of the SALVATION ARMY.

In the morning, SAM and ME will Walk and Roll South on US Route 71 to US Route 14...then East to the city of ROCHESTER.

We have elected to use major secondary roads to enhance our chances to find rides quickly.

We are moving quite well when we find rides.  To beat the coming COLD weather, we must continue to do so.

POST 1416; AUGUST 31, 2014; MORRIS, MINNESOTA

Today, the last day of August 2014, held plenty of pleasant moments, a disappointment or two, and consideration by many to go FAR beyond expectations to help SAM and ME reach distant destination(s) ...and then to be welcomed back to MORRIS, Minnesota by an old friend who went the extra mile to arrange a comfy room for SAM and ME in familiar surroundings.

Leaving MOREHEAD, MN early in the morning, following a stormy night.

Route MN 9 is a desolate narrow roadway - straight as an arrow - with many small farming villages - 100 or so residents - spread out some 10 to 15 miles apart between the 100 + mile distances between the larger towns of MORRIS and BENSON.

SAM and ME Walked and Rolled many hours - miles - , while receiving two awesome rides and a visit along the roadway of a charming lady offering laughs and magnificent fresh succulent veggies direct from the farm...which I have been eating raw.

Crops of wheat, Corn, and a half dozen other varieties are ready to be harvested. 

Please say HELLO to (forgot to write her name) the charming lady who stopped SAM and ME only to offer right-off-the-farm Tomato, red Potato, delicious Corn, and Cukes (Cucumbers) to eat along the way...and eat I did, saving a few for tomorrow.

Taking lots of photographs of SAM and ME, she jumped out of her car for a few more "selfies", before she drove off, leaving me wondering ... where did that lovely lady come from...where did that lovely lady go...who was that lovely lady?

Please say HELLO to CHRYSANN, who stopped to give SAM and ME a ride to the town of BRECKENRIDGE, Minnesota...stopping first at WALMART where I purchased new bungies to replace the ones (sorry, BOB) lost yesterday somewhere on I-94 while riding with RUSTY to FARGO.

CHRYSANN then drove those extra miles to put SAM and ME on our way on Route 9, some 5 miles South of BRECKENRIDGE.

Walking and Rolling to the tiny village of CAMPBELL, I stopped to rest and solicit a ride toward the City of MORRIS, some 35 miles distant.  Alas, many vehicles passed us by...but none stopped.  It rained a bit.  It became dark.  Torn between sitting / sleeping in my folding chair (thank you, BOB),  or walking into the night to reach MORRIS.,,

I opted to WALK into the night.

Some hours later, in pitch blackness, a SUV stopped, asked if we were OK, and offered to drive SAM and ME in the opposite direction from which it came.  We accepted the lady's offer (to her words..."you won't hurt me will you...?")

Half hour later, ANNEGINE, sent by her family to come rescue SAM and ME from walking the darkness of narrow Route 9 (they had passed us on their way home...deciding to return after making room for SAM inside their SUV) dropped us off at CASEY's

I promised that we would not attempt to walk at night in the future...scaring te heck out of passing motorists.

ANNEGINE, having dropped us off at CASEY's Convenience Store in down town MORRIS, rushed away to return home, many miles away - and very much out of her way.

Talk about going that extra mile !

...and surprises for the day were not yet over...

SAM waiting all afternoon on Route 9 roadside in the village of CAMPBELL...from where we set off on foot into the night.

* * * * * * * * * *

MORRIS is a town I have twice before walked through.  CASEY's referred us to the POLICE to help find a place to spend the night.

Walking the darkened streets of MORRIS, we found the POLICE Department...CLOSED until Tuesday, September 02.  Leaving the ante-room entrance, a voice asked me to pick up the telephone receiver hanging on the wall.  The voice from the receiver listened to my story, remotely unlocked the Entrance door...and please climb the stairs where an Officer will talk to you...

An Officer exited from a side door...Hello, Bruce...he greets me.  Shocked he knew who I was, explained...two years ago we met and chatted as you walked through MORRIS.

Returning his greeting, I explained how SAM and ME came to have returned in the dead of night to MORRIS.

He fetched a sheaf of papers...forms to be filled out for the local SALVATION ARMY Program that offered "emergency" assistance to needy folks - like SAM and ME.
I asked the Officer how he knew it was me...he replied...I watched you push your cart ...which I recognized from your prior visit... into our parking lot,

Bottom line:  I was offered a room at the local Motel NORTHLAND PRAIRIE INN, to which SAM and ME, following the map offered, reached in under 10 minutes...only to realize that three years ago, I had taken a room here on my first walk through MORRIS.

Coincidences...kindness...and reaching out to SAM and ME,  completed a day of contrasts, walking a great distance, riding with considerate genuine ladies taking that extra mile - even with a degree of fear for their own safety in the dark of night...and interrupting a day on the farm...taking a..."road I NEVER travel..." to share moments and veggies with a complete stranger...

I again ask myself...Why Me?

...an old man, searching and sharing (on our Blog) America in a way not before realized...

...and as my Native American sixth grader in WOLFE POINT, Montana asked me...what weapons do you carry for protection?..., I pointed to my heart...then to my head, replying:   only these...