POST 1429; SEPTEMBER 14, 2014; NEW CASTLE, INDIANA

Yesterday afternoon while walking aimlessly in the city of LAFEYETTE, Indiana, looking for a place to bed down for the night, I stand before a Pawn Shop.  Why not, I think, walking in.  Meeting ASHLEY, a 21 year old employee, we engage in conversation...leading to ASHLEY's invitation to literally "TAKE SAM and ME Home with her".  Actually, we are taken to the home of ASHLEY's parents, where an incredible day is brought to a close cozily snuggled in a feather soft bed in the home of MATT and KRISTY.

This afternoon, pushing SAM aimlessly in the town of PENDLETON, Indiana, undecided what to do...start walking to the next town 6 miles distant, or try to find a place to rest our head for the night in PENDLETON.  I step into a Convenience Store for their incredible $0.69 ANY SIZE Soft Drink.  Taking my first sip, a lady asks..."Are you Bruce".

Seems KIM and Hubby TRAVIS saw SAM and ME crossing a busy intersection, noticed the printing on the back of my Reflective Vest, queried the internet, found our blog, and searched the streets of PENDLETON until they found SAM parked outside the Convenience Store.

Minutes later, SAM and ME are deposited at a motel in the distant city (20 miles distant).  Before driving back to PENDLETON, TRAVIS hands me $$ to pay for the motel.

These events are unique and important in that they occurred while SAM was parked and new friends came forward offering us rides ...rides resulting in major advantages to SAM and ME.

Goes to show the kindness of folks not only driving the roadways.

Simultaneous to meeting KIM and TRAVIS, a third man approached us stating that he saw SAM and ME on TV this morning...he did not explain further.

Please say HELLO to KRISTY and MATT, who invited SAM and ME for the night into their home.  This morning, KRISTY drove SAM and ME some some 20 miles to the city of NOBELSVILLE. 

Family pets of MATT and KRISTY.  All three greeted me with total abandom.  The middle dog, STERLING, followed me like the little puppy he is...8 months.

Please say HELLO to DEB and DAVE, who gave SAM and ME our second ride of the day...only 4 miles, but that saves us one hour walking time.

 

 Please say HELLO to the estatic couple of KIM and TRAVIS...estatic after tracking us down after searching the town after spotting us crossing an intersection.  (lots of "afters" there).

Driving SAM and ME some 20 miles , searching the internet and local Convenience Store to find a motel, insisted on paying for our motel...the GARDEN INN.

PENDLETON, Indiana.

Please help SAM and ME to say GOOD BYE to TRAVIS and KIM.

...and so often I AM ASKED WHY...WHY am I dedicated to walking America.  Surly, today and the wonderful people helping SAM and ME provides at least a partial reply.

* * * * * * * * * *

Tomorrow morning, SAM and ME will make our way from NEW CASTLE, Indiana to the border city of RICHMOND (border with the State of OHIO)...and beyond.

DALLAS assures us that it is only another 200 miles to his home in HURRICANE, WEST VIRGINIA (near CHARLESTON).

POST 1428;SEPTEMBER 13, 2014; LAFAYETTE, INDIANA

It was COLD this morning, but still wearing Walking Shorts and NO coat.  Walking keeps me warm.

SAM's Wheel SPOKES loosened up, requiring a "Spoke Key", which I did find in the tiny town of KENTLAND, where we spent the night in a motel. 

This morning during "Complimentary" Breakfast, I had a dozen or so folks listening to tales of SAM and ME...and the plaudits of the LYMPHATIC SYSTEM.  As SAM and ME walked out of the local Convenience Store, a "Deputation" handed us $60.00..."to send us on our way with enough $$ for one more Motel Room.

Walked most of the way to the city of LAFEYETTE, receiving two short rides...with promise of a third ride later this evening to the City of LEBANON, Indiana.  We shall see about that, as the car is rather small for SAM to fit inside .

Small town of KENTLAND, Indiana.

Bought two tomato, which I ate during today's walk and roll.

Roadside GRASSES....

US Route 52.

Please say HELLO to CAROL, who delivered SAM and ME to the town of FOWLER.

We received one more ride of about 20 miles, delivering SAM and ME to the city of LAFEYETTE, where this update is nearing completion in the local McDonalds.

Please say HELLO to KAIYLA and ASHLEY, with whom I chatted for some time...finding that ASHLEY is driving to her Parents home in LEBANON this evening...and has offered to take SAM and ME with her...if we can get SAM into her car.

* * * * * * * * * *

It is COLD this evening.  Promises to RAIN on Monday, with good warm weather the rest of the week.

It is imperative we receive rides to West Virginia...

...again, we shall see.

POST 1427; SEPTEMBER 12, 2014; KENTLAND, INDIANA

First, a report on the foot.   As of last evening, it was swollen, painful to the touch and extreme painful to walk on.  Soaked it in HOT water, messaged and oiled it, took one IBUPROPEN. and slept without waking.  This morning, still swollen, but NO pain.  Took one more IBUPROPEN.  Walked on it for 4 hours today at high speed from GILMAN to WATSEKA, Illinois.  This evening, is still swollen, and a bit of pain has returned. 

VERY strange !  Telephoned Nurse MELISSA back in BELLINGHAM, who is looking after my "Health" from my long range reports.  MELISSA mentioned "GOUT".   We shall see.

Late yesterday afternoon, received a ride from FORREST to GILMAN, where we took a SUPER 8 Motel once again.  This motel was a sample of what a motel should be...HIGH QUALITY MANAGEMENT...a distinct improvement on the recent (Indian Managed) SUPER 8 motels.

Observation:  Indian Immigrants appear to be slowly taking over management of hotels and Convenience Stores (gas stations)...not always with positive results.

This morning walked and rolled from GILMAN, Illinois to WATSEKA,Illinois.  Late in the afternoon, received a ride from WATSEKA to KENTLAND, Indiana, where we have taken a "RED ROOF" Motel @ $56.00.  It is to be at or below freezing tonight.  Have dried out the sleeping bag and many other items which received a thorough Rain Soaking three nights ago.

Motel comfort is about to end as we are about out of $$ until Social Security $$ is replenished on October 03.
 

 

Please say HELLO to MIKE and STEVE, who together moved SAM and ME from FORREST to GILMAN, Illinois..the home of MIKE.

Some pics of GILMAN as SAM and ME walked and rolled through GILMAN this morning.

We tried to hitch hike as we walked.  We succeeded only in attracting the POLICE, who responded to citizen (other drivers) complaint that we were walking too close to the White Line.  In our entire walk so far, we attracted 5 POLICE...four of them in ILLINOIS.  Wonder what significance THAT has.

Not being coy.  Police have been of great help at every turn for SAM and ME.  Local drivers could use a bit more confidence.  There is really NO need to STOP their car in the middle of the roadway because SAM is rolling along only 3 - 4 inches away from the White Line.  ...  but, that is the way it is with many drivers in this part of Illinois.

Please say HELLO to JOE, resident of WATSEKA.  JOE stopped 1/4 mile from down town WATSEKA.  I quickly accepted his offer to drive SAM and ME the final 8 minute (walk) into town.

Please say HELLO to TINA WILKEN, Member Service Representative (Receptionist) of WATSEKA newspaper, The DAILY JOURNAL.  Contrary to my usual practice of letting the Media ferret us out, I stopped in at the newspaper to announce my fourth walk through their town (of WATSEKA).

NO, they did NOT interview me.

Please say HELLO to CHAD and his (Retired Policeman) Dad, HOLLY, who saw SAM and ME walking out of town.  They fetched their Pickup Truck, searched until finding us in PIZZA HUT, and offered to drive us forward on Route 24 to the town of KENTLAND, Indiana.

Here, we have again taken  a motel room, where this blog update is nearing completion at 6:00 p.m.

In the morning, we walk and roll - and hopefully receive rides - on Route 52 - to near INDIANOPOLIS, Indiana, where we switch to Routes 32 and 38, crossing into the State of Ohio at the city of RICHMOND.

* * * * * * * * * *

Rushing South and East to beat the coming COLD has taken a toll on my stamina AND on our $$ finances. 

My objective is to reach the town of HURRICANE, a suburb to CHARLESTON, West Virginia, and , home to DALLAS, who has offered SAM and ME to "Winter-Over" if we are too late to beat the Winter Weather bearing down on the ALLEGHENY Mountains, which we must cross to reach the Atlantic Coastal Plains of VIRGINIA and NORTH CAROLINA.

Now, there is an example of a COMPLEX COMPOUND Sentence.  Hope I got it correct !

Look forward to once again visit with DALLAS and his active SENIOR Group.

POST 1426; SEPTEMBER 11, 2014; FORREST, ILLINOIS

I woke this morning with the strangest malady...the big toe of my right foot was extremely sore.  At first, thought something bit me during the night, but could find no indication of swelling or redness.  Began walking on it, only to have it become more painful.  Seems almost like Arthritus set in.  In all, walked some 6 hours reaching the town of FORREST, Illinois, with the entire foot now painful.

Received rides from three gentlemen, finally being delivered to FORREST, Illinois...only to discover NO place to camp and no Motel until reaching GILLMAN, Illinois, some 20 miles distant.  Had my thumb out for 2 hours...no one stopped.  Returned to FORREST, bumping into an employee of the local car dealer, who arranged a RIDE (at 6:30 pm) to GILLMAN with another employee ( MIKE), who lives in GILLMAN.

Telephoned SUPER 8 Motel in GILLMAN, reserved a room @ $56.00 for "late arrival."

Am dining at the local Restaurant, which serves up great country cooking...and would you know it, my money is NO GOOD...but dinner has been delicious...Thank You, LALO.

Recommend a visit to EAGLE NEST Restaurant in FORREST.

Please say HELLO to BEN, who offered our first ride, dropping SAM and ME off at I-80 (Interstate 80), from where I walked three hours before our next ride came along.

INTERSTATE 80.

Please say HELLO to CORY, who delivered SAM and ME to his home town of DWIGHT, Illinois.

Please say HELLO to NACHO, drivIng his own food delivery truck from CHICAGO to his home town, FORREST.

NACHO gave me his telephone number, offering to put us up for the night if we did not find a solution.

Wheat being loaded into an 18 Wheeler in FORREST.

* * * * * * * * * *

Is now 5:45 pm.  Din Din is complete...thank you for your consideration,           .

Walking was difficult (the foot) today.

It was COLD all day under thick threatening skies, although it did not rain.  Tomorrow predicts low 30's F.  Do not know what I will do as I do not have Cold Weather clothes.  Also, hesitate to bring up the subject, but all these motels are quickly depleting our $$ funds.  Will face that problem in another week.

In the interim, am looking forward to treat my foot to prepare for tomorrow's walks.

Sleeping out is not possible as ALL my camping stuff is still too wet.    Should be able to dry everything out be morning, since we will soon be snug in SUPER 8 in GILLMAN.

POST 1425; SEPTEMBER 10, 2014; YORKVILLE, ILLINOIS

Please say HELLO to BELLE, the PINE ACRE Pet dog
Rescued  from a Doggie pound, BELLE takes care of all the Residents, greeting Visitors and making the "rounds" daily to check on each person.

At night, BELLE sleeps in Sister Carol's bed.  Here BELLE plays with two of her favorite ladies.

Please say HELLO to RANDY, Maintenance Manager, who drove SAM and ME to the County Campgrounds., where we set up our tent under the starts,



We had a rough night, having heavy down pour and high winds.  once again, our tent was flooded two inches deep with rain, soaking EVERYTHING.  I was awake the entire night.

Please say HELLO to WILL, our neighbor camper, warning me of the approaching storm.

I was awake ALL night...climbing out of my waterlogged Sleeping Bag four times to tie down the tent and making certain it did blow away.  Most of the njght I was lying in over two inches  of rain water.

Please say HELLO to CARL, who gave SAM and ME a ride to the city of YORKVILLR, iL, where I will dry out our clothes.

* * * * * * * * * *

In the morning, will try to catch  a ride to the town of FORREST on Route 24, which leads us to INDIANA