HOW SAM GOT HOME

BELLAIR BUS...BELLINGHAM - SEA-TAC AIRPORT

MAIN TERMINAL, DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

MAIN TERMINAL, DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

DEVIL'S SLIDE...I-84 NEAR OGDON, UTAH (Natural Rock Erosion)

SUN SETS ON I-84 NEAR BOISE, IDAHO

SAM & ME returned to Bellingham, Washington yesterday, Saturday, October 23, 2010.

It was our intention to reach Key West by this day.

How SAM returned Home is interesting. We would like to share that return.

SAM sat in her trailer, attached to the Van, in the barnyard of a Ranch 70 or so miles North of the Denver Interntional Airport. She was there, at the home of Char and Maria, for safe keeping.

It came to be that our walk had been delayed until a (as yet undetermined) later date. It became evident that SAM & the Van must return to Bellingham. It was urgent that this be done before Snows dropped onto the Rocky Mountains and the Blue Mountains (Oregon).

So, on Thursday, October 21, 2001, when the Van's key was finally located, the following events began:

I telephoned Delta Airlines. I obtained a "Miles" reservation Seattle/Salt Lake City/Denver, leaving Seattle at 4:20 pm, arriving in Denver at 9:00 pm. SAM, et.all, were some 70 miles from the Denver Airport, many miles away from the nearest town. I was successful in reserving a Bus from the Airport to Loveland, Colorado, with the expectation that the Driver would divert a bit to bring me close to SAM, some 25 miles before Loveland.

My plane out of Salt Lake City was delayed. It finally arrived, and in spite of running to Ground Transportation, my reserved bus had already departed. The next bus was at 11:40 pm. I waited.

I started to board the 11:40 pm bus, explaining to the Driver that I would like to be dropped off at Highway 52 & I-25. To my shock, he said, "NO". PUC rules (Government Rules regulating transport in the United States) prohibit any diversion from the approved routing. In my case, he would NOT stop until reaching Loveland, Colorado.

That was, to me, not acceptable. I pleaded with the Bus Company. They finally determined that Highway 52 and I-25 was within the routing envelope of the Boulder, Colorado bus, leaving at 12:00 (midnight). I purchased a second bus ticket ($33.00) and boarded the Boulder bus. At 12:30 am, I was let out at Highway 52 and I-25. The miles signpost said Fort Lupton was 10 miles. Fort Lupton was about one mile beyond County Road 23, where SAM & the Van were located.

I had once before, walked this road. Finding a walking route around Denver, I selected Highway 52 to head East to Highway 71, which I walked South to connect once again with US 287. So, I was familiar with Highway 52. 10 miles at my normal 4 miles per hour pace, put me at SAM at about 3:00 am. It was quite dark at 00:30 am as I started walking East.

I walked cautiously the first 20 minutes or so. Traffic was light. Highway 52 is a newly resurfaced road with a wide berm and modest rumble strip. The white line was recently painted and easy to follow. Then, the FULL MOON came out. Clouds initially covered La Luna. They opened up for me, allowing a bright light to shine down onto Highway 52. I picked up my pace. I could actually see not only the pavement, but also the surrounding landscape in the Moonlight.

I arrived at County Road 23 at 0245 hours (2:45 am). I turned left (North), and walked the final 3/4 mile to Char's Ranch. The Van and SAM's trailer sat where I had parked them on October 01. I checked with my flashlight - which I try to always carry -. All tires were OK. The trailer Hitch was secure.

I unlocked the door, climbed in, inserted and twisted the Key. The Van's engine sprang to life.

I let her idle 30 seconds or so. She sounded and felt good. I put her into "Drive", released the Hand Brake, turned on the Headlights, and pulled out of the barnyard onto "23". It was exactly 0300 hours (3:00 am).

I had walked the 10 miles in less than 2.5 hours, achieving over 4 mph in the Moonlight.

I felt bittersweet. I had SAM & the Van back. We were on our way Home. We also, at that moment, put "FINAL" on THIS attempt to reach Key West. We headed North on I-25 to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where we gassed up. I was very sleepy. I put the seat back & dozed for 15 minutes.

We reached Rawlins, Wyoming, where I gassed up again. Just before daybreak, we stopped once again at my favorite of all highway places, Little America, Wyoming. I didn't need gas, but I was hungry. I ate a bowl of Oatmeal with Rye Toast and a cup of coffee. Then, I again lay back the Van seat and slept for another 30 minutes. The SUN rose over the Rocky Mountains as we once again took to I-80 West.

At Snowville, Utah - another favorite place of mine -, I again gassed up and continued up I-84 into Idaho. At Mountain Home, Idaho (just East of Boise, Idaho), I gassed up again. It was now getting dark. I had cell-phoned Motel 6 at the Boise Airport (another of my "regular" watering holes over the years). I arrived at 9:00 pm; checked in to "Hi, Mr. Maynard...so nice to see you again"; took my backpack from the Van, brushed my hairy teeth, took a quick hot shower, and slipped into the welcoming sheets. I promptly went to sleep...my first real sleep since 4:00 am two days before.

At 6:00 am, I was again on I-84, heading West. It was raining - with promise of snow in the air. I stopped at Ontario, Oregon, where I again gassed up at "LOVE'S" (another "regular") and headed North West into the Oregon hills as Ole SOL rose over the Idaho Plains behind me.

Some think the Rocky Mountains are difficult driving. I have driven cross-USA about 50 times now and I can attest that some of the most difficult driving terrain is I-84 from Ontario to Pendleton, Oregon. Numerous long steep hills are encountered. The Blue Mountains offer some of the earliest snowfall and is treacherous...especially Immigrant Pass falling down a steep slope into Pendleton.

Gratefully, snow was not yet on the ground...but the "smell" was in the air. I had beat the weather.

In Prosser, Washington, I again sacked out for 30 minutes.

Coming down off Snoqualmie Pass East of Seattle, it started to rain. I-90 is under construction in many places over the Cascade Mountains. At 3,000 feet, Snoqualmie Pass gets a late snow...however I have been in blizzard conditions one June 16, back in the 1950's while crossing Snoqualmie. So, one never knows.

I arrived in Bellingham at 6:00 pm...just minutes before darkness fell in the drizzle.

I was greeted by..."you here so soon...".

Some things seem to never change.

SAM was Home.

SAM IS HOME

We pulled into the driveway at 5:30 pm, Saturday, October 23, 2010.

SAM has been on the road for a very long time. She wheeled herself out from under the Peace Arch on April 20, 2010, with great expectations and excitement from friends and media. 6 months (less 3 days) later, she has returned. SAM has not been allowed to complete her promised journey to Key West - yet.

But as a famous American General once said..."I Shall Return..."

Failure is NOT easy to endure or to accept. Failure has NOT been the fault of SAM. SAM has performed flawlessly from day one until reaching Lamar, Colorado in September. SAM, the darling of the media and many passersby, has guided ME across Deserts, over Mountains, and through Plains. SAM has done everything asked of her. SAM has been a good companion.

Now, SAM is Home.

Discovery Channel recently made it clear that their interest in our SAM & ME walk was SAM. I remember when I walked into VALE, Oregon (without SAM), I went entirely un-noticed. The next day, Jay Brown, pushing his cart, entered Vale to considerable excitement and media coverage...why...because Mr. Brown gave a message..."support our Bill of Rights and Constitution" (He changed into "Period Costume" before entering Vale)..and he was pushing his cart.

Message: Interest is NOT in the walker. Interest is the manner in which the walker is walking.
In our case, the "cart" and Period Costume.

SAM & ME did not set out to gain interest or notoriety. We simply wanted to walk...and walk we have done.

We are followed by many, who read our Blog; who stop on the highways of America to say "Hi" and express support and who offer their Home and Table to SAM & ME. We cannot express our appreciation enough. Our walk has become much more than a simple walk. We have assumed a responsibility to the many of folks who have been touched by an Old Man and his Cart trekking across America.

In retrospect, I regret not continuing alone with SAM. I made a mess of our walk by introducing the Van, the Motorcycle, the trailer(s), and a "driver". I tried to make our walk enjoyable instead of facing the challenges head on.

It is true that I needed the Van to return to Bellingham regularly to take care of my Company responsibilities (thank you, Raleigh for your valuable help). It is also true that introducing the Van was a detriment to our walk. It became a confused, inefficient, and compromised trek taking away from our initial goal...to WALK.

Well, all that is now behind us. We have proven SAM's ability. We have proven ME's ability. We have together WALKED many miles. We do not wish to offer excuses or self-criticism.
Our Company is now Gone. So, regrettably, is our $$ reserve.

SAM is, however, in superb condition, ready to go. ME is also in superb condition...not a single blister or pulled muscle over 2,000 miles of walking...and ready to go.

Many have said that in spite of not yet reaching Key West, SAM & ME have already succeeded in going farther, faster, safer, and more interestingly than any have imagined. That may be so, but we have cheated...we did not do it alone...we brought in support vehicles which compromised us. With the Company gone, we no longer require the Van. We can, just the two of us, WALK to Key West.

SAM & ME have learned a lot in the past 6 months. We have proved (during the first month or so) that the two of us can walk efficiently, safely, and comfortably. We also very much enjoyed the personal contact from new friends and supporters. This was lost when we introduced the Van, Motorcycle & Trailers and Driver.

I am certain many looked upon our "support" vehicles as a necessary element for this Old Man to achieve a successful walk. Psychologically, perhaps to ME, it was. In retrospect, however, SAM & ME got along just fine before "support" vehicles came along.

We will begin again very soon, SAM & ME.

Then, We Shall See.

AT HOME - DAY 2

Beautiful Sunday in Bellingham.

Spent the day in the garden, trimming the lawn and pulling unwanted weeds before they go to seed.

Tomorrow I get SPIA tuned up, ready to return to my walk.

Miracles, I have learned, do happen...perhaps even to SAM & ME. I will be ready when one comes along.

AT HOME - DAY 1

Spent my entire day today at my office cleaning up Old stuff.

Clients owe me a few thousand $$. I owe suppliers a couple thousand $$. IRS needs a filing.
Must do some posting of AR and AP transactions of the last 60 days before the IRS thing. My Bank will want a pay-back plan for Company Line of Credit advances...not much $$, but it has to be done. These things I must/will do in the next couple days.

As strange as it seems, it is necessary for me to be Home at this time...I must close out ALL loose ends from my Company closure before returning to my walk.

Received the cold shoulder upon return home.

It has been said in one of my many college classes (I have attended colleges around the world since a teenager, but never received a BS Degree - do have a couple 2-year degrees) that if some one gives you the cold shoulder, just ignore it. But...if more than one gives you the cold shoulder, better take a good internal look.

Time - or past time - for me to take the internal look.

I have received the cold shoulder for about 8 years now. Was a primary reason for my cross USA walk...but not the only one. Now that I am cooling my heels once again at Home, tension is building...my presence is being tolerated, but tolerance appears to be growing a bit thin.

Again, I do not know why the 8-year deaf ear treatment...I have repeatedly asked...I have been repeatedly ignored. Sound familiar???

I think I may know the answer...if I am correct, Revelation could harm others.

My desire is to exit when it comes my time, leaving peace, harmony, and a degree of pride with ALL those left behind.

So, I must keep my mouth shut and endure as long as my presence continues to be tolerated.

So you see, folks...growing old has its challenges. A wrong decision at this late stage - in my life -could be hurtful.

The Van and SAM sit in Denver awaiting my decision. Driving Home I passed many places SAM & ME walked together the first 2 months. During that time, numerous folks stopped us, offered us a hot meal and sometimes a warm bed for the night. Is this thought process leading me somewhere ???

DISCOVERY Channel has twice contacted me. Their interest was not in ME...their interest IS in SAM as a potential subject matter for their programming.

Should I fly to Denver (I have some 400,000 miles on Delta to spend); drive SAM to Fort Supply, Oklahoma; and, return to my original walk agenda...just SAM & ME. Seems daunting to me. To do so, however, relieves the Home Base tension (by my departure) and rekindles the likes of the DISCOVERY Channel.

Perhaps "double walking" was not so bad...at least I made progress toward Key West.

Blast it all...I really needed Jodi and I to complete the walk. What a mess it has become.

A New York Times Reporter has also twice contacted me to do a bit on SAM & ME.

Things keep pointing to SAM & ME.

OMG, what a predicament...and I dare not make another flawed decision.

CHARGE - TO THE REAR

When Very young, I remember reading someplace about a military commander facing certain defeat commands:

CHARGE LADS...TO THE REAR

And so, I learned the two faces of defeat...lay down your weapons and raise your hands; OR,

CHARGE LADS...TO THE REAR

It is Wednesday, October 13, 2001: Just off Colorado Highway #52, 30 miles North of Denver.

My great dreams of completing my walk to Key West with Jodi leading the way simply crashed and burned...and I had NO idea why.

It was VERY dark when I made my oatmeal, washed my dishes as Jodi taught me (rinse with HOT water), and drove out of Char's Ranch.

When Sol rose, I was at Johnnie's Corner, next door to RV AMERICA, where I purchased SPIA. I ate a BIG breakfast. They were celebrating the 1950's, and ALL menu items were $0.58 (Yes, 58 cents). I even ordered and ate the entire gigantic Cinnamon Roll (said to be known the world over).

I then drove over to Loveland, Colorado, where T & T Tires is located. They opened at 7 am. Said my tires were special and had to be ordered...from where, I ask...Denver...

Won't be delivered until tomorrow afternoon, tho.

I'll drive to Denver & pick 'em up

Another gentlemen sitting in the back was clicking away on his computer...caught the truck just as it is leaving...how many tires you want...TWO I shout. OK, should be here by 2 pm.

One thing this walk has taught me...you want something, do NOT take the first "NO" for final. Push a bit and miracles often do happen.

First guy did not look too pleased to be over ruled.

So, waiting for the tires, off I went to get materials from LOWES to repair the damage to the underside of SPIA. When the tire blew, it shredded the metal undercoating of the camper body (to keep water out of the plywood framing), and severed the House Battery "HOT" line and the air lines to the rear Shocks.

Found what I needed to do the repairs, but did not have a proper power drill to put screws through the sheet metal. Asked T & T Tires if they would set the screws while up on the hoist.

15 minutes after the tires arrived by courier from Denver, my tires were mounted and I was ready to roll...

What about setting my screws and splicing my House Battery "Hot" wire?

NO TIME. We are too busy

But, Bu..B.....

I thanked them, paid the $250.00 and drove off, wondering if I dare drive 1,800 miles over the Rocky Mountains without repairing the damage.

Driving back to I-25, I see another RV business. On the spur of the moment (was really automatic...like a salmon instinctly going up HIS birth river, or that flock of honkers flying South from their Arctic "Birthing" grounds...SPIA turns in...I really had nothing to do with it...just sat there, tongue on my shoe.

Tim comes out...takes a look. James comes out...takes a look. Tim goes back to his office. James comes back with some tools. OK, Bruce...you should be outta here a 10 or so.

Actually, it took 15 minutes for James to make ALL the repairs, including re-tinning for waterproofing.

I walked into the office. James is done, Tim. What is the damage.

How bout $10.00, Tim says.

I have to force the words out, my throat is so choked up and my eyes fill will tears.

How 'bout $40.00 I reply; and Tim...Please give some to James....OMG where have you guys been hiding.

Now, unashamedly, tears are really running down my face...

You have no idea what you have just done, Tim....(Typing it was easier than saying it)

We try to do what we would like if we were you...not a big deal really...

Now, I really break down...Sniffling, I stagger back to SPIA, manage to start her up, and slide her out into the traffic, not looking back.

I gas up at Cheyenne and head West on I-80.

I pull off at Laramie. Wyoming. I slip SPIA into a secluded spot next to the train tracks and at 6:30 pm, I am sound asleep. At 4 am, I get up, make my oatmeal, and in pitch black coax SPIA out onto I-80 West. We stop a couple time for gas (she gets 16.6 mpg...not bad for an old lady - 1987 ) and end up in the Ranch Yard of Ed Price in Adrian, Oregon (not far from Boise, Idaho) Do we get around or What...

Remember Ed Price, Betty, and Lee? Well these three have been my near constant companions over the past 3 months or so - ever since Ed picked SAM & ME off Oregon 201 what seem like eons ago.

Ed and Lee had steaks all cooked up with sweet potato fries and those other kind of puffy potatoes...AND a can of BEER...Yum Yum.

Being it was VERY late (remember, I don't see so good in the dark and I missed a couple turns)and Ed had to GCA me in for 10 miles or so), we chatted for a bit and turned in. (What is GCA...please Google it...has to do with airplanes).

At 4:30 am, I cooked up my oatmeal, did a "Jodi" cleanup - HOT rinse and all - and at 5:30 am, quietly guided SPIA (actually, the GPS did the guiding...as I could not see the road in the dark) back onto Oregon 201 and up to Ontario. Gassed up SPIA and headed up I-84. Crossed the Columbia River just before noon, and arrived in Bellingham just as ole' SOL slipped behind the Olympic Mountains (remember them guys give Bellingham the "cone of protection").

I now sit at my desk in my home overlooking beautiful Lake Whatcom. I'm working on my table top computer, so pics (which are in HP Mini) must wait til tomorrow.

My "lady" came home from a meeting..."HI"...and no face to be seen...no "How ya do'n"

OMG it must be true

What Goes Around Comes Around...we been friends over 35 years and living together that past 10 years...

Thank goodness for Oklahoma Cows...at least THEY talk to me.

WOODWARD, OKLAHOMA

Actually, I never reached WOODWARD, OKLAHOMA.


The day is Tuesday, October 12, 2010...

At 4:30 am, I was up, had my usual oatmeal, brown sugar, & raisins with a cuppa coffee made the night before (by Jodi), and reheated for breakfast. (Jodi took a cuppa, but I have NEVER seen her eat a thing, breakfast or other meal - except the second night when she made pasta). I am concerned for Jodi.

I was going to start off in the dark, but I do not see so well at night any more, so decided to wait till pre-dawn light. At 5:30 am, got agitated and thought...to heck with it...if a rattler is warming itself on the pavement, he'll just have to take his chances (I might step on and kill him). So, off I went in pitch black of night to Woodward, Oklahoma. some 35 miles from The Log Cabin.

Half hour later, Jodi trundled by in SPIA. She did not give me her usual "honk" "honk".

At 12 noon, I arrived at the small town of FORT SUPPLY, OKLAHOMA. At this point, the West -to - East US 412 bent to the SouthEast. My interim destination of Biloxi, Mississippi is generally SouthEast. That is where I turn East to Pensacola, Florida and points East and South.

Jodi was sitting in one of the two camping chairs (cup holders and all), completely ignoring my arrival. I asked if the Convenience Store had Chocolate Milk...I don't know...I didn't bother to ask (we had been out of chocolate milk for nearly 2 days).

I checked. Bought two bottles (one for Jodi) and cooked up some Dinty Moore Stew. Want some stew, I asked. You thought Zeus had sent a bolt from above.....IF I WANT ANYTHING...etc.

I ate my stew, drank my bottle of chocolate milk (did not dare ask if she would like a bottle of chocolate milk), and got re-dressed for my afternoon walk the final miles into Woodward, Oklahoma.

As I started to walk onto US 412, I asked Jodi if she had any further thoughts about yesterday's comment that she was reconsidering her part in the entire walk...You don't think I am so stupid as to tell you out here is this God Forsaken Deserted Place, do you...

OMG...I stared at her, said no, your not THAT stupid...and started walking.

5 minutes later, Jodi drove SPIA by me...JODI...hold on. she stops SPIA.

I walk over to her. Say...lets put an end to this, OK? Please get out. I'm going to drive.

Where we going?

Back to Denver.

Can't get there soon enough to suit me.

And, so it was. Jodi climbs into the back. I take the wheel. I make a U-Turn and in silence, SPIA carries us NorthWest backtracking all the way to Denver. At Lamar, it gets dark. I do not see so well at night, so Jodi takes the wheel, and in silence, we drive through the night.

30 miles or so before Denver, travelling on I-70...K E R B L A N G...a rear tire (we have duals) blows out slamming the underside of SPIA directly under my feet. Jodi does a good job controlling to a nice stop. Flashlight in hand, I examine the right-side outside dual. It is shredded, but still on the rim. The inside dual looks fine.

There is an exit just ahead, Jodi says.

OK, take it slow.

She drives nice & slow, pulls into one station...it's closed.

I crawl under the vehicle. I have a good jack & spare. No way the jack is going to lift the rig high enough.

Let's check out the other station back there.

It's closed too.

Let's check anyway....

I feel the anger through the blackness of night.

Begrudgingly, we arrive at the other station...I get out...go inside...is there a possibility to have our blown tire changed...hold on...yes...ok...he says to send you back...white building out in back.

Jodi walks away. I drive to the white building. Guy greets us...oh, sure, take it around back...I'll open the door for you.

I do. He does. I back in.

30 minutes later, he has changed our tire and we are on our way with his parting comment...by the way, we are the ONLY business in all of the Denver area open all night...

And our good fortune to have a blowout 300 feet from his shop...Jodi can sure pick her spot.

It is now Wednesday, October 13, 2o10, at 1:30 in the morning. Jodi drives us the rest of the way back to Char's Ranch.

Jodi removes her luggage (glares at me when I attempt to pick up the BIG bag - I retreat), and her bicycle (on which she never did ride out to meet me), and disappears into the house. Char's Mom, Maria comes out, gives me Char's telephone number and says good night.

I crawl into my bed in SPIA's Mom's Attic and fall immediately to sleep.

Oh, by the way, it is 25 miles from The Log Cabin to Fort Supply...for those keeping count.

Sorry, but no pics for today.

THE LOG CABIN

SERPENTINE US 412 NEAR FORT SUPPLY, OKLAHOMA (Steeper Than It Looks)

SLAPOUT, OKLAHOMA ON US 412

US 412 ROAD SIGN - OKLAHOMA

A FALCON TAKES FLIGHT

THE LOG CABIN

Today is Friday, October 15, 2010, at 9:21 pm. Have lots of catching up to do.

MANY climatic events have occurred to me and my walk since I last posted. Actually, I completed and tried to post about the Log Cabin, but Google somehow screwed it up and lost all my narrative.

Recap:

On Monday, October 11, 2010, I walked to a place called The Log Cabin, somewhere in the East part of the Oklahoma Panhandle, where US 412 (which I am walking) and US 283 intersect.

It is an abandoned commercial block of some sort...maybe a truck stop, maybe a general store, maybe a junk yard because a large number of derelict machines, buses, trucks and just plain junk lay haphazard all over the place.

Jodi found us a place to park for the night. 10 minutes later, an 18-wheeler parked next to us and kept his bloody diesel running for hours. Around midnight he shut it off. In the morning, he was still parked next to us.

My walk today was uneventful...I just walked and walked and walked about 30 miles or so.
This part of the Panhandle is getting VERY hilly. Steep and close together hills; it is like a big long snake humping across endless fields.

Jodi is taking NO interest in my walking. Ask her a question...she turns and walks away...we got problems, folks...big problems. But I must say...she is an excellent driver...always exactly where and when she says she will be, she IS. I get a tremendous lift from her being close at hand.

Perhaps I am taking advantage...I really don't know. Just know there is a strong tension in the Motor Home, which I discard when I walk...but I worry about Jodi...how is SHE handling it...and I don't even know what "it" is.

Will have leave it at that.

Pics follow