POST 1410; AUGUST 26, 2014; WOLF POINT, MONTANA

A quick update...

Yesterday, received rides from KALISPEL, MONTANA, to WEST GLACIER, MONTANA; then to ESSEX, MONTANA (GLACIER NATIONAL PARK); to WOLF POINTE, MONTANA (near the North Dakota - Montana border), where I took a motel upon arriving at midnight.

Is now 8:50 am, Mountain Daylight Time.

SAM and ME are about to continue soliciting rides to I-94...then to FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA...then through MINNESOTA and IOWA to ILLINOIS.

The current rides have gone far to take us toward our destination (Outer Banks, North Carolina) before Winter Cold Weather releases it's fury.

Locals (Montana) seem to be anticipating an early Winter with deep cold.

With good fortune, SAM and ME will stay ahead of the cold.

POST 1409; AUGUST 24, 2014; LIBBY, MONTANA

Am having difficulty with my computer and images.  Sorry...only half of today's images have loaded...and cannot find the rest.

Please say HELLO to SASKIA, employee of PIZZA HUT, SANDPOINT, Idaho,  who helped me set up yesterday's blog update

Pic of SANDPOINT last evening as we moved to WALMART to set up for the night.

Our "CAMP" for last night.

As SAM and ME walked and rolled out of SANPOINT this morning.

Please say HELLO to MOSES, who gave us our first ride of the day some 10 miles through back country on a road I had not previously been.

MOSES as he delivered SAM and ME to US Route 2.

Please say HELLO to MIKE and CAROL, who provided our second ride for the day.  We visited Daughter SHANNON at the MOYIE Convenience Store...along side the spectacular MOYIE River Canyon.

From this spot, SAM and ME walked some 4 hours through rolling countryside.  I am becoming a bit stronger, but still far from my "old" self.

MOYIE River Bridge.

MOYIE River far below the bridge.

MOYIE River Canyon, looking West toward Washington State beyond the distant mountains.

Another view from the MOYIE River Bridge.

...here, I lost control of the compute's file of images.

Some long time later, DUANE and ARLENE made a return trip specifically to intercept SAM and ME. 
We rode with DUANE and ARLENE all the way to the town of TROY, Montana.

While in TROY, I was visited by the lovely lady, ELLA, CURATOR of the Museum and a world class swimming competator.

SCOTT and his friends RUSTY and JO Maynard arranged to drive SAM and ME to the town of LIBBY, Montana...accompanied by their young lady friends, KIARA, TERA, and HANNAH.

I am very unhappy with the image failure to upload.

Tonight, SAM and ME sleep once again under the stars.  In the morning, we will be early on US Route 2, looking for our next ride East in our effort to stay ahead of coming Winter blasts.

POST 1408; AUGUST 23, 2014; PEND O'RIELLE, IDAHO

For whatever reason, cannot get pics off the camera onto the computer.  Have only a half dozen, but a couple are quite nice. 

Anyway, the travels continue...

First, let it be known that it is not possible for SAM and ME to Walk and Roll to North Carolina before the hard deep freeze of this Winter reaches into our Route.  I have been suggesting an early Winter AND a Deep Freeze for the past many months.  Farmer's Almanack has just agreed with me.

SAM and ME are at least two month's late to reach the Atlantic Ocean before Winter sets in.

The past two nights have been spent in the HOLIDAY INN, Couer d'Alene, Idaho.  I have NOT felt well since leaving PATEROS, Washington, and did not feel well this morning checking out of the Motel.

SAM and ME went forward anyway, walking and rolling North on US Route 95.  All told, I walked 7 hours before I stuck out my thumb.  One half hour later, PETER stopped in his Pick Up to give SAM and ME a ride.  By this time, I was feeling measurably better.

Peter drove SAM and ME to the town of PEND O'RIELLE, Idaho.

Motels are all full...anyway much beyond my means at $99.00 for the cheapest.

Have found PIZZA HUT, where this Blog update is being created.  Will walk and Roll to WALMART, only 1/4 mile distant, where I am told is a grassy space where transients spend the night in Sleeping Bags and Tents.  Will attempt to join them.

In the morning, plan to Walk and Roll North on US Route 95 towards the city of BONNERS FERRY...then on US Route 2 to KALISPEL, Montana and points East to the town of WOLF POINT, where we will take Montana Route 13...then 200S to I-94 at GLENDIVE, Montana.  We will then follow I-94 to the city of FARGO, North Dakota.

We will Walk and Roll as little as possible.

If we are to complete this crossing before Winter Cold sets in, we must receive lots of HELP...help in the form of "hitch hiking" most of the way.

This entire TREK has been concocted for the purpose of raising some $1,500.00 to repair SPIA (1995 Mazda MPV)) which needs repair to it's Rear Main Engine Seal.  SPIA is in storage in PORTLAND, MAINE, in the middle of our "Figure 8" walk across - and around - America.  Began on January 02, 2014, 5 days after my Stents were installed inside my Heart, we have completed over 50% of our 11,000 Mile Trek.   My Cardiologist says I'm crazy; he also says my extreme walking is keeping me alive AND influencing hundreds (or more) around the Globe to follow my lead.  So, my fair Cardiaologist, who calls me ..."healthier than any 35 year old has a right to be..." to take my ass out of his hospital and do that which I do so well...WALK !

Our options are to walk to North Carolina, where we hang out for the Winter; then Walk and Roll back to BELLINGHAM...or, ... directly to PORTLAND, MAINE, to repair SPIA.  Should we take the Direct-to-PORTLAND, Maine option, SAM goes INSIDE SPIA while all three of us (SPIA, SAM and ME) will complete our "Figure 8" by heading to KEY WEST, back to CHICAGO...then return to our starting point at the PEACE ARCH, BLAINE, Washington. 

I know it is confusing.  Main certainty is that I keep walking...keep blogging, and remain healthy for our grand Finale:  Our  Walk and Roll from LISBON, Portugal to BEIJING, China.

Is now 6:00 pm.  Must POST this effort, walk and roll to WALMART to be certain of our sleeping spot on the grassy knoll.

In the morning, will aggressively "Thumb a Ride" as SAM and ME Walk and Roll onward...!

Yes, I suppose tomorrow may well bring a new surprise or so.  Just cannot imagine what that could be.

POST 1407; AUGUST 20, 2014; HAYDEN, IDAHO

A day and half since our last POST.   It seems a half lifetime.  Anemia came to visit once again, nearly stranding SAM and ME on the High Desert of Eastern Washington...only to be rescued by a passing motorist - MARK -, who has delivered us onto the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, some 100 miles distant.

Please say HELLO to ANNIE, Son JAYDEN, and lovely Daughter LIANI, who gathered SAM and ME in when we arrived in the city of BRIDGEPORT, plying me with drink, food, and a prized spot on the Living Room Floor where I slept next to SAM,

SAM weighs in at about 200 pounds.  I nearly lost it today.

My strength has not returned from last year.  My stamina is also severely diminished, causing us to stop to rest and sip water every few hundred feet under the relentless Sun

The small cozy home of Single Mother ANNIE, who has shown SAM and ME such kindness...inviting us into the private life of her tiny family.

LIANI, my instant Protector and companion, pushed SAM the first 1/2 mile to the steep hills waiting on the outskirts of BRIDGEPORT.

...a proud young lady...

Again, please say HELLO to LIANI, who brought words of a now ancient song to mind...

"Wait for Me Wait for Me; Johnny please wait for Me...I Love you more than I can hardly stand;

Wait for Me Wait for Me, Johnny please wait for Me...I'll grow up just fast as I can..."

Art object...many of which grace the streets of BRIDGEPORT, Washington.

The COLUMBIA River and BRIDGEPORT lie against the distant blue ridge-line, now some 10 miles UP UP UP the beautiful dry hot precipitous hills of Eastern Washington.

Please say HELLO to LORNA...who carries the family name of "DECKERT", same as my CRI, who left us January 12, 2001.

LORNA stopped, asked if I was a War Veteran, explaining ...  to do what I was about, I must be a Veteran.  YES, I am a VET.

Being recently elected to to the office of PRESIDENT, American Legion Auxiliary, Benton City, Washington, we chatted some minutes on the hills under the relentless Sun, discovering her first Husband and my Uncle CECIL served during World War Two as Bombardier -  Radio Gunner on the same B-24 "Liberator" Bomber...and other co-incidences.

Please say HELLO to GLEN...EX Marine, severely injured from a TRACTOR Roll-over accident pinning him to Earth, leaving him severely injured - but surprisingly alive...alive these many years later to invite SAM and ME to pitch our new Tent in his yard for the night.

From BRIDGEPORT, SAM and ME walked nearly 10 miles UP UP UP, until I could push SAM no further.

Sitting under the shade of trees his Daddy planted early 1970, GLEN and I passed the late afternoon commiserating about things as they once were.

 RATTLE SNAKES, says GLEN, don't come into the yard...but do hang out a few feet beyond in the grassy slope to the year-round flowing CREEK a few yards back of the house.

The Stream runs along the near-distant Green bushes just beyond our tent.

A bit after sun rise, the above scene greeted SAM and ME.

Little did I realize that our first tortuous climb of yesterday - taking only three hours - was about to overwhelm me seven hours later as we neared fabled GRAND COULEE DAM.

There came a moment when I could no longer push SAM - even on relatively flat ground.

I was hungry (expected to reach GRAND COULEE hours sooner), thirsty (knowing I was drinking far too much water), and was weak in body...much like three previous moments years ago when ANEMIA took me out of the (walking) game for a while.

Recognizing I was in trouble, I stopped pushing SAM and put out my THUMB, asking for help.

My final view of GLEN's isolated home as SAM and ME began our il-fated day.

My final view across the tops of the COULEEs of Washington State when I could push SAM no further.

The vehicle of MARK, my benefactor, who carried SAM and ME the next 100 + miles to and beyond SPOKANE, Washington...stopping to purchase food for my pleading body...and much needed rest as we drove the empty desert miles.

...once passing an articulating Wheat Harvester, much as built by my Employer R.A. HANSON of SPOKANE.

Please say HELLO to MARK, without whom I would certainly NOT be Registered in this high class HOLIDAY INN Motel for the night in the city of HAYDEN, IDAHO, on US 95...on the fringe of the ROCKY MOUNTAINS.

The Holiday INN was FULL UP, but found SAM and ME a room - "...held available just for the likes of You...", complete with special tray of food - normally also non existent - with promise to make available whatever I  might need.

Thank You, MARK...and enjoy your Holiday on the water...I owe you Big Time.

* * * * * * * * * *

Am not sure how I feel at the moment.  In the morning - is 2:00 am at the moment ... must complete your Blog Update...

In the morning, will take a serious look and make decisions of continuing on US 95...my original route across America, with the city of SANDPOINT then BONNERS FERRY and on to GLACIER NATIONAL PARK and points East...next up.

There is a hospital near by.  May stop in for a Blood Check-up...something I have done as routine every 6 months or so these past 4.5 years walking.

I have worked steadily and hard as volunteer to the FIRE Recovery effort...topped by some strenuous hill climbing on too little Food.

Will make the right decisions...SAM and ME will be OK !

POST 1406; AUGUST 19, 2014; BRIDGEPORT, WASHINGTON

Leaving folks is always a most difficult moment for me.  At 10:00 am, I finally said goodbye to hugs all around and one last photograph.

First destination is the town of BREWSTER, a bit larger than PATEROS, some 8 miles distant.  Arrived at 12:00 noon, grabbed a bite from MacD, picked up my medications, and a couple food items.

Next destination, some 15 miles distant was BRIDGEPORT, which I arrived at 4:30 pm.Met ANNIE and at a dozen locals, who plied me with drinks and dinner.  ANNIE allowed her TAVERN to be my work place for this blog update.ANNIE is also taking SAM and ME to her home for the night.

It is becoming too dark to type, so my comments are nearly complete.

The CAFE in PATEROS looking at the COLUMBIA RIVER.

APPLE BOXES on the horizon...Apple picking is now in progress.

BREWSTER Bridge crossing the COLUMBIA River.

Downtown BREWSTER

APPLE COUNTRY as viewed from BREWSTER Bridge.

Orchard Ranch on the banks of the COLUMBIA River.

MY NEW FRIEDS FROM WHOM i received several NUZZLES.

An incredible picture... my statement...

PEARS ready for harvest.

The COLUMBIA River reappears.

Yes, there is an incredible DAM in the town of BRIDGEPORT.

Local BRIDGEPORT architecture.

Please say HELLO to ANNIE and Brother JOHN.

ANNIE has hovered over me all evening serving this and that.  Is now 8:45 pm.  The shop closes at 9:00. at which time ANNIE will accompany SAM and ME "Home" for the night.

A very nice day all in all.

Tomorrow we walk the first of two severe UP HILL efforts to reach the GRAND COULEE DAM.


Is too dark to see to proof my narrative.  It is all yours, errors and all.

Nite Nite

POST 1405; AUGUST 18, 2014; PATEROS, WASHINGTON

Somehow I lost one hour this afternoon.  Have no time to cxomplete the Nasrrative for this update before darkness closes in on me...and I have 1/2 hour walk back to JAMMIE's Motor Home where We will stay one more night .

In the morning, we continure our walk.

The Project has entered Phase Two; i.e., all available donations - thousands of individual pieces - have breen readied for customers.  actually, we opened for businrss at 10;00 M THIS MORNING.

my participation has come to an end. 

LOCAL apple still on the trree.

Where I pitched my tent...on a very rainy night.

Please say HELLO to GEORGE, who guided me through my first couple days in PATEROS.

Please say HELLO yto HEATHER - on the right -   ; HEATHER is the Leader for this entire complex operation....and she has completed an astounding project wuth Volunteers from all corners of the State of Washington.

Each of thousands of articles were examined for tears or stains...then categorized, and packed according to specific parameters .

Boxes to receive each selection.

LUCY's home, where SAM and ME spent our nights in JAMMIE's Motor HOME parked out back.

PATEROS on a rainy day.

Many palatial homes were lost on that hillside above PATEROS to the Fire.

Volunteers at work.

Setting uo in thE "Store", where customers can select needed items.

The STORE out front.

24 hours ago this room was a mass of confusion.  HEATHER and her volunteers did magic.

Detail control at all times .

...And I received a haircut from HEIDI.

Thank You !