POST 1433; SEPTEMBER 19, 2014; JACKSON, OHIO

We quickly discovered that US Route was a FREEWAY, posted to prohibit walkers. 

SAM and ME set off on OLD 35, which paralleled NEW Route 35 (called The BYPASS).  Three hours later, we arrived at the city of WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, having walked some 12 miles.

Walking through town, we came upon the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars...of which I am a member in KEY WEST, Florida).

Had to ring the door bell to be let in.  Quartermaster BOB and Hostess SUE, helped guide me through the Route 35 complications...where can we walk...and, where are walkers prohibited.

SUE took the Bull by the Horns, phoning VFW members who might have time - and desire - to give SAM and ME a ride to the city of CHILLICOTHE, some 30 miles distant.  SUE prevailed.  15 minutes later, BILL, CARA, and Son BRYCE drove up in their shiny red pickup and changed forever the definition of "a Ride".

Waiting for BILL and family, SUE cooked up a delicious Sausage and Egg sandwich, chased with a cold COORS Light Beer.  No, says SUE, your money is not accepted...Traveling Veterans get a free sandwich and cold beer.

Close up look at a new helicopter.

OLD 35 SAM and ME walked to WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE.  Seems there were once two (2) Towns WASHINGTON in OHIO.  To clarify the confusion, one town added the words COURT HOUSE in honor of their city center landmark.

Crystal Clear water flows in Ohio streams.

Field of BEANS, to be harvested at the end of October.

SEED CORN, which dries out still standing in the field.  Two other types of Corn are SWEET CORN (Food for People which is delicious eaten raw from the COB), and Animal Feed - also used for car engine fuel.

A new CORN HARVESTER being driven on OLD 35.

East end of the West Bound Corn Harvester.

This barn is not painted.  The White material is called "White Wash", common on farm buildings across America.

Nearing WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, palatial homes line OLD 35.

Please say HELLO to SUE METAIS, VFW Hostess to whom I owe considerable for rounding up a VFW Member to give SAM and ME a ride to the city of CHILLICOTHE, some 30 miles distant.

Please say HELLO to BILL, CARA and 3 year old BRYCE, who gave of their time, their Pickup Truck and friendship to drive SAM and ME not just to CHILLICOTHE, but on and on and on to the distant town of JACKSON, a mere 27 miles from the OHIO River and the border of West Virginia.

Not only that, these two wonderful people searched the internet on BRYCE's I PHONE 'til they found a Motel for us...then delivered SAM and ME to the Motel Front Door.  BILL accompanied me to the registration to be certain we had our room...not only that, BILL paid for our Motel Room.

All told, BILL and CARA drove us 50 miles, paid our Room, and saved 2 Days walking and two additional nights.  This because of SUE's phone call on behalf of SAM and ME.

Is it any wonder SAM and ME are dedicated to continue our walk and roll.

* * * * * * * * * *

Tomorrow morning, we are allowed to walk the FREEWAY portion of US Route 35.  We must EXIT at the town of RIO GRANDE, taking Route 588 to the town of GALLIPOLIS, set on the banks of beautiful OHIO River.  This will be our 4th visit to GALLIPOLIS, from which we will cross the OHIO River bridge into West Virginia.

POST 1432; SEPTEMBER 18, 2014; JEFFERSONVILLE, OHIO

Pushing SAM down the ON Ramp of Route 35, we were greeted by the PROHIBITION Sign designating PEDESTRIANS as prohibited on the FREEWAY.  Backtracking, we found "OLD SR 35" nearby.  Walking OLD 35 for 3 miles before discovering a Walking / Bicycle PATH advertising to carry us all the way to the next City:  XENIA, Ohio, some 12 miles distant.  Since all passing vehicles ignored us anyway, opted to take the path...a converted Railroad right of way no longer used.

Reaching XENIA, we walked on OLD SR 35 toward the next town of JAMESTOWN, some 14 miles distant.  On this roadway, we received our first and only ride of the day.

Needing a place to stay for the night, SAM and ME walked and rolled the 11 miles to the Truck Stop Center near the town of JEFFERSONVILLE, where we found our Motel Room @ $60.00.  Because we are nearly out of $$, we again did not stop to eat.  Instead, I ate my partially eaten sandwich of yesterday - which was on ice all day .

My BELLINGHAM Primary Doctor (Nurse MELISSA) telephoned a bit ago...time for a battery of tests, which I will try to have performed tomorrow here in JEFFERSONVILLE.  If no LAB is available, will keep moving until a LAB is found.    I am particularly fortunate that my Primary Doctor is monitoring my medical status from her offices in BELLINGHAM.  I am in tune with my body, reporting goings-on via telephone and e-mail.

It is comforting to have her following along as SAM and ME progress on our walk.  The first 4 years, I made all my own medical decisions...sometimes missing important events.

SAM surveying the Walking Path to XENIA.

One of only a couple buildings to survive along the path when the railroad went defunct.

Converted RR Bridge crossing a small river.

Please say HELLO to LEE, living in the town of JAMESTOWN.  Lee gave SAM and ME our only ride of the day...a 8 minute ride to JAMESTOWN.

From JAMESTOWN, SAM and ME walked and rolled to the Truck Stops just outside the town of JEFFERSONVILLE,  some 13 miles distant.  Many vehicles passed us by, but not one stopped to help us.

* * * * * * * * * *

It  has come to pass that hitching a ride in the Western United States is a ten to fifteen minute exercise.  In the East, we have sometimes gone a day or two before someone stops for us.  Most recent rides come forward from folks who are already stopped and overhear our conversations in Convenience Stores or Restaurants.

Many have told me that it is no secret that folks are afraid and reluctant to risk a confrontation by stopping to offer to give hitch hikers a ride.

A subject I reluctantly open:  Our rush to cross America has required we "rest up" each night by getting a good sleep.  Our funds have been nearly drained from the many Motels.  We have $$ enough for three more nights.  After that, we must pitch our Tent.  This will mean no electricity to prepare our blog with our computer, AND, will severely slow our progress each day.

Folks must know I am a penny pincher, purchasing only critically needed supplies.  Even food has taken a back seat to getting our nightly rest.  Yesterday, we walked 10 hours, covering nearly 40 miles.  Today, we walked and rolled 9 hours, covering over 30 miles.  Without adequate rest and proper nurishment ( Food ), I must cut back my daily exertion...i.e., less miles covered...and less blog updates.

In nearly 5 years, I have not asked for much.  Tonight, I must ask for some help

At the top of our Blog Page is a DONATION BUTTON.  This button activates a PAY PAL program designed to receive a donation which is deposited in my North Carolina Bank DEBIT CARD (Checking) Account.  It takes 36 hours to process.

I will continue our walk and Blog until no more funds are available.

For information, our budget is $15.00 per day.  ALL motels and Restaurant meals have come from personal donations we have received hand to hand from those caring folks we meet each day during our walks.

POST 1431; SEPTEMBER 17, 2014; RIVERSIDE, OHIO

Reserving last night's motel ($41.00), we were told it was in the town of WEST ALEXANDRIA.

Today, SAM and ME walked and rolled from the Motel to the town of WOODMAN, some five miles BEYOND the city of DAYTON, Ohio, starting out at 7:30 am and arriving at our new motel (MICROTEL INN @ $56.00) at 5:30 pm, having walked 10 hours in the process.

We received one ride of a 5 minute duration, approximately 4 miles.  The remainder of day was walked at very high speed.  We did not stop to eat.  We took some 15 minutes out loading SAM and purchasing a drink and sandwich (which was eaten while creating this update).  While walking to the extreme - which I am achieving in the last couple days -to eat is not a priority.

We walked the entire way on US Route 35, a NEW Freeway-style roadway, but not restricted from walking.  The map shows Route 35 as a FREEWAY.  Much of Route 35  which takes us all the way to CHARLESTON, West Virginia, is depicted as FREEWAY.  I hope we can walk it, as it is much shorter than the Secondary Road options, is much safer to walk, and has considerably more traffic from which we might receive rides.

Today, I crossed the whole of DAYTON on the FREEWAY, crossing dozens of OFF and ON Ramps with not a single problem.

I PUSHED myself as two years ago.  I became a bit weary and foot sore, but never once over exerted myself. 

Arriving in our room in this first class International Motel, I soaked for one hour in HOT water bath steeped with Hair Conditioner, which leaves my skin soft, supple, and strain-free.  I WILL BE READY TO PUSH HARD AGAIN TOMORROW.

Leaving our "WEST ALEXANDRIA Motel at 7:30am.

US Route 35...still 2-lane at this point.

It was after walking 1.5 hours that we arrived at the VILLAGE of WEST ALEXANDRIA.  These towns claim a wide expanse of Real Estate.  Seeing a sign announcing the boundary of the "TOWN", often requires traveling 5 to 6 more miles to reach the actual VILLAGE.


Can be quite disappointing to walk another hour or so after thinking the VILLAGE is just around the next corner.

WEST ALEXANDRIA VILLAGE.

Next Village is NEW LEBANON, Ohio.

SAM and ME are still walking and rolling at top speed.  Hearing a vehicle coming up behind us, I turn to see if it is capable to carry SAM.  Without stopping, I give a left-handed THUMB, begging for a ride.  No such ride stopped for us today !

McD TRAINING CENTER !

Please say HELLO to ASHLEY and STEVEN STRANGE, who carried SAM and on a five minute ride UP a steep hill as we approached the town of DREXEL, some 10 miles from down town DAYTON, Ohio.

It was a short ride, but very welcome to carry us UP the hill.

Please say HELLO to JEROME.

Please say HELLO to JAMES.

These two formed a Maintenance Crew on US Route 35 in the city of DAYTON.  I stopped to ask about finding a Motel nearby - two exits further on, said JAMES.  We chatted for a few minutes before they had to rush away,  JEROME gave me an introductory note to his friends in West Virginia...to help us on our way .  Thank you, JEROME.

* * * * * * * * * *


Here is hoping we can stay on Route 35 all the way to West Virginia.  ,

I am pleased my body is approaching top condition.  My leg tendons  need more strength, but I will be ready for the West Virginia Mountains when the time comes.

We have a new PRIORITY to work into our walk.  My Mother's Sister SHIRLEY, who has been following our blog for years, has entered an assisted living program, having been battling CANCER.  She is in VIRGINIA (must do some navigating to find her), but she has asked for me.  I will, of course, rush to her side as quickly as possible.

As now planned, I will stop at the home of DALLAS in HURRICANE (near CHARLESTON, West Virginia).  Respecting SHIRLEY's request, must cut my stay with DALLAS a bit short, but WILL stay at least a week or more...weather permitting.

POST 1430; SEPTEMBER 16, 2014, WEST ALEXANDRIA, OHIO

Yesterday morning SAM and ME set off from the city of NEW CASTLE.  Actually, we were 3 miles South of NEW CASTLE, having found a motel there.  After such a wonderful time the previous day, my spirits were somewhat blunted...much like being a teenager again experiencing the morning after a great party the night before..

It was raining with heavy overcast skies.    Faced with such a forlorn start, I was mentally preparing for a lonly wet day with little hope for a pleasant evening.  The best I could imagine was a dry place to get in out of the rain,  Food was forgotten altogether.

We walked and rolled some 16 miles to the town of HAGERSTOWN, where, upon asking two City Police where we might settle in a dry spot for the night, were told there was no such place in HAGARSTOWN, and we best continue on.  We then asked Pastor BOB of the NAZERENE Church if we might spend the night in the Church covered outdoor Pavilian.  We were told NO, with a suggestion we walk the 7 miles to the tiny town of GREENSFORK to find shelter.

SAM and ME proceded to walk to GREENSFORK, where we found the Mother Lode of cordiality and endless help not only for the night, but continuing 'till Noon today.

It went kinda like this...

Leaving the motel 3 miles South of NEW CASTLE, Indiana yesterday morning in a light rain.

SAM and ME walked and rolled through the town of NEW CASTLE.

...continuing some 15 miles to the town of HAGERSTOWN,

...receiving a ride the final 1/2mile.

Two City Police stopped SAM and ME, expressing concern for our safety.  After running my identity through their system, they told us there was no place in their town where might set up our tent for the night and that we should keep moving.  In 4.5 years, this was the FIRST time we had been sent away, having been welcomed countless times in towns the country over, being invited into the homes of officials, in CITY HALL, in the Jail , in the Prison, in Churches, in City Parks...and in numerous motels under the program of the Salvation Army.  But in HAGERSTOWN, we were sent on our way.

We stopped at the local church, being told by the Pastor the same as told by the Police.

So, SAM and ME walked the 7 miles to the tiny village of GREENSFORK, where arms flew open to SAM and ME.

If, like ME, anyone wondered what a Pole Barn looked like, this photo solves the wonder.

SAM and ME became the honored guests of DAN DAVIS EXCAVATING for the next nearly 24 hours...carrying us back to HAGERSTOWN to stay the night INSIDE his home, treating me to a "High Class" dinner in the nearby town of CAMBRIDGE CITY.  DAN addressed nearly every person in the magnificent Restaurant by name, introducing all to me.

Returning to his HAGERSTOWN home, we watched Monday Night Football...well, I watched half, sacking out on my bed for the night...the couch.

Please say HELLO to a magnificent man and new friend, DAN DAVIS.  I would wager that DAN could have - hands down - any political position in Counties for 100 miles 'round.  DAN introduced ME to dozens of folks wherever we went, leaving no one out in each of a half dozen coffee shops, Restaurants, and business places...even rounded up a local AMISH family while getting gas.

Please say HELLO to ELLIE, our lovely waitress during our excellent dinner at 09 in CAMBRIDGE CITY.

Please say HELLO to DAN's Wife VICKY, Sister in Law SHEILA, and Amish Employee, STEVEN.

SHEILA lives in ORLANDO, Florida and has invited SAM and ME to visit on our way to KEY WEST next Spring.

DAN DAVIS and ME.

VICKY, SHEILA and ME.

Please say HELLO to BRITTANY (and ME)

...at the GREENSFORK Family Restaurant.

Please say HELLO to GLENNA, DAN's friend from JOHN DEERE Farm Implement business near RICHMOND, Indiana.

 DAN drove SAM and ME to Route 35 on the East side of the city of RICHMOND - after breakfast, where once again DAN introduced me to a dozen or more of his friends - .

SAM and ME will be walking and rolling Route 35 most of the way to West Virginia.

JOHN DEERE Business where GLENNA works.

For a lady such as GLENNA, I might be persuaded to re-think my walking.

SAM likes flowers...ME, too.

These guys followed me down their fence line as SAM and ME passed by.

I purchased three Tomatoes.

Please say HELLO to WILLIAM (BOB) MILLER,who stopped for SAM and ME as we approached the town of EATON.  BOB and I enjoyed a BBQ lunch while his friends working there found a Motel for SAM and ME in the next town of WEST ALEXANDRIA.  BOB then took the time to drive us to the motel before dropping us off.

Thank You, Bob for crowning a wonderous 24 hours in this corner of INDIANA and OHIO.

I have come to say to folks that I no longer walk for ME.  It has come to pass that it is for YOU and the hundreds like YOU, for whom SAM and ME are strolling hinter and yon across America.  Thank you all for being there in those moments of need.

* * * * * * * * * *

In the morning, SAM and ME continue East on Route 35.

Information to share:

Began this blog update at 2:00 pm.  It is now 8:45 pm...keeping me at the computer some 6 hours 45 minutes.  In case there is some thought that SAM and ME are shirking our dedication, we assure everyone, our noses are always at the grindstone.  We get this one chance to enjoy that which we do.  Having folks join in as in the recent 36 hours makes our pleasures that much more pleasurable.

Thank You.