Do you remember the story about the little red steam engine? That's about the way I'm feeling right now. I've "talked the talk", it'll soon be time to "walk the walk." All the planning is done, hundreds of questions have been asked, and maps have been studied. Some things will have been overlooked, but hopefully nothing major. I'm ready to go. Ready to get some miles and days behind me, and get settled into a comfortable routine. Ready to learn how much food and water is needed in a day, and how many miles my body can take.....and how often I need rest.
I have few, if any "fears" about the trip.......I do worry about traffic since we'll be primarily traveling roads. In fact, the first 2 days could have heavy traffic, so I'm anxious to get that behind us. And, I worry if my body can take the daily grind for 200 or so days. But, I am prepared to extend the walk past March, 2011, if more rest days are needed.
Much will happen in the 7 or so months I will be on the road. Seasons will change from Summer to Fall to Winter to Spring. I'll miss going to the NC State Fair in October with Julie and her family, that's always a fun time. I'll miss Christmas with the family, and can't ever remember that happening. (will Santa be able to find us on the road?) There will be family birthdays and anniversaries, and other holidays that I will miss. And being somewhat of a sport's fan, the entire NFL season will come and go, as well as the college football and basketball seasons.
Julie asked recently if I would miss watching TV. After thinking about it for a few seconds, I decided TV is something I do when there is nothing else to do. If my life was a meal, TV would be the loaf of bread or basket of hushpuppies that's brought out while our order is being prepared. Something, that if it's there, is fine, but also ok if it's not. Something that will fill us up if we're not careful, and keep us from enjoying what we really came for. So, no, I won't miss TV.......don't want to spoil the real meal.
Since word has spread about the walk, the favorable comments and well wishes from people interested in this adventure have been a pleasant surprise. Your support and energy will play a big role in helping me complete the walk. I hope you'll continue to communicate throughout the walk. There have also been newspaper and radio interviews, which you can read/hear via the links on the blog. It's been loads of fun, and kinda hate that part will end.
If you want to communicate, there are several ways: comments on the blog; send an email to walkingman2011@hotmail.com; or call my cell phone, 540-339-2531. The phone will probably be the most unreliable due to either low battery or no towers, but leave a msg and I will return your call.
My next post will be from the road, Mile 0, Dana Point, CA. I'll leave you for now with another one of those Chinese sayings. I "get" it, and hope you do also. Talk to you soon.........
"May you have a long and happy life, and die still young."
I have few, if any "fears" about the trip.......I do worry about traffic since we'll be primarily traveling roads. In fact, the first 2 days could have heavy traffic, so I'm anxious to get that behind us. And, I worry if my body can take the daily grind for 200 or so days. But, I am prepared to extend the walk past March, 2011, if more rest days are needed.
Much will happen in the 7 or so months I will be on the road. Seasons will change from Summer to Fall to Winter to Spring. I'll miss going to the NC State Fair in October with Julie and her family, that's always a fun time. I'll miss Christmas with the family, and can't ever remember that happening. (will Santa be able to find us on the road?) There will be family birthdays and anniversaries, and other holidays that I will miss. And being somewhat of a sport's fan, the entire NFL season will come and go, as well as the college football and basketball seasons.
Julie asked recently if I would miss watching TV. After thinking about it for a few seconds, I decided TV is something I do when there is nothing else to do. If my life was a meal, TV would be the loaf of bread or basket of hushpuppies that's brought out while our order is being prepared. Something, that if it's there, is fine, but also ok if it's not. Something that will fill us up if we're not careful, and keep us from enjoying what we really came for. So, no, I won't miss TV.......don't want to spoil the real meal.
Since word has spread about the walk, the favorable comments and well wishes from people interested in this adventure have been a pleasant surprise. Your support and energy will play a big role in helping me complete the walk. I hope you'll continue to communicate throughout the walk. There have also been newspaper and radio interviews, which you can read/hear via the links on the blog. It's been loads of fun, and kinda hate that part will end.
If you want to communicate, there are several ways: comments on the blog; send an email to walkingman2011@hotmail.com; or call my cell phone, 540-339-2531. The phone will probably be the most unreliable due to either low battery or no towers, but leave a msg and I will return your call.
My next post will be from the road, Mile 0, Dana Point, CA. I'll leave you for now with another one of those Chinese sayings. I "get" it, and hope you do also. Talk to you soon.........
"May you have a long and happy life, and die still young."
Jeff, godspeed. I'm proud of my big brother and excited about your trip. All of the family, even the ones who are no longer among us, I'm sure would share my sentiments (although there were some of the clan who would think you're nuts, too). I hope you achieve your Chinese proverb, I'm sure you will.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeff, I am excited about following your blog and I wish you the best! One of my favorite neighborhood memories is you taking all of us on a bike/camping trip to the Peaks of Otter. I am a little jealous that you will be visiting my sister and her family before I have had a chance to make it out there. Enjoy and I look forward to your next update.
ReplyDeleteKristie Petty Simmons
Good Luck!! We think you can too!!! We hope you make it and we wish you a safe journey. We will be praying for you. It's cool that you are getting to see states and we want you to take pictures. We are fifth grade students at Woodhill and some of us live on Modena Street where you grew up. Here are some words of advice from us:
ReplyDelete"Keep moving."
"Don't give up!"
"We know you can do it!"
"We hope your trip is safe and good."
"Try your best."
"We believe in you."
We plan to check your blog often and learn about the United States from your journey.
Woodhill 5th Grade
Gastonia, NC
Dear Woodhill 5th Graders,
ReplyDeletethank you for reading my blog and for all the words of encouragement and advice. That's some good advice and I will remember it as I'm out walking. I hope the walk is a good learning tool for you as it will be for me. When I finish the walk, I come to visit you at school. Study hard and good luck with this school year.....
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on your new adventure. Life is a series of adventures and we grow so much from each one! Thanks for sharing this important moment in your life.
Raja.
Oh, Mr. Rudisill, When I was young, I waited so long to get my driver's license and you made fun of me. Now, I will be the one driving and you will be the one walking! I won't make fun of you, though. I am excited to follow your trip and will be praying for your safety as you walk along. Mary Sink St.John
ReplyDelete