Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Good Samaritans


Hey friends and interested parties. This is really me this time, sitting at a computer in TwentyNine Palms, CA. Not sure how it got that name, because I think there are more than 29 here. Maybe the students can research that and post a comment? Last evening was probably the worst of the trip (more later about that), but today was maybe the best day of the trip. It was cooler today (95 is cool here), with a slight breeze most of the walk. Terrain was flat and traffic was light. Perfect conditions for a walkingman!

I've mentioned before about the generosity of the average American. It doesn't stop and I will tell you more when I post the daily post........but first a story about a friend and neighbor:

Leonard Mitchell passed away some years back. While he was a very giving person, he always struggled with accepting help from others. If someone did something for him, he wanted to immediately pay them back to not be indebted to them. I often helped Leonard with different things, but would almost never let him pay me back. Always told him that someday he would do something for me and we would be even.

Although Leonard was older than me, I grew up with much the same mindset. That's why sometimes it's hard, almost embarrassing, to accept all the things people offer. But maybe it would be worse to refuse them when they want to help?

A few comments about the blog: some posts are just general "ramblings", others are descriptions of the actual walk. The walk posts are numbered: Day 1, Day 2, etc. Yes, they are a little behind, but we'll get there.

Questions are for the students as Katie so eloquently put it. (that's her Davis side.) If you have some advice about the questions, send them to the email account......all are appreciated. If you post a comment as anonymous, please sign your name to it so I'll know who's commenting.......unless you want to remain anonymous. Please, no profanity on the blog, profiles, etc. Lots of young people out there reading these things.

Students: as the walk moves into Arizona, we're going to need to help with directions. So get a good map of Arizona and be ready. This is not going to be easy, but very important.

Finally, yes I still suck down the sodas (fizzies as someone called them), but maybe that's what got me this far? In fact, might have one more before bedtime! 'Til next time, keep watching............Jeff

3 comments:

  1. We looked up how Twentynine Palms got its name. Gold miners, long ago found the oasis and it had 29 palm tres surrounding it. Please look out for rattlesnakes and cacti. We want to know how many animals have you seen in the desert and also if you have seen any toads. We have read about toads that live in the desert. Did you see any other landforms beside desert? Be sure to watch out for dangerous and small like scorpions. You may not see them coming. How are you cooking your food in the desert. We are keeping track of your progress.
    Mrs. Alexander's Fifth grade class
    Tryon Elementary

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  2. Dear Students of Mrs. Alexander's class: thanks for finding out how Twentynine Palms got its name. We don't see lots of animals because there is not lots of food or water for them. Haven't seen a rattlesnake yet either. We were warned about scorpions, and also were told there are tarantulas out here. Haven't seen any toads but have seen lots of lizards. We don't do any cooking at all, just depend on dried foods and stuff like that. The landscape nearer the ocean was much different, but out here, just desert. Keep watching......Jeff.

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  3. I enjoy reading all the comments, especially the ones where the students are giving you information. Be cautious and watchful of all surroundings. Hope you two rest well tonight & have a good day tomorrow!!! Ann

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