Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Being inside is always nice, but I rarely get much sleep. Always stay up too late doing stuff, and then get up early. I hardly ever watch TV unless it's a ballgame or something like that. Anyhow, I was up around 530am, took my clothes to the guest laundry, and came back for breakfast. Hampton Inn always has a nice, complimentary breakfast, and I indulge. Back to the room, finish packing, and ready to head out around 8. I have to re walk about 2 miles to get back where I ended yesterday evening, because of where the Hampton is located. Goal for today is just do some miles east, no specific destination. I have a package coming to E. Monroe, LA, and it will not be there until Monday, so I have a little time.
I stopped by a convenience store for ice and a few things, and then on the road. There are still a few miles before I leave the city, and no sidewalks or shoulder. So, just have to tolerate the glares from the motorist. But, soon I was out in the country, and back in my element. I passed a place called "Villaggio", I really nice mixed use complex. I also passed Harrah's Louisiana Downs, a horse race track, casino, hotel, etc.......really nice looking place. I also walked over a bridge with 1936 carved into a cornerstone. That's the same year "Herby K's" was opened. Another old friend (from NC) has returned......fire ants. Haven't seen them yet in VA, but they're everywhere in NC. At best they're a real pest, at worst probably dangerous.
Mmost of the morning there have been military transport planes coming in low over my head as if in a landing pattern. I later found out there's a large Air Force base nearby, Barksdale. It's been a little windy today, and I passed a park where a father was flying kites with his children. I also had a call from a neighbor in VA, Eddie Prilliman. Eddie is a walked himself, and we talk a lot when I walk down Etzler Road in Daleville. It was good to hear from him and catch up on things back home.
It was about lunch time (which can be most any time I get hungry, no rules on the road). I stopped in a small place named Bear's Den Cafe, near Haughton, LA. Advertised on the sign outside as Best Southern Cooking in the Area. I had hamburger steak, field peas, mashed potatoes, and lemonade. It was good and filling. As I left the cafe, three B52 bombers (picture above) flew overhead. Very impressive to say the least. I also passed a large LA National Guard Base. Hwy 80 was giving its best today......4 lanes, wide shoulder, little traffic, and scenic. Occasionally 80 and I-20 intersect and one passes over the other. I-20 is never far away, and the sound of the traffic keeps me company.
Between Haughton and Dixie Inn there a large ammunition plant. Lots of security at the main gate, but I'm told it is not as active as it once was. As I walked along, just enjoying the day, I found a woman's purse......full of stuff. Using info from the purse, was able to contact her credit union, which in turn was able to contact her. I left the purse with a woman who lives in the area, so the happy owner could pick it up. Must have been stolen and then "ditched" in the ditch.
It was getting late afternoon, so I started looking for a campsite. Found a really good spot near a cell tower......flat, soft ground, private, and not far off the road. Decided to stop for the day. I've been a little lost most of the day.......I was on 80 east, but never saw any signs announcing towns or anything like that. I must be near Minden, but not sure how far away. But, will worry about that tomorrow. It is still very warm in the evening, and there was the hum of traffic on nearby I-20. I read the USA Today paper for a while, and soon after that was asleep.
I stopped by a convenience store for ice and a few things, and then on the road. There are still a few miles before I leave the city, and no sidewalks or shoulder. So, just have to tolerate the glares from the motorist. But, soon I was out in the country, and back in my element. I passed a place called "Villaggio", I really nice mixed use complex. I also passed Harrah's Louisiana Downs, a horse race track, casino, hotel, etc.......really nice looking place. I also walked over a bridge with 1936 carved into a cornerstone. That's the same year "Herby K's" was opened. Another old friend (from NC) has returned......fire ants. Haven't seen them yet in VA, but they're everywhere in NC. At best they're a real pest, at worst probably dangerous.
Mmost of the morning there have been military transport planes coming in low over my head as if in a landing pattern. I later found out there's a large Air Force base nearby, Barksdale. It's been a little windy today, and I passed a park where a father was flying kites with his children. I also had a call from a neighbor in VA, Eddie Prilliman. Eddie is a walked himself, and we talk a lot when I walk down Etzler Road in Daleville. It was good to hear from him and catch up on things back home.
It was about lunch time (which can be most any time I get hungry, no rules on the road). I stopped in a small place named Bear's Den Cafe, near Haughton, LA. Advertised on the sign outside as Best Southern Cooking in the Area. I had hamburger steak, field peas, mashed potatoes, and lemonade. It was good and filling. As I left the cafe, three B52 bombers (picture above) flew overhead. Very impressive to say the least. I also passed a large LA National Guard Base. Hwy 80 was giving its best today......4 lanes, wide shoulder, little traffic, and scenic. Occasionally 80 and I-20 intersect and one passes over the other. I-20 is never far away, and the sound of the traffic keeps me company.
Between Haughton and Dixie Inn there a large ammunition plant. Lots of security at the main gate, but I'm told it is not as active as it once was. As I walked along, just enjoying the day, I found a woman's purse......full of stuff. Using info from the purse, was able to contact her credit union, which in turn was able to contact her. I left the purse with a woman who lives in the area, so the happy owner could pick it up. Must have been stolen and then "ditched" in the ditch.
It was getting late afternoon, so I started looking for a campsite. Found a really good spot near a cell tower......flat, soft ground, private, and not far off the road. Decided to stop for the day. I've been a little lost most of the day.......I was on 80 east, but never saw any signs announcing towns or anything like that. I must be near Minden, but not sure how far away. But, will worry about that tomorrow. It is still very warm in the evening, and there was the hum of traffic on nearby I-20. I read the USA Today paper for a while, and soon after that was asleep.
Happy Thanksgiving.... Reading you blog is like watching a reality show on TV. I now find myself looking forward to reading your next entry. I need to re-evaluate my boring life.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your walk.
Doug
Doug, good to hear from you. You're still young, so lots of time to do whatever.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving, Jeff. Hope your Thanksgiving dinner was great. Be safe!!! Ann
ReplyDeleteHi jeff It,s me Gary Gauthier What a lucky lady to have you find her purse and be able to find out how to get it returned to her. I knew from the first time I met you (YOU ARE A NICE MAN) And would go out of your way to help someone. I hope you had a great thanksgiving. Take care of yourself and enjoy the walk.
ReplyDeleteGARY
Happy Thanksgiving Jeff!
ReplyDelete-LLawler