Day 136 - A New State, North Carolina

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Last evening with the Bradshaws in N. Myrtle Beach was fun and relaxing, but all too soon the alarm call came and it was up and get ready for another day. Jack wanted to walk a little more today (I think he's practicing to be a walkingman), so the cart would stay with Patsy for a few more miles. Jack and I got ready and headed out. It's really cold this morning, but clear. Our first stop was at a restaurant for breakfast, and then back to walking. Jack knows some back streets through the area, so he was able to keep us off the main roads for part of the trip. Soon we came to Hwy 17, and turned North toward Little River. I didn't have any specific destination for today, but do want to be in Southport by tomorrow afternoon.

We walked until around 10, and Patsy arrived with the cart and gear. Along with that she brought drinks, crackers, homemade soup, and the fixings for bar-b-ques. Plus, all the utensils I needed. That woman is now an official member of the walkingman support team! Where has she been the past 4 months? We said our goodbyes, they left to go back to the condo, and I walked across the street to find a place to use the computer for a few minutes. There was a Day's Inn nearby, so I asked to use their facilities for a while, and they agreed to that. I did some Google map stuff, shut the computer down, packed everything up, and headed out. About that time I received a call from Jason Voelpol, Director of Marketing for Emerald Isle Realty. Jason had heard about the walk ending there, and offered some assistance if we needed.

I was excited about that offer, so doing double time toward the NC line. After a couple of miles, I noticed something didn't look exactly right......what's the sun doing already in the western sky this early in the day? Unfortunately, I had just walked about 2 miles in the wrong direction! So, headed back the other way hoping I didn't pass Jack and Patsy along the way. The day was warming and I soon recovered the lost miles and before long saw a sign for Calabash, NC. I turned off of Hwy 17 onto Hwy 179 which goes through the town of Calabash. Soon after turning onto 179, I saw the sign for North Carolina, the 10th and last state of the walk. Calabash is famous for its seafood, and has a style of cooking it (fried of course, this is the South) that is famous throughout the Carolina's.

I was ready for something to eat, but not in the mood for seafood. Spotted the Calabash Creamery, an ice cream place, so decided to stop there. Had a 2 scoop cup......white cherry, and "Better than Almond Joy". Told the women behind the counter to surprise me as to which she put on top. I told the woman about the walk, and she told another worker in the store, and before long the 3 of us were talking about walking and ice cream, and all sorts of stuff. They introduced themselves as Sheila Barringer and Lib Wicker. Sheila and I had something in common.....she has lived and worked in Gastonia. It was soon time to go, so I started back down Hwy 179. This is a good walking road, much less traffic than Hwy 17, plus a nice shoulder for walking. There are golf courses along almost the entire 6 or so miles I walked.......all of them lined with tall pines.

A car passed me, and turned around and pulled alongside. The woman inside rolled down her window, handed me a sandwich, bottle of water, and a little money. I thanked her, and her only comment was: "I would never have peace in my heart if I didn't help you", and then she drove away. I stopped at a convenience store to ask directions. Today has felt a little dysfunctional for some reason, guess because I walked 4 miles more than I should have. The town of Shallotte is about half way to Southport, so I'd like to get there today. It's getting late and I still have about 6 more miles to go.......some of it on hwy 17. By the time I got to Shallotte, it was almost dark. I spotted an Econolodge motel nearby, and stopped there for the evening. Tomorrow I walk to Southport and will spend the night with my cousin and her family. On Friday I'll walk to Carolina Beach and spend a day or 2 with my brother. Then next week walk the final 90 or so miles to Emerald Isle.

About the pictures:
Sheila and Lib, Calabash Creamery;
"In my mind I'm going to Carolina"......;
George Washington slept here.....a historical marker south of Shalotte.