Thursday, February 23, 2011
I told you I'd be back, but it's been a struggle. In addition to the walk ending, the weather here has been the "blahs", so that just adds to the letdown from the trip ending. But, better days are-a-coming, so that's positive. I have been trying to organize the pictures from the trip, as well as my thoughts, in order to put together some type of "program" for the schools and other interested groups.
Believe it or not, I still have stuff packed in the backpack and on the cart....just can't get around to dealing with it yet. I'm back to walking the 8+ miles each day on my normal route. I've decided much of walking is mental. Why? Well, several people who came out to walk on my trip far exceeded their normal walking miles.....and none of them seemed the worse for wear. Plus, my 8+ mile walk each day seems to take about as much out of me as the 20+ I usually did on the road. If we can just get our minds to go away for a while, I think we can walk pretty much as far as we want. Just a theory, nothing scientific behind it.
I did an interview today for a local paper, and will add it to the blog when it is published. Also, I have added several news articles about the walk.....the latest from a Raleigh, NC newspaper and TV station. I will be visiting schools in Gastonia, NC, on March 15, and also a church men's class. Shortly after returning to VA, I visited Doug and Sarah at Outdoor Trails store. They were a big help in getting the right gear to take on the trip. I know, although they won't admit it, the first time I walked in that store and told them what I was going to do, they probably thought I was wacky! Would have loved to have heard their conversation when I left that first day.
Do you remember the Cooley girls....Maggie and Caroline? I'm still trying to figure out how they found me......do you think Mick helped them? Anyhow, a while back their Dad sent me an email with something very special included. It's a song, and he said it reminded them of my walk. I've added a link, so don't miss that......a very special reminder to me of all the nice people I've met along the way.
Several people have asked if I'm going to do a "recap" of the walk.....kinda a planned vs. actual sort of thing. I am, but still sorting out my thoughts. I hope everyone is doing well, it'll soon be Spring. The picture is at home in Daleville, leaning on the transportation of choice....my Ford F250......since I don't as yet have one of those beautiful Paint horses.
Until the next time, take care. If you're ever sitting around with nothing to do, take a little walk. Leave the headphones at home, and just meander along, seeing the sights, hearing the sounds, and smelling the smells. You'll feel better when it's over.........Jeff.
So glad to hear from you again and I think the "let-down" is only natural. Just to let you know - I have let my health go to pot these past few years and finding and following your blog as you got close to the end has been an inspiration to me. I'm visiting my daughter in Atlanta and she has been getting me out and walking around her community to start but I plan to do just what you suggested above - just start walking with my eyes and ears open and not worry about speed, distance - just do it. I know I will feel better and it can only help - right? I blog also - it's really a diary my daughter can read on-line - I think you might enjoy keeping yours going - maybe not every day - but think of the things you say locally you could share. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteJeff, it's so good to see a new post on the blog! You're such a great story teller and really brought your walk across the country to life for many of us. You've inspired me as well - I'm walking 5 miles a day now (although I do listen to books while walking), and will be taking off on a (driving) cross-country trek to northern CA soon. I want my retirement years to be even more full than my working years!!
ReplyDeleteKeep posting for us so we'll know what you're up to - and keep an eye out for those Cooley girls! They'll make great detectives!
Hi Jeff, Thought of you yesterday. I was mulching the newly grown weeds, enjoying nature and watching a big ole white Crane just sitting in a bare tree, waiting for me to leave so he could get him a crawfish, smelling the smells and then a whiff of something else . I looked around and at the edge of my yard, looks like my neighbor's Big Dog " Eliminated an ARMADILLO ". Add one more to the list !!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you !! Take care..
Mick
Hi Jeff! I am sure it is hard adjusting to not walking from point to point every day. You should plan a trip to Denver sometime soon to visit us and meet our baby boy (he's due any day now). :-) Please stay in touch!! Andrew and I are so proud of you for completing your trip across the country and have enjoyed your blog!!
ReplyDeleteHi Jeff. So good to see you on your blog again and to hear that you are doing well. I must admit that I had withdrawals after the end of your walk. I was so used to checking your blog everyday and reading about your adventures, that it was a letdown when you were not there anymore. As someone mentioned earlier, you have a way with words...a true story-teller. I felt I was right there along your walk. Maybe when you are visiting Gastonia, you can stop by Wachovia/WF and visit with some of the gang. Would love to see you again. Take Care.
ReplyDeleteDebbie Lankford/Mooresville, NC
Jeff, So good to check the blog and find something. I miss checking in to see it every day. Mississippi sends their best wishes.
ReplyDeleteShirley in Forest, MS