Retracing The Steps

Our youngest daughter Julie and her family moved to Fairview, Texas, in June of this year, and I plan to spend Christmas with them (and oldest daughter Susan and family). So I've decided to drive out and combine that trip with visits to some of the places and people I saw / met during my walk. Time won't allow going all the way back to Dana Point, I'll have to save that for later. But I do plan to drive across the desert, and then travel some of the roads I walked.

I'll leave Virginia on Dec 7, get to Fairview on Dec 8, babysit for Julie and Rick while they attend his company Christmas party, then head west on Monday, Dec 10. Sight see and visit, and back to Fairview in time for Christmas. After Christmas drive some of the walking route east of Dallas, through LA, MS, etc. Might even try to find Mick if he's not busy tracking another walker.

I've maintained contact with many of the people I met along the way, and maybe getting back out there and seeing them will help restore some sense to an otherwise confusing year. Not being able to share this trip and Christmas with Rita will cast a gloom on the experience, but certainly her spirit and memory is always with me.

If you want to come along (we'll ride this time), I'd love the company. We'll try to find some of the people and places from the walk and see what's happening in their lives.

A Time of Change

I hope everyone is well. It's been a while since we last talked, and much has changed in my life since completing the walk in January, 2011. By far the  the most important was the death of my wife and best friend, Rita. In June, 2011, Rita was diagnosed with lung cancer. She was never a smoker, but had Hodgkin's disease in her early 30's, and the doctors suspect the radiation treatments from that possibly caused the lung cancer. Chemo treatments seemed to be having a positive effect on reducing the cancer, but she contacted pneumonia in January, 2012. After 14 days in the hospital she was able to come home, but never able to gain the strength to fight the cancer. She died on February 13.

Rita and I first met in high school. We married at age 20, and 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild later, were looking forward to many more years together. One trip we had planned was to drive out west and retrace the route I walked across country. She just couldn't understand the bigness and emptiness of the western states. I also wanted her to meet many of the people who were so kind to me along the walk. But sometimes life doesn't work out the way we plan, and we never were able to take that trip.

Rita was a great wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed living a simple life, and was happiest when surrounded by her family. She was quiet and unassuming, preferring to let her actions speak for her. She was always supportive and tolerant of my adventures, although most times preferred to participate from the comforts of her sofa. She loved to read, and Christmas was her favorite time of the year.

Rarely a day goes by that I don't find something new that I miss about Rita, or depended on her for, or want to tell her. She was the one person on Earth I completely trusted, and the person with whom I could share the joys and hardships of life. She made everything I did worthwhile. I can't remember life without her, and certainly my life is changed forever.

Also in 2012, a good friend of mine, Ed Bixler, died from injuries received when a car struck the motorcycle he was riding. Ed and I worked together many years, and both of us enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and "safe" adventures. Our latest was a boat camping trip on the Intercoastal Waterway in SC. Ed was just a few months from retiring and looking forward to travels with his wife Connie.

Ed had ridden motorcycles most of his adult years, and was an extremely safe and cautious rider. He and another friend from work were on a trip to FL, and Ed was struck by an intoxicated driver. Ed was a good friend, co-worker, husband, and father. Another person who died too soon.

Appalachian Trail (Short) Walk

Saturday, May 7, 2011
A week or so ago I was talking to a neighbor, Eddie Prillaman, and he mentioned wanting to walk a section of the AT near our homes in Daleville. To date he'd been unsuccessful finding someone to walk with him, so I told him I'd be happy to go along. The section we were going to walk is called Rt 220 to Tinker Cliffs, a hike of approximately 10 miles......plus 3 miles down off the mountain to Rt 779, Catawba Road. So, this past Wednesday, Eddie left his car at our house, and Rita took us to the starting spot. Eddie had estimated about 6 hours for the walk. The day was sunny and a little cool, a perfect day for walking

The place we started is a "low" point on the trail, so we had an immediate climb of 1,500-2,000' over the first mile of so. Once that mile was behind us, the trail leveled off, as much as it does, and tracks along the ridge of the mountain. We soon started seeing through hikers, most of them walking the entire trail from Georgia to Maine......2,100 miles. We saw about 20 total, most of them were with someone else, but there were a few singles. Most were young guys, but there were about 6 young women. The packs they carried ranged from something about as small as a school book bag, to a full backpack.

It had rained hard the night before, and many of them had stayed in shelters at Lambert Camp, a campsite near Tinker Cliffs. Most of them were planning to stay over at least one night in Daleville......a popular stop along the trail. there are groceries, motels, and a post office near the trail. One of the guys said he covered about 20 miles a day, but I would think that is an exception, rather than the rule. With all the ups and downs, I think 20 miles would be a long day.

I had expected to possibly see mountain laurel and rhododendron blooming along the trial, as well as some wild flowers. There were a few, but maybe it was a little early at that altitude. We stopped for lunch in a sunny spot, rested for a while, then headed out for the remainder of the walk. Although the trail is well marked, one has to pay attention because there are side trails that are easy to take. Also, at times the trail climbs over rocks and other obstacles that cause unsure footing......so, we had to be careful. In warmer weather, there are rattlesnakes in the area, but guess it was too cool for them. Overall, I found I had to be more alert than when walking on roads, although didn't have to watch for cars!

The part of the trail around the Roanoke Valley is really nice, with lots of great views of the valleys below. Around 3pm, we reached the Lambert Campsite, a nice place with a couple of shelters and a great creek running through it. Shortly after that, we reached the Andy Layne Trail, a 3 mile hike down the mountain. At times the terrain is very steep, and it's harder going down than up. We reached the parking area around 430, where Rita was waiting to pick up two weary hikers. That's a total of about 7 hours for 13 miles, minus an hour for lunch and rest.....no speed records set today.

It was a great day and a great walk, and maybe I'll do more of the trail some time. In fact, there's another 10 mile section from Rt 311 to Tinker Cliffs, and we're talking about doing that soon. My legs were a little sore from the up and down hill, especially the calves. I found myself wanting to stop and talk to the through hikers, much like people wanted to talk to me during my long walk. I also felt a little "closed in" by the forest, which is much different from walking the roads. But, each has its own, unique attraction. Maybe some day I'll do the whole thing, minus these 10 miles! Maybe one of the grandchildren will want to walk the AT some day, and invite me to come along.

About the pictures:
That's Cole and Ashley, 2 of the through hikers on their way to a rest in Daleville;
This huge rock serves as a dry place to camp.......could you sleep under this?;
Eddie calling on water "gods" to fill his empty bottle;
Me at Lambert Campsite;
End of day for two tired hikers.

Washington & Old Dominion Trail - Day 2

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

I was up at 6, courtesy of a wake-up call from Rita. Because of the long day yesterday, and up late working on the blog, figured it wouldn't hurt to have a little help.....and I needed it. By 730 or so, we were on the road heading back to the 7-11 in Herndon, where we stopped yesterday. Today was supposed to be a shorter day, thanks to the 24+ miles yesterday. According to our info, we have only 21+ miles to complete the walk. Although both of us are a little sore from the long walk yesterday, we are also ready to get going again. Baring unforeseen incidents, we should complete the walk in 2 days.

Jon's wife Laura dropped us off at the 7-11 around 815, and we set out toward DC. We walked through Herndon, and on to Reston. Although we're walking through one of the most congested areas in the USA, much of the time the trail seems far from civilization. We came to Reston, and passed a large Oracle office building, a golf course, and then stopped at a 7/11 to pick up a couple of items. As we walked on, we climbed a short, but steep hill, called Buckthorne Hill. It was significant only that most of the trail is relatively flat. At the top of the hill is a bench called Papa's Bench, dedicated to a father, and for resting after the climb.

We passed by Hunter's Station, designated as a flag stop along the railroad. We came into Vienna, and passed the Freeman House and Museum. It was getting near lunch time, and the map indicated there was a McDonald's at Mile 11 on the trail, so that's where we planned to go. We asked a biker about McDonald's, and he said there wasn't one. We looked around town and found the Vienna Inn, and stopped there for lunch and resting. After a lunch of hot dogs and clam chowder, we went to the register to pay. The young woman asked about our walk, and remarked that she hated to walk. "If I could get a Segway in my house, I would use it to go room-to-room!" There was no mistaking how she felt about walking.

We walked outside and rested a while longer, then set out for Arlington. We had about 7 miles to the beginning of the Martha Custis Trail. We passed through Dunn Loring, VA, which I had never heard of, but it has an interesting history. The trail through Arlington was a little confusing.....not so well marked for a stretch. After a couple hours of walking, we reached the intersection of Washington & Old Dominion, and Martha Custis Trails. We rested for a while and started out on the final 4+ miles of the trip. This trail shadowed I-66 most of the way into Washington, and the closer we came to the city, the busier it became. Mostly bikers, and they ride about as crazy as auto drivers! This trail was well marked and rolling, but nothing extreme. After an hour or so, we reached the end at Theodore Roosevelt Island.

But, the Washington Monument was still in the distance, so we set off for that. After crossing the Potomac, we could see it in the distance, but weren't sure how to get there. We walked toward the Kennedy Center, and asked a woman directions. She sent us back the way we came, around the Lincoln Memorial, past the WWII memorial, and finally at the monument around 7pm. Lots of people playing softball and kickball on the lawn, but we were happy to just stand there, rest, and watch them. Our walk today ended up being longer than yesterday, about 25.5 miles. After a few pictures, we walked to the Metro Station and took the train to W. Falls Church. It was nice to be moving and not walking.

Jon Jr. met us at the station, and before long we were sitting around the table recapping the day, and having a nice dinner prepared by Laura and Anya. We completed the walk in 2 days, our goal, but maybe it was a 3 day walk. But, we have lots of time to rest, and think of other places to explore at 3mph.

About the pictures:
Jon at Herndon Station;
Entering Reston;
Marker at Hunter Mill Road Crossing;
One of only a few animals we spotted;
Finally at Washington Monument.

Washington and Old Dominion Trail - Day 1

Monday, April 25, 2011

A month or so ago, a friend from Gastonia, Jon Childs, invited me to walk the Washington and Old Dominion Trail with him. Asking the walkingman to go for a walk is like asking a kid if they want ice cream.......of course we do. The trail is 45 miles long, and our goal was to walk it in 2 days. It starts near the Village of Shirlington in Arlington County, VA, and terminates in Purcerville, VA. Jon has family in nearby Leesburg, VA, and was going there this weekend to return 2 granddaughters to their parents, so we decided to do the walk this week. His drive from Gastonia to Leesburg brings him within a couple of miles from our house in Daleville, so he picked me up on the way and we arrived in Leesburg late Sunday evening.

We were up and ready to go by 715 this morning, and Jon's son, Jon Jr., drove us to Purcerville Station. (We started at the end of the trail because it is closer to Leesburg.) It was a little foggy, but already 60+ degrees, heading toward the 80s. The trail is a paved path about the width of one automobile lane, divided by a broken line......looks exactly like a 2 lane highway. The first 8 or so miles were probably the nicest we walked........tree lined, and wandering through the countryside. Most of the people we encountered were on bicycles, although a few were walking or jogging. There was a heavy, sweet smell in the air from the hundreds or thousands of shrubs that lined the path. I know their name, just can't think of it right now.

We passed through (or near) small communities named Hamilton, Paeonia Springs, Clark's Gap, and Leesburg. There are numerous side trails, leading off somewhere. It seemed a creek or stream followed the trail almost the entire day. There are occasional benches to rest along the way, a even a port-a-jon or 2. Lots of beautiful homes in the area, many of them on large plots of land, and some ranches and farms. We stopped for rest after about 8+ miles, and I converted my long pants to shorts.....it was getting warm. So far there's not any places to eat along the trail, but our info shows there is a Partlow's General Store at mile 28, about 9 miles away. So that's where we headed.

We passed houses near the trail, one had a large jar of "sun" tea sitting on the back deck......I thought that was a Texas thing. Along the way we passed a group of women pushing strollers and leading dogs, and a group of bicycle policemen (maybe 20 or so) on the trail. Maybe they were training or something. We crossed Goose Creek, and stopped for a few minutes to look at a huge hole in the ground......the Luck Stone Quarry. We passed a sigh for Ashburn, VA, which I understand is where the Redskins practice. And finally we reached mile 28, expecting to see Partlow's General Store. When it wasn't where it should have been I thought we were going to have a meltdown. But, from my other walk, I knew this is not all that unusual, so we pushed on.

After another mile we came to an intersection, and there was no Partlow's. Instead the building is now occupied by Carolina Bros Pit Bar-B-Que, and it was open. Before long we were enjoying a plate of 'que, and a Cheerwine.....worth the long walk. After eating and resting an hour or so, we decided to walk 6 more miles to a 7/11 convenience store at mile 21.5, and stop there for the day. We passed by Sterling, VA, and finally Herndon, and then came to mile 21.5......no 7/11. Finally at mile 20 we came to an intersection and there was the 7/11. We'd walked a total of 24.5 miles, and both of us were ready to call it a day.

Jon Jr came to pick us up, and soon we were back in Leesburg, refreshed after a shower, and sitting down to a nice dinner prepared by Laura and Anya. Jon had never walked over 12 miles before today, and he held up well. Tomorrow we'll walk the final 20 or so miles, the last 4 being a side trail that ends at the Washington monument.

About the pictures:
Leaving Purcellville;
Rest area and one of the side trails;
Carolina Bros. Bar-B-Que, and a satisfied customer;
The 7/11 is supposed to be right here;
Sitting down to dinner with: Laura, Jon, Jon II, and Anya, surrounded by the daughters Yatia and Megan.

Visit To Woodhill and Tryon Schools

March 24, 2011

Tuesday, March 15, was a busy day for the walkingman. The morning was spent with the 5th graders at Woodhill Elementary school in Gastonia, and after a quick lunch, on to Bessemer City to Tryon Elementary to talk to the 5th graders there. Eating lunch with a teacher is an interesting event.....they are accustomed to 20 minutes for lunch, so not much time for talking! I have a connection to Woodhill....my son attended many years ago when the school first opened. In fact, Ms Upchurch had found a picture of him helping plant a tree at the school.

I was greeted at Woodhill by Ms Angela Upchurch, who coordinated the events for the day, and also was the driving force behind the students following the walk. Mr Jacob Barr, principal, of Woodhill, was also on hand to present me with a Woodhill Hornets t-shirt. As we walked down the hall to the room, I saw a poster and messages on the wall about the walk. Good work by the students.

I was impressed by how the students used the walk as a learning experience. In addition to social studies and geography, they used it for reading and grammar. Hopefully the blog didn't teach them any incorrect grammar. They had lots of questions, and each of them had kept a journal of the walk....very impressive. After talking to the class, two student reporters, Jennifer and Madison, interviewed me for a school paper. The interview will also be included in the school section of the Gaston Gazette.

Then to lunch (20 minutes), and then a short drive to Tryon. I was greeted by the principal, Mr Terry Usery. Whereas most students at Woodhill live in the city, most at Tryon live in the country....many of them on farms. So, each group had a different perspective of the walk. The Tryon students also used the walk in many different ways. Each of them has created a chart of the places I visited, with information such as temperature, altitude, terrain, etc., about each. It was a great learning experience for them. It seemed like no time when the school buses were arriving, and the students had to leave.

As I said, it was a busy day. I had been invited to talk to the Men's Bible Class at First Presbyterian Church, in Cherryville, NC. My brother-in-law, Roger Davis, was a member of this class, As you may remember, Roger died of cancer during the walk. My sister Nan was invited to attend the meeting. I was greeted by Dr Bill Lowe, Pastor of the church, and other members of the class. I know many of you are probably Baptist who pride themselves in their dinners, but these Presbyterians really did it right. The menu: country style steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, biscuits, and cake! Southern comfort food at its best.

Talking with the men was different than with the students. Many of them had been to the places I visited, plus a couple of them were truck drivers who understood about the long, desolate, stretches in the western states. So, lots of good discussion and questions. Unfortunately I didn't get pictures from the men's class. I always take out the camera, then get to talking and forget.

I hope everyone is doing well.....it's getting warmer here in VA, so Spring is a-coming. I go to Greenfield school each Tuesday afternoon, and walk with the Trekker's Walking Club. They love to walk, and love to talk. This week I took a compass and showed them how to determine the direction we were walking. They caught on pretty quickly. After showing one student that we were walking west, I told him, "if we keep walking West we will find the teacher and other students." His response, "yes, I can see them up there!" Well, I meant if we couldn't already see them!

About the pictures:
Principal Barr and some Woodhill students,
The hall decoration at Woodhill,
Some gifts from Woodhill and Tryon school students and teachers,
The Trekker's Walking Club with the walkingman.

Visit To Greenfield Elementary School in Daleville, VA

Monday, March 7, 2011

I hope everyone is doing well and getting ready for warmer weather. The daffodils are just coming up around here, and buds are swelling on the trees....Spring always perks us up. The people who live around me have learned if they stop and ask questions about the walk, they'll most likely be there a while!

Last Thursday, I went to Greenfield Elementary to talk to the students about the walk. The morning was spent with Greg Bowyer, the PE teacher, and his classes. I talked to all the students in the school (I believe) with the exception of the kindergarten classes. We talked for a while, then went outside where I put up the tent, and talked about the tent and the walking cart. They thought the tent was a little small. Oh, did those students have lots of questions!

Lunch was in the school cafeteria, and then met with the third graders. Ms. Alisa Gunter and other teachers had a reception for me, including cake, chips, and juice. They also gave me some gifts....a t-shirt signed by all the 3rd graders, Sundrops, Snickers bars (what made them think I ate stuff such as that?), and other things. The cake was decorated with the slogan on my business cards. The 3rd graders have followed the entire trip, and know as much about it as I do. I had one walkingman t-shirt with me, so decided to give it to the first student who could name all the states I crossed during the walk......in the order I crossed them.

One boy raised his hand and started naming......"CA, AZ, NM, TX, LA, ??"....he couldn't finish. Another boy, Charlie Floyd, raised his hand. "CA, AZ, NM, TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, SC, NC", he said without a pause. I have to think about it, and I did the walking. Congrats to Charlie, and thanks to all the students for their encouragement and support.

I was also invited to join the Greenfield Trekkers. This is a group of students and teachers who stay after school on Tuesdays and walk for about an hour or so. Ms. Beth Umbarger, Principal of Greenfield Elementary, and her staff, place an emphasis on building a strong body as well as mind. In addition to the walking program, they also have a running program.

The walk has been in the local news in this area. The Botetourt View, an insert in the Roanoke paper that focuses on news from Botetourt County, published two articles recently. One about the walk itself, and the other about the visit to Greenfield. Cathy Beason is the reporter for the paper.

Finally, before the walk started, we had a contest for the grandchildren. They had to guess the total miles walked, with the number of days being the tiebreaker. The winners are:
1st place: Carly,
2nd place: Kevin,
3rd place: David
Each received a savings bond.

That's it for now. Next week I visit the schools in Gastonia, the Cherryville Presbyterian Church Men's Bible Class, and my friends and co-workers at Wachovia. I'm looking forward to that. But this week, it's work on the taxes! Take care.......Jeff.

About the pictures:
Some of the gifts from Greenfield Elementary,
The school,
Ms. Gunter (beside me), and a few of the 3rd graders.