ExfilGreenville

Made it to Greenville through the exquisite pain of the heat rash,  aching muscles and sore feet. Was taking a break on a guardrail when my friend from Denison, Brian messaged me. The new plan is that he's picking me up tonight and after the visit,  dropping me off back here. It's a pain, but need to stay true to the walk. The obvious benefit is that I can start my muscle rehab tonight versus the day after tomorrow. I am sorely in need of rest. It's about an hour drive down here and an hour back, and very cool of him. I am so very thankful!

It's 10:32 am

And I'm sitting in front of the motel AC, waiting for the 11 am checkout. It was nice to get a shower and surprisingly there were no bed bugs. Going to stop at walmart on the way out and get some supplies, then on 69 to Greenville which is about 50 miles away, halfway to denison. I am a little apprehensive because there's alot of farmland on the way. Great for walking but bad for camping. I've also been thinking about the end of my journey and what I'm going to do when I get there. But, that is a pretty stressful thought and will just take it on faith that things will work out.  On the up side, I received two donations to my burrito fund; thanks so much Kenneth and Tim & Shirley! 

Texas

Hit the Texas border not long ago and it feels good to have made it this far. A guy passing by gave me 20 bucks and I was able to get a new cooler,  ice and Gatorade.  I hope to make it to Dallas in the next 2 weeks, then north to denison, then NW to Amarillo.  It's gonna take at least a month and a half, maybe two. Texas is just big. Thanks so much for all the encouragement and support!

Honestly

I have definitely seen changes in myself thus far in my journey, but I have also made commitments to myself at its outset. I decided soon after I started this walk to be honest. I wasn't dishonest before, but I would hold back on things I wanted to say to people, thinking them too soft and cuddly for my stoic demeanor. So if I think of something nice u want to say to someone, I say it. Or text ir email it and press the send button before I think on it too long. I have also made a specific plan to be nice. I know, shocking. At first it was difficult, and my mouth twisted in distaste when I said something out of character for me. But the longer I travelled, the more naturally it came to me. And now, I can't imagine being any other way. I guess I have just always been on the critics side, pointing out the flaws. But the walk has really shown me a different side of things. It's shown me that a kind word goes a long way. Even a smile, or a sincere greeting. I didn't realize the power that kindness has. Don't get me wrong. I'm still me, full of sarcastic remarks and a satirical wit. But that has its place. I guess I just want to have a better impact on those who are in my life, even if briefly.

Rains acommin

Rain hit the atlantic2pacific walkers and its headed my way. I'm glad they posted it, otherwise I would have been in for a shock. I bought an energy drink and that helped a little. Currently sitting in a ditch, but at least in the shade. Some ladies saw me and brought power aids and honey buns, simply wonderful people. Now just trying to figure out what to do. No bridges ahead, and its still so hot. I think everyone has a different chemistry and can tolerate different kinds of heat. I can do well in dry heat, but this humidified jungle heat just throws me down and beats the crap outta me. That's the whole reason I went north from Pascagoula in the first place. But my current route brings me southern about 30 miles, and I guess that's the boundary line where the humidity stops being stupid.

A new day

Last night I had to make my camp in the dark. It was late, and there was nothing, so I had to wait for darkness to create some shadows. I made camp on the side of a hill and after, I stepped outside to relieve myself. Looking up, I saw the most beautiful thing. It was a full moon, so I could see the tops of the trees, and there were fireflies doing their dance. I stood there amazed by it for several minutes. It's one of those moments, that make this walk, with all its hardships totally worth it. Especially when stealth camping after dark, and I'm in my tent, the first hour or so, I just lay there. Listening to the sounds of the road. First, I'm very aware, listening for cars slowing down, in possible pursuit of the vagrant that would dare despoil their virginal property. But then slowly, I am lulled by the noise of the passing cars, into calmness. It reminds me if the Hulk, when he calls. The buzzing of the world around, while the mind stops spinning. Because of the visibility of my spot during the day, I had to break camp before sunrise. The blanket kept me warm and I wanted to sleep in. But was on the road by 645. Yesterday evening, which for me now is about 530, I was given money and food by two separate people, a disabled vet and a local guy who saw me earlier. On a trek like this, money is always a concern, as much as knowing where your next meal will come from. I prefer to plan 3-7 days ahead, and comfortable with that. When I don't know where my next energy drink is coming from, then I start to fret. And then I pray. And each time I have been answered with money and or food; and lodging when I needed it. Not only from friends and family, but from complete strangers. It feels amazing to be the recipient of these gifts, both monetary and spiritual. My phone had to be reset, it was acting up, and my contacts may be gone. Just an FYI.

Less than

A hundred miles from my southern route, yet 15 degrees colder, I don't get it. It was 46 when I woke this morning, and it was not fun. Thank goodness it got warm fast after sunrise. I'm at WalMart now and definitely planning on getting a blanket, thermal underwear, a fleece or something! The tire will just have to wait. If I have to go all chinaman I will. Just rims. I think about my uncle Sid often, and he was a good man. I'm trying to be more like him if possible, more accepting and more people orientated. For most of my life I've pushed people away trying to define myself, and have been very selective about who I chose to call a friend. I just ended up lonely and alone. Now I see that a person's spirit is the most important quality and being surrounded by people that make you feel good. I've always prided myself on my wit and satire. But a kind sincere comment goes way further, and makes people feel better. Not to get all hippie on you, but it's all about being happy and making others happy. So I've decided to Make Love Not Wit, as much as is humanly possible for me. Goal today, is to exit Hattiesburg and make miles.

Almost

Ran out of water. While packing up my camp, I notice a missing cap on a jug of water. And not finding it, I took a big swig and emptied it onto the ground. That left me with half a gallon and a soda. When on my route, having to hike the wrong way is a no no, so though I was headed out if a city area, there was no way I was going to backhike a few miles. But on my way out of town, I noticed there is really nothing out this way and wont be for miles. I go through about a gallon a day, so my half gallon just wouldn't be enough. Luckily, I found a independent store along the way and they filled up my water jugs. I'm going to be in the middle of nowhere for about the next 30 miles, so I'm glad I have the water. Hattiesburg is 45 miles away and if I needed to, could make in two days, but may stretch it out to 3. The scenery has changed and its really pretty out here, not that I could see it yesterday with all the rain. My internet is spotty, but hopefully that clears up soon.

Erg

Yesterday was just awful, but I learned a lesson. It was about 6 and I was wet and feeling very umm, well whiny. I was tired and there were no places to sit, and did I mention wet? Well, I was wet in every pore. So I may have been justified In my "why me" frame of mind, and was complaining verbally to anyone who would listen. Unfortunately, there was no one. And I knew enough about myself to know that my whininess was unacceptable, and decided against calling anyone. Then after talking with god, I decided that even I have had enough of me. And I started trying to cheer myself up. I told myself that in a few hours, regardless of the place, that I would be in my tent, warm and sleeping. Because whether I found the perfect spot or had to find a hole in the darkness, that I would indeed find a place for the night, and be able to get warm and to sleep. Its really the same philosophy I use when I'm disgusted with the walk and tell myself that its only six months, only its relative to the end of the day. So no matter the kind of crap I have to deal with; its important to remember that its my choice and that its only temporary. And that helps me get through the day when things are rough. On a separate note, going north has reduced the amount of bugs that are nibbling on me, and the temperature is cooler. Maybe cooler than I would have expected for the short amount of miles. But I will be through Lucedale today and onwards to hattieville.

A good day

I woke up about 5:30 and just wanted to go back to sleep. Why oh why did I tell them I would be gone by 6? Because I wanted a safe place for the night and wanted to show the firefighters that I would be zero trouble. But I was up late last night, and couldn't sleep. Normally I'm out by 9, but energy drinks have this odd side effect even after the physical energy wears off. Minus the little sleep, I did get to talk to a good friend on the phone, and that was nice. I'm in a town called Mary Ester, and hoping to make Pensacola today. Even though the weather predicts rain, I haven't had any in my path, And so able to make some good time. I'm at McDonalds now waiting for my phone to charge. Its nice to wake up and find stores or restaurants early on in the day, and really starts the day out right. As opposed to the days where each morsel of civilization needs to be sought out after an exhaustive trek. Now that I'm approaching Alabama, I have mixed emotions about leaving Florida. Just being in Florida, there has been a safety net in my mind. That if I was ever truly in a bad situation, I could call my family; even if it was a 6 hour drive. Not that I would call, but, just the idea comforts me. Going into another state changes the dynamic in my head and in a sense makes the decisions I make, have more meaning. Anyway, I'm looking forward to making some tracks today! My sneakers are treating me right, so I hope to fly through these miles.