In the end

Its been brought up, that what if at the end of the walk, I don't find the object of my quest. What then? Really, I am not concerned. The walk has already changed me, and that's enough. I wake up and embrace life, and the unknown path ahead of me. My destination is important, but so is the journey there, otherwise I would have gotten there already. My walk across the country is not to go from point A to point B, nor is it to go from the Atlantic to the pacific; it is to find my happy place. My destination now is lake Powell in southern Utah, but if for some reason that doesn't end up being the place, then I will make my way to California. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind an epiphany of spirit, but I will take what I can get. And thus far, the who and what I am is enough. On a separate note, I didn't realize how much of my decisions over the last several years have been motivated by my weight. I'd gotten to about 90 lbs just extra baggage, to the point where I was very uncomfortable even doing simple things. I found it hard to breathe at times, and just felt like crap. I know that it came about, because I wanted to die. I just wanted to give up and hit the do over button. And so who cared if I ate all the wrong stuff and slowly buried myself in fat. But now, I feel good. This walk was just what I needed. Its not easy, nor is it the best path I could have taken, but it was the only one. There are no clouds in the sky and all I see is blue and green. And its a beautiful day! Gonna walk it.

Sweet home Alabama

Yeah, right. Every state has some redeeming quality, and I'm sure Alabama does too, I I'm just not seeing it. The ocean from here is the color of urine and muddy water, and the horizon is dotted with oil rigs and oil tankers. There's a mixtures of swampy grasslands and pine trees, and I suppose if you're a sportsman and don't mind the dive-bombing bugs, you might like it here. I don't. And the humidity is still a huge factor. I've met some really great people from Alabama, so maybe that's the redeeming quality. But alas, I've just seen a small part, and maybe being judgmental based on my experience. I'm worried about finding a good spot to camp tonight. The tall grasses are a great hiding place for snakes and other critters. But I will just keep praying to keep them from my path and away from me. I have no interest in such an encounter. Its 3pm and will probably do 6-8 more miles. When the terrain offers nothing in the way of civilization, the temptation is to find it.

Finally, the sun

It's still cloudy, but its there and comes out now and again to bring a smile to my face. Pushing the cart is easy, even having to do the balancing act. But going uphill, that's a completely different animal. Its just brutal on my lower abs, and I have to rest frequently even on slight grades. Having had a little time to think on it, I've decided yo either somehow attach a small wheel to the bicycle bar, or attach two long bars and make a rickshaw out of my cart. But I'm stuck like this until I come across a home depot. I'm still Florida so of course not making good time. I'm going to find a campsite soon, as the rest of my trip for the next 20 miles or so is residential, and I don't want to get stuck in that when night comes. I was bummed out that I had to toss my straw hat. It was torn and moldy. But as luck would have it, I'm at a WalMart, and they have the exact same hat! Very handy for keeping the sun off my face and looking homeless; if that's what you're going for. With the sun, brings hope, and that's enough for today.

30 minute countdown

I'm sitting on the side of the bed counting down the minutes. The last of the rain will pass by in that time, and I can finally stretch my legs. I extended the bike connection on the cart, that way everytime I put it in a resting position, it doesn't go KLUNK! Its not so bad, and now I wonder why I was so stressed out about it. Sure, it will take some getting used to, and I will probably be using some unknown muscle groups, but it could be worse. And wearing the boots again, finally dry from that mess earlier this week, feel decent if not good. There's a lesson to learn here, and its Don't freak out! The days in the motel have been a curse to my mental state of mind, yet a blessing in most other ways. Thanks again for all the kind words and support!

Magic sneakers

I finally found a pair of sneakers that fit my 14w foot, and they are magical. The last 7 miles, I have been trying to keep up with them, they are so fast. Going downhill, they are going so fast I am nearly tripping. It has crossed my mind that, its possible that having worn 20lb boots for the last month of walking, that by wearing these lightweight sneakers; I am just experiencing a lower gravity effect. But I choose the magical sneaker theory. Still miles to go, and walking on clouds.

Lazy day

These dog gone hills are wearing me out, and its so nice to think that its just a preface of things to come. I decided not to bother crossing Tallahassee today. Gonna spend some time resting at a local park up the road, then head up to Mickey dees for supper. After, I will find a nice spot for the night. It's odd that finding a spot to sleep is easier in populated areas. No signs, no fences, just an empty lot with trees that no one takes a second glace at.