Tornado

Last night there was a tornado warning and it was storming fiercely. The rain was going sideways and I was very relieved to be indoors. I decided that spending the money on a washing machine was the better part of Valor, as the clothes kept on dirtying the water even after 15 min of wringing them out. Manny, the cart is gone. I was able to salvage the tube for use on the next cart, so that's a plus. Now I have to walk 12 miles with everything on my back. I got rid of my boots I was keeping for a backup pair, but looking at them in the light, they were past their expiration date. Oh, and saved my rickshaw poles. Within the last few days, my umbrella mysteriously disappeared,  probably slipped it's noose on the cart. My poncho is dead and doesn't really keep me dry. I think that the next rain, I will just be wet and miserable. As long as I have a dry set to change into, I'm good. each day as the walk progresses, it's a test of what us needed and what's not. gearwise and spiritually. And eventually even stuff you were hanging onto for a rainy day, get trashed.

Bear country

Made good miles today and was about to make camp when this pickup pulled over. Guy asked if I needed a ride. I told him I was walking, same line different day. He then suggested against it. He said they just released some black bears into the wildlife management area we were in, and he again suggested against it and offered a ride. Jabel was very country, but nice. I took the ride, not wanting to become bear bait, then rode in my first car in 2 months. The time before that was when the guy in the campground in Florida gave me a lift, after the hood Ole boys were playing chicken with me. I'm not happy that ride was necessary,  but I am currently not being chased by bears either, so that's a plus. We drove past the WMA and into Bossier city. He dropped me off at a walmart, and then wanted to chat,  as is the country way. I've actually got a hotel tonight, a donation by a good friend. But that's still miles away. I walked hard today and probably pushed too hard. An actual bed sounds divine.

Happy Memorial day

I did about ten miles before I realized I only had a quarter gallon of water. I did a quick inventory and also realized I was out of energy drinks too. Checking my app, I saw that there are no stores for the next 15 miles and that worried me. It's a scorcher today, and without water,  I'm a dead fish. After freaking out, I noticed a house across the street. One that was off the road and not protected by a fence or dog. After getting no response from a knock, I went around back calling out the whole time, as I didn't relish the idea of getting shot today. A man and his wife were around a pool. They filled my gallon to the top then gave me a second gallon which was very cool. I normally am good about checking my supplies and thought I had a second gallon stashed. Thank god they were home and friendly. A few cops just stopped to check my ID and were fairly friendly. A few miles back I saw a dead rattlesnake on the side of the road, my first. Before it was stay wary near the water, now it's extended to everywhere else. Gonna try and do some good miles today. But it's hot and I font want to overheat.

Adventure

When Haley was 6 or 7, we went on dome adventures. She had her adventure gear which included a belt with adventuresome tools like a magnifying glass.  I can't remember what all else was attached but I remember she jostled when she walked. One day, I made a treasure map with tea bags and burnt the edges. We were to seek Old Jacks treasure. It ended in finding a buried box of coins and fake jewelry.  It's a very fond memory for me. I've been thinking that lately I've been in a funk, and couldn't figure out why.  Sure it's been some challenging miles I've walked, but essentially not any different. Then while talking to a friend on the phone, I got it. The walk stopped being an adventure, and became everyday. With all the challenges,  I reverted into an old coping mechanism, one of negativity.  But now that I recognize it, things will change. And I need to plan my route a little better. Instead of taking the bee line straight to my goal going through an unkind wilderness,  I should be planning a route through more civilization. And maybe  do some research and touch on places of interest. I've about 40 miles to Shreveport and that excites me. The key is to stay excited. After all, I want the journey to be just as pivotal as the destination.

Pfft!

Today was one of those miserable soaking wet days, just plain misery. The hills are back, and the thing where there's canals on both sides of the road. Last ni ghost town I slept about 15 feet from a stop sign, because it was the only place. Today it rained do hard, it nearly broke my umbrella with the wind. During that fun, my feet got soaked. And then my poncho ripped, so fun fun fun! I'm in Coushatta and was lucky that some folks bought me a combo. Not hungry, just need something warm. I'm completely drenched.  I'm done for the day. Did 17 miles before 4pm and my feet are killing me. I need a good spot and now. Gonna wait til the phone charges some and head out.

Clarence

Walking thru town hoping to find a place to plug in this phone. The battery life is ok, just takes a long time to charge even in an outlet. Rains on its way again, this time from the south.the mickey dees was a ruse. There is nothing in this junket town. I kinda miss Mississippi where people actually talk to you. I'm glad you all liked the videos. If I can get a video editor on this phone then we will be rockin. But been barely in range all day. I hope I can keep dry today.

Day 70

As I head NW the swampiness is becoming less, unless of course it's a trick. Today it's sunny and bright,  for which I am thankful. But it's very hot and humid too. I checked my map app and it shows a mickey dees up the road about 14 miles. I'm a little surprised and didn't expect civilization until Shreveport. I'm trying to get my MOJO back. The last several days I've felt uninterested in my journey. But I guess there's a lesson here somewhere. Keep going no matter what. I definitely have not yet found the promise land. And I am excited about my weight loss, so there's that.  Spiritually I'm okay, but could really use some oil for the fire. There's just no real way to do that on the walk, as it takes up my entire day. The shoes are going splendidly and I'm so thankful. The cart, well, haha. I feel like this first half of the journey was kinda like going through the muck and mire to reach the good stuff. The bad side is that I won't reach the mid point til about Paris TX.  But I guess that's not so far away. A few hours by car.