Day 18

I got up and rolling at 10 am this morning. Later than I wanted to but I knew that it would be ok. I took longer than usual in the morning because I knew that I’d be camping for the next few nights and rain was coming. So I made sure everything was ready and organized.

I went McDonald’s for breakfast before getting back on Hwy 48. When I was in line, a man comes up to me and says he saw me on the news and wanted to buy my meal. It was so nice to start off the day with someone going out of their way to be nice to me. His name is John and I will never forget him. I ate my meal and chatted with some locals of Moorefield, WV. One of the places with the nicest people on earth.

I set out on the road and the sun was out and there was no wind. I had to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming. I loved every second of every minute all morning long. The walk was way easier without the wind blowing me back. The views were amazing!

I’ve come up with a formula that has been working for me. I walk for 2 hours and then take a break. During the break I do everything that needs to be addressed. Give Domino food and water, give me food and water, do phone stuff and facebook, check maps, adjust shoes, etc.

My 2 hour mark came up and I found a great spot for domino to play and for me to rest. A car pulls up and it’s an older couple who also saw me on the news. We talked for a bit and they gave a donation and some water that they had in their car. I can’t express how much it means to me when someone pulls up. It’s not about the money or any gifts. That stuff is great but what really hits me in the feelings is that someone is doing something to help someone they don’t even know. It’s beautiful.

I kept going and wow! I climbed a HUGE hill. I had to turn around to walk backwards because somehow that helps when going up steep hills. I’m glad I turned around because the view was spectacular!

We made it to the top and we took a break before the 2 hour mark. I needed to stop after that. Plus, I wanted to take the time to celebrate the victory we just accomplished. After a quick break and a high five from Domino, I set off again. This time downhill, because that’s what mountains do. I put Domino in Jenny and we rolled 4 miles down the other side of the mountain that we had just walked up.

At the bottom we took another quick break and I was beginning to think that I needed to start focusing on camping situations. I still had quite a bit of time but I knew from my map that the next 20 miles are ALL uphill to the highest point that I’ll cross on this side of the Mississippi River.

My goal for the day had already been met so everything from there was bonus.  I was still feeling good so I pushed on. A woman named Paula stopped by to say hey and to take a picture. She’d also seen me on the news. We talked and I told her that I was planning on just camping on the side of the highway out of sight because she asked. She seemed worried about me doing that but I tried to assure her that it was ok. She said that she would post something on Facebook saying that if anyone had a place for us to stay to come pick us up. I thanked her and walked on hoping that would happen.

It started to get about an hour before sunset. That’s when I usually like to start setting up camp. I walked on for a while just in case someone read Paula’s status and was out looking for us. I came across a spot that I couldn’t pass up on. I was only about 50 feet from the hwy but down an embankment completely out of view. Perfectly flat and had a clear view of the sunset. I took my chances and set up the tent and made dinner. I ate as the sun was setting and enjoyed some Gatorade from a pouch that you mix with your water. A friend of mine back home gave a bunch of them to me before I left. I’ve enjoyed them a lot.

I had no service on my cell phone so I walked a little ways to see if I could get a signal. I couldn’t get Internet but found a spot with phone service. I called my mom and told her where I was and to post something on my Facebook page, Brett Bramble Walks, to let everyone know that I was ok. I came back to the tent and handwrote this blog so that I could post it later when I had service.

Tomorrow I should hit a major milestone as I should be able to make it to the highest point on my route until the Rockies. I can’t wait to share that experience with all of you!

Good night!!