Day 38

I didn’t sleep well at all last night. My tent wasn’t set up on a flat of a spot as I thought. I did the best I could though. I woke up to the sun rising over the hill that I was on the bottom of. I ate while I packed up and was torn between walking 24 miles to the next town or taking it easy and just walking until I felt like stopping.

For the first 6 miles or so I contemplated what was better. I figured I’d just go for it. Screw it. The weather was perfect and I had a really early start so I could take my time. It’s not like I had anything else to do..

The traffic was very light and it was cloudy so the sun wasn’t burning down on me and Domino. She was doing great. When traffic is light people are usually nicer. Most people were getting over in the other lane for me and I would always give a thank you wave in return. Every now and then I see someone taking a picture on their phone. Obviously I don’t mind but I wish that as they did it that they would maintain their lane a little better. For some reason taking a picture while driving causes people to swerve towards you and crossing the white line coming within a couple of feet from us. I’m pretty sure you could just zoom in… but what do I know.

Around noon we had already gone about 12 miles and I took a break next to a sign that marked the county line. I tried to eat and do what I usually do but I was so tired. I grabbed my sleeping pad and took a nap right there. So did domino. I could tell by the noise that a few people slowed down to see what the hell they were witnessing. I’m sure they saw an empty stroller and were concerned. Then when they got close enough they could read my side panel that says “walking across America” and then they could see me laying there and they would put it all together and keep going.

Woke up and felt better and kept on going. I was really having a hard time with my sister Brittany today. I have been for the last few days. Sometimes the grief just comes and you can’t stop it. It just sucks that she’s gone. It hurts so bad. I really really miss my sister.

Anyways, we were running very low on water and I had to start rationing. There was nowhere to refill with potable water until I got to my final destination. If I even got there…

A woman pulled over to check us out. She was driving a big faded pickup truck with large wooden panels built up on the bed. I had seen it drive by before but couldn’t remember when or from which direction. I just remembered that I’d seen it. She comes to see what we were up to and tells me she only stopped because I had a dog haha. She knew a reporter from the local newspaper and called him for me to speak to. We arranged to meet later and he would run the story. Way to go Domino!

I asked her if she had water but she didnt. It was ok but I knew that it was definitely worth it to ask. I still had at least 10 miles to go and the sun was starting to burn through the clouds. I only had about 16 oz. of water left. Not enough to be healthy but we would’ve made it without dying.

About 10 minutes later the same lady pulls back up and I knew right away what she had done. She went to the store and got water for me and Domino. This was HUGE! We both drank as much as we could and still had plenty to get us into town. I decided to take a break and eat too. As I was sitting there, I looked up a campsite that was 2 miles away. I called them on the phone and before they could answer another car pulls up.

I knew who it was. His name is Jerry and he started a ministry here in Jackson, Ohio. He helps addicts get clean and live for Christ. Great guy. The night before we had chatted on Facebook and he asked if we needed anything. I knew water was an issue and I had asked if he could meet us with water. He brought a bunch. So I now had more than enough to drink and have some on reserve. Once I had that, I figured I’d just keep on going until I got to the town. I knew I would make it now that I had the water to push through.

After a prayer and a goodbye, Jerry went his way and I went mine. I had a long way to go still. 2 hours later I was getting ready for another break and my best friend that I’ve known for like 20 years calls me and we catch up on life. That was really nice to get a taste of life back home. I took a semi break while I was on the phone with him. I looked up the map and realized that I was only about 2 miles away.

I get a little closer and remembered to call the reporter that I’d spoken to earlier. I was exhausted but I had to do it. The whole point of this thing is to get the word out about overdose deaths in America. He comes and meets me for a couple of pictures and questions. It was quick, thankfully. I had a half a mile until a hotel that I had in mind if I were to make it to the town. I go to check in and without even changing clothes I go to eat at the restaurant next door.

I ordered spaghetti and ate everything. It was a huge portion with salad and garlic bread. The waiter said that I was the skinniest person he’d ever seen finish that meal haha. He asked if u wanted more. I was satisfied. I was to tired to even explain to him why it was so easy to eat that much. I just wanted to get back to my room and shower and take care of Domino and get some really good sleep.

I’m hoping to go another 24 miles tomorrow. I know it sounds crazy but there is a method to my madness. There is another hotel 24 miles away and tomorrow night it’s supposed to rain and then continue to rain all day on Thursday. I figured if I could do good miles for these 2 days that I could justify taking Thursday off and sitting out the rain. I’d rather take advantage of the good weather days and rest on the days that are nasty out.

We’ll see how it goes!