Day 42

I felt great today. I had a late start but that was ok because I didn’t want to go overboard today. I wanted to go about 18 miles and no more. I had plenty of time to do that.

I got a new cart and I named it Lieutenant Dan. Today was the first day that I got to use it. It took a little getting used to but it’s way better in most situations. Domino likes it way better. She has a lot more room to sit in it and ride. I still need to put new side panels on it so that I can have the overdose statistics on one side and a map explaining my walk on the other.

The first half of the day was pretty boring. Not much was happening. I am going through a transition from Appalachia to the Midwest so it’s basically just Midwest with hills. A lot of farms and that’s about it. Beautiful and colorful scenery but terrible smells.

We sat to take a break on the side of the road. There was nowhere good to stop so I just put a blanket on the grass next to the highway and had a little picnic with Domino. I found a couple of ticks on her so I picked them off. They were dead so it’s good to know that her tick medicine is working. They are everywhere now. Just one of those things I’ll have to keep an eye out for…

I kept being passed by news trucks and helicopters. The mass shooting that took place a couple of nights ago was drawing attention from all over. From what I understand, they still haven’t found out who the shooter was. I was scared that the police were going to stop me and accuse me haha. They never did. Most of the time, when I see an officer I’ll wave and he’ll wave back as he passes.

Later this afternoon, after we’d walked at least 15 miles, we get pulled over by a state trooper who looked like he was 6 days on the job. He wasn’t being mean or disrespectful which was nice, but he was telling me that it was illegal for me to be walking on the road that I was on. The one that I’d been on for over 100 miles. The one that I’ve been on and talked to state troopers and sheriffs and no one said anything. The road that is the safest way to get to Cincinnati on foot.

I explained all of these things to him and he was actually very understanding. But he had rookie written all over him so he was scared to give me the go ahead. I asked him if I could stay on the road. He said, “all I can say is that it’s illegal to be on this road.” And he left. I think he was trying to say that it was fine but I didn’t want to risk him coming back and screwing with me so I got off the road and went to a smaller road that runs parallel.

It’s not safe at all because there is no shoulder but there was very little traffic. So I got lucky. I actually liked this road better. I got to go through small towns and see houses. It was way better scenery than from the big highway. I walked through a great small town and saw people out enjoying their Saturday evening.

Shortly after, I was met up by one of the mothers from the TAM group and her husband. They brought a home cooked meal! Meatloaf and corn and mashed potatoes and fruit!! I wanted to eat it all but I ate until I was about to burst and had to tap out. Domino had no problem finishing her serving.

We talked and I got a good break in. It’s so nice to meet kind people on this quest. It really helps my mood and being in a good mood helps everything. We got some good pictures and then said goodbye and I was back on the road.

I wanted to walk a little farther and then I was going to start looking for a place to set up my tent. I should’ve let dinner settle before walking. I had to take care of that dilemma and then got back on the road. At that point it was starting to get close to sunset and I was beginning to get just a little nervous thinking that I may have to ask someone for permission to camp in their yard. I’m going to have to do that at some point in this trip but I’m scared to haha.

I kept going and going and, just like I always do, I found the perfect spot. I’m tucked away and way out of sight. I’m under some railroad tracks but I haven’t seen a train yet and I’ve been here for over 2 hours. I got to enjoy the sunset and did some stretching while I watched the colors changing.

I have a full belly and I’m comfortably tucked away in a little piece of America that I’d never have seen if it wasn’t for today’s circumstances working exactly as they did. Unreal. I love everything about this trip! I wish I didn’t have to do it in my sister’s honor but I am very thankful to be doing it. I wish she could be here to see what I’m seeing. It’s time now for me to put my phone off so that I can see the stars and get some rest for another wonderful day.

Good night!