Day 74

Woke up early and it never even rained. My tent was a little wet from condensation as usual but nothing on the outside. The view I had of the sunrise over the lake was breath taking. It motivated me to get an early start to the day. I was packed up and walking by 7 am.

The state park I was in was beautiful. I got to walk on a bike path along the lake and to the dam. Then I followed the river for a while to a suspension bridge that led me into Carlyle. A nice town with friendly people.

I walked on sidewalks and passed by a restaurant called “Old 50 Cafe”. I went in and texted Chris to let him know that I was there because I knew he was somewhere nearby. I wasn’t sure if he would make it or not but he walked in shortly after. We had breakfast and I left sooner than he did. I move a lot slower plus I wanted to get as far as I could because thunderstorms seemed to be coming soon.

After Carlyle, the road I was on sucked. It was supposed to be a small road but it was packed with cars and no shoulder. I had no choice at that point but to keep going. About 3 miles later I stopped for a quick break in a small town. I normally would’ve kept going but I needed to decompress from dodging traffic.

I got back on the highway to hell and tried to go quickly. I noticed that Chris had passed me as I could see him ahead. About 5 miles later and 47,000 close calls I stopped on the side of the road to get off of my feet and to catch my breath.

As I was sitting there minding my own business, a police officer pulls up quickly and parks as if he was trying to block me in somewhere. About 3 other police cars were swarming around. I guess they found their big, bad criminal.

He asks what I am doing and I thought about being a dick but decided to play along with Barney Fife. I tell him nicely that I am walking across America and taking a break. I explained that I didn’t want to be on this road but there wasn’t much of an option. Supposedly, people had called the police about me and Chris. I don’t know what they said. It’s not like what I am doing is illegal. Small town minds… if they don’t understand something, it must be wrong.

I was pissed but I kept my cool. They ran my name to check me out. I really wanted to be an asshole at that point. Here I am just trying to get through town safely and now I’m being treated like a criminal. While they were running my name a HUGE tractor comes rolling by on the road. I said, “where I come from, the police would pull HIM over and leave me alone.” I also asked them to speed things up as I had places I had to go. They got the point that I was over it and not dangerous and left me alone.

I messaged Chris to warn him that they were coming for him because I had a feeling they would. Sure enough they got him too shortly after they harassed me. We both ended up just fine though. I finally made into the town and it smelled like cow poop. The sign into town said, “Breese Welcomes You”. Yeah right. I didn’t feel very welcomed. It smells like shit and the police are assholes. The car drivers are worse. I couldn’t wait to get out of here.

The weather started to look scary. Chris messaged saying that he found a hotel that we could split and get out of this storm. I met him there and we took advantage of the hotel’s ammenties. After cleaning myself, my socks, and my underwear all in the same shower I laid down and relaxed. It never rained…

I felt bad because I could’ve gone way farther but I’m in no rush so it’s ok. I did want to get out of Breese though. I just accepted that the police were just trying to do their job and got over it. Chris and I went to the restaurant in the motel and split a pizza. It was amzing.

We talked to the bartender and some customers about our walk and I sparked a conversation about the overdose and addiction problem in our country. Everyone around the place chimed in and I met a woman who helped us get in the town paper. More awareness!

The restaurant gave us some soda that is made here in town called, “Ski”. I am going to save it for tomorrow because it is loaded with caffeine. I was happy that I ran into good people in town because I wasn’t feeling it until then.

Time for bed now! I’m going to try to take a route that isn’t as dangerous tomorrow and hopefully spare myself from going to jail for merely walking. On that note, I’m done.