Day 91

I camped right across the street from a place called Dotty’s Cafe. I was told that it was the best breakfast on the trail. It opened at 7 am and I walked in shortly after. It was 50’s themed with decor and music. They even had old newspapers that you could read from that era. That was really cool.

I ordered my food and it came out looking amazing. It tasted even better. Definitely lived up to it’s expectations! Great way to start the day.

As I was packing my stuff up a neighbor came by to say hello. We talked breifly and then I continued packing. I think it was right at 8:30 when I got on the trail. Later than I wanted to and it was already hot as hell. I rolled for about 4 miles with my flat tire and came across a tiny little store just off of the trail and hoped that they may have something that could help.

A sweet lady comes to meet me when the bell rang as I walked in the door. I asked her for what I needed and she had a patch kit. I bought that and a cold Gatorade. I put the patch on there and Domino was in a staring contest with the cat. The patch seemed to be holding up so I put the wheel back on and felt happy.

I probably walked for about an hour until the patch stopped holding air. It was just too hot today for the glue to hold. I pushed on to the next spot on the trail called Cooper’s Landing. This place looked crazy. It’s right on the river and it’s a campground and restaurant. I could tell that it was a weird tight knit community that only dealt with tourist because they had to.

I didn’t feel very comfortable at first. I walked in thinking that I’d just grab a quick lunch and get the eff outta there. Well as I rolled in, a few people stopped and asked about my walk. They saw that I had a flat and tried looking around for stuff to help. Everyone was very nice and helpful.

I met another guy walking across the country named Matt. He started in Chicago and made it to this place and he’s going to stick around and work there for a month or so to make money and to wait out the summer. We swapped stories. I met a guy named Dan and I didn’t get his girlfriend or wife’s name. They were headed out to the store and told me they’d grab an innertube for me if I could wait. Heck yeah I’ll wait!

I could tell he was serious so I instantly felt better. I knew that I’d be rolling good for the rest of the day. It was getting hotter and hotter. I talked to a few other people for an hour or so and they came back with the innertube, some bones for domino, and even a cash donation. Great people. They told me that they were struggling with addiction and really commended me for walking for that cause.

I wish I could’ve snapped my fingers and cured their addiction but I can’t do that. I just chose to enjoy the moment. We were all happy. Right then and right there was just perfect. I hung around a little more and then I just had to go. I knew that if I didn’t leave then that I would probably end up staying all summer with Matt. It was a really cool place. They had just started playing live music when I was putting my new wheel on. I made the choice to be good and keep moving though.

On the other side of the campground, I walked by and saw like 8 boats sticking straight up out of the ground. A redneck art piece. I stopped for a picture and then rolled on. With air!!! Oh it was so nice. But HOT!

I had to stop frequently to cool down and hydrate. I got to a spot that said I could do a strenuous climb to a beautiful view. I had to do it….

I walked up and it was in fact strenuous. I got to the lookout and it was worth it. A great view. I hung around for a second but not long because there was no shade and I was melting. I walked back down and decided to set up my hammock for a nap while I let the hot part of the day pass by.

I knew where I needed to go tonight and I would rather wait and walk in the evening than try to suffer through the hot part. I laid there for a while and was in heaven. I look down at domino and mosquitoes are all over her and she couldn’t relax. Poor baby. I wasn’t sure if I could put my bug spray on her or not so I didn’t. I decided to just pack up and go. I’ll look into the bug spray thing later.

We pushed through and talked to a few people along the way that were on the trail. We finally make it to the campground and it is under construction and closed. I saw a spot that I could set my tent up at next to a picnic table and went for it. No one would be bothered by it.

I set up and made dinner. A couple of girls pull up to go for a walk on the trail. I talked to them for a while and Domino played with their dog. I asked them about camping there and they kind of had the same reaction. I’m not bothering anyone so it should be ok. I stopped worrying about it and ate my dinner.

Laid down and now I’m under the stars with the rain fly off of the tent so I can see out and get some good ventilation. Me and Domino are both out. Have to rest up for a long, hot 20 miles tomorrow!