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.
Besides letting you know, once again, that I think that what you are doing is awesome. My baby brother was also born in 1984.( I was already in high school.) He died within a month or two from when Brittany passed away. I hate the stigma, it takes away his ” legacy”. He was funny, handsome, smart. Not some “scimbag junkie”. Sorry for the rambling. Ireally enjoy reading your blog and love the pictures. Stay safe and God Bless.
Besides letting you know, once again, that I think that what you are doing is awesome. My baby brother was 30 when he died.(I was already in high school.) We were so close in spite of me living halfway across the country. He died within a month or two of Brittany I hate the stigma of overdose. It takes away his ” legacy”. He was funny, handsome, smart, my best friend…..not some “scimbag junkie”. I really enjoy reading your blog and love the pictures. Love what you are doing for the cause.Stay safe and God Bless.
Last couple days looked great despite the ‘Route 50 hell’ you are having. I hope it wont last too much longer. LOVE LOVE that the park ranger had a sign up for you ! You must have smiled big when you saw it. So glad you are making so many contacts and giving interviews. Despite the jerks you come across it my really make you smile to come across such wonderful people. Would you imagine the conversations you are having about drug addition in such small towns? It just goes to show just how much of an epidemic this is.