III. LOUISIANA TO MISSISSIPPI
MAKING UP SOME TIME
I awoke early the next morning and headed over to the gas station to get some coffee and wait out the drizzling rain. I conversed with several locals while standing there, sipping my coffee and watching the rain.
About two hours passed before the sun came out. I grabbed my gear and headed over to the I20 on-ramp. I stood there, thumb and sign highly visible, for about two and a half hours. Eventually, I gave up on that location and decided to walk up to the next exit.
It took me about an hour and a half to walk up to the next exit. When I got there, I noticed it looked really familiar. Once I got close enough to the intersection it hit me; I've been here before. I was visiting my mom, and step-dad, about a year and a half earlier. We took a day trip to the Shreveport boardwalk, and we stopped here for lunch on our way back. I could see the Pizza Hut we ate at, while I was approaching the I20 overpass.
As I was crossing the overpass, a truck pulled over in front of me. A man got out and declared he was unable to give me a ride. However, he felt compelled to help a fellow veteran, and handed me a $20 bill. I thanked him for his generosity, and headed over to Burger King for coffee and breakfast.
While eating breakfast, I jumped onto Burger King's wi-fi and uploaded my pictures, and sent out updates on my progress. After eating, I went to a couple stores in search of a large black marker, to make a new sign. After failing to find one in my immediate area, I decided to stand near the I20 East on-ramp and thumb for a ride. While approaching the on-ramp a homeless man on a bicycle approached me. After the introductions and typical questions, he advised me to stay out of Bossier City. He informed me the cops don't take too kindly to my kind.
After accepting his advice, I stood at the on-ramp. A couple cops drove by, checking me out, but none stopped. After standing there less than thirty minutes, a man in a large Lincoln MarkVIII pulled up and offered me a ride. He was from Longview, Texas, and was headed to the riverboats for the day. He asked me where I would like to be dropped off, and I relayed my newly found concerns about Bossier City. He said he didn't want to drop me off in a place where the cops may present a problem, so he agreed to go past Bossier City.
Unfortunately, due to us both being ignorant of the area, I was dropped off in the middle of Bossier City. After being dropped off I walked away from the intersection, and saw a sign that immediately made me aware of where I was. I grabbed my gear and started walking in an area- along I20- where cops wouldn't be able to easily see me.
I awoke early the next morning and headed over to the gas station to get some coffee and wait out the drizzling rain. I conversed with several locals while standing there, sipping my coffee and watching the rain.
About two hours passed before the sun came out. I grabbed my gear and headed over to the I20 on-ramp. I stood there, thumb and sign highly visible, for about two and a half hours. Eventually, I gave up on that location and decided to walk up to the next exit.
It took me about an hour and a half to walk up to the next exit. When I got there, I noticed it looked really familiar. Once I got close enough to the intersection it hit me; I've been here before. I was visiting my mom, and step-dad, about a year and a half earlier. We took a day trip to the Shreveport boardwalk, and we stopped here for lunch on our way back. I could see the Pizza Hut we ate at, while I was approaching the I20 overpass.
As I was crossing the overpass, a truck pulled over in front of me. A man got out and declared he was unable to give me a ride. However, he felt compelled to help a fellow veteran, and handed me a $20 bill. I thanked him for his generosity, and headed over to Burger King for coffee and breakfast.
While eating breakfast, I jumped onto Burger King's wi-fi and uploaded my pictures, and sent out updates on my progress. After eating, I went to a couple stores in search of a large black marker, to make a new sign. After failing to find one in my immediate area, I decided to stand near the I20 East on-ramp and thumb for a ride. While approaching the on-ramp a homeless man on a bicycle approached me. After the introductions and typical questions, he advised me to stay out of Bossier City. He informed me the cops don't take too kindly to my kind.
After accepting his advice, I stood at the on-ramp. A couple cops drove by, checking me out, but none stopped. After standing there less than thirty minutes, a man in a large Lincoln MarkVIII pulled up and offered me a ride. He was from Longview, Texas, and was headed to the riverboats for the day. He asked me where I would like to be dropped off, and I relayed my newly found concerns about Bossier City. He said he didn't want to drop me off in a place where the cops may present a problem, so he agreed to go past Bossier City.
Unfortunately, due to us both being ignorant of the area, I was dropped off in the middle of Bossier City. After being dropped off I walked away from the intersection, and saw a sign that immediately made me aware of where I was. I grabbed my gear and started walking in an area- along I20- where cops wouldn't be able to easily see me.
32.524083,-93.704883
After walking a short twenty minutes, I came across an overpass. I decided to sit down to rehydrate and rest. After sitting there about ten minutes, I grabbed my gear, crossed the rail road tracks, and headed toward the next on-ramp. When I got to the next on-ramp, I ran out of a walking path. My only choice for walking was the rail road tracks, and I would never be able to get a ride from there. So, I decided to take a chance and stick my thumb out on the on-ramp.
Several Bossier City cops drove through the busy intersection while I was standing there, however I never had any issues with them.
After standing there less than thirty minutes, a lady in a small red car stopped and offered me a ride. She informed me she doesn't typically stop for hitchhikers, but something about me made it seem it was the right thing to do.
She drove about eleven miles, before taking the Haughton, LA exit and dropping me off in front of a Waffle House. After exchanging emails, I went into Waffle House and ordered a small salad and iced tea. While I was sitting there, a middle aged lady pulled up outside. She got out of her car, walked over to the passenger side, and helped an elderly lady out of the car. The elderly lady was having a great deal of difficulty with mobility, so I jumped up and held the door open for the women. After they came in, I went back to my meal.
As I was finishing my meal, another lady was paying for her meal. She went back to her table after paying, then left the restaurant. A few seconds later, the waitress came to my table and announced one of the customers wanted me to have something. She held out her hand, and I took a $10 bill. I looked back up to the waitress and asked her to thank the person who gave me this. She sighed, rolled her eyes, and walked away.
Throughout my visit at Waffle House, my waitress seemed to be agitated by my presence. Nonetheless, I left her a 100% tip. She could have easily kept the $10 bill, and nobody would have been the wiser.
After paying for my salad and tea, I grabbed my gear and headed to the I20 on-ramp. I stood there about 45 minutes, when a truck driver pulled over and offered me a ride. He was a veteran of the Marine Corps.
We talked about the bullshit- and the dumb asses- that plague the military. After exchanging our experiences in the military, he dropped me off at a truck stop just West of Monroe, LA.
Several Bossier City cops drove through the busy intersection while I was standing there, however I never had any issues with them.
After standing there less than thirty minutes, a lady in a small red car stopped and offered me a ride. She informed me she doesn't typically stop for hitchhikers, but something about me made it seem it was the right thing to do.
She drove about eleven miles, before taking the Haughton, LA exit and dropping me off in front of a Waffle House. After exchanging emails, I went into Waffle House and ordered a small salad and iced tea. While I was sitting there, a middle aged lady pulled up outside. She got out of her car, walked over to the passenger side, and helped an elderly lady out of the car. The elderly lady was having a great deal of difficulty with mobility, so I jumped up and held the door open for the women. After they came in, I went back to my meal.
As I was finishing my meal, another lady was paying for her meal. She went back to her table after paying, then left the restaurant. A few seconds later, the waitress came to my table and announced one of the customers wanted me to have something. She held out her hand, and I took a $10 bill. I looked back up to the waitress and asked her to thank the person who gave me this. She sighed, rolled her eyes, and walked away.
Throughout my visit at Waffle House, my waitress seemed to be agitated by my presence. Nonetheless, I left her a 100% tip. She could have easily kept the $10 bill, and nobody would have been the wiser.
After paying for my salad and tea, I grabbed my gear and headed to the I20 on-ramp. I stood there about 45 minutes, when a truck driver pulled over and offered me a ride. He was a veteran of the Marine Corps.
We talked about the bullshit- and the dumb asses- that plague the military. After exchanging our experiences in the military, he dropped me off at a truck stop just West of Monroe, LA.
32.509755,-92.19246
NOTHIN' TO DO WITH MARILYN, BUT IT'LL DO
After being dropped off, I went into the truck stop to cool off and use the free wi-fi. I bought a bottled water and sat down to update my status, upload some more pictures, and look at the map. After looking at the map, I left the truck stop.
I wanted to see if I could squeeze another ride out of this day. I stood at the on-ramp for a couple hours, when a car full of young people stopped beside me. They obviously couldn't give me a ride, but the passenger told me he was also a vet. He was discharged because of an injury. After talking a few minutes, he handed me a $5 bill and wished me luck.
I stood at the on-ramp another thirty minutes, when another man pulled over and offered me a ride to the next exit. I ended up turning down the ride; I didn't want to get stuck in the city limits overnight.
Shortly after that, I decided to set up camp. I walked over to a field, and found a spot under some trees.
After being dropped off, I went into the truck stop to cool off and use the free wi-fi. I bought a bottled water and sat down to update my status, upload some more pictures, and look at the map. After looking at the map, I left the truck stop.
I wanted to see if I could squeeze another ride out of this day. I stood at the on-ramp for a couple hours, when a car full of young people stopped beside me. They obviously couldn't give me a ride, but the passenger told me he was also a vet. He was discharged because of an injury. After talking a few minutes, he handed me a $5 bill and wished me luck.
I stood at the on-ramp another thirty minutes, when another man pulled over and offered me a ride to the next exit. I ended up turning down the ride; I didn't want to get stuck in the city limits overnight.
Shortly after that, I decided to set up camp. I walked over to a field, and found a spot under some trees.
32.509755,-92.19246
I sat there for awhile, writing in my journal. After I caught up with my writing, I decided to go into the town and walk around. I crossed I20 and headed to the main street. I could feel the towns vibe, and it wasn't bad. After walking about two miles, I went into a convenience store and bought a cheap pack of smokes.
After leaving the store, I decided I had left my gear unattended long enough, and I started back toward my camp site. While walking back, I stopped in a McDonalds to use the restroom and check my messages with the free wi-fi. After wiping the sweat off, I left the McDonalds and walked back over to my gear.
After leaving the store, I decided I had left my gear unattended long enough, and I started back toward my camp site. While walking back, I stopped in a McDonalds to use the restroom and check my messages with the free wi-fi. After wiping the sweat off, I left the McDonalds and walked back over to my gear.
32.509755,-92.19246
By now, the sun was beginning to set, giving me a nice view to end the day with. I put some more words into my journal with the last of the days light.
I was feeling rather safe at my location, so I walked over to the truck stop and bought me a beer. I walked over to my campsite, waited until there was no more light from the waning sun, and drank my beer. About fifteen minutes after I finished my beer, I was sleeping.
NO GAS, 'JIGGERBOOS', AND A BUS TICKET
I awoke early the next morning. I was feeling fresh and rested for the first time while on the road. I packed my gear, headed over to the truck stop, and bought a coffee and a muffin. I sat down inside the truck stop, used the wi-fi, and drank my coffee. After I finished my coffee, I grabbed my gear, refilled my coffee, and walked over to the on-ramp.
I stood at the on-ramp about two hours, when I noticed a van pull up in front of the truck stop. A man got out of his van, and started half-ass pushing his van. I walked over and offered a helping hand. After I started helping him push, another man came to help. The three of us pushed his van to the pumps, while his wife steered the van. He asked if I had any money for gas, and told him I had some change, but it wasn't more than a couple dollars.
After we got him to the pump, I walked over to my gear and grabbed my change box. I walked back over to the man, and gave him my change. I asked him which direction he was going, and he said East. I told him I was hitchhiking in the same direction.
I asked, "How far are you going?"
"Georgia," he replied.
"No kidding, I'm headed to North Carolina," I said.
He talked a few more minutes about his woes, and I excused myself. I walked back over to my gear, and started thumbing it again. About an hour and a half passed by, and the man who ran out of gas passed me at the on-ramp. He, and his wife, waived and smiled while passing. I chuckled at their selfishness.
About thirty minutes later, a man pulled over and offered me a ride. Once I got into the brand new Jeep Cherokee, we exchanged names, and talked about our respective military backgrounds. Both men, in there 60's, were Navy veterans. They offered to give me a ride to the other side of Monroe, LA. I gladly accepted.
On the way, the man driving declared he was picking up a friend from the bus station, and would need to make a detour. While driving through the area of town the Greyhound station was in, these two men started going off on racist rants. They were getting pissed at all the 'jiggerboos' for doing seemingly mundane things; waiting in traffic, sitting in a chair, having a bar-b-q pit in the yard. It was glaringly obvious, the only thing these black people could have done, to please these old white men, was to die en masse.
We eventually made it to the bus station. When we got there, the driver announced he was going to buy me a bus ticket to Jackson, MS. I was awe struck at the contrast between his kindness toward me, and his all encompassing hatred toward an entire group of people. Nonetheless, I gratefully accepted his offer. We walked into the bus station, and he purchased the $47.50 bus ticket with three $20 bills. When he was given the change, he handed me the remaining $12.50 and wished me luck.
I DIDN'T REALIZE MARILYN WAS A POTHEAD
We arrived at the bus station around noon, and my bus wasn't scheduled to leave until 3:30pm. I secured my pack at the greyhound station, and decided to find an internet connection and something to eat. I walked out the front door and asked a man if he knew where a McDonalds was. He said the nearest McDonalds is about two miles away, but there is a Burger King on the other side of the highway. He pointed it out for me, and I thanked him. As I started walking in that direction, he offered to give me a ride over to the Burger King. I accepted the ride. When we arrived a few short minutes later, he asked if I had $0.75 so he could buy a cigarillo. This was his way of letting me know he was selling some weed. I gave him a dollar and left.
I ordered, and paid for, my meal. While eating, I used the wi-fi to get a better idea of where I was, and to see exactly where the Jackson, MS bus station is. After studying the map of Jackson, I headed back to the bus station.
When I arrived at the bus station, I learned my bus was running an hour and a half late. I decided to wait for my bus outside; the constant dribble coming from the television was annoying me. I grabbed my gear and sat at some benches near where the buses come and go. While sitting there, another man came and sat near me. We started talking about the hustles of life, and shared our common experiences.
He explained how he would put on an apron from Burger King, where he used to have a job, and hustle people for money. He would go to different places with the apron on and declare '...I don't want to look like a bum, but I ran out of gas on my way home from work and...'. I started to look at his method/hustle, and compare it to my own situation. I realized what he was doing was similar to what I was doing.
Later, he announced he had some weed. I told him I would buy a joint for $3. He agreed, and when most of the people left, we made our exchange. He looked me in the eye and asked if that was good. I told him it wasn't enough, and he threw in a couple more nugs. About ten minutes passed, and he pulled out a joint he rolled from a paper I gave him. I asked if he would smoke me out, and he said yes.
SORRY MISS JACKSON...
Finally, my bus arrived a few minutes shy of 5:00pm. Thoroughly high, and ready to get down the road, I loaded my pack onto the undercarriage, and boarded the bus.
The bus ride was pleasant. I ended up sharing a seat with a man who didn't speak much English. I was able to learn he was traveling from California to New York. He didn't display any further interest in talking, and I decided not to bother him.
I was feeling rather safe at my location, so I walked over to the truck stop and bought me a beer. I walked over to my campsite, waited until there was no more light from the waning sun, and drank my beer. About fifteen minutes after I finished my beer, I was sleeping.
NO GAS, 'JIGGERBOOS', AND A BUS TICKET
I awoke early the next morning. I was feeling fresh and rested for the first time while on the road. I packed my gear, headed over to the truck stop, and bought a coffee and a muffin. I sat down inside the truck stop, used the wi-fi, and drank my coffee. After I finished my coffee, I grabbed my gear, refilled my coffee, and walked over to the on-ramp.
I stood at the on-ramp about two hours, when I noticed a van pull up in front of the truck stop. A man got out of his van, and started half-ass pushing his van. I walked over and offered a helping hand. After I started helping him push, another man came to help. The three of us pushed his van to the pumps, while his wife steered the van. He asked if I had any money for gas, and told him I had some change, but it wasn't more than a couple dollars.
After we got him to the pump, I walked over to my gear and grabbed my change box. I walked back over to the man, and gave him my change. I asked him which direction he was going, and he said East. I told him I was hitchhiking in the same direction.
I asked, "How far are you going?"
"Georgia," he replied.
"No kidding, I'm headed to North Carolina," I said.
He talked a few more minutes about his woes, and I excused myself. I walked back over to my gear, and started thumbing it again. About an hour and a half passed by, and the man who ran out of gas passed me at the on-ramp. He, and his wife, waived and smiled while passing. I chuckled at their selfishness.
About thirty minutes later, a man pulled over and offered me a ride. Once I got into the brand new Jeep Cherokee, we exchanged names, and talked about our respective military backgrounds. Both men, in there 60's, were Navy veterans. They offered to give me a ride to the other side of Monroe, LA. I gladly accepted.
On the way, the man driving declared he was picking up a friend from the bus station, and would need to make a detour. While driving through the area of town the Greyhound station was in, these two men started going off on racist rants. They were getting pissed at all the 'jiggerboos' for doing seemingly mundane things; waiting in traffic, sitting in a chair, having a bar-b-q pit in the yard. It was glaringly obvious, the only thing these black people could have done, to please these old white men, was to die en masse.
We eventually made it to the bus station. When we got there, the driver announced he was going to buy me a bus ticket to Jackson, MS. I was awe struck at the contrast between his kindness toward me, and his all encompassing hatred toward an entire group of people. Nonetheless, I gratefully accepted his offer. We walked into the bus station, and he purchased the $47.50 bus ticket with three $20 bills. When he was given the change, he handed me the remaining $12.50 and wished me luck.
I DIDN'T REALIZE MARILYN WAS A POTHEAD
We arrived at the bus station around noon, and my bus wasn't scheduled to leave until 3:30pm. I secured my pack at the greyhound station, and decided to find an internet connection and something to eat. I walked out the front door and asked a man if he knew where a McDonalds was. He said the nearest McDonalds is about two miles away, but there is a Burger King on the other side of the highway. He pointed it out for me, and I thanked him. As I started walking in that direction, he offered to give me a ride over to the Burger King. I accepted the ride. When we arrived a few short minutes later, he asked if I had $0.75 so he could buy a cigarillo. This was his way of letting me know he was selling some weed. I gave him a dollar and left.
I ordered, and paid for, my meal. While eating, I used the wi-fi to get a better idea of where I was, and to see exactly where the Jackson, MS bus station is. After studying the map of Jackson, I headed back to the bus station.
When I arrived at the bus station, I learned my bus was running an hour and a half late. I decided to wait for my bus outside; the constant dribble coming from the television was annoying me. I grabbed my gear and sat at some benches near where the buses come and go. While sitting there, another man came and sat near me. We started talking about the hustles of life, and shared our common experiences.
He explained how he would put on an apron from Burger King, where he used to have a job, and hustle people for money. He would go to different places with the apron on and declare '...I don't want to look like a bum, but I ran out of gas on my way home from work and...'. I started to look at his method/hustle, and compare it to my own situation. I realized what he was doing was similar to what I was doing.
Later, he announced he had some weed. I told him I would buy a joint for $3. He agreed, and when most of the people left, we made our exchange. He looked me in the eye and asked if that was good. I told him it wasn't enough, and he threw in a couple more nugs. About ten minutes passed, and he pulled out a joint he rolled from a paper I gave him. I asked if he would smoke me out, and he said yes.
SORRY MISS JACKSON...
Finally, my bus arrived a few minutes shy of 5:00pm. Thoroughly high, and ready to get down the road, I loaded my pack onto the undercarriage, and boarded the bus.
The bus ride was pleasant. I ended up sharing a seat with a man who didn't speak much English. I was able to learn he was traveling from California to New York. He didn't display any further interest in talking, and I decided not to bother him.
32.301463,-90.190942
We arrived in downtown Jackson, MS shortly after 7:00pm. I dismounted the bus, grabbed my gear, and headed for the exit. I walked out the front door and sat down on a bench. I sat there, smoking a cigarette, when a man pulled up in front of me. He engaged me in a conversation, and I approached his Lincoln Towncar. After talking to him a few moments, I realized he was gay.
He asked me where I was headed, and I told him either North to Memphis, or East to Birmingham. He mentioned he was headed North, to about the halfway point between Jackson and Memphis.
He said, "I can give you a ride, and we can be together."
I responded, " I can definitely use the ride, but I'm not trying to be with you."
With an obviously faked expression of bewilderment, he replied, "No, no. I didn't mean anything like that. What did you think I meant?"
Amused, I said, "You know exactly what I'm thinking."
He said he wanted to hear me say what I was thinking, so I told him, "I'm not gay."
Faking offense, he replied, "That's not what I meant. Are you going to be around in about an hour? That's when I'm headed North."
I answered, "Maybe."
He left after saying he would stop back by later. As soon as he pulled off, I grabbed my gear and headed Southeast, toward the two freeways that would get me out of town.
He asked me where I was headed, and I told him either North to Memphis, or East to Birmingham. He mentioned he was headed North, to about the halfway point between Jackson and Memphis.
He said, "I can give you a ride, and we can be together."
I responded, " I can definitely use the ride, but I'm not trying to be with you."
With an obviously faked expression of bewilderment, he replied, "No, no. I didn't mean anything like that. What did you think I meant?"
Amused, I said, "You know exactly what I'm thinking."
He said he wanted to hear me say what I was thinking, so I told him, "I'm not gay."
Faking offense, he replied, "That's not what I meant. Are you going to be around in about an hour? That's when I'm headed North."
I answered, "Maybe."
He left after saying he would stop back by later. As soon as he pulled off, I grabbed my gear and headed Southeast, toward the two freeways that would get me out of town.
32.299827,-90.184623
There was an off-and-on drizzle, so I covered my pack with my rain parka. It was starting to get late, and I had no idea where I was going to rest for the evening. While heading toward the freeways, I found myself walking through the heart of downtown Jackson. The ground was wet, and the street lights were reflecting a mosaic of colors and flashes. The streets were mostly deserted, which I found odd for a Saturday night.
Occasionally, a cop would drive by, but none ever seem to take notice of my presence. I stopped briefly, under a Metro bus stop, to hide from the rain. Once the rain subsided, I started walking again. When I crossed the street, I saw a clock tower a few blocks away. I took a picture, and noted the time; it was already after 8:00pm.
Occasionally, a cop would drive by, but none ever seem to take notice of my presence. I stopped briefly, under a Metro bus stop, to hide from the rain. Once the rain subsided, I started walking again. When I crossed the street, I saw a clock tower a few blocks away. I took a picture, and noted the time; it was already after 8:00pm.
32.299639,-90.18289
I turned around to look behind me. I was on a one-way street, and I was still weary of the cops, especially since I still had a joint in my pocket. When I turned around, I saw another opportunity for a good picture. I pulled out my phone, and snapped another picture.
I walked another couple of blocks, dodging the rain when necessary. At this point, I am traveling mostly blind. I know which direction I am traveling, but I have no idea which streets will take me to where I wish to go.
I pulled out my compass to reorient myself. After getting my bearings, I walked East.
I walked another couple of blocks, dodging the rain when necessary. At this point, I am traveling mostly blind. I know which direction I am traveling, but I have no idea which streets will take me to where I wish to go.
I pulled out my compass to reorient myself. After getting my bearings, I walked East.
32.299548,-90.181688
As I walked East, I began approaching the State Capitol Museum building. I waited for the traffic to pass, and the traffic signal to change in my favor, and I took my last picture of Jackson, MS.
I headed East, toward the Capitol building, and ended up on State Street. I turned South, onto State Street. I figured, if any road is going to intersect the freeway, this one will. I was right.
After about two hours of wandering through downtown Jackson, I finally found I20. I had seen almost no traffic on the road I was walking on, so I decided to camp out under the I20 overpass.
GOODBYE MISS JACKSON
I awoke early, the next morning. I didn't get much rest the night before. I didn't have the same feelings of security as I had the previous night in Monroe, LA. Nonetheless, I packed up my gear, rolled the joint, and sat there a moment.
After getting my mind right, I started walking South on the same road as last night. Perhaps as a case of providence, I just happened to pick the perfect spot for my camp site. Less than a quarter mile away from the I20 overpass was a truck stop. I went inside to change my clothes, take another baby wipe bath, and shave. After I was done fluffing myself, I bought a coffee, and stood outside the truckers entrance. I stood there, sipping my coffee and charging my phones, for about two hours.
A man in his late 40's, or early 50's, approached me and asked me some questions about my travels. He ended up offering me a ride, and I accepted. I packed up my gear and waited for him to exit the truck stop.
Once we got on the road, he told me he was headed all the way to South Carolina; about two miles South of the North Carolina border.
I headed East, toward the Capitol building, and ended up on State Street. I turned South, onto State Street. I figured, if any road is going to intersect the freeway, this one will. I was right.
After about two hours of wandering through downtown Jackson, I finally found I20. I had seen almost no traffic on the road I was walking on, so I decided to camp out under the I20 overpass.
GOODBYE MISS JACKSON
I awoke early, the next morning. I didn't get much rest the night before. I didn't have the same feelings of security as I had the previous night in Monroe, LA. Nonetheless, I packed up my gear, rolled the joint, and sat there a moment.
After getting my mind right, I started walking South on the same road as last night. Perhaps as a case of providence, I just happened to pick the perfect spot for my camp site. Less than a quarter mile away from the I20 overpass was a truck stop. I went inside to change my clothes, take another baby wipe bath, and shave. After I was done fluffing myself, I bought a coffee, and stood outside the truckers entrance. I stood there, sipping my coffee and charging my phones, for about two hours.
A man in his late 40's, or early 50's, approached me and asked me some questions about my travels. He ended up offering me a ride, and I accepted. I packed up my gear and waited for him to exit the truck stop.
Once we got on the road, he told me he was headed all the way to South Carolina; about two miles South of the North Carolina border.