V. THE LONG ROAD
35.156565,-81.478454
AT LEAST THE WEATHER IS NICE
I awoke around 6:30am, feeling a little damp from the overnight dew. I grabbed my towel and wiped the excess moisture from my foam mattress pad.
After rolling up my gear, I headed to the truck stop to wash up, change clothes, and shave. I walked over to the adjoined McDonalds and bought me a cup of coffee. I received several glances of obvious disgust from the McDonalds manager.
When I walked up to the counter, the girl suddenly turned away and rushed to her coworker. In a not so subtle manner, she begged her coworker to take my order. The new girl took my order, gave back my change, and handed me my coffee; all with a smile. I was pleased the other girl was so hesitant to take my order.
I took my gear outside and, with coffee in hand, I set up in front of the truckers entrance.
I awoke around 6:30am, feeling a little damp from the overnight dew. I grabbed my towel and wiped the excess moisture from my foam mattress pad.
After rolling up my gear, I headed to the truck stop to wash up, change clothes, and shave. I walked over to the adjoined McDonalds and bought me a cup of coffee. I received several glances of obvious disgust from the McDonalds manager.
When I walked up to the counter, the girl suddenly turned away and rushed to her coworker. In a not so subtle manner, she begged her coworker to take my order. The new girl took my order, gave back my change, and handed me my coffee; all with a smile. I was pleased the other girl was so hesitant to take my order.
I took my gear outside and, with coffee in hand, I set up in front of the truckers entrance.
35.156565,-81.478454
I set up in the same spot I was booted from, the night before. I made a point to go into McDonalds for as many refills of coffee as I could muster.
About four coffees later, I decided to start walking. It was about 8:00am when I decided to start walking North on I85.
I made sure my signs were tied down, so the wind wouldn't blow them around, and started walking with a full bottled water in my hand.
Before I could make the next exit, two miles ahead, a lady pulled up next to me while I was walking. She had the top down on her Miata, and I could tell she was having good day. She held out a bag from McDonalds and announced she bought me a sausage biscuit.
"I saw you back at the store, but you left before I could catch up to you. You remind me of my son," she told me.
I smiled, and replied, "Thank you for the sandwich. I haven't eaten breakfast yet."
She told me, "I can't give you a ride, I'm actually going the other direction. But here, take these bottled waters."
She handed me a soda, bottled water, and then expressed regret for not being able to give me a ride, or offer me some money.
"Ma'am, you have done plenty for me, today. Thank you for stopping," I reassured her.
I stopped right where I was, and ate my sausage biscuit and took a couple sips from the soda. Soda causes my legs, feet, and hands to cramp within minutes of drinking it. Because of this, I left most of the soda on the side of the road. I hated doing this; I love my soda.
I walked two miles before coming to the next exit. I noticed a sign for Wendy's, and I decided to get some breakfast, more coffee, and use the wi-fi if available. I sat their eating, and sipping my coffee, but no wi-fi was available. I promptly finished my meal, refilled my coffee, and left.
About four coffees later, I decided to start walking. It was about 8:00am when I decided to start walking North on I85.
I made sure my signs were tied down, so the wind wouldn't blow them around, and started walking with a full bottled water in my hand.
Before I could make the next exit, two miles ahead, a lady pulled up next to me while I was walking. She had the top down on her Miata, and I could tell she was having good day. She held out a bag from McDonalds and announced she bought me a sausage biscuit.
"I saw you back at the store, but you left before I could catch up to you. You remind me of my son," she told me.
I smiled, and replied, "Thank you for the sandwich. I haven't eaten breakfast yet."
She told me, "I can't give you a ride, I'm actually going the other direction. But here, take these bottled waters."
She handed me a soda, bottled water, and then expressed regret for not being able to give me a ride, or offer me some money.
"Ma'am, you have done plenty for me, today. Thank you for stopping," I reassured her.
I stopped right where I was, and ate my sausage biscuit and took a couple sips from the soda. Soda causes my legs, feet, and hands to cramp within minutes of drinking it. Because of this, I left most of the soda on the side of the road. I hated doing this; I love my soda.
I walked two miles before coming to the next exit. I noticed a sign for Wendy's, and I decided to get some breakfast, more coffee, and use the wi-fi if available. I sat their eating, and sipping my coffee, but no wi-fi was available. I promptly finished my meal, refilled my coffee, and left.
35.16802,-81.442598
CROSSING ANOTHER IMAGINARY LINE
I took the North Carolina State Line picture at 10:52am on the 16th of July. It's difficult to see in the picture, but under 'Welcome To NORTH CAROLINA' it says 'NATIONS MOST MILITARY FRIENDLY STATE'.
Upon seeing this, I figured I was in safe territory. If I were to find plenty of rides, then surely the most military friendly state would be the place.
I had to walk into the wood line to get rid of some coffee shortly after crossing into the most military friendly state in the nation.
I took the North Carolina State Line picture at 10:52am on the 16th of July. It's difficult to see in the picture, but under 'Welcome To NORTH CAROLINA' it says 'NATIONS MOST MILITARY FRIENDLY STATE'.
Upon seeing this, I figured I was in safe territory. If I were to find plenty of rides, then surely the most military friendly state would be the place.
I had to walk into the wood line to get rid of some coffee shortly after crossing into the most military friendly state in the nation.
35.196782,-81.386379
I came to an overpass, and decided to stop for a rest, water, and a bag of peanuts. After refueling, I grabbed my gear and headed out.
At more than three miles from the Wendy's, I reached North Carolina's Rest Area/ Welcome Center. I stopped to refill my depleted water supply, take a break, and cool off. I walked into the Welcome Center and picked up a free map. After a brief discussion with the attendant about my route, I went back to my gear.
I sat at a picnic table for about ten minutes, studying the map. While I was sitting there, a young couple came to my table and asked if I would mind sharing the table. They sat down and started playing with their cell phones. I finished studying the map, wished the young couple a safe trip, and left.
I walked another 2.7 miles, and came to another truck stop. My feet weren't doing so great from blisters, and some pinched cartilage, so I decided to call it an early day at around 2:30pm. I dropped my gear in front of the truck stop, and went inside to ask for an iced water. The cashier was pleased to allow me to have some iced water.
After rehydrating and cooling off, I decided to stand at the truckers entrance. I grabbed my gear and stood outside the truckers entrance for a few hours, before an older man stopped to talk with me. He stated he would give me a ride, if he was going in the same direction as me. After the introductions and typical questions, he started talking about his real passion; Israel and Palestine. He made some startling declarations about Islam, and informed me that the Muslim god is really Satan. I just simply offered the 'smile-n-nod' response.
As a result of not confronting this man's beliefs, he offered me something to drink. When we returned to outside the truckers entrance, he continued on about the virtues of the Israelites, and the evils of Islam and Palestine. I took it all in stride, offering the occasional expression of fascination. At the end of our conversation he offered some resources for lectures and publications. I accepted, and before he left, he gave me a $10 bill.
I bought a pack of smokes for less than $3, then returned to my spot. About 45 minutes passed and I noticed some thunderheads building up to the North. I stood there a moment, watching the clouds, and realized they were headed straight toward me. A few minutes later, a truck stop employee walked by. I asked her if it would be okay if I waited out the rain inside. She told me as long as I don't bother anybody it would be fine.
I stood outside until the rain came. When the sprinkles started I grabbed my gear and sat at a table in front of the Subway counter. I walked up to the counter and asked the lady for a six inch sandwich. She asked me if I wanted the foot-long, and I informed her I didn't have the money to cover a foot-long. She told me not to worry, made me a foot-long, and then charged me for a six inch sandwich. I thanked her for her kindness, and started eating my sandwich. A couple minutes later, the same lady offered me a free drink.
After eating my sandwich, I sat at the table and watched the rain and the people. As I was gazing in the distance, one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen approached me.
She asked me with a gentle tone, "Are you accepting donations?"
I have never been asked this before, and I wasn't sure how to answer. I replied, "I guess I am."
She held out her hand and said, "It's not much, but here."
I took a small wad of cash from her elegant hand, stuck it in my pocket, and said, "Thank you, very much."
The rain, just as the sandwich, came and went. The ground dried enough, before dusk, to keep me from worrying about getting wet. I chose a spot in back of the truck stop. The only people who could see me were the truck drivers. As I was laying down, one of the truck drivers stopped by and asked if I was okay. He offered some food, and I explained everybody around here has been so generous, I couldn't possibly eat another bite. After thanking him for his consideration, he left and I slept.
At more than three miles from the Wendy's, I reached North Carolina's Rest Area/ Welcome Center. I stopped to refill my depleted water supply, take a break, and cool off. I walked into the Welcome Center and picked up a free map. After a brief discussion with the attendant about my route, I went back to my gear.
I sat at a picnic table for about ten minutes, studying the map. While I was sitting there, a young couple came to my table and asked if I would mind sharing the table. They sat down and started playing with their cell phones. I finished studying the map, wished the young couple a safe trip, and left.
I walked another 2.7 miles, and came to another truck stop. My feet weren't doing so great from blisters, and some pinched cartilage, so I decided to call it an early day at around 2:30pm. I dropped my gear in front of the truck stop, and went inside to ask for an iced water. The cashier was pleased to allow me to have some iced water.
After rehydrating and cooling off, I decided to stand at the truckers entrance. I grabbed my gear and stood outside the truckers entrance for a few hours, before an older man stopped to talk with me. He stated he would give me a ride, if he was going in the same direction as me. After the introductions and typical questions, he started talking about his real passion; Israel and Palestine. He made some startling declarations about Islam, and informed me that the Muslim god is really Satan. I just simply offered the 'smile-n-nod' response.
As a result of not confronting this man's beliefs, he offered me something to drink. When we returned to outside the truckers entrance, he continued on about the virtues of the Israelites, and the evils of Islam and Palestine. I took it all in stride, offering the occasional expression of fascination. At the end of our conversation he offered some resources for lectures and publications. I accepted, and before he left, he gave me a $10 bill.
I bought a pack of smokes for less than $3, then returned to my spot. About 45 minutes passed and I noticed some thunderheads building up to the North. I stood there a moment, watching the clouds, and realized they were headed straight toward me. A few minutes later, a truck stop employee walked by. I asked her if it would be okay if I waited out the rain inside. She told me as long as I don't bother anybody it would be fine.
I stood outside until the rain came. When the sprinkles started I grabbed my gear and sat at a table in front of the Subway counter. I walked up to the counter and asked the lady for a six inch sandwich. She asked me if I wanted the foot-long, and I informed her I didn't have the money to cover a foot-long. She told me not to worry, made me a foot-long, and then charged me for a six inch sandwich. I thanked her for her kindness, and started eating my sandwich. A couple minutes later, the same lady offered me a free drink.
After eating my sandwich, I sat at the table and watched the rain and the people. As I was gazing in the distance, one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen approached me.
She asked me with a gentle tone, "Are you accepting donations?"
I have never been asked this before, and I wasn't sure how to answer. I replied, "I guess I am."
She held out her hand and said, "It's not much, but here."
I took a small wad of cash from her elegant hand, stuck it in my pocket, and said, "Thank you, very much."
The rain, just as the sandwich, came and went. The ground dried enough, before dusk, to keep me from worrying about getting wet. I chose a spot in back of the truck stop. The only people who could see me were the truck drivers. As I was laying down, one of the truck drivers stopped by and asked if I was okay. He offered some food, and I explained everybody around here has been so generous, I couldn't possibly eat another bite. After thanking him for his consideration, he left and I slept.
35.197939,-81.370844
WAKING UP IN THE MOST MILITARY FRIENDLY STATE IN THE NATION
I awoke around 6:15am, and went inside the store to get my coffee. I returned to my gear and packed everything up. With my coffee and gear, I moved over to the truckers entrance. I kept my coffee full for several hours. The truck stop was busy, but all the traffic seemed local.
It was about 10:00am when I decided to start walking. I changed into my boots, secured my board shoes, and refilled my coffee one last time. I made my way to the I85 on-ramp. I decided to try thumbing it from the on-ramp. There wasn't much traffic at this point, so I headed North after about fifteen minutes of standing there.
I awoke around 6:15am, and went inside the store to get my coffee. I returned to my gear and packed everything up. With my coffee and gear, I moved over to the truckers entrance. I kept my coffee full for several hours. The truck stop was busy, but all the traffic seemed local.
It was about 10:00am when I decided to start walking. I changed into my boots, secured my board shoes, and refilled my coffee one last time. I made my way to the I85 on-ramp. I decided to try thumbing it from the on-ramp. There wasn't much traffic at this point, so I headed North after about fifteen minutes of standing there.
35.227783,-81.332998
I hiked along I85 for a couple hours, before coming to an exit for King's Mountain, North Carolina. I took the exit and headed toward a McDonalds for something to eat, and to use the wi-fi.
As I was walking into the McDonalds, an elderly man asked, "Son, how long have you been walking?"
I explained, "Well, I started at Dixon School Road this morning; but, my journey started in Houston."
"Texas!?," he exclaimed.
"Yes, sir," I replied, with a bit of pride.
The old man started shaking his head and walked out.
I walked over to a table with a power outlet nearby, and off-loaded my pack. After digging out my charger, and plugging in my Android, I walked to the counter to order something to eat.
I received my order, and returned to my table. While eating, I uploaded my pictures, updated my status, and planned my route. I decided to try a shortcut. I wasn't having much luck with catching a ride, so I figured 'what the hell'.
I left McDonalds, and headed North on I85. Walking along the shoulder, I took the Highway 29 North exit.
As I was walking into the McDonalds, an elderly man asked, "Son, how long have you been walking?"
I explained, "Well, I started at Dixon School Road this morning; but, my journey started in Houston."
"Texas!?," he exclaimed.
"Yes, sir," I replied, with a bit of pride.
The old man started shaking his head and walked out.
I walked over to a table with a power outlet nearby, and off-loaded my pack. After digging out my charger, and plugging in my Android, I walked to the counter to order something to eat.
I received my order, and returned to my table. While eating, I uploaded my pictures, updated my status, and planned my route. I decided to try a shortcut. I wasn't having much luck with catching a ride, so I figured 'what the hell'.
I left McDonalds, and headed North on I85. Walking along the shoulder, I took the Highway 29 North exit.
35.248949,-81.29451
By now, the sun was out in full force, and I was sucking down my water at a rapid pace. I decided to stop under some shade, at the Gaston County line.
My shirt was drenched with sweat, so I took it off to allow it to dry.
While sitting there, I smoked a couple cigarettes and drank as little water as I could.
I sent out, and responded to, some text messages.
My shirt was drenched with sweat, so I took it off to allow it to dry.
While sitting there, I smoked a couple cigarettes and drank as little water as I could.
I sent out, and responded to, some text messages.
35.248949,-81.29451
Finally, I snapped another picture, and then moved on.
The shortcut I chose, did not have much traffic. Few people took notice of me. One truck, which I would see again, honked and waived while passing me.
A couple miles past the county line, I decided to stop and stick out my thumb. My feet were beginning to express there displeasure with me. I stood at the top of the hill, with my thumb out and waiving at the passers-by, for about twenty minutes.
Eventually, I gave up on the thumb, and started walking again.
The shortcut I chose, did not have much traffic. Few people took notice of me. One truck, which I would see again, honked and waived while passing me.
A couple miles past the county line, I decided to stop and stick out my thumb. My feet were beginning to express there displeasure with me. I stood at the top of the hill, with my thumb out and waiving at the passers-by, for about twenty minutes.
Eventually, I gave up on the thumb, and started walking again.