The Great American Journey

The Great American Journey is the story of three West Coast women who decided to make a difference in the world by walking and praying their way across the country after the devastating terrorist attacks of 9/11. From Washington State to the Florida Keys they passed through fifteen states, following country roads and made friends in countless towns and villages.

Be sure to check out the book. It’s written in short paragraphs and short chapters for easy reading.  The book will have you in its grip as you read the stories of different people across America. Sometimes you’ll cry over a story, and other times you’ll laugh. This book has humor, suspense, drama, and historical information. 

If you have yet to read this wonderful story we invite you to purchase a copy. The price is a bargain with the number of stories and pictures in this book (44 pages of full color pictures).

In 2008 Lyn walked the East Coast from Florida to Maine continuing to pray for the nation.  The opportunities to pray with people were numerous, and always accepted with grateful hearts.  She again met so many wonderful people, and had incredible experiences along the way.  See the daily journals from one year ago from now through October when the walk ended last year. These are being put up again every few days. Enjoy.

To Have Lyn speak - - -

If you are interested in having Lyn share with your group through slides, speaking, and music, call (805) 239-3262 or (805)610-0274; or e-mail  lynshfm@juno.com    Lyn has a variety of presentations - these are all patriotic in content, and can be geared to fit your particular group’s needs.  She tells  the stories of people and experiences along the way,  and of God’s love, protection, and miraculous provision. 

Prayer is at the center of each presentation - something that was accepted and welcomed by all she met in every part of the country.  She also challenges her audiences to pray, and to seek ways they can make a difference in their community.  Do you have a particular theme you’d like Lyn to speak to? She can fit almost any theme to her presentations. 

GAP WALK JOURNALS - IV

Friday June 6, 2008    Day 92    3.0  miles

Total North Carolina miles - 133.2    Walking Days - 42

Washington D.C. miles - 3.0

Accumulative miles 608.2

A full and busy day, but very good. I was overtired last night when I went to bed, so I had a hard time going to sleep. Then I slept until 7 am - almost unheard of for me. Of course, it was 2 am at least before I went to sleep.

We finally had our breakfast, and then prepared to go to Washington. With lunches packed, bottles of water handed out, walking shoes on, we were now ready to head to the car. With five of us we rode in the car with Lois (she has Alyce-Kay’s car, Ferdinand). Lois is a very good driver - although she did get a speeding ticket the other day on her way back here (told with her permission).

Our metro routine is down pretty good now. We know where to park, how to get our tickets from the vending machine (it’s easier than the vending machines for CalTrain in the San Jose/San Francisco area), and where to wait for the orange line into the city.

Getting off at the Rosslyn station we transferred to the blue line and got off at the Arlington Cemetery station.  Once out of the station we stopped for a time of prayer, then we began walking toward the Arlington Memorial Bridge which crosses over the Potomac River. However, it was now time for lunch and we spotted a nice bench in the shade, so we sat and ate. Then we walked across the bridge into Washington - this actually is counting as part of my walk into and through Washington D.C.

The first place we visited was the Lincoln Memorial where we took lots of pictures, and looked around for quite awhile. The kids each chose souvenirs from the Memorial store to remind them of this experience. We then prayed on the Memorial steps, then continued to the Viet Nam Memorial.

At this next Memorial we had the name of a friend of Jesse, my son-in-law, who had been killed in this war. After locating it, Kitty did a rubbing of it (she had brought tracing paper and pencils especially for that purpose), and we took pictures as well. This Memorial was very crowded. I prayed as we walked alongside the wall of names.

Our next stop - cold drinks and ice cream at a stand along the path to the next Memorial. We sat on benches while we enjoyed the cool refreshment on this very hot, humid day, and watched ducks and geese swimming in one of the many ponds. There were many young ducks and geese with their parents swimming in very yucky water, diving for treats, and scurrying about.

Next stop - the beautiful World War II Memorial. This is a huge pond with a fountain at each end, and surrounded by pillars and wreaths for each state and territory of the U.S.  We spent quite a bit of time here taking pictures and praying silently (it was difficult to get us all together here).

It was getting late and we were all tired, so we headed for the closest metro station at the Smithsonian Museum. Then from the metro station at the other end we enjoyed the car ride back to the hotel with Lois driving. We stopped at Trader Joes for a few things (this is the first one I’ve seen since leaving the west coast) then on to the hotel. As we rode along we talked about the different things we saw today. I think we all liked the World War II Memorial a lot - that’s a must for all who come to Washington D C.

Back in our hotel I worked on my journal some while Lois and Kitty fixed dinner. Then while we ate we watched “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” I don’t think any of us stayed awake for the whole thing, but we all saw enough of it to get the idea of the story.

The one thing I saw in this story that excited me was when Jeff Smith first arrived in Washington as a newly appointed senator he was so taken with the sights and history of the city that he completely forgot why he was there, and went out on a tour. Oh that our men and women serving our nation in this city now would have that awe that Jeff Smith felt. If all who come here had the deep respect for our nation’s history that Mr. Smith had, what a difference that would make.

With the movie over we quickly headed to bed.

GAP WALK JOURNALS - IV

Thursday June 5, 2008    Day 91    0.0  miles

Total North Carolina miles - 133.2    Walking Days - 41

Accumulative miles 605.2

We got a late start today - it’s kind of a vicious cycle - late nights of visiting with people, too tired to start early - late start in the morning - not getting my journal done at night because I’m too tired to think, so I have to do it in the morning, etc. etc.

In spite of the late start it was a great day. We went into the city and had lunch at an international food court. Then we got back on the metro and went to Arlington National Cemetery. The tour was about an hour and a half or more, and we were able to get off at the Kennedy eternal flame site, and the Tomb of the Unknowns (no longer the Unknown Soldier in order to be more inclusive of all the services).  The changing of the guard was an impressive ceremony, then we also got to watch a couple of wreath laying ceremonies there by two different school groups. This was even more impressive than the changing of the guard. What an honor for the four students from each of these schools who participated.

Lois drove back today, and took the metro to meet us at Arlington Visitors Center when we finished the tour. The kids went into the gift shop and purchased some souvenirs (very good choices) while Dave and I sat and rested. Then I noticed a man pushing his wife in a wheelchair. His shirt talked of their church and love for God. I can’t remember just what it said now, but I knew who they served by the shirt. Naturally I went over and talked with them, and he told me there was a long story to go with the shirt. I told him I had a few minutes, so he told me the amazing story of their 9-month old church (I think that is the right age) and the reach-out ministry they have in Kentucky. A large group of them came to Washington DC together to tour and pray.

Nick and Nancy were delightful people, and we parted with the assurance that we would be praying for each other. We also parted knowing that our encounter was ordained by God and not just a coincidence - another one of those God-incidences that I love.
As we walked to the metro station the five of us stopped to pray - especially for our men and women in the military. How awesome it is to pray in this city with my husband and grandchildren. What a joy, a privilege, and an honor.

We took the metro back to our cars. Kitty rode with Lois, and JonMichael rode with Dave and me. Then we left Lady Mag at a parking lot part way back to the hotel in order to ride on together to my nephew’s place for dinner. Dale was still at work when we arrived at about 7:45, but we enjoyed a picnic dinner with Diane and Bethany at a picnic table outside their place in a joint park area. What a beautiful time of the evening - nice and cool after a very hot, humid day.

Then we visited inside until Dale came home, and had some time with him. We were all very tired, and finally had to say good-night. Lois took us back to Lady Mag, then Dave and I stopped for gas for the poor girl (she was getting pretty low). Back at the hotel Dave and I moved our stuff to our other room, and Lois is the adult in the room with Kitty and JonMichael now. It’s a good set-up for all of us.

And since I’m writing this on Friday morning, it is now time for us to eat some breakfast and head out on another day in Washington DC.

GAP WALK JOURNALS - IV

Wednesday June 4, 2008    Day 90    0.0  miles

Total North Carolina miles - 133.2    Walking Days - 41

Accumulative miles 605.2

Today Kitty, JonMichael, and I took the metro into Washington. On our way to the metro we prayed for our day, and for our nation. At the metro station we purchased our tickets for the day and boarded.

When we arrived we walked first to the place where Lincoln died. After talking with the docent in charge, and finding out we could take pictures we went on into the room where he died. After taking the pictures we wanted and reading the information we continued on.

We stopped at a nice souvenir shop to get a few things, then continued on.

A little further down the road we boarded our tour bus (we had two-day tickets and could get on and off) and got off near the Treasury Building. Then we walked to the Washington monument. As we walked we prayed for the country and for the leaders of our nation.

After crossing the street to the monument I spotted six men waiting at the light to walk across the other direction. I noticed their shirts said something about prayer, and cornerstone, and had a cross. Obviously I had to talk with them. It turned out to be a delightful, God ordained encounter. These men are motorcycling around the four corners of the nation praying. They heard God’s call to pray in this way, and responded by going.

We talked for awhile, exchanged information, and had a lady walking by take our pictures together. What a privilege and a joy to meet these men.

I believe God calls each of us to pray for our nation, but some He calls to pray in specific and unique ways. We all need to respond to the call to pray, and if God is calling you to pray in some different place or way, please respond positively. Like Esther you were raised up for such a time as this. Don’t ignore the call or say no. Our nation’s life may depend on your response. Let’s all be faithful to close the gap in the wall - to stand before God in the gap on behalf of the land so He will not have to destroy it. - Ezekiel 22:30 “I looked for a man among them to build up the wall and stand before Me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.”  - Those words, “but I found none” haunt me daily. I don’t want that to be the case here.

He doesn’t call us all to go out and walk all over the U.S., or to ride motorcycles to the four corners of the nation, but He does call us all to pray. Do your part.

With our time running out to get back to the metro we decided we better start back that direction. At an ice cream stand we stopped for treats - I chose to wait for a McDonald’s hot fudge sundae back by the metro station. Kitty and JonMichael chose ice cream and pretzels at the stand, then they got drinks to have while I enjoyed my hot fudge.

We boarded the metro back to West Falls Church. Now we were a little early, so we figured we’d have time to go back to the hotel to freshen up before going to the airport to get Dave. However, the sky was now looking dark and mean, and soon the wind and the rain started - buckets of it. That slowed traffic down to a crawl with visibility at a very low level and windshield wipers going at full speed. The car in front of me moved to the left suddenly to reveal a branch in the road. After getting around it I decided that maybe we better just head for the airport.

The signal lights were out at the intersections and everyone was being cautious. We stopped at a service station for restrooms, but that was out of the question with the power off, so on we went to the airport. There were branches everywhere on this next road, and one car had been pretty badly smashed by a large branch. Thank you, Lord, for your protection over us.

We finally arrived at Dulles International Airport - we had been praying that Dave’s plane would be able to land ok. The storm had stopped by the time we got to the airport, and in our route to the cell phone waiting area we spotted a service station with a convenience store near the car rental section. It was VERY busy, but we were finally able to get a parking spot, and go inside for restrooms and a snack for two hungry kids and their grandmother.

The cell phone waiting area took forever to get to (maybe I’m exaggerating a wee bit) but we finally arrived. At about 4:45 Dave called to let me know they were on the ground. He would call me again after he got to his luggage. That was another forty-five minutes. Then, at last, we drove up to door 6 where he told us he was waiting. I was so excited to see him! Together at last - it’s been almost four months.

We got his stuff into the van - he was properly impressed with my choice of the new van - Lady Mag. I drove out of the airport and we were off to find the Wal-Mart near the hotel. Drinking water was high on my list, and we had a few other items we needed. Then back to the hotel.

The sky was darkening again, and soon after we got inside the sky opened up once more. Turning on the TV we saw we were in the midst of a tornado warning. A tornado watch means “wait and see,” while a warning is a little more certain that a tornado will hit somewhere. We were not in the imminent danger area, but a cluster of tornados were likely to hit south of us several miles sometime soon. One or two had already been spotted touching down someplace in that area.

Finally, knowing that we were in no immediate danger, Kitty and I headed downstairs to do laundry. There we met another lady, Lynn, who is staying at the hotel with her family (this is an extended stay hotel) due to a fire that destroyed 85% of their home -  two dogs, two children, and the parents are all here. Her son was at a sports activity, and she got a call while we were together, saying that he may have broken his ankle. She had to go get him.

We talked again when she came back. She doesn’t think it’s broken, but will get it checked tomorrow. When we parted, it was with a promise to pray for each other. Lynn is an active Christian who has a great perspective of God’s working - even through house fires. As you read this I hope you’ll take time to say a prayer for this family who was very suddenly displaced by that fire.

With the laundry done we went back to the room to take care of other things that needed doing before bed. With the tornado warnings and rain and heavy hail predicted south of us I called Lois, who was on her way back to join us,  to strongly encourage her to be cautious, and to take cover for the night if it seemed at all threatening where she was driving. She called back a little later to say she had decided to stay with friends for the night and get an early start in the morning. We were all greatly relieved that she decided to do that.

Well that’s it for tonight.

GAP WALK JOURNALS - IV

Tuesday June 3, 2008    Day 89    0.0  miles

Total North Carolina miles - 133.2    Walking Days - 41

Accumulative miles 605.2

This morning we got kind of a late start. After getting little sleep, we got up tired and tried to get ready for the day. We had to figure out what we were going to do, so I looked over the brochures that Lois got in the laundry room last night. We decided to take the Open Top Tour to get the overview of the city. This is the kind where you can get on and off at different stops, but first we wanted to take the full two hour tour.

We met Alyce-Kay at the metro station, but soon realized that if she went with us she would just have to turn around and go back because she had to work at 4 pm. Everything takes a long time here.

So Lois and Kitty and JonMichael and I went on the metro to downtown Washington D.C.  We ate our lunch when we got down there, then we got on the Open Top Bus and started our tour. It was a good overview, and we all had fun. We took a lot of pictures, but many of them were snapped pretty quick as we drove by, so not sure just what we got.

It turned out that Alyce-Kay was going to have to go back home to do her work, cause it just wasn’t working out here. She had thought before they came that she might not be able to stay. Anyway, the kids are staying with me tonight while Lois and A-K go home to Sweetwater, TN, then Lois will come back tomorrow. It was too bad, but that is always a possibility when you’re working this type of job.

JonMichael got sick just as we got back to the hotel tonight. He had been telling us he wasn’t feeling good, but then he lost all he had eaten in the hotel parking lot. So he took a shower and got right to bed. He doesn’t seem to be running a fever. Hopefully he will be well tomorrow.

Well, now it’s time for me to head for bed. We’re hoping to get an earlier start tomorrow, cause we won’t have long in the city otherwise.

GAP WALK JOURNALS - IV

Monday June 2, 2008    Day 88    0.0  miles

Total North Carolina miles - 133.2    Walking Days - 41

Accumulative miles 605.2

I slept until about 6:00 this morning - I was very tired. It felt so good to sleep a little later.

Breakfast was really delicious, and conversation was great. But all too soon I had to go finish packing and loading the van. Once I finished I said good-bye and we had prayer together before I headed out.

I left Bob and Becky’s at about 10:30 and arrived at Diane and Dale’s at about 4:30 pm. It was 263.3 miles to their place, and then another 12.5 miles to the hotel where we’re staying. Alyce-Kay met me at their place.  We visited for awhile with Daniel, Bethany, and Diane. Then Daniel headed to the hotel with us that Alyce-Kay got for us on priceline. Alyce-Kay and Daniel went back to Dale and Diane’s after we ate dinner. A-K is staying over there because she has to work on her medical transcription each day. They have the right setup that she needs for her computer.

Lois, Kitty, and JonMichael and I stayed at the hotel. We watched a little TV while I worked on my computer on the journal and email. And finally to bed.

GAP WALK JOURNALS - IV

Sunday June 1, 2008    Day 87    0.0  miles

Total North Carolina miles - 133.2    Walking Days - 41

Accumulative miles 605.2

I drove Bob and Becky to church this morning in Lady Mag. When we got there I went into the church, stopping by the office to say good-morning to Gene, the pastor. This is my third Sunday here, and I’m beginning to feel pretty much at home. Gene asked if I had gotten a replacement car yet. I told him I had and that she was in the parking lot. He went out with me to see it.

While we were looking at it another family drove up in two cars. The parents were visiting from Illinois. The younger couple, Marty and Amy and their children, I had met. A very nice young family. The parents were a delight also. Linda is going through cancer treatment now, and I’ve added her to my prayer list.

I’ve enjoyed visiting with different ones in this church, and I always enjoy the Sunday School teaching, and then the church service. And every Sunday after church many of the people gather for potluck lunch together. These are always great - lots of good food, and wonderful fellowship.

On the way home we stopped by the local trash collection place to drop off the trash from the potluck. I got the back up ok, but couldn’t get either sliding door open. The guy working there took out the bag (I don’t think they usually do that) for us, and laughed when I told him it was a new car and I didn’t have everything figured out just yet. He was very nice. Then I moved on.

At the house we got stuff in, changed clothes, and I sat down to read the owner’s manual for Lady Mag. I kept falling asleep, and Becky told me to lay down on the couch and take a nap. Of course, the minute I put my head down I was wide awake. So, forget the nap. I got up and went to work loading up the van with the stuff in the garage and that I brought out from my room.

I talked to Dave as I finished it up. There’s still stuff in my room to take out tomorrow, but otherwise, all is in. I had to set it up a little different in Lady Mag than I did in Snow White.

We had BLT’s for dinner, and some more good conversation. Then I went to my room to do the journal, re-pack my bags and get to bed.

GAP WALK JOURNALS - III

Saturday May 31, 2008    Day 86    14.3  miles

Total North Carolina miles - 133.2    Walking Days - 41

Accumulative miles 605.2

Today Becky drove for me, something she really wanted to do before I left. It was important for her and for me, so off we went. We found the spot where I had stopped walking on Monday pretty easily, and I got started.

Becky drove ahead about three miles each time - with some variation - and waited for me. She had brought some hand work
she was working on, and would spend time on that. She was very good at meeting me at strategic places, such as spots where the road forks.

Joni called to see how I was doing, so I told her about Lady Mag. We talked for quite awhile. She was happy to hear me feeling so cheerful after the happenings of the past week.

As I worked my way along 117 Alt. I prayed and sang. After awhile I saw a man ahead of me hitchhiking. As I got close I greeted him, and stopped to talk for awhile. We actually ended up talking quite awhile. His name was Roy. We had some very definite differences of opinion on certain topics, but some goo discussion. I was able to talk to him about not being able to earn our way to heaven, and that there was only one way to heaven, and that would have to be through Jesus Christ having shed His blood on the cross for us. Works are a natural outcome of all this, but they can’t save us. I did get to pray for Roy before we parted.

Meanwhile Becky went to the home of some friends in Dudley. After awhile I saw Becky and five young people walking on the other side of the road coming my direction. There are six kids in this family, and Paul and five of them came out. Faith had to go out someplace. But Hope, Charity, Mercy, Josiah, and Jeremiah did come out. Then a little bit later Paul, their father, came as well.

I had one of them take pictures of Roy and me together, then he got his ride and left. Now I turned my attention to this lovely family. What a delight they were. Paul knew a lot of the history of the area. He told us of the Neuse Indians that used to live in the area, and for which the Neuse River is named. These Indians were quite fierce, and even cannibalistic.

Josiah and Jeremiah asked some good questions about the walk. One of the girls also asked a question or two. They were really fun. I could have spent a lot of time with this family. I would love to do a presentation for them and just let them ask a lot of questions as I go through the program.  I’ve done that with two or three other families, and loved it. They had to get going, so we got some pictures of them, them with me, and them with Becky.

I got started walking again and soon 117 Alt joined 117. This next stretch was very busy, and I had a phone call come in that was very hard to hear. I did have my headset with me, so connected that, and had a little better reception. It was my friend, Chari with a prayer request, which I have down.

Finally 117 went straight and I turned onto Business 117. This was much quieter. It took me through the town of Goldsboro. It was about 3:15 pm when I stopped at the corner of Ash and William streets. I had walked 14.3 miles.

When we got into Becky’s car I called Ray, the tow truck driver to ask about getting another picture of Snow White with my cell phone so I could send it to Dave. He told us where to go, and said he would meet us there. It took us a few tries, and a couple more phone calls before we found where he was. But we did succeed, and I’ve sent those off to Dave now. It was kind of sad to see Snow White again in the condition she’s in.

From there we drove on home to Becky’s, where Bob had dinner ready for us by the time we got out of the showers. Becky had prepared some of it the night before. It was a delicious meal of London Broil, green beans, and potato salad. Bob and Becky make an awesome pair.

After dinner we ate the rest of the Shoo-fly pie and visited. Then I went off to journal and call Dave before going to bed. It was a great day. I really liked having Becky drive for me.

GAP WALK JOURNALS - III

Friday May 30, 2008    Day 85    0.0  miles

Total North Carolina miles - 118.9    Walking Days - 40

Accumulative miles 590.9

This morning we had our breakfast and some good conversation - actually conversation with Bob and Becky is always good. After awhile they went off in one direction to do things while I went to my room to finish my Bible time, and call insurance.

A little later we were all in the kitchen again - this time talking about what I wanted to do about a van. Finally I decided to get the one I liked yesterday if it was still available. I also wanted to take Bob and Becky to lunch since they have done so much for me, and have been such incredible hosts.

We went to a Chinese Buffet that was wonderful - lots of variety. I think we all went back for seconds, and some of us for thirds. I had called Brian at Cox Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep to let him know I wanted the Chrysler Van that I looked at yesterday, so when we arrived at Cox he had stuff ready for me to talk about it, and come to a final agreement on the price.

I was very happy with what we ended up with - and so was Dave when I told him. Either Becky or Bob were with me the whole time to raise questions that I might not think of. I have never done anything like this without Dave before, but felt pretty comfortable about everything. I had prayed about the whole deal a lot too, and Bob and Becky had also. Of course I know Dave was praying, and also many of you have been praying about this since you heard about the death of Snow White. Hopefully all of you know by now that Snow White was the name I had bestowed on the white 2000 Chrysler Town and Country LX with 162,200 plus miles.

Okay, here’s the information on the new van - Her name is Lady Mag - at least tentatively - as dubbed by Becky. She is a 2006 Chrysler Town and Country Touring van with 37,081 miles. Her color - “Magnesium” - thus Lady Mag. Now we would expect magnesium to be a silver or gray or some color like that, but this is more green, or blue depending on the angle you are looking at her from, or if the day is cloudy or sunny.  She really is quite  pretty.

By the way, if you live in North Carolina and want to purchase a car, or if you’re from any other state and want to come to North Carolina to purchase a car, may I recommend Cox Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep to you. They are located at 3700 Raleigh Rd. Parkway West in Wilson, North Carolina. Ask for Brian Harmon, and you must tell him I sent you. I get a reward if you buy a car and tell him I sent you. Now I know that all my California friends will be rushing to North Carolina to purchase a car soon, right???

When we finished with the business end of it - working with Chris on that part - Brian put gas in Lady Mag, and had her ready for me to drive off. I had noticed that just down the street, on the way back to Bob and Becky’s, there was a Starbucks. Of course, I had to celebrate my new purchase with my favorite Starbucks drink. Then I drove on back to Bob and Becky’s. Becky was driving home in their car - the first time she has driven since the accident. We all knew she had to do it soon. They weren’t home yet when I got there, so I assumed she was driving around some to get up her courage again. I went ahead and let Gus, the German Shepherd, out of his pen, and let myself into the house. Bob and Becky came a little later.

Meanwhile I got my laundry started, and got busy on the computer. I want to get things done pretty early tonight so I can get to bed early. I have to get things ready to walk tomorrow. Becky has said she wants (needs) to drive for me one day before I leave, but has requested that we use her car instead of mine, saying she’s not quite ready to drive someone else’s car again just yet. That was fine with me. I know she will be much more comfortable. I told her I have no problem with her driving my car, but I also understand her wanting to drive her own. Anyway, I’m looking forward to a day of walking.

The hummingbirds, the cardinals, and a squirrel have all been busy outside the window as I’ve been working on this. Becky has been fixing dinner for tomorrow night - we’ll probably just snack tonight after such a big lunch.

I’m going to see how my magnets look on Lady Mag while it’s still light, then I’ll put them onto Becky’s car for the drive tomorrow.  And I need to get stuff ready to take for tomorrow’s walk as well.
I need to fold the back seats of Lady Mag into the well beneath so I can load my stuff into the van and have it ready to head north in a few days to join Alyce-Kay, Lois, Kitty, and JonMichael on Monday in Reston, VA. Then Dave comes in on Wednesday, and we’ll spend some time doing the walking in Virginia and Washington D. C. area, and praying a lot in D. C. Later I’ll come back here to finish up North Carolina.

That’s it for now folks - didn’t someone used to say that at the end of some cartoon??

GAP WALK JOURNALS - III

Thursday May 29, 2008    Day 84    0.0  miles

Total North Carolina miles - 118.9    Walking Days - 40

Accumulative miles 590.9

It was a busy day today. After breakfast I headed toward the Master bedroom where Bob and Becky had arranged for me to do my first radio interview for the day. I had two radio interviews by phone today. This first one was at 8:10 am with Family Net in Atlanta, GA. Lorri Allen and Larry Estepa are the hosts, and really did a good interview. They had obviously read the book pretty thoroughly and asked several questions that I’ve never had before.  Both Larry and Lorri were a lot of fun to talk with. This was only a ten minute time, so it went quickly.

Then there were more phone calls to make regarding the van situation and lots of discussion with Bob and Becky. They have been a big help in researching for a new van. Bob printed out a good list from the computer.

Then at 12:10 pm I went back into the Master bedroom to await my next interview, which was to come at 12:15 pm. At 12:14 pm the phone rang and I answered it. To my surprise it was a recorded message for Bob and Becky. I wrote down the basic information, knowing it was just a sales call, then hung up. The phone rang again, and this time it was the call for me. (I did dutifully give Becky her message later.)

For this interview I talked with Lillian Cash of TFC Radio network in Toccoa Falls, GA. This was a thirty minute interview, and Lillian was also quite prepared, having just finished reading the whole book. This too was a fun interview with time to go into a few more stories.

After the interview we had lunch, then Bob and Becky took me into Wilson to look at vans at a couple of places. I test drove a couple. The second one didn’t fit my needs for this journey, but the first one very definitely did, so I got more information on it.

Once we finished there we drove around to several places where Bob and Becky had shopping to do.  I got a couple of things myself that I needed. The shopping took the rest of the afternoon, then it was back to the house to have dinner in a little while. Bob grilled chicken while Becky fixed wild rice and other accompaniments. While they were doing that I was working on some special Memorial Stones that Alyce-Kay wanted.

In case you’re wondering, I am not doing Memorial Stones for this walk. I had originally planned on it, but with me doing pretty much everything this time there just weren’t enough hours in the day to do it all. Many other things are happening differently as well, so  the Memorial Stones were one of the first things to be dropped from the plan when we couldn’t find any in Florida - even at the landscaping places we went to.

Dinner was delicious, with more good conversation. But it had been a long day and I was quite tired, so I headed to bed. Of course, I still had to call Dave and talk with him about the van, and many other things, so it was a bit after 10 pm when I finally turned out my light.