The Great American Journey

GAP WALK JOURNALS - VI

Monday - August 11,  2008     Day 159   13.8 miles

Total Maine miles - 308.6     Walking Days - 76

Washington D.C. miles - 4.6   Cumulative miles 1314.0

Today was a really neat day even though the mileage is low - but
it was low for a purpose. Our plan was to walk only half of a
day, then stop for lunch, make a couple of important phone
calls, then go to visit some friends of Henrique and Vickie of
California. These are friends that Henrique and Vickie knew in
Brazil - missionaries with New Tribes Missions at that time.

Driving to our start point was mostly in fog, but when we
arrived at our start point we were out of the fog.  The
temperature was perfect for walking.  First we pre-drove the
first portion so we could be sure we would both be on the right
route - or at least on the same route. Then back so I could
start walking.

I really felt good, and was walking with a spring in my step most
of the day. As I started to walk I saw a beautiful great blue heron
lift up from the meadow next to me and fly ahead. I was soon
beside him again, and got my camera ready, but just before I
was ready he flew off again. Oh, well. Better luck next time.

Then I came to my turn from River Road onto Hwy 108. That
led me to my next turn and a construction area. I was able to talk
briefly with the flaggers at both ends - very friendly. Continuing
on I enjoyed waving to people and seeing some beautiful scenes.
The sky remained overcast, but no rain, just great temperatures
continuing.

I was now walking on Hwy 219, but soon turned onto 117. This
one had a long stretch of gradual uphill, but what a view at the
top. I could look out and see a valley below me, then beyond
that were mountain ranges. It was a beautiful sight, but also a
reminder that I am not done with the uphill/downhill stretches
yet.

Along Highway 117 were long stone walls, beautifully built.
They gracefully bordered farmland and homes, sometimes
bordered with gorgeous flowers. One place had an old wagon
bed filled with flowers. I took quite a few pictures as I walked
today, then my feet seemed to fairly fly off to the next place.

Meanwhile, Norma was enjoying some non-rain time herself as
she stopped at a few cemeteries to wander among the old
tombstones. This is something she has been wanting to do all
week.

Down the road I was looking for my next turn, Upper Road.  I
saw a road that went almost straight up ahead of me, but no
name, so I studied the map, and couldn’t really tell for sure if
that was the road or not. I decided to turn with 117, and
followed it past an alpaca farm where I got some pictures of
them with one fairly young one prancing about.  It was really
cute. Norma came up while I was taking pictures, and stopped to
take some pictures herself.

Then on to the town of Turner. Norma was waiting for me there.
She asked me if we had missed a turn, and showed me the map
that was marked for the driver. I study both that map and my
map before starting to walk each day, but somehow we had both
missed the turn onto Upper Road - I think the one I couldn’t find
a sign for was probably it. Oh, well, at least we both made the
same mistake, and ended up together. Norma figured it maybe
added a mile to my route - but it did also mean I missed a big
hill - which also meant I probably missed a really good view.

From Turner I turned onto Highway 4 heading south. This is a
much busier highway, still beautiful though. There are great
places along this road for Norma to stop and wait for me. I told
her I should plan on stopping at about 1:30 today. So she figured
out where I should be at that time and waited at a Mobil station
where they had a big parking lot. I arrived at 1:25 - not bad.

We then went to lunch at a place called Yourly’s. It was a very
nice restaurant - beautifully decorated, good food, and good
prices.

After lunch I had a couple of phone calls to make, then we
headed out to visit Ken and Joyce. “Lady G,” our faithful GPS,
directed us right to their home. They have a beautiful log house
that they built themselves. We had an incredible visit, and
would have loved to have had more time with them. They fed us
a delicious lite dinner. Then after taking pictures and signing a
book for them, we had prayer together, and Norma and I headed
back to our motel. I drove back. Most of the time Norma drives
when it’s a walking day, but I drive for special things, Sundays,
and moving days. This works out quite well. I am highly
energized these days, so driving home (our motel) was
comfortable for me tonight.

Back at our room I got started on the journal right away while
Norma got ready for bed. I’ll be heading for bed as soon as I’m
through with this - like about now, so good-night all.