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.