Terri dropped me off this morning at the spot where she picked me up yesterday. Very soon after that this old-timer stopped on the shoulder to ask me for directions:
This is not the first time this has happened and I’m always happy to oblige with my google maps iPhone. I think this guy was Jim and the look of delight on his face when I explained what I was doing was priceless. We decided that he should go left. He immediately got in his car and peeled off to the right. Go figure.
What follows is a set of images of what I saw today, often without comment — the beauty speaks for itself.
Lots of drinking water in them thar stainless towers:
A creative idea if you have a guard rail outside your home:
I couldn’t figure out what this water structure was; note the massive retaining wall on the left:
Here’s where it flowed out:
and this close-up shows a murky, oil-like substance being mixed in:
I have no idea what that is, but a little further on this sign at least clarified what the water structure was (I was glad not to have fishing tackle with me!):
“The road that stretches on ahead …”
A turret for you, Alison:
All of these pictures were taken during the first half of today’s walk, when I was on 670, heading for Pleasant Mount, where 670 joins with 371. It was a LONG slog uphill to get to Pleasant Mount and I was expecting great things. Instead, I got barked at by half a dozen dogs and all the shops were closed and for sale.
I had almost reached the 10-mile mark by this time. I have been finding that I reach a bit of a wall at this point, and that further progress requires more of an act of the will. This was especially true today when I turned north on 171 and all the earlier beauty was replaced by a series of (mostly) trashy shacks, albeit intermingled with a few nice farms.
My daughter Diana is to be in the vicinity this weekend for a “Fall Teen Getaway” at Camp Iroquoina, and is bringing with her a few things I’ve asked for (as well as taking home some things I shouldn’t have packed in the first place). She has promised to drive over from the camp on Saturday night to wherever I am and bring me to the camp for a shower and good night’s sleep.
So at midday today I thought — why not do the same tonight? I phoned over to Joe Plantz at camp and asked him a big favor — would he be willing to pick me up and drop me off tomorrow? It ended up being a 30-mile drive (each way) for him, so it was a big sacrifice. I probably shouldn’t have asked in the first place, and just camped out on the property of the first trashy shack owner that would have me. But I’m sure glad to be here now; familiar ground and plenty of familiar faces. Here are a few that some of you will recognize; the indomitable Joe Plantz is on the left:
So it was a super day today — a record nearly 18 miles, terrific weather. The only real downer is that I developed a blister on the side of my heel, probably because I didn’t heed the advice of several people to switch my shoes every day. But I’ll deal …
Allan you have taken some great photos. Keep going strong.
Glad to hear you not only have shelter but good company. tonight. Today’s pictures are superb!
What beautiful pictures Allan! Glad you are getting some time in with friends and family.
What happened to your end of the day statistical updates??
Some of what I’ve been summarizing is on the DATA tab. The other stuff, related to keeping up a 15-mile-per-day average seems like a bad idea; I would rather not make that number so prominent; I’ll just do what I can each day. I’ve been thinking of poking Simon U. to see if he can come up with some nice visualizations — those raw data files have lots of data in them!
A great day… especially the first 2/3 of it. And a record number of photos posted. Keep them coming. The stainless silos were spectacular. Can you imagine the cost of those cylinders?
At the dinner before our MSC AGM, Phil Barnes made his report and spent a full 2 minutes talking about your walking tour from SP -> TO and mentioned that it should have been from CMML -> MSC. All 30 people there were most interested and the URL of the site was given.
Miles to go before you sleep…
Russell Russell (the sound made by the leaves as walk amongst the fallen ones)
🙂 When we were out to dinner in Markham during the joint meetings we discussed the same thing!
Sleep well rest easy… Well done sir… well done… Smart move going to camp… JIM
Bet it’s nice to see some familiar faces…and places…this far into your trek! However, you’ve met some very cool, interesting and friendly people along the way! Can’t help but leave frequent posts because I’m finding this so interesting…and because I feel like it will give you something to read on those lonely nights! 🙂 I do keep wondering, has there been any talk of reporting your journey to a news station? This is the kind of thing they do stories on. How cool would that be to see brother Allan on ABC news one night! I mean your daughter has already made the cut on 20/20 (was it?)! Your turn!
You just keep on posting responses, Cheryl — I treasure everything everyone writes. I did walk past what looked like a National Geographic truck today. Perhaps I should have tooted my own horn to them!
Hello Allan, we don’t know each other but me and a few of my friends have been constantly checking your blog! I found out about your adventure while i was at a bar in Montague NJ where i met your friend Tom (the one with the church) and he told me and my friend all about it, and gave us your blog website. I just wanted to say that i think what your doing is really awesome and believe it or not, but your getting fans! lol I’ve told quite a few people about your journey and even posted your website on Facebook so more people can follow you and see how cool what your doing is.
Have a great trip! Keep us all updated lol
-Vicky
Awesome, Vicky! Thanks so much for following along and telling others. It really is fun for me knowing that lots of people are interested in my little project. And I love it when they write on my blog.
8 miles past the wall! WOOO HOOOO! You deserve a double portion of Iroquoina!
Glad to see you made it to a Bible Camp for the night. Allan, in addition to the map, I am greatly enjoying the pictures as well. Both Nathan and Chris M are at the retreat this weekend, as I’m sure you know by now.
Yes, I’ve seen them! I’m at Iroquoina for a second night now.
Yesterday I saw as I was going to the bank in New Providence I saw a woman pushing a stroller cart just like yours (well except she had a baby on top of hers) !!!!! I would have taken a photo to share with you but I was driving! But I was able to point out to my boys the stroller and tell them it was just like the one you were taking on your trek! Small world.
I’m sure I’ll never see a stroller again in my life without thinking of this walk.
Funny, I’ve been taking a second look at all the strollers I see. Today I saw one with very big wheels.. Diameter. And I thought hmm perhaps that would be better over obstacles.
My friend Simon helped me to pick this one. It’s been a great choice.
Missed you again last night at pizza…but LOVED the picture Julie sent of the two of you…she did mention that she got a HUGE BEAR HUG from you (one of her favorite things)… Love seeing the pictures and especially the people you are meeting along the way. I agree with Ali that Fall is indeed a beautiful time of year. Will continue to pray!!
Laura
Thanks Laura. I’m going to write today’s blog shortly and I can’t wait to introduce you to the people I met today. Thanks so much for your prayers. Just gave Jules another hug.
Hey, what are you getting rid of that you wish you hadn’t brought along? (That was Pete’s question). This is Janna, Pete and i are hanging out today and thinking of you. So glad to know you were at camp last night and get to spend another night there too!
I can’t remember everything without looking at the load but one thing definitely is Ali’s knee brace that I have in case my knee acts up. It’s been fine so far and I need the room so I’ll send that back. Oh, I also have a camp stool that folds up nicely but is still bulky and of no use so far. Thanks for thinking of me, Janna!
It seems that an undertaking like this requires a willingness to rely not only on the kindness of strangers, but on that of family, friends, and acquaintances as well. Thank God for community!
Good progress, walking man!
Yes, I agree fully Sue. It would be a much harder undertaking without pre-existing communities. My family and friends have been a huge help.
Hey Allan. Sunday looks to be another day of milestones.. almost halfway and if u push a bit into NY state… the next leg as i cal it and the longest… one foot fall at a time…. praying for you…
Hi Allan – just getting a chance to go over your journey! I have to say, what a journey it is so far for you. And all the information and beautiful seenary you posted are amazing! Makes us appreciate what God has created so much more! Thinking that you should write a book one day about all this! Take care and safe journey with the Lords protection. Awni
Thanks Awni. It’s been great fun, but I doubt a book would work — the market is crammed.
I just want to say that I think this is so cool to do. I learned about this blog from your daughter Ali – she posted it in a parenting site we both belong to. Sounds like adventure seeking runs in the family. 🙂 I am enjoying reading about your walks and looking at the beautiful pictures of your journey. Almost half way there! Keep it up! I wish I lived along your route, but I’m quite out of your way. Safe travels! Thanks for taking us with you!
I wish you lived on the route too, Niki. I think the next 10 days or so will be difficult for accommodation. Thanks for reading along with me and for making a comment.