Fairborn, OH. This great gentleman is Aaron. While driving he saw me, slowed down, and pulled over to the shoulder. He asked me where I headed, I told him California, and I immediately followed with "do you have any pizza?" I was then expected him to grab a pizza from the seat next to or behind him and offer/sell it to me.

He looked puzzled and then I realized after walking all day I was fantasizing about Domino's Pizza the whole afternoon and associated his red sweater with something a Domino's delivery associate would wear. I realized I had blundered, but he immediatly then told me saw me walking that morning while he was doing his rounds as a UPS driver. He just now had finished his full shift and was amazed I was still on the road walking.

He told me when he first spotted me his first thought was "there aren't any hiking trails around here". We spoke for a little bit and he asked if I needed anything. With food still on my mind I made s food request, but he informed me driving to the closest food place would take him out his way, however he did offer me an energy drink which I was greatful for.

Aaron thanks buddy! Even though you didn't have any pizza I enjoyed our brief conversation and appreciated you offering me the drink.

Shown above, in my hotel room, is my "drank" next to an empty box of Domino's pizza (was bacon, tomato, & spinach).


1/15/13

Richmond, IN.  Act I: After crossing the state border into Indiana, I finally reached my destination city of Richmond.  My first order of business was to eat, drink, and then eat some more so I found a local place to eat that was by the motel I were to be staying at.  After ordering about enough food to feed four people I reached for my card to pay and that's when Debbie & Ron stepped in to pay for my meal.  After explaining that she didn't have to she insisted and all I could say was, "thank you" and later ask for a picture!   Thanks again Debbie & Ron for the warm welcome -- you certainly made my evening and probably my week!

Act II: The amazing thing is the next morning I woke up, got ready and headed to the same establishment to eat breakfast.  Place my order with Curt (the same gentleman that took my order yesterday) and another person stepped in to cover my meal.  I looked at Curt as he replied "I can't believe it".  I thanked the person while thinking, "I like this is reverse conspiracy". 

Act III: The next day, now on the West side of Richmond I stopped a different restaurant, but same chain to order breakfast, before starting The Cardinal Greenway path.  I kid you not... An older gentleman, who was once a hiker and saw my "NY to LA" sign down the road, covered my meal again!  I officially love Richmond, Indiana!!!  Three times in a row having my meals paid for, that goes to show you there is a lot of love in that town.


1/18/13-1/20/13

Muncie, IN. Thank you to Debra and Noama for seeing my sign, stopping their car in this freezing weather, and giving a small donation. It was a pleasure meeting you two ladies!

1/22/13

Grove City, OH. On my journey from Columbus to London I choose the Ohio to Erie bike path. I wanted to walk in peace without worrying about car traffic so this was the perfect option. It was a little tricky finding it but well worth it!

Start of my path down the bikeway nestled between railroad tracks and large stretches of farmland.

On the path I met Liz, Maggie, and Matt who I believe were cycling to London, OH and back. They were very friendly and seeing them ride off made me miss my single-speed bike back home. It was nice meeting them, I wish them many great rides throughout the year.

Farm silos with train loading station, the town's skyscrapers.

Glen and Allen. I met these two gentlemen sho were cycling on the path they stopped and questioned me about mission. They happen to be Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails, so they monitor and maintain the bike path within the county. Along with giving me directions to a hostel in London they (with another fellow named Gary) made donations to the American Diabetes Association, which I was greatful for. Thanks again!

Resting of feet is a must especially when breaking in new boots.


1/12/13

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

-Wayne Gretzky

Economy, IN. Mother Nature wasn't too pleasant on this MLK+Inauguration Day, snowstorm with 20-30 mph winds -- luckily I came ready to battle!


1/21/13

Columbus, OH. Leaving from Powell to Columbus I took the bike path down the Olentangy River. It was a nice, warm, sunny day and in this large beautiful park area I encountered a lot of runners & cyclists along the way including:

Ashley - Beautiful runner that gave me directions, walked, and talked with me some of the way. She is a "new" runner, loves it, and revealed she originally forced herself into running much like I did.

John - Cyclist who assisted me along the way, we spoke about my journey, and before leaving he gave a small donation.

Craig - As I exited the bike path to navigate to the main street heading south (to reach my destination in German Village faster) a small dog approached me barking. This is such a frequent occurrence that does not bother me. I met the dog's owner, Craig, who was taking down Christmas lights. We spoke some about what I was doing and he took a picture with me before I parted.


1/11/13

Grove City, OH. Thanks to The Smiths & company (Jerry, Connie, Shannon, Jason, Daniel, Jolien, Madie, Diana, Isabella, Jodie... whew almost finished Darby, Winnie, & Chloe) for inviting me into your home!

I appreciated the cup of coffee, all the questions, showing me your chickens, and more importantly getting to know you guys -- I really enjoyed it. You have a wonderful family, take care, and I hope you enjoy your upcoming camping trip!

P.S. Thanks Madie for the beautiful picture, I'll keep it in my pocket next to my lucky stone!


1/12/13

Richmond, IN. Resting my feet for the day and will hop on the American Discivery Trail tomorrow morning. I could tell they get a lot of hikers because of all the honks of support I've been receiving and they probably don't see too many crazy Winter hikers.


1/18/13

Columbus, OH. Loading up on snacks is an important part of my trip. I try to keep it healthy but the cheapest calories (which I need a lot of) at the time of sale are usually not so great. Upon walking into a service station to reload on "fuel" while exiting Columbus I met Mike.

Mike was a cool guy that shared with me his aspirations to travel more than he has. We both spoke about having the chance to go off to college on paid scholarships and it just not working out for one reason or another.

Inspired by the story of my journey Mike has made a decesion to hopefully follow his passion. I left him my contact and will try to stay in touch with him. A couple days later after meeting he sent me the following email:

Hey Sterling,

This is Mike from the gas station this morning, I just wanted to tell you that I am truly inspired by what you are doing. I know you get that a lot but i feel as though you really awoken something inside me.

Almost as if fate had put us on a path to meet. I wasn't supposed to work that shift this morning I was covering for a coworker and almost like the fog that lifted this morning that is what your purpose was for me. To lift the fog from my life and see what it is that i want to do. I'm rounding up some money and I'm going to make a donation to your cause to help out.

Like i said man you've really stirred something in me and i feel fate intended it to be that way. Well i want to say good luck and i would love to stay in touch with you during your trip and after. Good Luck.

Your new friend,

Mike


1/11/13