Omaha, Nebraska. These "Good Luck" eggs were made for me by friends of The Bowsmans who I had the great pleasure of meeting and staying with.

The eggs must of worked because I was fortunate enough to meet and conduct an interview with the lovely Leah Uko today who is a TV reporter for the local FOX affiliate.

My segment will air sometime tonight on the 9:00 PM (CST) news (which is on now as I'm writing this) here in the Omaha area.   I will post a link as soon as it is available.


3/31/13

Omaha, Nebraska. Finally reached Nebraska after having to slow down due to waiting for some important snail mail -- Woohoo!

Even better than that we have reached our donation goal of $10,000 for the American Diabetes Association! I want to specially thank Ward, Mr. T, and every single person that gave something!

For all of those that have YET to make a tax-deductible donation of at least $1, have a friend/family member affected by Diabetes or just thinks what I'm doing is awesome please click HERE to give.

The new goal has now been set to $20,000 and we need all the support possible. Once again 100% of proceeds donated (online or in-person) go to the American Diabetes Association, I am self-sponsored.

Thanks again to all those that MADE it happen and those that WILL make it happen -- Let's make it happen!


3/29/13

Guthrie Center, Iowa. This is Bry along with Benjamin, Lucas, and Newell. They spotted me after I met Sheriff Marty while traveling down Main Street. Little Benjmin ran up to me expressing excitement about my attire, all the gear I was carrying, and asked a bunch of question which I was happy to answer!

I then met his older brothers Lucas and Newell immediately thereafter their lovely mother Bry. That was one of the best spontaneous welcomes I've received in a while and it was great! Needing to eat I told them I was heading to Subway to grab a bite to eat, but promised I would return to play football with them as promised.

I then found Subway, yesss! Told Cody, the guy behind the counter, to make me whatever his favorite sandwich was, don't remember what he made -- however it was excellent. I've discovered when using this technique if they never hesitate after hearing the request then its usually a superb sandwich. If they hesitate too much or hand off the sandwich to another sandwich maker to finish its usually just okay.

While chowing down my sub and cinnamon roll, I met the very caring Jennifer. She made a small donation and offered a place for me to stay in town, in Oakland, and also in Omaha. I was very greatful for her offer took her up on the places to stay in Oakland and Omaha. I thanked her and gave her a hug.

After eating I thanked Cody for his great creation and proceeded to go back and play ball with Lucas & Ben. Honestly the last time I picked up a football was about 2-years ago, but I rarely worry about embarrassing myself especially if I'm enjoying myself. It was a blast running & throwing around the pigskin! Lucas a current football player showed excellent skill and spirit. Ben had a great energy about him and displyed great potential to become fanominal. Both play multiple sports which I find is beneficial not only physically, but helps self-esteem, dealing with stress/adversity, interactions with others (teamwork), goal setting, aids academically, inspiring others, etc.

The weather got a little chilly so we went inside and did Lucas' math homework (area and volume). A great portion of it he was able to solve in his head, which I thought was fascinating. They then showed to me their large collection of Nerf guns, and then we watched a marathon of several different cartoons. Bry cooked some great lasagna which I enjoyed. As I was looking start to pack up, say goodbye, and check into the nearby motel, it was getting late, they offered me to stay instead of spending money at the motel. I didn't want to seem like a bother, but they seemed sincere with their generosity so I comfortably slept on the couch in the living room. Their cat later that night decided to joined me and fell asleep on my tummy.

Iowa has been so great, I don't know if its my new haircut or what but the generosity has been beyond measure. Bry and her family were excellent and made me really miss spending time with my son (who is now in Thailand on a school trip for a week). Their family was very dynamic and loving and I see her young ones growing to become brilliant young gentleman.

Shout out to all of Lucas' and Ben's teachers and coaches, who they spoke highly of! Also to Sheriff Marty, Jennifer, and the staff at Subway and Dollar General.

3/21/13
SoilTrek.com

Guthrie Center, Iowa. Another long walk today, 40 miles.

3/22/13
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Cleveland, OH. This was part of a photo shoot I had with the great Janet Century! I really like this photo LOL!


12/25/12
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Cook, IN. As I walk I am accompanied with my small American flag attached to my pack. It serves as a reminder of how great this nation is and has the potential to be. Through this journey I've come to better realize its significance and the fact that it represents different things to different people. I believe everyone should have some idea of what their nation's flag means to them.


2/3/13
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Madaryville, IN. After sleeping at a beautiful state park, I packed up, and I walked westward toward Lake Village to pick up some gear waiting for me at the post office.

Along the way I took a break to eat, drink, rest my back and feet. Liking the scenery around me, I took this photo.

1/30/13
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Joliet, IL. These are photos from the first portion of the I&M Trail. The trail was very beautiful & serene, didn't see many cars or people so it gave me a lot of time to think.

2/14/13
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Lemont, IL. After walking through the White Oak Woods, it was a tough task navigating over a narrow bridge in rush hour, and fighting vegetation taller than me. I noticed a gentleman with dreads approaching me as I was skillfully blocking the tall grass from hitting me in the face.

It is rare to see someone other than me walking in such a remote area, judging by his demeanor I knew it was for good reason. Come to find out he jumped out of his car to come and talk to me.

His name was Tom Locks and was interested in walking for a cause. He had a ton of questions so I knew he had previously thought about it. I told him that doing it was great and that he should do it, but just to make sure he got some sponsors in his corner before setting out.

Riding with Tom were his buddies, Omar and Jeremy, who later came out the car as we approached closer. All three of these guys were great and I wish them all the best!

2/13/13
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Muscatine, IA. After leaving Davenport I arrived at my destination place shown above well after sunset. Before going into the forest to setup camp my friend Scott text me asking what I was up to and so I took and sent this photo.

Earlier (before it had gotten dark) the owner of Biscuits Bar & Grill, Mr. Miller, pulled over while I was walking, said he saw me on the news (TV6 in Davenport), liked the cause I was walking for, and offered me a free meal on the house. I had tacos and cranberry juice which hit the spot. I had gotten darker so I soon hit the road again.

As I'm walking another car pulls up and the owner of the competing bar/grill, Beach Pub, offers me a great meal. I first kindly refused because it was getting dark, but then I decided to go for a short visit. This place had a ton of people and food. I only ate a bit, had a water, exchanged some laughs, was given donations, and the owner's wife gave me a care package with tons of healthy snacks. I really enjoyed it and wanted to stay but knew the road was calling me. So I said my goodbyes and departed.

Beach Pub
1022 Front St
Buffalo, IA 52728
(563) 381-2552

Biscuits Bar and Grill
600 Front St
Buffalo, IA 52728
(563) 381-9045


3/5/13
SoilTrek.com