Brace/Eustis, Nebraska. The current wind situation has caused me to lose two signs, but thanks to Perry (of Elwood) and Kurt (of Lexington) I'm back in business baby!

These photos were taken while walking north from Elwood (where I picked up some gear) to the city of Cozad.

The wind was so strong going down one of the hills it knocked my hat straight off with enough force to send it rolling UPHILL and almost off the cliff!

Waiting for the hat to stop rolling, it never did! Not believing what I was experiencing I just laughed, and chased it down in knee deep snow. I felt the urge to ask it why it did what it just did -- however it was of course... just... a hat.

4/17/13
SoilTrek.com

Phelps County, Nebraska. I discovered this canal by accident after a night of camping out in Sandy Channel. It was definitely a hidden treasure.

4/17/13
SoilTrek.com

Lexington/Elwood, Nebraska. This is Adam (shown left) & Thomas (right), cousins and two excellent gentlemen who own and run their own local construction business.

While driving by they stopped me and asked me if I was hungry after spotting me twice. Starving with only tangerines and oatmeal in my pack I said "sure". The meal I had was great, Thomas not only covered my meal but paid for my hotel room in town.

That meant I didn't have to wait until tomorrow to eat a proper meal and didn't have to camp out in the expected snow fall. Thanks a million guys, after a long, cold, and windy walk you really turned things around!

*Thomas or Adam if you happen to see my sign please call me at (914) 255-2860, thanks!


4/17/13
SoilTrek.com

York, Nebraska. Someone please remind me what season are we in? Winter refuses to give up, but on the flip side I kinda enjoyed breaking out the winter gear and honestly I find myself more comfortable walking in colder weather. Anyway, a large portion of the day was relearning how to maneuver quickly and safely across ice covered surfaces.

Short Summery of Slippy Surfaces (SSoSS):
Frozen grass - most consistent as long as you avoid heads of clumped grass. However, the resistance from the frozen blades eventually wear you out a little.

Frozen gravel - Walked this the most, either in the middle of the road (no one's driving in this crazy weather) were the road is balanced or I walked the very edge were there is a slight incline but the roadside grass prevents my left foot from too much slippage.

Frozen cornfields - Not very user friendly. The turned over soil made it even worse, they were like big slippery jagged rocks. So you move... very... slooowwww.

Frozen rocks & pebbles - Slippery and dangerous and not worth it and crazy town.

Frozen paved roads - Straight ice rink without the zamboni. But, if hail has previously fallen earlier or day before it provides okay traction.

Frozen ditches - These weren't too bad as long as they weren't filled water or long strands of grass.

Frozen mud - Not bad and sort fun to walk on. With a layer of dirty ice on top and melted ice water in between it almost like walking on rough plexiglass. It's also cool watching the air bubbles dance beneath the ice.

I walked on white snow or ice whenever I saw it. It gives excellent traction to prevent you from falling. If it wasn't bright white, it is suspect in my book. Especially at night, you can't miss seeing it even with little light around.

If you are unsure about a surface while walking in icy conditions take my advice and just walk like a elderly person, meaning take your time! It may not look cool, but it will prevent you from becoming a falling fool.

Nebraska. To all the people that have recently donated, I would like to say thank you to the following:

* Eric of Beaver Crossing, NE
* Patty (Early Riser Restaurant) of Aurora, NE
* Jose of Friend, NE
* Rick of Friend, NE
* Random Shell gas station customer of Friend, NE
* Janey of Dorchester, NE


4/13/13

York, Nebraska. Today's wintry mix should be fun to walk through. My gear and my mind are ready, starting in York and heading to Aurora (25mi). I will attempt to camp-out tonight, if it doesn't work out I'll check into a motel.

After Aurora I'll be heading through the following Nebraskan towns: Grand Island, Alda, Wood River, Shelton, Gibbon, Kearney, Elm Creek, Smithfield, Elwood, Stockville, Palisade, Hamlet, Wauneta, Enders, Imperial, and then Lamar. 


4/10/13
SoilTrek.com

Denton & Crete, Nebraska. As of writing this, charity efforts are at $16,000. If you're reading this have been affected by diabetes in some way you should donate. It could be as little as $1 and your donation is secure & tax-deductible.

After waiting in Lincoln a couple days for my boots to arrive, starting my 25 miler to Crete was a little tough and I eventually got into my rhythm as the hours progressed.

Halfway through my walk (10-15 miles) I was a little hungry so I stopped by the Denton Daily Double to grab a bite.

I stuck out from the rest of the crowd, its something I've come to like. Denton is a restaurant that doubles as a kenu lottery hall. Quite a few people were playing, I'm not the gambling type so I just watched.

Once I was done eating my delicious meal I asked for the check. The waitress informed me that someone paid for my meal anonymously. I was very enthused and also curious to know who covered my bill. Looking around and getting no clues it was now time to hit the road. While packing up to little girls came up to me and said they saw me on TV -- Wow, I didn't know Omaha TV reached that far. Before leaving the kind woman behind the kenu counter gave me a donation. Awesome experience!

While doing the last leg of the day's walk I stopped into a Casey's to pick up trail mix and beef jerky. While checking out I was approached by Jenn who was very kind and happened to work for the local newspaper.

She drove by me, saw my sign, and wanted to do a story on me. I was surprised (due to it being the end of the day and I didn't think many people were paying that much attention) and was very happy to do the interview. She asked me if I needed anything, I informed her I had everything. I have to say Jenn was very pleasant to speak to and she took some photographs of me before departing.

My final decesion of the day was to decide if I was going to stay at the Super 8 or the Creek Inn motel. Not wanting to spend a lot I chose the Creek Inn and good thing I did. The gentleman checking me was originally from Queens NY, like the charity I was walking for, and decided to let me stay at no cost.

Today was very tough on the road. However, all three places I had stopped into, people opened up their hearts.