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

Marseilles, IL. After camping out that night on the I&M Trail near Seneca, IL I was dead hungry and was too cold to setup my stove to cook. So I walked the trail to Marseilles (mar-sales) and came across a Burger King. Not normally a place I visit however, I needed to feed my belly.

I entered and approached the counter, the ladies there were very excited and very curious about me walking for diabetes. It was great because even after my long walk that morning I needed that verbal jolt to wake me up and get me going (it was my first conversation of the day).

Deb (white shirt), Robin (black shirt), La Vonne (has glasses), and Mary Beth (no hat) were the ladies working that day and they took such great care of me and went above and beyond anything I ever expected with food, donations, and hospitality -- I felt like it was my hometown and I was King for a day!

These two awesome young gentlemen are Damon (top photo) and Jacob (bottom photo). It was great talking to them about everything from my walk, the town, New York, music, dogs, family, school, to them sharing some personal situations. These guys were great and I hope the adults in their lives keep them on the right path. It was a great pleasure meeting them!

2/18/13

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

Mt. Vernon, NY.

This is the food supply I started off with. It was way too much food to carry when there are stores everywhere.

Chesterland, OH.

I love oatmeal and that exactly what Chelsea's mother served me the next morning, Gangnam-style!


12/19/12