Thank you to Susan in Julesburg, the woman that offered the water in addition advice about rattle snakes, and also to the trucker the gave me the energy drinks!
4/24/13
SoilTrek.com
Follow my journey from Midtown NYC (Nov. 2012) to Downtown Los Angeles (Jul. 2013).
THE GOALS: (1.) Raise $20,000 for the American Diabetes Association, (2.) Spread awareness about the growing epidemic of Type-2 Diabetes, and (3.) Experience America up close and personal. [MISSION COMPLETE 7/20/13]
Julesburg, Colorado. Finally crossed the state border into Colorful Colorado! The plan is to be in Denver on May 1st, no days off, and so far so good!
Thank you to Susan in Julesburg, the woman that offered the water in addition advice about rattle snakes, and also to the trucker the gave me the energy drinks! 4/24/13 SoilTrek.com
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Exira, IA. When approaching a town I've come to enjoy the anticipation of having a good meal, nice place to stay, or a great conversation -- regardless if it happens or not. Knowing there's a chance gives me enough satisfaction to even deal with it not actually coming to pass.
Down the road I could see the town where I may have my next meal, the Red Barn Restaurant was my target, and I had 3-miles to go. As I was marching towards the eatery a SUV pulls over, a woman jumps out and hands me a bag of M&M Rice Krispy's, a coffee with sugar, and offers to pay for my meal at the Red Barn. I thanked her profusely, said good-bye, and she drives off. After devouring the treats and consuming the coffee I no longer was hungry hungry (just hungry) and had enough energy to part Lake Michigan. New plan: Eat light & quick to fill reserves and keep walking to the next town of Atlantic, Iowa (The Coca-Cola capital of Iowa and the halfway point between the Atlantic & Pacific Ocean).
As I'm about 1.5 miles away Judi pulls up again. She informs me Red Barn is closed, offers me a place to stay, and invites me to a community fish fry. Wanting interact with some people and also feed my belly I agreed. On the way to the fish fry I had the delight of meeting Judi's husband and brothers who were also wonderful. As for the fish fry it was great, it's held weekly at a church in Audubon on Fridays and people from the surrounding townships attend. It's an excellent way for the community to get together. It was very nice to randomly meet such a caring person such as Judi. She let me stay in her father's house (who had past away last year). When he was alive her father would often put walkers and hitch hikers up for the night, so through Judi he was carrying on with the tradition even after he's no longer here. Thank you for everything Judi! Dear Google Maps,
Thanks for the scenic view, but how am I supposed to get across? Sincerely, Sterling 4/17/13 SoilTrek.com 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 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. 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. 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
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STERLING CLEVELAND
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Friday, November 28, 2012 AuthorRunner, Writer, Thinker, & Positive Energy. Archives
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