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
SoilTrek.com

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

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

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

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

Englewood, OH. Yesterday I reached 10% of my goal and I very happy. Thanks to those who donated and if you haven't please click on the "DONATE!" link above and make a contribution of whatever you can give and if you can be generous please do.

100% of the money raised goes to the American Diabetes Association in their efforts against diabetes a debilitating disease that is becoming growing problem in the US -- so please give!


1/16/13

The Four Agreements is a book I just finished that was recommended my friend Dorota of Long Pond, PA. I took a lot from this book especially not taking what others do or say personally. I've notice myself being less upset by the actions of others and in turn has made me happier.

Below is a brief summery of each of the agreements, but I would highly recommend to read the book in full for a multiple of great points and detailed examples to bring each point home.

London, OH. Sunday morning as I walked into town unshaven and feet sore looking for a hostel to rest, about a block away from my destination a pickup truck pulled up alongside me.

The gentleman that pulled up was John and he informed me of "service" that was about to commence in 20 minutes and invited me to join. I quickly weighed resting verse meeting new people, so I asked its location and navigated my way there. I wasn't sure if "service" meant Christian, Jehovah Witness, Buddhist, or whatever. I just knew it had been 10+ years since I attended any worship service and I was overdue in some regard.

Restoration Worship Center, it turned out to be a Christian church and service was great. Pastor Gary Noble spoke about "real peace", internal & external. This is something personally I work on daily and is very important topic that is a big part of my current existence.

After speaking with John I discovered he was a great guy, he is a people's person, energetic, very social, humorous, man of God, encouraging, and real. He spoke to me about his full recovery from a long-standing battle with drugs to now holding substance abuse classes and guiding those who need it. The relationship with his daughter, who is now married, has also been rekindled which I think is wonderful.

After church service Pastor Gary & his family took Jon, John's lovely wife Cindy, and I to lunch which I wasn't expecting especially after the church had already made a donation to my cause. I'm glad I ate well before arriving into town and the previous night or else I would've wanted to eat everything put on the table and maybe even the table.

John & Cindy invited me to stay at their home for the night which was great. We watched sports on TV, which I haven't done in months. Cindy cooked a nice dinner and later we enjoyed John's birthday cake. I'm not the biggest cake person but I thought it was delicious, carrot cake with strawberry frosting. It's not a combination you would commonly think of and as I am writing this, my thoughts are craving for another slice.

Him and wife are currently working towards establishing a local halfway house for women which I believe is a noble cause and will be accomplished.

John told me that God told him to go after me when he first spotted me and to invite me in. To John: Thanks for everything you've done, keep doing what your doing -- fighting the good fight. Take care my friend!


1/13/13

I want to thank those I recently met while trekking through Columbus & London who made donations to the American Diabetes Association!

The total collected in three days was $192. I want to thank John who I met on the Olentangy River path, the great cyclists I spoke with (Gene, Allen, & Gary) on the Ohio Bike Trail -- thanks again Gary for offering me a place to stay, and the wonderful Restoration Worship Center congregation.