7/19/2011
Waking up to the thought that I’m nearing the end makes my joints much less stiff. The joy of running is returning. It’s either that or the joy of finishing. I’m so encouraged by the recent letters I’ve recieved from friends old and new. Day after day I posted my adventures not knowing if a single soul was reading them. As long as I had an internet signal, I wrote about my daily activities. The fantastic occurred on a regular basis. Gaurdian angels kept me safe around every turn. A Hollywood screenwriter couldn’t have scripted it better.
There were moments when I felt lonely. I was never bored, it was more like isolated. I asked myself very difficult questions. I guess that’s what happens when it’s you, the road, and lots of miles ahead. I’m so blessed to have had the time for self examination. I’m lucky to know my next step. Yes a new goal is forming. A new destination, and a new journey await. But first, I’ve got to get through this week.
As for the road today, I stepped out of the hotel to sweltering heat and humidity. The shade from the trees on the side of the road provided my only relief. After about two miles of running I hit a bridge. I planned on running it but when I saw the HUGE semi truck practically scrape the wall I realized that was a bad idea. I then ran to another bridge close by. It was only for trains. I found two gentlemen and asked them how and where could I cross the river on foot. They told me I couldn’t and suggested I run over to the police station. Perhaps they would provide me with an escort across.
I ran a mile back only to be told by the police I had two options for crossing the bridge. I could either be driven over or they could arrest me. Hey, it wouldn’t be the first time riding in the back of a cop car. Plus did the officers really feel like filling out a report and doing paperwork? I wasn’t ready to call their bluff. Mainly because I’m on a schedule here. Any delay would not be nice. So I accepted the ride. I don’t know if the ride over a two thousand foot bridge is going to haunt me or not but at least I won’t be like all the road kill I’ve passed on this journey. I don’t want to get flattened on my victory lap now. I’ll rationalize it by saying I’ve already crossed America on foot. This part of the journey is icing on the cake.
After the bridge, the run was pretty smooth. Scattered showers provided me with cooling rains. I ran in and out of patches but eventually found my socks soaked. Nick, Nick Jr., and Emily then pulled up out of nowhere to surprise me. It’s nice knowing that I’ve got some company on this last part of the run. My only concern is that they feel bored. I took a short break and took shelter from the rain and we got to chat about New York. None of us can believe these tired and weary legs have taken me so far.
The rains didn’t last too long. From that point, the state line was a hop, skip, and a jump away. I had dinner at a Korean restaurant then headed to The Blue Hen Bed and Breakfast. There I was greeted by Amy and Don Eschenbrenner. This place was erected in 1692 and has a lot of history in it. The rooms are all named after artists and the bed looks like something I’m going to have a difficult time leaving. It also happens to be pet friendly. Right now a hot bath is calling my name. Good night and good luck!
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