Day 208 & 209 Mrytle Beach, South Carolina to Suppy, North Carolina – 47 Miles

4/1/15

On day 208 I treated myself to two breakfasts. I can always trust the Hampton Inn to give me a great start to the day. The one in Myrtle Beach had two huge breakfast areas. One for the north tower and another for the south. I took my first breakfast at 7am. It was peaceful with an amazing sunrise saying good morning. I allowed myself to eat generous portions of eggs, potatoes, yogurt, and juice. I ate even more carbohydrates for my second breakfast. At 9am it seemed the kids had all risen and were preparing for a day of fun. I guessed the onset of spring meant a break for kids everywhere.

I lounged around until noontime. I was not in a rush to hit the road while my body was so relaxed. The dark clouds were also a strong deterrent. Of course all good things had to come to an end. A cool sprinkle fell on my face as I ran along Ocean Ave. Big shops and amusement areas lined both sides of the street. It was hard to believe there were enough kids to sustain so many businesses. It was like a kids’ version of Hollywood or Vegas. Even when I left the main strip the amusement parks continued for miles and miles. On day 208, I passed more than double the amount of miniature golf courses as the day before. The sun appeared before I reached North Myrtle Beach and it looked as if was staying out for the day.

The repetition ended when I closed in on a town called Little River. We didn’t have a place to stay but the weather made a slight turn for the better. We were lucky enough to have a strong internet signal from the parking lot of the business that allowed us to park overnight. It meant I could continue my work then fall to sleep from exhaustion.

On day 208 we made the conscious decision not to cross the border. We agreed that the best light was in the morning. When I stepped out of the trailer it felt like spring was finally upon us. My frosty breath had disappeared and I could see dandelions sprouting. The sun was out and I put on a sweatshirt just for security. Crystal made herself pretty and got dressed for our next state sign.

Hello North Carolina! The border was only a couple miles away. We snapped a bunch of photos then pushed forward. The soft lawns provided a cushion for my steps which aided my aching knees. I had forgotten to take my Glucosamine. It was my miracle mineral that kept my joints well oiled. It didn’t matter, my body had become like a machine. The legs repeated what they had done for 209 days. I ran into a library in the town of Shallot. What did I pick up to read you ask? “The book of Running” I just found it interesting. We stopped at the town of Supply seven miles north. I had tried to arrange a shower at the aquatic and fitness center of the local community college but they wanted me to pay money. I then attempted to contact the local medical center and they referred me to a church forty miles away. I settled on a bottle shower with cold water in the trailer. I stayed grateful. I continue to be grateful for this amazing journey I have been privileged to take.