Today I woke up behind the church( once again haha) as soon as I opened my eyes I saw that it was really smokey all around. The wind must have been just right where the smoke from the forest fire was drifting through where I was pretty heavily. I woke up, brushed my teeth and packed up.
As I walked to the front of the church there was an outlet near the front door. Even though it was exposed to the police station across the street I didn't care because if I got kicked out I was moving on anyways, so I charged my things and used the Internet there. I also ate the two bags of m&ms for breakfast as I knew they would be melted if they saw the heat of the day.
I took of down the road and it was the start of lake city. I had a little cough that was back and bugging me. I wondered if it was the smoke maybe irritating me. I kept going though.
The town of lake city was a bit of a dump. It was rundown and dirty. I walked almost all the way through it and honestly wasn't sure if I should continue to walk all day in the thick smoke. So I say down and took a break in front of a liquor store. I sat there and was pretty hungry so I ended up popping open the bag of chips I had left. As I started eating them a car parked in front of me and a black lady got out with 3 bags of groceries. She said she saw my "food" sign and wanted to help me. I was so happy and thankful. She asked if I knew the lord, and I told her he's watching over me right now. She smiled. She said a prayer for me to have safe travels. (a loaf of bread, pack of bologna, 8 bannanas and a half gallon of sweet tea).
I was happy and motivated to just go ahead and walk through the smoke. So I pounded the half gallon of sweet tea, and killed the bag of chips and headed off. After I finished the tea I realized I consumed 200 grams of sugar, so I was on a bit of a rush too.
I walked another few blocks where a car pulled into a gas station in front of me and got out and handed me a burger king cheeseburger. A young guy said here you go, and god bless. I said thanks and again had those chills. Right as they pulled out he also reached out the window and gave me $5 and said to get a drink too. I said thanks so much and they drove off. I ate the burger while it was Hoyt and was a well fed hobo today!
Another few blocks a lady and her two sons walked out from a parking lot through grass towards me. They came up and said they didn't have food but have me $6! I couldn't believe my luck today! I was for sure blessed with goodness of god working through other people. I told them what I was doing and was so thankful. They asked for my information so they could follow the journey. The boys thought it was so cool and it feels great to inspire and interest people. The day was going great!
I walked out of the town and about 10 miles when I needed a break. I saw a cool looking school that looked empty so I walked in and sat in some chairs in the back. The school was brick and looked like something out of Harry potter. They had an outlet where I recharged my stuff. All of a sudden I heard a car pull up. I was startled. Some people were talking and entered the school. I didn't want them to see me and be frightened so I got up and sorta hid on the wall. But I forgot my hat on the table and my iPod on the chair charging. Also the chair was out of position. They sounded like they were right by the window where my stuff was. So I was torn, but eventually walked over there and grabbed it all and put the chair back hoping they wouldn't notice me. I packed my stuff and was ready to go. Bit I saw them inside and I was sorta stuck in the corner. If I moved they would see me either way of trying to get out. Eventually I said screw it and quickly took off. Even of they saw me I was gone anyways.
As I headed west again on the highway I got to see the most beautiful sunset. It was a moment where I feel into the night. I wasn't worried about where my life is, where it's going and what I will do after this? All the worries just melted away and I just enjoyed watching the sun go down. It was a good moment.
After watching the sunset I continued walking. I came to a house where two put bulls came charging out after me. They were barking and growling and looked like they were gonna attack me. I had a water bottle in my had and used that to try and keep a buffer. They kept pressing aggressively and were not letting up. I was shuffling between them both and try to back away slowly. Just then the owner came out and yelled "just keep on walking kid, don't come back this way or those dogs will get you." I asked if he could call them. He said just turn your head and keep on down the road. It pissed me off a little and the guy was a real dick.
A little later a man pulled over and asked of I needed a ride. I told him I was walking but thanks. He asked my where and we started to talk. We ended up talking for a while And he had traveled a lot and had some good pointers. He was a nice old man. He said he would pray for me and he took off.
I ended up finding another really nice church to sleep behind. I was really tired and walked nearly 25 miles. I got behind the church, openened my bag up and plopped down. I fell right asleep.
Day 7
I woke up on day 7 at around 9:30. I was pretty hungry and had the Easter dinner from the family on the day before. I decided to try and conserve that for the whole day. So I started with eating the spinach, mac an cheese and cornbread. I didn't have any fork or anything so I ended up using the tapered end of my sunscreen to eat the spinach and Mac and cheese. It was so good. Even cold it was still amazing. I used the seran wrap that was over the ate and wrapped the two pieces of chicken up that I would save for later. I fully charged my iPod, filled my water jugs at the faucet, and geared up and headed off.
As soon as I got onto the road I saw a person standing ahead a ways near where the 10 went over the 90. I walked up and it was a homeless man with a sign that said 10 west. I said hello and asked him where he was headed. He came from key west, rode his bike from there to Jacksonville. Then in Jacksonville he was trying to head towards Colorado when his bike was stolen. So then he was stuck hitchiking. He got a ride from Jacksonville to where he was but there was no traffic there and he knew it would be tough getting out. He had some work waiting for him in Colorado. I told him good luck getting there and moved on down the road.
I walked a good ways down 90. It wasn't too hot and I walked through most of the day. I took a break at a battle field memorial park where I was able to fill up my water jugs. I also ate one of the pieces of chicken to fuel me for the rest of the walk. There was a family of 4 there checking out the park and looked like they were on a road trip. They looked happy.
I continued on after a little break. I headed west an made my way past the Columbia correctional facility where I soon afterward took another break. When I sat down there were flys that would land on me and then bite me. The bugs here suck. I was a little tired and low spirited at this point. This routine is full of a lot of lows and time to think, but also has amazing highs and moments of clarity. All in all it helps my growth as a person so it is a positive.
I headed back down the road. I was a little down but pushing through it. Just then a white car slowed down as it passed my and spun a u turn. A man parked about 100ft in front of me and got out and opened his trunk. As I approached the car he came around holding a few things. He handed me a ziplock bag full of snacks(6 packs of crackers, 2 bags of eminems, and two small cans of chicken sausage) a water bottle, $20 and a small book of scripture. He said god bless and good luck on my journey. It went from a low spirited moment right to a chill and goosebump moment just like that. These are the things that amaze me. I usually just look up to the sky and smile. It's good to know this world has good people who will always lend a hand and unite to help others in search of something. Pretty cool.
So I was happy and finished the day off strong. Up ahead an right before the town of lake city a cop pulled off in front of me and jumped out quickly. He asked me to step off the shoulder of the road. He asked if I had any weapons on me? I said just a screwdriver. He asked where I was going and I told him I'm walking towards california. He asked if I knew the road in that direction and I said yes. Then he asked if I was desperate to get there which was unfitting, but I answered no just cruising. Then he said its dangerous to walk on the shoulder and he recommends not doing it. I told him thanks but I will be very cautious. He took off
I found a church right before lake city. It was across the street from a police station so I made sure when I walked behind it there was nobody watching. I got to the back. I didn't see any outlets back there but I found a water hose. I filled my jugs then decided to try and shower. The hose only reached to the side and not the back. Since the police station was across from me I had to stay out of site as much as possible. So I stripped down to my undergarment and stayed down by some bushes while running the hose. I grabbed a bottle of hotel lotion that I had in my bag, and used that to clean myself. It would have to do. I also had the clothes I was wearing an washed them with the hose and lotion too. I sat down up against the wall hidden behind the strip of bushes and showed and washed the clothes. It wasn't the best method but it felt amazing. I changed to my other shorts and shirt, with fresh socks and a fresh pair of undergarment. I felt like $100 bucks!
I Kaye's down begins the church and there were mesquitos everywhere. So much that I had to cover myself completely in my sleeping bag and jacket over my head just to avoid getting bit. But I was so Hoyt and sweating like crazy that I couldn't sleep. I eventually just opened my bag all the way and just laid flat on the tarp. The bag covered my all the way and kept the bugs off. It also was cooler and I fell asleep.
As soon as I got onto the road I saw a person standing ahead a ways near where the 10 went over the 90. I walked up and it was a homeless man with a sign that said 10 west. I said hello and asked him where he was headed. He came from key west, rode his bike from there to Jacksonville. Then in Jacksonville he was trying to head towards Colorado when his bike was stolen. So then he was stuck hitchiking. He got a ride from Jacksonville to where he was but there was no traffic there and he knew it would be tough getting out. He had some work waiting for him in Colorado. I told him good luck getting there and moved on down the road.
I walked a good ways down 90. It wasn't too hot and I walked through most of the day. I took a break at a battle field memorial park where I was able to fill up my water jugs. I also ate one of the pieces of chicken to fuel me for the rest of the walk. There was a family of 4 there checking out the park and looked like they were on a road trip. They looked happy.
I continued on after a little break. I headed west an made my way past the Columbia correctional facility where I soon afterward took another break. When I sat down there were flys that would land on me and then bite me. The bugs here suck. I was a little tired and low spirited at this point. This routine is full of a lot of lows and time to think, but also has amazing highs and moments of clarity. All in all it helps my growth as a person so it is a positive.
I headed back down the road. I was a little down but pushing through it. Just then a white car slowed down as it passed my and spun a u turn. A man parked about 100ft in front of me and got out and opened his trunk. As I approached the car he came around holding a few things. He handed me a ziplock bag full of snacks(6 packs of crackers, 2 bags of eminems, and two small cans of chicken sausage) a water bottle, $20 and a small book of scripture. He said god bless and good luck on my journey. It went from a low spirited moment right to a chill and goosebump moment just like that. These are the things that amaze me. I usually just look up to the sky and smile. It's good to know this world has good people who will always lend a hand and unite to help others in search of something. Pretty cool.
So I was happy and finished the day off strong. Up ahead an right before the town of lake city a cop pulled off in front of me and jumped out quickly. He asked me to step off the shoulder of the road. He asked if I had any weapons on me? I said just a screwdriver. He asked where I was going and I told him I'm walking towards california. He asked if I knew the road in that direction and I said yes. Then he asked if I was desperate to get there which was unfitting, but I answered no just cruising. Then he said its dangerous to walk on the shoulder and he recommends not doing it. I told him thanks but I will be very cautious. He took off
I found a church right before lake city. It was across the street from a police station so I made sure when I walked behind it there was nobody watching. I got to the back. I didn't see any outlets back there but I found a water hose. I filled my jugs then decided to try and shower. The hose only reached to the side and not the back. Since the police station was across from me I had to stay out of site as much as possible. So I stripped down to my undergarment and stayed down by some bushes while running the hose. I grabbed a bottle of hotel lotion that I had in my bag, and used that to clean myself. It would have to do. I also had the clothes I was wearing an washed them with the hose and lotion too. I sat down up against the wall hidden behind the strip of bushes and showed and washed the clothes. It wasn't the best method but it felt amazing. I changed to my other shorts and shirt, with fresh socks and a fresh pair of undergarment. I felt like $100 bucks!
I Kaye's down begins the church and there were mesquitos everywhere. So much that I had to cover myself completely in my sleeping bag and jacket over my head just to avoid getting bit. But I was so Hoyt and sweating like crazy that I couldn't sleep. I eventually just opened my bag all the way and just laid flat on the tarp. The bag covered my all the way and kept the bugs off. It also was cooler and I fell asleep.
Day 6
I woke up from a long night of sleep. I was hoping to feel better when I woke up today and I did! I was exited to get back on the move. I ate what was left from the dinner bread that I had and then packed up and headed out.
I walked through the town of macclenny and stopped at a cvs. I made a sign there that said "food" but it was easter Sunday and it was very dead there. So I had no luck. I tied the sign on my pack and headed out of the town going west.
I walked about half the day when I noticed it started to get smokey. There must have been a forest fire or something because it went on for miles. I was worried with breathing the smoke in especially with the cough I was still slightly dealing with. So I took me extra shirt, folded it and tied it over my mouth and nose and around my neck.
About half way through the day I hadn't eaten anything else but wasn't too hungry. But then a family turned around and pulled next to me and gave me a big plate of Easter food. It had chicken, cornbread, spinach, and Mac and cheese. I was so pumped and couldn't thank them enough!
I walked about 15 miles that day. When the sun was beginning to set I found another church along side of the highway. There was nothing else around but green fields of grass. It was perfect. The church was brand new and I don't think even opened yet. When I opened the cover to the outlet a foam piece fell out and it was the first it had been opened.
I made my bed and charged my things. I got to Skype with my best friend Rhett for a while, and then with my parents back at home. It was cool to get to talk to them all. And my dog at my parents heard me and was looking all over the house to find me. It was cool and I miss her. I laid down at around 11 and closed my eyes to get some sleep. ( these blogs are somewhat rushed until I can get caught up, it's just tough when I try to walk most of the day but il try and get them up to date in the next few days)
I walked through the town of macclenny and stopped at a cvs. I made a sign there that said "food" but it was easter Sunday and it was very dead there. So I had no luck. I tied the sign on my pack and headed out of the town going west.
I walked about half the day when I noticed it started to get smokey. There must have been a forest fire or something because it went on for miles. I was worried with breathing the smoke in especially with the cough I was still slightly dealing with. So I took me extra shirt, folded it and tied it over my mouth and nose and around my neck.
About half way through the day I hadn't eaten anything else but wasn't too hungry. But then a family turned around and pulled next to me and gave me a big plate of Easter food. It had chicken, cornbread, spinach, and Mac and cheese. I was so pumped and couldn't thank them enough!
I walked about 15 miles that day. When the sun was beginning to set I found another church along side of the highway. There was nothing else around but green fields of grass. It was perfect. The church was brand new and I don't think even opened yet. When I opened the cover to the outlet a foam piece fell out and it was the first it had been opened.
I made my bed and charged my things. I got to Skype with my best friend Rhett for a while, and then with my parents back at home. It was cool to get to talk to them all. And my dog at my parents heard me and was looking all over the house to find me. It was cool and I miss her. I laid down at around 11 and closed my eyes to get some sleep. ( these blogs are somewhat rushed until I can get caught up, it's just tough when I try to walk most of the day but il try and get them up to date in the next few days)
Day 5
Day 5 was a bit of a lost day. I felt like absolute donkey terds when I woke up. My cough was worse. I was dizzy and light headed. It was a real test in my strength physically and mentally to keep myself focused. I was so down and feeling like giving up already! Wasn't cool.
Even though I had no medicine I figured I would try and give myself the best chance to heal. I know my body is always fighting sickness so if I took good care of my body for the day and let it rest to focus on healing I might feel better.
I started by taking my vitamins, which I should do everyday, I just forget. So I took those, then jasmine had left 3 cup of soups with me when she left. So I poured water into one and let it sit in the sun to let the noodles soak the water. I ate some of the dinner bread left over from the steak sandwich jasmines mom gave me. Then I had the cold soup. I stayed in the shade all day and got as much rest as possible taking naps all day long.
At around 4 or so I made another soup and ate it too. So I at least was resting and had food to support my body in fighting off whatever I was dealing with. I laid there all day alone and was fighting my mind from being negative the whole day.
At night I laid there looking at the stars and after the whole day of feeling worthless and down I had a moment of clarity. These stars looked beautiful. This was the life, camping under stars and just enjoying nature. I fell asleep with that thought and slept like a baby all night.
Even though I had no medicine I figured I would try and give myself the best chance to heal. I know my body is always fighting sickness so if I took good care of my body for the day and let it rest to focus on healing I might feel better.
I started by taking my vitamins, which I should do everyday, I just forget. So I took those, then jasmine had left 3 cup of soups with me when she left. So I poured water into one and let it sit in the sun to let the noodles soak the water. I ate some of the dinner bread left over from the steak sandwich jasmines mom gave me. Then I had the cold soup. I stayed in the shade all day and got as much rest as possible taking naps all day long.
At around 4 or so I made another soup and ate it too. So I at least was resting and had food to support my body in fighting off whatever I was dealing with. I laid there all day alone and was fighting my mind from being negative the whole day.
At night I laid there looking at the stars and after the whole day of feeling worthless and down I had a moment of clarity. These stars looked beautiful. This was the life, camping under stars and just enjoying nature. I fell asleep with that thought and slept like a baby all night.
Day 4
On day 4 when I woke up it was about 10am. I know that's pretty late, and for sleeping on concrete. But I've been known to sleep through some gnarly things and conditions. I got up and packed up. Just as I finished packing it began to rain. It went from sprinkle to down poor in about a minute. There was a little overhang over a door and it was just big enough to fit me and my cart and pack under without getting wet. So I sat there as it rained. After 30 minutes of downpour I dozed off sitting there. When I woke up it was around 11:30 and looked like it just stopped raining. I ate half of my subway sandwich and a little bag of potato chips from subway also before I began walking.
I jumped back on the 90 and headed west. The shoulder was small so the cars were close when they passed me. It was a little scary but I got used to it.
I stopped about half way at a nice clearing and thought I would take a break on the railroad tracks. I ate the other half of the subway and drank plenty of water. I was in a good mood and felt like the day was positive. I say there about 30 minutes then moved on.
After dark I had gone about 15 miles and I began coughing frequently. It actually got so bad at one point that I sat on a guardrail and was coughing so hard I could barely breath. I wasn't feeling good at all and knew I needed to rest ASAP. So I looked for a place to camp but both sides were too thick with trees so I kept walking.
Finally I found a clearing at around the 16th mile of the day near macclenny where I crawled up a slope under a tree and coughed for an hour straight. I was worried it might be something bad I was getting so I prayed to keep me healthy and get past it.
I made my bed slowly with no energy and feeling dizzy. I laid down and drank plenty of water and barely slept all night.
I jumped back on the 90 and headed west. The shoulder was small so the cars were close when they passed me. It was a little scary but I got used to it.
I stopped about half way at a nice clearing and thought I would take a break on the railroad tracks. I ate the other half of the subway and drank plenty of water. I was in a good mood and felt like the day was positive. I say there about 30 minutes then moved on.
After dark I had gone about 15 miles and I began coughing frequently. It actually got so bad at one point that I sat on a guardrail and was coughing so hard I could barely breath. I wasn't feeling good at all and knew I needed to rest ASAP. So I looked for a place to camp but both sides were too thick with trees so I kept walking.
Finally I found a clearing at around the 16th mile of the day near macclenny where I crawled up a slope under a tree and coughed for an hour straight. I was worried it might be something bad I was getting so I prayed to keep me healthy and get past it.
I made my bed slowly with no energy and feeling dizzy. I laid down and drank plenty of water and barely slept all night.
Day 3
Day 3 started out to be a really tough day. I was starving from not eating anything but 10 thrown away donut holes in the last 2 days and the last 30 miles of walking or so. When I woke up I just really felt like a worthless person with no hope. What am I doing? Where am I? And what the hell have I got myself into?
I slowly got up and walked over to a bench nearby before even packing up or anything. Jasmine ( the girl who walked with me from the day before ) had left early in the morning. She woke me up and said she had to go to court and took off. It was a little bizarre meeting her and having her stay with me. I sat on the bench and realized if something were gonna pick me up I needed to pray and ask for some help and guidance. I sat there in misery and said a long prayer. I asked for food, water, and a lot of help to get me moving and making this challenge even close to possible. After a long prayer and sitting there in deep thought I knew what I needed to do.
I packed up and headed back down the street to a Winn Dixie (groceries store). I couldn't go any further until I had enough supplies to get me through the next long stretch between towns with potentially getting more supplies, which was about 25 miles.
I first went behind the store to the dumpster and found some cardboard to make a sign on. I wrote out on the sign "on a journey, food or water". I took some time and went over the words with a marker to make it more visible. When the sign was ready I went to the front and sat near the entrance. I didn't say a word and was honestly embarrassed too much to make eye contact. But I knew I needed to eat and I might get some help.
About 10 minutes after I sat a manager came out and let me know I had to leave. It was policy. I stood up and said no problem, and walked off. I crossed the parking lot where there was a laundromat. I could plug my stuff in there to use Internet. And while I was there I could think of what else to do. I was out of ideas and really had just about lost hope. That was the only store around really. What else would be possible?... Then just as I sat down inside the laundromat I turned and there was a little black boy following close behind me. He had a bag full of groceries and say it right at my feet. He looked about 8 or 9. I was so moved and relieved to have help. I didn't know what to say because I didn't expect it at all. After he sat the bag at my feet he gave me a little half smile then turned and walked away and out of the laundromat. He never said a word. I had a huge smile and just looked at the bag for a while before even exploring it. It was just the right thing at the right time.
I spent about 10 more minutes there before the laundromat attendant kicked me out. I walked out happily with my bag of snacks and drinks ( bag of potato chips, banana, 2 cans of chicken Vienna sausage, a Gatorade and a water). I walked past a subway where behind it a guy was taking a break. He asked where I was going and so I told him. He thought it was really cool and ballsy of me. He also offered me a ride to the next town but I told him I am trying to walk the whole way. He then said he wanted to help and to come back in an hour when his manager leaves and he could give me a free sandwich. I was pumped and said il be there for sure.
All of a sudden my luck was turning and it seemed my prayers were heard and are now being answered. I went and sat across the street on some grass in the shade. After 5 minutes I was kicked off there as it was part of a daycare where kids were. I told the man who came out I was sorry and I didn't know. He said no problem and thanks.
So I went to another grass spot where there was shade in front of a tire shop. I was sitting there where I checked my emails and jasmine had sent a message saying her and her mom were looking for me. I told her I would be at subway in an hour.
As I walked back to subway they were there parked int the parking lot. Jasmines mom jumped out and gave me a big hug and though what I was doing was amazing. She handed me a sandwich from a Texas steakhouse they brought me and also said she wanted to get me a few things. She had an idea of a cart I could pull behind me to take weight off my back. I thought that was a great idea. She said she would be back and was going to get one and some water gallons for me also. She took off and me and jasmine went into subway.
Jasmine said she was gonna try and walk with me for about 4 days. I told her no problem as long as she could hang. We were sitting in subway and the guy there made me a sandwich and also gave be 2 waters and a bag of chips. Then jasmines mom had returned with a cart and 2 gallons of water in it. All in about 2 hours I went from nothing, to 5 waters, a Gatorade, a steak sandwich with side bread, a subway sandwich, 2 bags of chips, and 2 cans of sausage. It was pretty cool (I ate the banana at the laundromat)
I decided I would eat the steak sandwich at subway and had the guy make my sandwich so it would last overnight. It was just chicken and cheese. So after I ate the steak sand. I was actually supplied enough to take off. Jasmines mom left, and me and jasmine headed out.
I was a little confused as jasmine had no gear whatsoever and was wearing flip flops. But I was unprepared too so I didn't think much of it. We ended up walking about 10 miles along 90 until we found a church in a little town called Hickman. It seemed a safe place to stay so I told her we would make up a little camp somewhere out of sight.
I was tired and wanted to have a good next day to get about 15 miles to the next town. So we made camp and I laid down to try and sleep. It was about 10:30pm. Jasmine didn't have gear so I had to sacrifice some comfort to giver her a spot to lay down. I didn't mind though since her and her mom really hooked me up. I opened the sleeping bag all the way and she laid on one side and I laid on the other. Then we had the tarp over us as a blanket.
After about 20 minutes jasmine said she was tired and thought she would try and hitchhike back to jacksonville. It was pretty random and kinda funny. So I got up and said farewell to her. She took off and I told her to message me when she made it back, and to be safe. Meeting her was sooo weird, cool but weird... I closed my sleeping bag and passed out with it all to myself.
I slowly got up and walked over to a bench nearby before even packing up or anything. Jasmine ( the girl who walked with me from the day before ) had left early in the morning. She woke me up and said she had to go to court and took off. It was a little bizarre meeting her and having her stay with me. I sat on the bench and realized if something were gonna pick me up I needed to pray and ask for some help and guidance. I sat there in misery and said a long prayer. I asked for food, water, and a lot of help to get me moving and making this challenge even close to possible. After a long prayer and sitting there in deep thought I knew what I needed to do.
I packed up and headed back down the street to a Winn Dixie (groceries store). I couldn't go any further until I had enough supplies to get me through the next long stretch between towns with potentially getting more supplies, which was about 25 miles.
I first went behind the store to the dumpster and found some cardboard to make a sign on. I wrote out on the sign "on a journey, food or water". I took some time and went over the words with a marker to make it more visible. When the sign was ready I went to the front and sat near the entrance. I didn't say a word and was honestly embarrassed too much to make eye contact. But I knew I needed to eat and I might get some help.
About 10 minutes after I sat a manager came out and let me know I had to leave. It was policy. I stood up and said no problem, and walked off. I crossed the parking lot where there was a laundromat. I could plug my stuff in there to use Internet. And while I was there I could think of what else to do. I was out of ideas and really had just about lost hope. That was the only store around really. What else would be possible?... Then just as I sat down inside the laundromat I turned and there was a little black boy following close behind me. He had a bag full of groceries and say it right at my feet. He looked about 8 or 9. I was so moved and relieved to have help. I didn't know what to say because I didn't expect it at all. After he sat the bag at my feet he gave me a little half smile then turned and walked away and out of the laundromat. He never said a word. I had a huge smile and just looked at the bag for a while before even exploring it. It was just the right thing at the right time.
I spent about 10 more minutes there before the laundromat attendant kicked me out. I walked out happily with my bag of snacks and drinks ( bag of potato chips, banana, 2 cans of chicken Vienna sausage, a Gatorade and a water). I walked past a subway where behind it a guy was taking a break. He asked where I was going and so I told him. He thought it was really cool and ballsy of me. He also offered me a ride to the next town but I told him I am trying to walk the whole way. He then said he wanted to help and to come back in an hour when his manager leaves and he could give me a free sandwich. I was pumped and said il be there for sure.
All of a sudden my luck was turning and it seemed my prayers were heard and are now being answered. I went and sat across the street on some grass in the shade. After 5 minutes I was kicked off there as it was part of a daycare where kids were. I told the man who came out I was sorry and I didn't know. He said no problem and thanks.
So I went to another grass spot where there was shade in front of a tire shop. I was sitting there where I checked my emails and jasmine had sent a message saying her and her mom were looking for me. I told her I would be at subway in an hour.
As I walked back to subway they were there parked int the parking lot. Jasmines mom jumped out and gave me a big hug and though what I was doing was amazing. She handed me a sandwich from a Texas steakhouse they brought me and also said she wanted to get me a few things. She had an idea of a cart I could pull behind me to take weight off my back. I thought that was a great idea. She said she would be back and was going to get one and some water gallons for me also. She took off and me and jasmine went into subway.
Jasmine said she was gonna try and walk with me for about 4 days. I told her no problem as long as she could hang. We were sitting in subway and the guy there made me a sandwich and also gave be 2 waters and a bag of chips. Then jasmines mom had returned with a cart and 2 gallons of water in it. All in about 2 hours I went from nothing, to 5 waters, a Gatorade, a steak sandwich with side bread, a subway sandwich, 2 bags of chips, and 2 cans of sausage. It was pretty cool (I ate the banana at the laundromat)
I decided I would eat the steak sandwich at subway and had the guy make my sandwich so it would last overnight. It was just chicken and cheese. So after I ate the steak sand. I was actually supplied enough to take off. Jasmines mom left, and me and jasmine headed out.
I was a little confused as jasmine had no gear whatsoever and was wearing flip flops. But I was unprepared too so I didn't think much of it. We ended up walking about 10 miles along 90 until we found a church in a little town called Hickman. It seemed a safe place to stay so I told her we would make up a little camp somewhere out of sight.
I was tired and wanted to have a good next day to get about 15 miles to the next town. So we made camp and I laid down to try and sleep. It was about 10:30pm. Jasmine didn't have gear so I had to sacrifice some comfort to giver her a spot to lay down. I didn't mind though since her and her mom really hooked me up. I opened the sleeping bag all the way and she laid on one side and I laid on the other. Then we had the tarp over us as a blanket.
Day 2
I was women up by a flashlight in my eyes at around 4 or 5 am. I was blinded and couldn't see anything but the light. It shined towards me for a few moments then it was clicked off. Then I saw next to me 2 cops standing next to 2 cop cars. I stated towards them but never moved at all besides my eyes opening. They were far enough away that I'm sure they couldn't see my eyes open. I though for sure I would be kicked out. But then the cops just stood there talking to each other and didn't come towards me. I was confused. They talked for about half an hour as I laid awake waiting to see what would happen. Nothing did. They eventually got into their cars and took off. I was a little shocked that they never came over to me but relieved as well. I went back to sleep.
When I woke up I took my time packing up and getting ready for the day. I brushed my teeth and took my vitamins and geared up. I made a sign to put on my pack about what I am attempting in hopes of getting some support or food/water. I headed out for the 13 mile track I had mapped out for the day.
I walked about 3 miles and was becoming very thirsty. At this point I still don't have anything to hold water so I need to make frequent stops during my walks as of now. I was almost to a Starbucks where I would stop and drink some water. As I approached the Starbucks I began to feel sick. My stomach was turning and I started to feel light headed. I stopped for an early break in the ac and drink plenty of waters at the Starbucks.
After a couple hours or so I felt much better and hit the road again. I walked all the way downtown and across a bridge. As I crossed the bridge it was really beautiful. I passed a few people at my walking pace. Half way across the bridge I stopped to enjoy the scenery and the city lights. Just then a girl name jasmine came up behind me. She saw my sign and was very curious about my journey. She asked many questions and wanted to know all about it.
I told jasmine I need to keep moving and she asked if she could walk with me. Just then a guy on a bike pulled up behind us and asked where I was going. I said I'm trying to get to California. He was all pumped up and said that's where he is heading. He talked pretty rapidly and was really exited. Also his eyes had a look like he was possibly on meth. But I couldn't know for sure. He was saying something and in the middle of the sentence he put up his knuckles and lined them up. He had a tattoo along his knuckles that said dirt-poor. He was so pumped and happy to show me that. He said he is suing his insurance company and heading to California to open up a marijuana dispensary. He said he wanted to hire me to work for him because I'm homeless tough. I laughed. He gave me his number and said to call him in 2 days to plan out our business. Then he rode his bike off like a rocket, which made me think even more he was high on meth.
Me and jasmine walked west. About a mile into walking and talking she asked if she could walk the whole way I was going and stay the night homeless. She wanted to try it for a night just to be sporadic and do something crazy. Plus she said I was the most normal homeless person she had met and trusted me. So I said no problem.
We walked and got to a little Caesars which was our destination. I went out back to see if they threw out any hot n ready pizzas but didn't find anything. So I had not eaten the whole day and was starving. I didn't want to say that to jasmine because I felt guilty and like she would think I was hinting at her to buy me food. So I just decided I would try to find food tomorrow.
We headed across the street where there was a park. It was a good place to stay the night an there wasnt much traffic or houses around it. So I laid out my tarp and opened my sleeping bag all the way so we could both lay down. We were both pretty tired so we laid down. 20 minutes later we were both getting eaten by mesquites so we ended up throwing the tarp over us to try and keep the bugs off.
(during the span of writing this entry today I have been kicked out of 3 different places, just thought I'd let u know)
So the tarp actually worked and kept the mesquites off. We talked for a while. I knew jasmine was in for a long night. She started asking if we might get robbed or if someone would come along and disturb us. It made me laugh at how nervous she was. Out off all the places I've stayed on the streets this was one of the safest, I told her that. Then we both eventually dozed off.
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When I woke up I took my time packing up and getting ready for the day. I brushed my teeth and took my vitamins and geared up. I made a sign to put on my pack about what I am attempting in hopes of getting some support or food/water. I headed out for the 13 mile track I had mapped out for the day.
I walked about 3 miles and was becoming very thirsty. At this point I still don't have anything to hold water so I need to make frequent stops during my walks as of now. I was almost to a Starbucks where I would stop and drink some water. As I approached the Starbucks I began to feel sick. My stomach was turning and I started to feel light headed. I stopped for an early break in the ac and drink plenty of waters at the Starbucks.
After a couple hours or so I felt much better and hit the road again. I walked all the way downtown and across a bridge. As I crossed the bridge it was really beautiful. I passed a few people at my walking pace. Half way across the bridge I stopped to enjoy the scenery and the city lights. Just then a girl name jasmine came up behind me. She saw my sign and was very curious about my journey. She asked many questions and wanted to know all about it.
I told jasmine I need to keep moving and she asked if she could walk with me. Just then a guy on a bike pulled up behind us and asked where I was going. I said I'm trying to get to California. He was all pumped up and said that's where he is heading. He talked pretty rapidly and was really exited. Also his eyes had a look like he was possibly on meth. But I couldn't know for sure. He was saying something and in the middle of the sentence he put up his knuckles and lined them up. He had a tattoo along his knuckles that said dirt-poor. He was so pumped and happy to show me that. He said he is suing his insurance company and heading to California to open up a marijuana dispensary. He said he wanted to hire me to work for him because I'm homeless tough. I laughed. He gave me his number and said to call him in 2 days to plan out our business. Then he rode his bike off like a rocket, which made me think even more he was high on meth.
Me and jasmine walked west. About a mile into walking and talking she asked if she could walk the whole way I was going and stay the night homeless. She wanted to try it for a night just to be sporadic and do something crazy. Plus she said I was the most normal homeless person she had met and trusted me. So I said no problem.
We walked and got to a little Caesars which was our destination. I went out back to see if they threw out any hot n ready pizzas but didn't find anything. So I had not eaten the whole day and was starving. I didn't want to say that to jasmine because I felt guilty and like she would think I was hinting at her to buy me food. So I just decided I would try to find food tomorrow.
We headed across the street where there was a park. It was a good place to stay the night an there wasnt much traffic or houses around it. So I laid out my tarp and opened my sleeping bag all the way so we could both lay down. We were both pretty tired so we laid down. 20 minutes later we were both getting eaten by mesquites so we ended up throwing the tarp over us to try and keep the bugs off.
(during the span of writing this entry today I have been kicked out of 3 different places, just thought I'd let u know)
So the tarp actually worked and kept the mesquites off. We talked for a while. I knew jasmine was in for a long night. She started asking if we might get robbed or if someone would come along and disturb us. It made me laugh at how nervous she was. Out off all the places I've stayed on the streets this was one of the safest, I told her that. Then we both eventually dozed off.
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