What Does Blizzard Really Mean?

January 2, 2002- Wednesday- Day 68

9:00am- It is really cold this morning and since I have been up it is dropping fast. I have to hang out now, just to make sure I don't get caught in the middle of nowhere in super bad weather. I was just sitting here and I saw someone walking through the woods toward me. He didn't see me, so I called out to him. He came over and said his name was Byron and he earned enough money washing a car this morning to buy a quart of beer. Huh? He is the typical black guy you read about in those novels that were written before WWI. I was waiting for him to call me Massah Jim. I told him well he better go on and get his beer before they sell out. He went and got his bottle of Old English and hung out at my fire for 2 hours drinking it. I ask him how far the Salvation Army was and he really doesn't know. He don't get far from home. When he gets a few coins he treks across the cow pasture to the Food Lion. His momma don't know he drinks. This guy is in his 40's at least. All in all, though was a little nice to talk at length with someone for a bit. When he finished his beer he took off back across the cow pasture.

7:30pm- Oh boy, what a scare I had today. Me and Skil's went hunting for the Salvation Army and couldn't find it, so we headed back. I was noticing snow flakes all the way down there and on the way back they got a little thicker. And then really thicker. We were crossing a mall parking lot and Skil's wasn't on his leash and the snow was howling now. I am in the parking lot somewhere and can't see more than 5 feet, everything is white and I can't find Skil's. I'm calling him and don't hear nothing, I am reaching out with my arms searching in the snow and no dog. Finally something touched my leg and it was my furry little boy. Now, leashed and found we headed where I thought the camp was. I just kept stumbling and sliding until I hit the fence-line. I walked along the fence reaching out occasionally to make sure it was there. When we got to the Cedar grove I could see because of the thickness of the trees. We found the tent and didn't come out no more that day or night. I couldn't believe how fast Skil's disappeared in that snow. I don't know about snow. This will be a learn as you go class.

Piggin' Out in Siler City!

January 1, 2002- Tuesday- Day 67

9:45am- Still in Siler City in the same spot. I don't think we'll leave here today, it seems they are clearing their shelves at the Food Lion to make room for all their emergency supplies. Plenty of food and I can get a lot more. Its unreal! Maybe I'll walk around and see about finding some work. I could shovel all the snow that never came. People are always trying to make it worse than it is. I have to get batteries for this radio I borrowed from Carol's house in Wilmington. Well, borrow is a little off the mark. I was there and this little transistor was there and etc... there is a bank across the street and the temp is reading 29F. That is a might chilly. I have seen these temps. in Florida, but they only last an hour or so. Up here they just drag on and on. The high today will probably reach way up to 32F. Have to break out the shorts! I am going to go see if I can find that Salvation Army and see if I can get a blanket. I went and checked out the woods to see who my friend was last night and I came across a bunch of cows, so thats put to rest now. I guess they don't like me being on their turf.

4:00pm- We have been eating all day and I better slow down, before I get to fat to walk. I just can't believe what they are bringing out of that store. The local radio station keeps issuing alerts for severe weather for tonight and tomorrow. Looks like we are in for a few rough days. I still don't see a problem with a foot of snow. But what do I know about it.

And Days of Auld Lang Syne!

December 31, 2001- Monday- Day 66

4:30am- Skil's won't let me sleep and he's being a pain in the tail. I took him for a walk at 3:00am and he seemed satisfied with that and at the bank it was reading 32F. Looks like the weatherman missed again. Should of known! They missed their 20F mark. I have a little can of food for Skil's and some dry for today. Should suffice. I really have to do something about my water situation though. I can't make coffee this morning, no water.

7:30pm- We are behind the Food Lion in Siler City, been one of my lucky days when everyone wants to help out with a ride. We started out down 15 and walked through Chapel Hill and I am starting to feel unlost a little bit. We got just out of town and was offered a ride to Pittsboro and the guy said , ain't much between here and Ashboro, so good luck. He handed me a couple bucks and we were off heading west finally. We stopped at another college and sat at the picnic tables and ate lunch. Lot's of joggers going around the track and as they would go by, they would ask how I was doing? Friendly folks, I say!

We headed on out and I don't see anything that looks like civilization ahead of us. My last ride was right, not much down this way. We made a few miles when an ole' timer pulled up and offered a ride. He was telling me if I was on the road I better find some shelter tonight, they are calling for some bad weather. He said looks like 6"-8" of snow. Well me being who I am ( a Flat Lander from the tropics) I'm thinking as I hold my fingers up 6 inches apart, that ain't nothing. I'll be alright I told him, can't be that bad. He dropped us at a gas station and gave me $5.00 and wished me luck. I am starting to feel like these people know more about this weather than I do. We set up the camp in some Cedars behind Food Lion and prepared for the worst. He also mentioned a Salvation Army that was giving out blankets, and told me how to get there.

10:00pm- I am sitting here with the tent flap open staring out into the darkness. There is something really big moving around out there in the dark. Skil's is on high alert and just watching, I have a cup of Coleman fuel and a lighter at the ready. Whatever it is won't like the reception he's gonna get if he comes around this tent. I'll light his ass up like the fireworks I heard a little while ago.Happy New Year!

Still Lost

December 30, 2001- Sunday- Day 65

11:00am- We are on campus grounds of a college and have been for a while. It must be Duke University. We left at10:00am and headed down US15 and still have no idea where I'm at. I can feed Skil's today but if we don't get out of this town, I don't know about tomorrow. We're both rested up pretty good now, though. Thats something, anyway.

3:45pm- Finally made it to 501 & 15, so we set up the tent in the little stretch of trees beside the on-ramp. This is as far as we'll go today. There are some stores near by and after dark I'll go check them out.

Colder

December 29, 2001- Saturday- Day 64

12:30pm- We are still in the same place and resting up pretty good. But my funds are getting low, so I better think about moving on tomorrow. I'll try to work my way over to US 64, somehow.

3:30pm- I just cooked a can of beans and from what I have learned today its supposed to get cold tonight. The wind is picking up, but we should be alright in these trees. My stove works great as a heater too. Last night I fired it up in the tent and took the chill out. Heated up the tent great.

Cold Weather Coming?

December 28, 2001- Friday- Day 63

8:30am- I am camped out in the woods behind a liquor store and next to a Food Lion and it is really cold. I think we will rest a couple days here if I can get food for the King Hound! When I got here last night I checked out the dumpster and it was empty so i went and bought him 2 big cans of food. If we were still in Ga. he would be shitting in high cotton now. I'll keep an eye on the dumpster today and maybe I can get him another steak. I splurged and bought a paper this morning and it appears the weatherman is calling for freezing temps. until Jan. 8.. I'm wondering where this guy has been for the last 2 weeks? Happy Birthday Big Mack!

Bull (shit) Durham

December 27, 2001- Thusday- Day 62

9:45am- We are taking a break right outside of Durham, NC. and its a warm 40F as of this moment. Last night in the dark we found some woods near a horse pasture. This morning as we were packing up I noticed that the horse pasture was solid white from the ice. Can it get any worse. I have never spent the winter out of Florida, I think I am going to get a shocking lesson out of this trip. We are looking for a camp-site early today that we can build a fire at. But I don't think it'll happen, I have Durham and Chapel Hill to pass through before I see any woods again. Walking along this morning a cop pulled up behind me and said get out of the road on her intercom. Too cold for her to get out and harass me. I got out of the road, though. We are sitting at a picnic table at a little store trying to figure out which direction to go in. I am all turned around now.

2:00pm- We just crossed the Research Tri-Angle ( whatever that is) and starting to look for a place to stay tonight. I should have took US 64 , but we are to far north of it now to turn back. Maybe I can hook up with it out passed Greensboro somewhere. I really should be heading for Buffalo NY, they are getting a foot of snow every hour. I figure if I am going to be cold I should go all out. I am getting all my news from the headlines in the paper machines, don't get all the info but I get the topics.I hope we can find somewhere soon to camp, I don't want to walk all night without snow shoes. That is another worry for me, the snow, I don't think it snows often in the Carolina's , but it does sometimes. I have never been snowed on. Nomads aren't able to pick their weather conditions, I guess.

Private Ryan Saving Me

December 26, 2001- Wednesday- Day 61

2:45pm- I was walking down Richland Hwy. looking for some woods to camp out in and stay pretty close to my bicycle pile. Things never turn out like there suppose too, do they? A kid pulled up and said you wanna go to Raliegh? You betcha! I may have messed up leaving Jacksonville like that, but this is suppose to be an adventure, right? I liked Fred and Eric, but both are colledge grads, both so much better than most, and both homeless, go figure.

My new found friend is in the military and is being shipped out next week and he says looks like we may be going into Iraq. I'm wondering why Iraq? But I have been out of the loop, so I have no idea what the status of the bombing in New York now. Check this out he said his name is PFC Ryan. I seen a movie about a private Ryan, somewhere.

We stopped at a Food Lion and he went inside and came back out with a bag of groceries for me. Then on the road again. We got to Raliegh in the dark and I got out near the airport and don't know what part of town I'm on. We stopped in the middle of a side street and stood in the street while he prayed. They sure pray a lot up here. Now the hard part of finding a camp site.

Merry Christmas Ho Ho Ho!

December 25, 2001- Tuesday- Day 60

* This post was last night, the 24th*

9:00pm- We are in Jacksonville behind the "Thieves Market" We were offered anothe ride and we were dropped off across the street. I met a guy when we got here and he told me of a place I could set up a tent for the night. He gave me a little one-burner Coleman stove and a pot. I'll be able to cook some hot food now. I might hang out here one more day but damn, its cold here. The weatherman is calling for 20"s all week, but that tells me , more like the teens. I'm going to head toward Fayetteville when I leave and start working my way back to Asheville and hope Danny's got work by then. If he ain't got no work, maybe head on down to Pensacola and then westward to the other ocean.****

Christmas day and still looking for Santa Claus, so far, no luck! I am hanging out at Eric's, who lives in a small trailer behind the Thieves Market ( which is a thrift store, pawn shop type place) He has lived back here for years and works for the owner Jim. Another fellow came by and he was living on skidrow too. So, what do i get from this, here are 2 people that are cooledge grads, living like this, but happy! Eric was showing me this calculation he was working on and I didn't understand much of what he was saying. But it sounded good!

Me and Skil's went for a walk without having to carry anything, what a difference. Just walking around like normal people. I ended up giving Eric 2 of my phone cards, so he could call his daughter. That way I didn't feel guilty taking his stove. Later the owner showed up and offered me a job fixing bicycles, I fix them and he sells them and we split the price. I was interested and he took me to where the bikes were. as we rounded the building I was face to face with a mountain of bicycles. We are talking 2 stories high, with no exaggeration, 20 feet high and in a pile. Well, I have tackled worse projects in my life, I guess. just can't remember what they were, right now! I agreed and he said I would have to move my tent off his property, due to insurance or something. That was no problem. Just now I have to find a place to put it.

Limping Along

December 24, 2001- Monday- Day 59-

5:00am- We only got as far as Ogden yesterday, with my back and feet in the shape they are in. Right now, we are behind a Food Lion and we have hit a goldmine. I can only carry so much though. We'll leave some for the next vagabond passing through. Leaving Wilmington yesterday I slipped coming out of Carol's house and didn't help my back at all. Why is there ice on the concrete steps, I ask? I am starting to have doubts about the intelligence of Carolina folks. Seems like everytime one of them gets a $20.00 bill they have to get in the car and hunt someone to give it to. I have recieved 2 of them today. Could be the Xmas spirit too, I guess. We got rain last night but at least it wasn't as cold as the night before. But I was inside the night before, but know heat, while ice was forming on everything outside.

11:00am- Just passed Scott's Hill, should hit Hampstead next. All week the temps. are going to be lows-20's highs- 50's. Going to be real interesting!

11:30am- We are in Holly Ridge about 20 miles to Jacksonville, and we probably won't go much farther today, I am hurting. I need a back transplant! Have to take it easy until my back and poor ole' feet can carry on. Skil's cut on his foot is getting better, thats a relief! That last ride to Holly ridge was a big, big help!

The Movin' Man

December 23, 2001- Sunday- Day 58

12:10am- Just after mid-night and can't sleep, I ate to much at Perkin's Buffet, and am bloated from all the food. This morning we got picked up by a couple headed for Wilmington, NC. They asked if I could drive a moving truck, I let them know , not a problem. So, they took me to their house and let me take a shower and I have to say being clean and putting on a pair of clean underwear is sometimes better than an orgasm! WOW! We went to a storage shed and loaded up all of Carol's stuff in the truck (big truck) then by a friend's and loaded up some more stuff. She is splitting up with her husband and going to Myrtle Bch. and shack up with Jimmy ( not me) . Very uncomfortable being around these two, they are so wrapped up in each other. I really don't think they realize anyone else is in the room, half the time.

We loaded up everything at the storage spots and I'm driving this big truck all over Wilmington with no license, Great! Back at the house we loaded all her junk out of the house. All this time Skil's has been in the fenced in yard. Now, everybody involved in this major ordeal are invited to dinner at the buffet at Perkin's. So, we all load up in the truck, which doesn't make any sense at all. They have a nice little sports car we could have all fit in. I go in and everybody splits up after we find a table for our party, Everybody starts filling their plates and I go back to the table and start eating. Uh oh! That was a no-no. They said you're already eating, we haven't thanked the Lord for this meal yet. Talk about feeling really small. I was almost scared to get a refill after that. Well, I survived eating out with the holy-rollers and we headed back to the house. They are headed back to Myrtle Bch. and they found a friend to drive the truck there for them. I was told to stay in the house and Jimmy's brother would come in the morning and take me to the edge of town. Plus, give me some money. Cool! At least I won't have to walk through this town tomorrow. I don't even know which way US17 is anyway.

11:45am- I am heading down US 17 now after a short search for it this morning. I sat around the house for a while and I started thinking, what if this husband shows up and I am sitting in here with all his belongings. No Good! Jimmy's brother I am beginning to believe is a fabrication of a story meant to placate me. He was suppose to bring me money, I can't believe I fell for that. My backs out of place and I am in some serious pain, but if I got to hurt, I'll hurt walking, not rolling around on the ground fighting with some big ole' country boy! I've been had. No big deal. Adios Wilmington!

A Wal-Mart Merry Christmas

December 22, 2001- Saturday- Day 57

12:00pm- Yesterday, what I was expecting to be a day of hunger and boredom, took a sudden turn when a couple picked us up. We are out in the boon-docks and people still offer rides to strangers. Very trusting folks up here. In Miami even if they stopped I may not get in. What a difference a few hundred miles make.

We stopped at an Arby's and they bought me and Skil's some roast beef sandwitches, we were sitting out side so I could keep an eye the kid. The missus said she wanted to go over to the Wal-Mart for a minute. So, me and the gentleman sat and talked about my trip. We talked for a half an hour and Skil's took a nap. The lady came back from shopping and lord, she went shopping. Carrying a cart full of bags. Women, geesh! Now the strange part, all this stuff is for me. WTF! I wanted to hollar "You dumb bitch, I have to carry this stuff" but I was very appreciative and almost got a tear in my eye. While I was trying to get it all packed, I noticed her choice of necessities for the road. Pajamas?, toothpaste, tooth brush, razors, socks, underwear, sweat pants, coat,and other stuff I had no use for. I would guess that she spent over a $100.00 on this stuff. I'm am totally lost as what to say. Then they asked if I was going to call my family for the holidays and I said if they will except a collect call. So, we're back on the road and the man says one more stop, now what? He goes back into Wal-Mart and when he returns, he hands me 3 $20.00 phone cards. I had mentioned that I hadn't seen the ocean yet, so they went out of the way and let me stand there and stare at the ocean for a few minutes. Then off to Shallote and they dropped me off and gave me a twenty dollar bill. Hugged me good by and I felt like I was losing a long lost relative. After being in the Dumps all day, over it being my daughters birthday and all of a sudden everythings alright again. Still wish I knew DeeDee's phone number though. What a day!

Back in North Carolina

December 21, 2001- Friday- Day 56

11:00am- We just passed through Calabash, NC. nice little town. Cold last night, probably in the 20's, ice everywhere. We just passed a bank and the temp. is 51F right now. Passed one Food Lion, but it was a bust. Skil's has enough to survive today. So, on we go!

1:30pm- Well I don't guess I'll be eating today, but tomorrows another day. I gave Skil's everything we had, a can of dog-food and the rest of the tenderloin. He ate really good yesterday, so, he should be able to get by with this. He definitely won't suffer to bad. There is another Food Lion in Shallote, but thats about 10 miles and we'll never make it today. And now the little boy has cut his foot, I'll have to keep an eye on that. He's not limping but I can see he's favoring that foot.

Christmas Spirit

December 20, 2001- Thursday- Day 55

10:00am- We are moving right along this morning and I have found 2 Food Lion's and one Bi-Lo, but they had crushers instead of dumpsters. Skil's has back-up food anyway, but I want to stay ahead of the game. I am now crossing the Intercoastal again, but still on US 17, headed north. I am about 5 miles to N.C. state line and Myrtle Bch. is fading in the distance. It was a nice town, but it just didn't fit my situation at all. So, we'll look elsewhere. Onward! I had a car pull up and the window came down, never saw the person, an arm reached out the window (black arm) with $20.00 bill in it. I took it , the window went up and the car was gone. Am I on LSD, this can't be happening. We stopped at a store and they have a map on the wall, Cape Fear is up the road on Bald Head Island. I see that I can take 179 along the coast and 20 miles up the road we can get back on US 17. That's my pick, lets be tourist for a while.

1:00pm- We are just about to Little River and looking for a camp site. I am judging my trip through Myrtle Bch. and it looks dim. I stayed in Conway Sun. and Mon. So Tues. Wed. and Thursday were spent pulling my wagon through the sand. That makes about 25 miles in 5 days, that ain't good, but what's the hurry? I passed a sign that said Welcome Center at the state line, maybe they have a grill and I can cook the rest of my tenderloin. That is the only good part of this cold weather, you don't need a refridgerator. If I can find another place like that Food Lion in Conway, I might hang around here until Xmas. While at the store a man handed me $5.00 and said Merry Xmas! Jeez!

North Myrtle Beach

December 19, 2001- Wednesday- Day 54

9:00am- Man, this town wasn't made for pedestrians, there are no side-walks or even bike-paths. Wouldn't be a problem, but I have my trailer and the wheels don't do so well in the sand. I'll have to take it in for a Lube job after this. After we got across that crazy bridge I just went into the first woods and set up camp. A really thick patch of Cedar trees, that I had to clear some room for the tent. I have a view of the strip across the road and the club directly across is named "Broadway" This area is too touristy, we are gonna move on down towards N. Myrtle Bch.

11:00am- We are packed up and headed towards N.M.B. A couple pulled up and handed me $5.00. I am thinking must be inland folk, just to pull over and hand me money like that. Then another mile up the road, while taking a break in the woods, a lady came in the woods looking for us. What! She said she was looking for me and that she had some dog-food for my little boy. I walked back to her trunk and she took out a butcher knife and cut me a big ole' hunk off her Xmas ham. What a world! I was hiding out of sight and thought no one could see me. These people must have some blood-hound in their blood-line.

3:30pm- We are in N.M.B. behind the AP food store, and they just brought out a load for the dumpster. I saw something fall on the ground and when it was clear I strolled on over. Oh Lord, a $40.00 tenderloin that was suppose to go into the dumpster. What a day its been. Now to go find a place where I can build a little fire and cook is thing.

5:15pm- We are setting up camp at a abandoned Goony-Golf that has long been out-of-business. The smell of my cooking attracted a pack of wild dogs, but a big stick convinced them they weren't welcome. They look healthy enough, that they don't need our food. This is a pretty good spot, but its too much out in the open. We're kind of on a hill and I can see the ocean about a mile away.

The Intercoastal

December 18, 2001- Tuesday- Day 53

8:15am- We are almost to Myrtle Beach and we are sitting in the woods contemplating our next maneuver. I am noticing a lot of traffic, like bumper-to-bumper traffic, heading into Myrtle Bch. Thats got to mean somethings happening over there. I'd be willing to wager they're not going swimming. It has been solid since 6:00am, a steady stream. Got a good hard rain last night and we probably should have rested one more day. But I am getting antsy to see this place.

2:30- We are finally up to the Intercoastal Waterway and over the bridge is destination "X" (as in marks the spot) I see a major problem crossing this bridge, though. No where to walk and the traffic is vicious. I have to say that the last 10 miles down Waccamaw Blvd. has been the hardest 10 that I've encountered. I may have to sit here until dark before I can get across this bridge. I hope there is a store close by on the other side. One of is hungry and one of us is looking like he would like to take a hunk of my leg.

Resting my Feet

December 17, 2001- Monday- Day 52
12:45pm- We are camped behind Food Lion somewhere between Conway and Myrtle Bch. We are just going to hang out here today and rest my feet and my dog. We're not really in a good spot, anybody with a keen eye could spot us easy enough. Ckecking out he job ads in the Myrtle bch. paper : Tile helper- no exp.
Steel bldg. erectors- no exp.
Oiler- no exp.
Must be hard to get people to work around here if you aren't looking for expeienced help. But if it pans out and a job is in my future, here is a room for $99.00 a week, pets okay. Maybe.
We took a stroll around the neighborhood earlier and ain't much in this section. We'll cut out early tomorrow.

Waccamaw Blvd.

December 16, 2001- Sunday- Day 51

8:10am- We got picked up early this morning and the guy's name was Alton Stone, he gave me his phone number and said to call him if I needed money or if I needed him to come pick me up, WHAT? These people up here must be smoking the Wildwood Flower or something. I'm 50 years old and never heard such shit as this before in my life. So, far I haven't asked for anything from anybody, except that guy in Ga. for dog food. I haven't even hitch-hiked, folks are just stopping on their own. It's about 30 miles to Myrtle Beach from this store ole' Alton dropped me off on.

1:20pm- We caught another ride as soon as I left the store and he brought us to Conway. We are sitting at a dog park and it has miles of trails around a beautiful lake. Its turning out to be a really nice day. There is nothing between us and Myrtle Bch. now so we'll be there tomorrow, early. I found a local paper fromlast month and I see a lot of permits were issued last month. That means construction! That means jobs!. Better get a move on. Have to find a sleeping spot. Not going to try for the beach today.

Bush's Beaned Bear!

December 15, 2001- Saturday- Day 50

7:15- We have been on the road about an hour and we are taking a break already. Where I ended up setting the tent up was about 10 feet from all the foot traffic from a black section and bunches of them walked by all night. As long as we didn't make any noise (like barking) or light any candles they would never know I was there. At least we are that dead-end stretch that came out of no-where. Have to be on the lookout for Skillet food today, and have no idea how far the ocean is. We are in Turberville now ( check these names out).

10:15am- We are somewhere in the middle of nowhere, now. I am thinking that maybe we should be passing I-95 soon, but can't be sure, I ain't sure about anything any more. Except that I am really starting to enjoy this pull-along thing. Takes a lot of strain off my back and feet. We are just stopping to have a snack and I have noticed the temperature going down. Wonder how much p-nut butter it takes to OD? I passed another Camp Branch back aways, thats 2 of them now, Ga. and now S.C. , must mean something. I have no idea where we lost U.S. 76 , but we are on 378 now, east bound.

1:00pm- We just walked out of the city limits of Lake City, 59 miles to Myrtle Bch.. A girl stopped and picked us up and carried us about 40 miles to this town. She gave me $7.00 and told me the cops here are real dicks, its best if I keep on moving. I noticed a lot of signs walking through town that said "No Loitering". I believe her, now.

We are in what the Caroliners call the Low Country, I hope I get to try some of that low country boil, that is famous around here. I hope I can find some reason to stay around Myrtle Bch. for a while. Gotta get a job.

4:15pm- We are set up in the swamp about 40 miles from Conway, just passed a store and bought a Mountain Dew for $1.69, the lovely lady only charged me a $1.00. Then she asked if I would like a couple hotdogs to go with it. Wow, I can't believe all the good friendly people I'm meeting along the way.

7:00pm- We are down in the hollow of what appears to be a swamp, and I found out we are not alone. I was heating up a can of Bush's baked beans and Skil's growled, he don't growl. I stood up slowly and turned around and 6 ft. away was a damn bear looking for a hand out I guess. He stood there looking at us, and we at him. Then he stood up, he looked like a monster, that was all that Skil's needed, I saw a chunk of flesh and hair go flying into the air. I took the can of beans and busted him up side the head. I felt sorry for that bear, he looked so confused that this pair was different. He just kinda looked shocked and turned and headed back into the swamp. I only had one thing on my mind, I wasn't going to let Skil's get hurt.

Well, now that the excitments over I can finish my beans. I have got to try and get something to read, even a Bible if thats all I can get. Maybe I'll pass a yard sale and can get a book for a $.25 . It's the week-end and thats the time for yard-sales. Have to find a dollar store too, and get some more candles. I get about 3 nights out of one candle. I am going to sleep with one eye open tonight, Skil's is still on edge, somethings still out there!

Potter's March

December 14, 2001- Friday- Day 49

1:00am- Just after midnight and trying to get to the dumpster and find Skil's something to eat. He has dry-food, but if I can conserve some and find him something else. Then that practice might come in handy for when we get stranded somewhere. Everytime I head over to the dumpster, though another delivery truck pulls up. They must get all the deliveries for the week-end on Thursday night.

11:00am- I think we are on the other side of Sumter now, at a drive-in movie place, that has long passed seeing its last movie. Theres a grove of trees 30 feet high growing in here. So, it must have been a while since it was opened. This town of Sumter seems to have some history, from the Civil War, seems a Gen. Potter marched through here and burnt everything to the ground. Sounds like one of the Potter's. While sitting here a man just pulled up and gave me 2 ham sandwitches, vienna sausages, can of peaches, 3 pepsi's and $5.00. He said he saw me walking down the road earlier, good thing I was out where he could see me. This would never happen in Florida, why is that? This pull-along is great, but I still feel funny with it walking down the highway.

2:15pm- The next town is 20 miles and no way will we get that far today. So, we'll walk another hour and start looking for a campsite. We are walking down a frontage road that runs along the highway (76). You have to keep looking over your shoulder so you don't get mowed down. I'm going to try and find a store to camp near.

6:15pm- Still walking down the frontage road and haven't found anywhere safe looking to stop. I am befuddled now, to say the least, the damn road just stopped at the edge of the woods. Whisky Tango Foxtrot! I have came 1500 miles or so, and hit a dead end, not hardly, I grabbed my stuff and took off through the woods. We fought those brambles and briars for over a mile until we hit another road. We came out of the woods at 378 & 76 and a truck was working there , so we kinda stayed in the woods out-of-sight until he left. Now to figure out where the hell we are at.

Rolling Along!

December 13, 2001- Thursday- Day 48

6:30am- I am sitting here waiting for daylight because I dropped my wallet somewhere last night and its got my dog-food money in it. We are gonna head on down US76 toward Myrtle Beach, last time I went through there, it was buzzing with work. That was 10 years ago though! I slept pretty good last night.

2:00pm-Just ran into 2 lovely little girls coming out of a driveway, curious minds, asked me what I was doing walking down the road. I told them some of my story and they said wait right here and went back to their house. I,m thinking, now what!

They came back with a suitcase with wheels on it (one of those pull along things). They packed it with dog-food, pnut butter, jelly, crackers, 3 pepsi's and a coat. Then their father Trent came up and asked me back to the house for a hot meal. But Skil's tried to get him and I don't go around anybody that I have to be super alert around. Not, that Trent was a problem, its just that I never relax when anybody's around Skil's. Whole lot of good people in this world, that do not live in Florida. Could it be caused by living at sea-level?

Trent said he would go over to a construction job and see if they needed any help, but, I declined because I am still kinda in the town. After an hour of just hanging out and me listening about how great S.C. is, and being bombarded with questions about my trip, I headed on out. With my rolling suit-case, oh lord! I am really embarrased pulling this thing, but I couldn't hurt the little girls feelings. I'll wait til I get down the road away from here and pitch it.

4:00pm- We are sitting in the woods behind Food Lion in Sumter and I just hit the dumpster, just before the truck got to it. We were picked up shortly after we departed the girls and taken about 30 miles down the road. There was nothing for Skillet, but there was a box of bear-claws, garlic bread-sticks and homemade deli rolls. We are right in the flight-path of Shaw AFB and it doesn't sit well with the little boy. It seems like you can just reach up and grab one of those F-15's. Still have the pull-along and I am very undecided about it. All my clothes are in it now and my tent rides on it well. Plus the fact someone picked me up pulling it along. I'll tolerate it one more day, then make up my mind. It is a handy gadget!

Lower Side of Columbia

December 12, 2001- Wednesday- Day 47

3:00pm- We are on the southeast side of Columbia, on US 76. The law checked me out in Pomaria yesterday, then loaded us up and took us to the Newberry Co. line. Nice enough cop, but I took it as get out of my town. He didn't say it, but I felt it.

Didn't walk far and a car stopped and gave us a ride. His name was David and a member of the Presbyterian Church and a God fearing soul, I guess. He took us to downtown Columbia and showed me where the library was, the salvation Army and told me to meet him for lunch at 12;30 at the church.

The library was out because I had no place to put Skil's in the middle of downtown, and here come s the rain again. It sure rains a lot around here. We decided to head on out of town and see if I can find a place to put up the tent. Dave did pony up $20.00 for us and I thought that was a mighty righteous act for a Holy-Roller (Praise The Lord!) And all that good shit.

I found a field with a bunch of trees (they have leaves) just barely on the outskirts of town. There was a store near by and we pigged out with our new found wealth. I saved $5.00 for tomorrow. Life is Grand on the road.

7:15pm- I am wondering what kind of town I am in, as we walked out of Columbia proper, I noticed used car lot after used car lot. In between car lots are detective agency's, matresses and box springs leaning on every fire hydrant, then a block of more used car sales, a block of solid store front churches(of every denomination) bail bonds and weddings performed here, loan shark pawn shops, ambulance chaser shops, Boy! In one block you could get married, hold up a pawn shop, steal a get-away car, have a detective agency catch you and get bailed out, then have your ole' lady divorce you because you're a crook, without crossing the street. Happy Birthday Patty! If you are still alive.

I See Dead People

December 11, 2001- Tuesday- Day 46

12:30pm- We took a wrong turn yesterday and ended up putting about 15 extra miles on my poor ole' feet. As far as the weather, it rained all night and am willing to bet it dropped to the teens after midnight. My body heat formed a fog so thick inside the tent I couldn't see from one side to the other. Unreal, I have never experienced weather like this in my life.

This morning before we headed out I checked out the grave stones and the newest one was dated 1854, thats 1854. That was before the Civil War, man the history that could be explored around here. I hope they are all dead!

We are in Pomaria now and back on 176, which we should never have got off of. A guy picked us up and brought us here and said that Columbia was about 20 miles. He bought me a cup of coffee and wished me luck. I fed Skillet and off we go.

Grave Predicament

December 10, 2001- Monday- Day 45

8:30am- We are packing up to move on in to the town. Maybe its a town we can hang out in a few days. Hoping its a friendly place. I slept really good last night thanks to Gordon, and surprising 2 bottles of vodka straight and no hang-over. Okay. Skillet, lets go see the town!

2:30pm- I guess everyday can't be good, you have to have some days that really make you miserable. Today, has drawn that battle line. I am on the out- going side of Newberry, cold and soaking wet. Just as we entered town, the rain started and it came down hard. We took refuge in a self-serve car wash until a guy came by and said this was a town that you don't want to stop in one place to long. I guess in other words "Keep moving Chump, your kind not welcome" Out into the rain and the temperature was dropping fast. If I was to hazard a guess, I would put it in the 20's. Wicked weather to say the least.

Skil's hasn't ate yet, but I have a dead squirrel in a bag I picked up. I'm doubting that I'll be able to build a fire, though. I need my ass kicked for passing a Wal-Mart and not getting him something. I just didn't fell like going inside like this. I would have left a puddle every step. This is only the third time he didn't eat in 45 days on the road. Thats not to bad, but I don't like it. I walked off the road into the woods to set up camp and found a bunch of graves that doesn't look like anybody knows is there. So, I set the tent up amongst the ghosts' and goblins. Hoping the rain lets up tomorrow.

Hurray for Gordon

December 9, 2001- Sunday- Day 44

10:00am- About 6 miles out of Whitmore, with 12 to go to reach Newberry. We're going to have to reach it today, so the breaks won't be so often. We are right now crossing the Sumter National Forest, so a stopping place would be hard to find. No water and no food, so we got to keep on keeping on.

5:15pm- I am just outside of Newberry and won't make it into town today. We are up on the side of a mountain, with a store down below. I spent $10.00 on supper for me and Skil's, those convenience stores aren't cheap. Should have went on into town, but slap wore out crossing that National forrest. All along the way I was noticing half-pint Gordon"s vodka bottles along the hwy, and lo-and-behold I found 2 that wasn't open yet. Two out of a hundred empties ain't to shabby. I am going to sit right here and kill the pain some, I'll suffer tomorrow. Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus! Why would anyone throw 2 perfectly good bottles of vodka out the window?

I'll probably hang out here for a few days due to feet problems, I am in some serious pain. I bought some Dr.Scholls back in Naples and I'm going to try walking without them. See if that helps. Maybe they are working and need a helping hand around here. I would like to settle down for a bit, at least until I am more prepared to travel. Like money and a decent backpack for extended travel.

Carolina Hash!

December 8, 2001- Saturday- Day 43

12:00pm- I walked by the dumpster yesterday, and a fellow was there picking up stuff, that was sitting out. I said hello and we got to talking. He and his wife take in all the animals that are injured or homeless and he gets food from a few stores around town. He said the stores put outdated stuff out for him. I didn't mention the steaks that were more than likely left for him. He said it was really something what I was doing, and said I should get a sponser like PETA or ASPCA and maybe they would help me along my path. I'll check into that if I get by a library. Maybe when I get to Columbia, that's a real city. He also handed me $5.00. We left for the wilderness early this morning and hit the road to who knows where, again.

6:00pm- We were just about o the Whitmire town limits when I came across a party of loud music. Someone started hollering at me to come here. This was not looking good, so far! All of these people are black, uh-oh. I can't let them think I'm scared so I walked on up, right into the middle of 30 black people. Turned out to be the greatest bunch of black people I have ever run into. They were having a Carolina Hash get-together. I highly recommend Carolina Hash for anyone that hasn't tried it, delicious! They fed Skil's and took up a collection for me- $16.00. Super people outside of Florida. We set up the tent in Whitmire behind a Lil' Crickett store. We have to move early in the morning, due to the open area we're in.

Still Breakin'

December 7, 2001- Friday- Day 42

2:00pm- We just laid around and rested today and just took it easy. I ended up buying Skil's food last night and I got myself one of those Little Debbie cakes that only cost a dollar. I love health food. A little bit ago, I saw a guy come out of the back of Winn Dixie with a box and he put it by the dumpster. I'm thinking that has my name on it. Bingo! A box of steaks, ground chuck patties and hamburger patties. Do they know I'm here? Me and the little guy went up on the mountain and built a fire. Damn!, we ate good. I cooked it all up so Skil's would have food for tomorrow.

I have been noticing that all the fast food joints have a truck that comes at 4:00am, so if I have to hunt Skillet food there I'll have to do it before they get there.

Break Time!

December 6, 2001- Thursday- Day 41

9:00am- We have made about 5 miles today and I don't know how much farther we'll go. We passed a spike that got hit last night, but nowhere to build a fire around here, so, we left him there to rot. Last night we slept in a wheat feild and I was sure hoping I could get out of there before some farmer came along driving a big ole' combine and chew us up. I need food, Skil's is doing okay, but my belly says I am in need of substance.

3:00pm- We have set up the tent behind the Winn Dixie in Union, we'll wait for dark and see if I can get something for Skil's. If I can get hold of a Union paper, I'll check out the work prospects. We may stay here tomorrow too. Just take a rest and get our strength back. My little boy is game, I guess.

Union or Bust!

December 5, 2001- Wednesday- Day 40

9:00am- Somehow we ended up on 215 and have no idea where it goes. Who gives a rat's ass, anyway! All I know is it is a N-S route and its warmer to the south. Its a barren road with nothing on it. I am carrying a pretty good load in my pack, today I'll go through it and eliminate what is not needed, We pitched the tent last night at the intersection of 221 & 215, behind a store, somewhat still in the residential section of town. Lots of pedestrian traffic back and forth to the store. And of the colored persuasion. Great!Everything is on an incline and all my stuff kept sliding to the downside of the tent. I'm in another world, for sure. We were gone before sun-up.

11:00am- Just passed a sign that said Union was only 17 more miles. We'll never make that today. I bought Skil's three cans of food for him and I'll get 2 more tonight down the road. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSIE!

The lady at the store said that it is all country after I pass Union, wonder how she knows I'll pass Union.

1:00pm- I met a wonderful lady outside of Pauline today. She gave me $7.00 and said she had to go to the Drs. right now, but tomorrow she'll come looking for me in Union. I don't know why, but I hope its to feed me and my little boy. She told me that Union was a good sized town and its famous for Susan Smith running her kids into the lake. Cool! She said there is a Salvation Army and maybe I can find a job around there. So. Here I come Union!

The Cross-Town Route Sucks!

December 4, 2001- Tuesday- Day 39

9:30am- We are off towards Spartanburg this morning, without any plans, whatsoever. I have $8.82 in my pocket. Less than a week I spent almost $200.00, jeez!, what an idiot. Really need some kind of work, I'll do anything. A S.C. map would also be a big boost to my failing confidence. I threw a whole beer away this morning, that's a good start! I am in no hurry, maybe I'll just walk around the USA the rest of my life. Even with all the bad times, I'm beginning to like not knowing whats around the next bend.

11:30am- Me and Skil's are taking a break near I-85 and Asheville Hwy. Some fellow picked us up in Boiling Springs and brought us to, who knows where! I think it is the oppisite way I wanted to go, though. I guess I'm actually on 176East. Me and Laura took this road from Pedro's (South of the Border Motel) to get here in the first place. There is a newspaper laying here that is dated 10/27/01, the same day I left Naples. Strange! Got to find a place to find food tonight and absolutely lost right now. I'll just pick a road and start walking, hell with it!

2:00pm- I have to learn not to take every ride thats offered, we are walking right down the middle of Spartanburg and I don't see the end of the city. What a mess this is. I am slap wore out, so I suppose Skil's is pretty beat-up too. I found a pair of jeans that someone lost somehow and a sewing kit, which may come in handy one day. Found a homeless camp along 221, that has been deserted and all his belongings are still here. That can only mean one thing, the law came and took him away. I'm going on out of town, don't need that kind of stress.

That was a struggle, crossing that town, but I am starting to see wide-open spaces now. We are still on 176 and I passed a sign that said it was 92 miles to Columbia. Now to find a way to feed Skil's. I have to learn to be more sociable, and talk to some of these over-friendly people.

On the Road, Again!

December 3, 2001- Monday- Day 38

5:30pm- It appears that me and Skil's are off on another odyssey, I guess! Looks like Danny won't be having no work for a while. So, we are on our own again, for a bit. It seems like N. Carolina shuts down for the winter. I guess we will head down toward the ocean, always something being built around the water. Plus, the fact its warmer, it was 31F last night, that is below freezing where I come from. I have Danny's tent and I'll keep in touch with him somehow, just in case. Right now we are one exit from Danny's and its getting dark and cold.

The Little French Broad!

December 2, 2001- Sunday- Day 37

8:30pm- I just sat around Joe's all day watching TV and talking. God, Iget tired of him telling me how bad he is. If he only knew my background! I did force myself to go for a walk with Skil's. We walked up the mountain to the "Little French Broad" river. Was a really beautiful place. I wish I had known about this place before, I surely would have explored it a little more. There are rapids and the current looks like it would have complete control over whether you lived or died if you fell in. Wow! Tomorrow I am going to get Danny's tent and my stove and find a place like this to hang out in until something breaks. Maybe, I'll work my way back to Woodruff, where danny has a vacant house, but its on the other side of Spartanburg and a long ways from any work in Asheville. I'd really enjoy staying right here on the banks of this river.

Contemplating!

December 1, 2001- Saturday- Day 36

11:45am- We stayed at Joe's last night and I don't really won't to be here, he gripes my ass! But at the moment I don't have any clue what to do. I'll wait out the week-end, then try to make some plans. Danny gave me a tent, but if I take it and go in the woods, I can't be certain where the work will be. I know I have to lay off this drinking and that's all me and Joe seem to have in common. We're just a couple of drunks. I am sitting out under a tree in the yard and it sure looks different around here, then last summer. All the trees are bare of leaves and appear to be dying. That 4 season shit is for the birds!

You're Broke Stupid!

November 30, 2001- Friday- Day 35

12:00pm- What a cold rainy night last night. We got our clothes washed and just ambled down 191 looking around, not knowing where the hell I'm at. I finally found something I recognized and I felt a little better. We are at the store near where Joe lives and we will hang out here and maybe catch him if he visits the store.

Last night all that weather that was promised, well, the weatherman kept his word. It rained hard all night. Me and Skil's took shelter on the porch of a building, but late at night a lot of traffic came by, so we headed to the woods. I went in the dumpster and got some big pieces of card-board to make a half-way dry place. Kinda worked. Not perfectly, though. Didn't get any sleep at all, just held the roof over us, so Skil's could get some rest.

At daylight, Joe came for his morning coffee, which I knew he would. A creature of habit. He loaded us up and we all went to the job in Swannanoa. Danny was there and said he could probably work me a few days a week, wasn't sure though. Well, thats something, a maybe is better than a nothing. I hung out in the area until they knocked off for the day and Joe took me to his house. Then we proceeded to drink up all the cash I had left. Don't know what is in the future for me.

No Destination!

November 29, 2001- Thursday- Day 34

10:00am- Its check-out time and off we go, I have no idea where. I just have to kill some time and call Danny this week-end. We are gonna walk into Hendersonville and see about a laundromat and wash clothes. Don't have any plans for today, so I'm just going to amble along. I saw on the tele some super bad weather was on the way, well thats the way it goes sometimes. I don't want to spend the money on another night at the Ramada Inn. Fifty bucks a shot! I spent to much yesterday as it is. I'll look for some shelter outside of town. The trees won't do, it seems like none have any leaves on them. Weird country!

In Hot Water

November 28, 2001- Wednesday- Day 33

7:00am- We are still sitting behind the store where we stayed last night at John Dodd Rd. and Asheville Hwy. We have to hang out here until around 9:00 and wait for Danny, he said he would pick us up and take us to Hendersonville N.C. I think that would be the best location to find some work, surely Spartanburg is a lost cause for employment.

We ended up sleeping on a king-size mattress that was leaning against the wall at a storage building. I woke up at mid-night and I was soaking wet from the dew, fog, what ever you want to call it. Maybe in Hendersonville I can hunt down Joe and maybe get cleaned up a bit. At least borrow his washing machine and wash my clothes.

5:00pm- Danny sent his son, Eric, to pick me up this morning and carry us to Hendersonville. He took me to the Ramada Inn in Hendersonville, I didn't want to spend the money, but what the hell, let's splurge a little. Its just one night, hot shower, no rain, all the unfun stuff. Skil's can rest without be on alert all the time. I splurged again at the near-by Waffle House. We rested good, so far!

Pop-a-Top Again

November 27, 2001- Tuesday- Day 32

1:00pm- Sitting in the woods right by where I use to live in Spartanburg, S.C. near I-26 and I-85 intersection. I just got into Homer Ga. and it seems the law was waiting for me. While they were reading me the riot act and scrutinizing my Fl. ID a woman pulled up and said she would give me a ride out of town. The cop was an asshole and any minute I was expecting him to say "You in a heap a trouble boy" or something. But he agreed to let the lady give me a ride. She made room for me and Skil's and said she was going to Royston Ga. Where ever that is. I told her that would be fine with me and I would figure out how to get to Spartanburg from there. We were just bopping along and I noticed the S.C. state line. I said "Ma'am you just entered South Carolina, she just smiled and said she would take me to Spartanburg. When she let me off, she gave me a Bar-B-que chicken, a loaf of bread and some diet Pepsi's. She turned around and headed for Royston, I guess. I don't know if I'll ever get use to the kindness shown by the folks from Georgia. Now, I have to find my way to Campobella and try to locate Danny, I know about where he lives. Whether he has any work, or not, but he does owe me my last check. That'll be at least $200.00. Maybe I'll buy a sleeping bag.

5:00pm- We are at a Handy store on the Asheville Highway and I got hold of Danny, he said he would bring me some money. Oh happy days. now I can spend this twenty I have in my pocket. I bought a six-pack to celebrate me and Skil's great accomplishment. Danny true to his word showed up and gave me $175.00, don't remember now how many hours I had coming, but didn't argue. He said be at the Handy in the morning about 9:00 and he come pick me up. Danny is good people even if he is one of the people that help make S.C. the 49th dumbest state. He also brought me a sleeping bag and a jacket. He said he had no work, but now that I am back, he'll start beating the bushes looking for something. I sitting here about half drunk looking around for a place to sack out. There is a vacant barn across the street and there is a bed sitting outside a business next door. I think we'll take the bed, I'll drag it out in the field. If Danny can't find any work I'll find me a bunch of Mexicans to hang out with. They seem to always know where to get a job. One more for the road, Joe!

Let Us Pray

November 26, 2001- Monday- Day 31

2:00pm- I have to say, its been an interesting day, to say the least. We are about 4 miles from Nicholson and I don't think we'll go much farther today. This morning at our first break a black guy came out of a dirt road and pulled over to talk. Turns out he was a preacher and wanted to pray for me. He handed me 20 bucks and said that was half of what he had. But said I could have the other 20 if i wanted it. I took his card and told him I would write and send his 20 back, when I got to where I was going. I sat there a little while longer and decided to try the sign thing. I'm a little cocky now that I have a pocket full of money.

I stepped out to the road and started walking holding my sign out to be seen. First truck stopped and this Grandmother type old lady stopped and loaded us up. She kept telling me I have to stay warm. Over and over again. Wanted to holler,"Shut Up" Then she does the unspeakable, she started stopping at truck stops and tried to beg me a ride. Oh,my God, how embarrasing, please let me escape this torture. Why is it? people think truckers give out rides freely, especially a man with a dog. She must listen to country music. I finally talked this crazy old bitch that I would be fine, just let me out. All this time I am being as polite as any grandson could be. She finaaly gave up on the truckers and released me from my bondage. The best moment of our trip so far. I'll try the sign thing one more time, but another ride like that and I'll trash the sign.

Five minutes after I got out of her truck I was riding again, but with a normal guy. He took us about 50 miles to the other side of Athens. There he said good luck and gave me a jar of p-nut butter, jelly and a loaf of bread. Peanut butter and no water, not a good combination. Don't know what I will do to keep warm tonight, I left my blanket at Rock Eagle. I'll probably find that that was a really bad move. But it was just so heavy, and I thought I would be walking mostly. The peanut butter guy said its suppose to rain again tonight, Oh Great!

5:30pm- We are 2 miles north of Commerce under a bridge that goes over Grove Creek. Just outside of Athens a dog trainer picked us up and brought us up to I-85. He also dropped me off at a truck stop, what's with all these people thinking thats where the rides are? They only give rides when they need someone to talk to, and very seldom to a man and a dog.

As I went over I-85, I met another traveler that just came down through N.J., Pa., and West Varginia. He was telling me about how hard it is to get through New Jersey, but I know that all to well. He was out there panhandling at the off ramp, I'm thinking I better get away from this guy or people will think I'm with him. He told me he met a guy over at the motel and he's be staying with him at night. He said I could come over and take a shower and hang out if I wanted. I suppose the next thing he would tell me, he'd even wash my back. I didn't wait for his next statement, we were gone. Being alone has its advantages. This bridge is a really good place to stay tonight, the rain can't get under here and maybe I won't freeze. I feel like I am getting close to my destination and then there is the next part. Trying to locate Danny and see if he's got enough work to give me a job. Well, I not going to go back to Florida , so I'll find a job, when I stop moving. I have traveled a good distance today, maybe that Rev. Terry had some pull after all with that prayer he said for me!

"Ashville- Have Dog"

November 25, 2001- Sunday- Day 30

8:30 am- Check this out, we are sitting in the woods across the street from "Andy's Antiques and Bar-B-Que". That's a first for me, I think. We laid in the rain all night last night, so I am drying what I can here in the woods. What a waste, its raining again. I have built a make shift shelter out of cardboard, it helps some. To a point! I'm hanging out here for a couple hours and get some rest for me and Skil's. Maybe some of this stuff will dry.

2:20pm- We stayed at the last spot until 10:ooam and now we are about 8 miles down the road. The sign says Madison 16 miles. We just made our way through Eatonton, I don't know if there is a town between here and Madison. I won't find out today I imagine. Looks like rain again this evening, oh the joy of the road! We passed a pecan farm and I picked up some by the road, all were stale. I keep thinking of that creek we passed over in Dublin "Hunger and Hardship Creek". Easy to see how it came to be named now. I think I'll make a sign "Ashville- Have Dog" and see if I can get us a ride out of this wet country. Worth a shot! Can't hurt. I am still wishing I had a map, hell, I don't know where we are at.

5:50pm- I am at a picnic area at Rock Eagle 4-H. I passed a ranger station and they had some literature on the park and it has somewhat of a map on it. Better than not having anything, I guess. Looks like I have to stay on 441 until I get to 123, there I take a right for 45 miles toward Greenville S.C.. We are talking 8 days walking here. We are goning to stay here at the picnic tables tonight. At least I can get underneath one if it rains again.

We're in the Chip's Now

November 24, 2001- Saturday- Day 29

9:00am- We are taking the first break of the day on the banks of the beautiful "Lake Sinclair". Must be a really big lake, hundreds of cars and boat trailers, but don't see more than 3 boats on the water. My amigo, that said he would pick me up, happened to see us hiding under the overhang at the church. Damn, what luck! He took us to Milledgeville and we arrived in the dark, that ain't good. I found a grocery store and searched the dumpster for skillet food and found the deli's left over Thanksgiving food. The little guy ate half a turkey and outside was a box of tomato's and potato's that I helped myself to. Its raining steady, has been all day. None of that quick shower stuff we have in S. Florida. We found a freshly killed doe and Skil's attacked it with vengence. Chunks of skin and hair just a-flyin', I would have let him eat until he got his fill, but, we are in the middle of town standing in a downpour. I had know idea how we were gonna survive this rain tonight, so we just kept walking. As we were leaving town, here was a Modular Home Sales. We slipped in and hoping there are no dogs on guard crawled under one that was on dry ground. Couldn't sleep knowing the danger of over sleeping, finally dozed off after I remembered the next day is Saturday.

5:30pm- We are about 12 miles out of Milledgeville and its been a long hot day. I guess all this water evaporating is warming it up some. We didn't really make much distance today. My back-pack has an extra 20lbs. of water in it. All the hills are getting closer together and none go downhill. What ever became of that little saying " what goes up etc. etc.". We are just keeping a steady pace and not one of the fastest that we've kept up before.

I ran across a potato chip plant, so I thought I would amble on over and look in their dumpster. What a surprise was waiting in there. It was full of chips, fruit bars, popcorn, pretzles, doritos and boxes of other things. Looks like they get rid of their overdated stock. I went through them and collected a box of stuff to take with me.

I am about a mile from the chip place and a man stopped and asked if I was hungry. Then was the first time I have asked for anything from someone. I told him yes, but I would rather feed my dog and if he had some dog-food I would be much obliged. He told me to wait there and he would be back. I had to believe him, no one in Georgia has done us wrong yet. While we were waiting a cop car pulled up, I've been waiting for this. The lady fuzz said she's been watching me walk up and down the road all day. I just explained to her, that she wasn't watching me, I've been walking in one direction. That wasn't accepted well! While she was running my I.D. the man with the food pulled up. He seemed really nervous about the cops, he kept saying I don't know this guy, I'm just giving him something to eat. Ha Ha! He must have thought because the cops were doing their job, I must be a serial killer or something. I assured the cops I would not be putting a blight on their landscape with my presence. The food was great, deer nuggets, mashed potatos, broccli, abag of dog food and a slice of pumpkin pie.

Rain, Rain, Rain

November 23, 2001- Friday- Day 28

1:30 pm- It has been raining on us all day, soaking wet and miserable. We are out of the rain for a break at a church just outside of Irwington. I can't record my trip today do to all the rain, so I will have to remember everything and put it in the book tomorrow. Another Mexican picked us up outside of Dublin and brought us this far. He said he was going to Milledgeville later and he would keep his eyes open for me. Skil's is tired and hungry and I feel so bad for him, he didn't ask for this. Poor little boy! I believe when this front passes it is gonna get wickedly cold. I can feel the temp going down already. Somewhere up here I have to start heading to the east, I don't know where, wish I had a map. Everything is wet and very heavy today. Sure wish I didn't have to carry all this Georgia water around with me.

Happy Thanksgiving

November 22, 2001- Thursday- Day 27

9:00am- HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Last night found us just outside of Jacksonville, Ga. The home of the world record bass and the state record Buck. Must be the water around here. It is pretty nippy this morning, the best we could do for shelter last night was a grove of tightly knit trees. Helped a lot. We passed a sign that puts McRae at 11 more miles, it should be a larger town than I've passed through so far. If I can find the right place to hold up for a few days, we're gonna take a couple much needed days to rest.

12:30pm- We were sitting under a tree when a car pulled up and gave me some food, banana nut bread, cinnamon nut bread, an apple and 3 sodas. Nothing Skil's would eat, but he had 3 wings, a porkchop and a spam sandwitch. Not really enough for him, but until I find something else it'll do. The day ain't over yet!

6:00pm- We are now settling in for the night 3 miles north of Dublin (not Ireland). Some hunters picked us up earlier and toted us about 50 miles down the road. Well I'll Be! He gave me a can of Vienna Sausages and I gave them to Skil's. I found a shed that looked deserted but it was full of farming equipment, so we moved on. I found a place another mile down the road back in the trees, so here we'll stay tonight. Its cloudy this evening and I hope it don't rain. These low clouds will make it warmer than the last 2 nights. I can't take much of that 30 degree temperture. Damn I am from Miami, by God!

Uphill Battle

November 21, 2001- Wednesday- Day 26

8:10am- We are 2 miles outside of Broxton and very cold this morning. I would guess the lower end of the 30's last night. Wasn't cold enough to kill me, but very uncomfortable. Have know idea how far the next town is, but I am keeping my eyes open for some kind of shelter for tonight. Or at least a place to build a fire.

11:20am- Sign says 22 miles back to Douglas, as for the road ahead its looking real bleak. I have been finding a lot of Georgia Cannonball watermelons today, but none are ripe yet. I would say its been in the 50's all morning, but its starting to warm up some. I have no idea what lies ahead of us, but we are still trucking along. Probably made 8 miles today and Skil's is doing fine in this mild weather. Maybe one of these locals will stop by and show some of that Georgia Love that we experienced when we entered this state.

3:10pm- We are 26 miles out of Douglas still don't see anything to give us a sign of population. we are starting to feel the toll of all these hills, that just go up. None of them seem to go down hill, I have to think about stopping at 5:00pm, we just aren't able to continue. Maybe, we will find another abandoned house, I seen many along this road.

Way Down 'Yonder in the Land of Cotton

November 20, 2001- Tuesday- Day 25-

11:00am- We are taking our first break about 50 miles from where I stayed last night,Life is good sometimes. We are int he town of Pearson now. This just tells me that Florida SUCKS. Things are sure different when you cross that State Line. A whole new world to explore. The people, so far, have been exceptionally great and friendly.

We started out early and got in about 6 miles or so, then a truck pulled up and a lady got out and lowered the tailgate, told me to put the dog in there. Okay, who was I to argue with a lady out in the woods with gun-racks in the window. Riding along she told me she was Don's mother and he asked her to pick me up if she passed me. Damn! She was heading for the Dr. in Homerville and she was going to the school to pick up Don. We picked up Don and dropped mom off at the Dr., then Don started driving me north. We stopped at Hardy's and he bought me breakfast and then headed on in to Pearson. We pulled up to a fast food joint and he bought me a bunch of snacks for the road and a pack of smokes. He gave me all his information and asked me to let him know from time to time where I was. Somehow I have to repay this kindness someway, someday. On my to-do list for sure. Don explained that the road ahead isn't all trees and I should be okay from here. I felt sad to be leaving such a good friend behind, but was hyped up for what lay ahead. I hugged him good-bye and he was gone.

I ran out of water yesterday and I shouldn't have too much of a problem from this point on. I am at a church now and it has an outside faucet, I know how to work these things. Filled my bottle and hit the road. According to the sign its 15 miles to Douglas.

1:10pm- Me and Skil's are on the north side of Douglas now and in a daze to say the least. When Don dropped us off, a Mexican was standing at the phone booth at the store so I asked him how far to Macon. He said he didn't know, so I sat under the tree and wrote down today's notes and tried to make sense of the last 2 days. About 45 minutes later the Mexican came back and said he'd give me a ride to Douglas in a little while if I wanted to wait. Also, said to come over to his house and his wife would make me something to eat. I'm thinking now, what the hell is happening to me here. This don't happen where I come from. I declined the invitation, but was really pleased that he would offer. I just can,t except hand-outs so easily. But, I am realizing that I will have to accept these things for my little dog health and well-being. But, to enter someones house , I ain't there yet. A few miles down the road a red car stopped and a car load of little Mexican kids and my Mexican friend from the store. I sure was hoping none of these little kids wanted to pet my dog. I sat shotgun and put Skil's on the floor between my legs, so that I had complete control over any mis-haps that may occur.

We went on up the road and stopped at a pallet company and mi amigo got out and talked to someone. He came back and told me he asked when the next truck was headed for N. Carolina. The next trip would be in a week, but if I wanted , I could wait around and get a ride. I politely refused and showed my thanks, but hiding out in these woods for a week with no way to feed Skil's won;t work for me. We then went on to Douglas, another sad good-bye and on the road again.

Looks like rain down toward the southwest, Don's mom said it was calling for rain on Thanksgiving. I'll have to find some sort of shelter if that is a cold front, it is freezing cold here every night. Frost the last 2 mornings, warms up nicely when the sun comes up, but come dark they let the Ice-Man out.

3:00pm- We are about halfway to Broxton and taking a little break, Broxton is as far as we;ll go today. It is really getting cloudy, big ole' dark suckers. I'm thinking something in my life is soon to change. Right now, we are at an old house that has fallen down and absolutely of no use to us. I don't want to look around I might find some old artifacts I couldn't bear to leave. I'm already toting enough shit on my back.

5:10pm- We are down for the night next to a radio tower, we fell short of Broxton. There is a dead turkey here, but to old to eat. Must have hit the guy-lines for the tower, Dumb Turkey! Been fighting a 20 knot wind uphill and just plain tuckered out. Sore feet isn't helping one bit. I'm figuring we are 125 miles into Georgia, not to shabby for 2 days. Maybe 150 ahead of me, to the Carolina border, don't really know, I would give my kingdom for a map! Skil's food supply is good for tomorrow, then its back to the drawing board. One thing I have noticed about Georgia, they don't run over their wild life, unless they pick it up right away. The Parson's coming to dinner Sunday, break out the possum! I want to stop to stop at one of these cotton fields and pick a bole of cotton, just so I can say I picked cotton before!

Whining Dog at Bear Branch

November 19, 2001- Monday- Day24

8:00am-About 4 miles out of Fargo and the information I received turns out to be correct, lots of trees. I guessing it is 26 miles to Homerville (can't get over that name) and that is a lot of trees to pass. Last night I didn't have such a bad time as I'm used to. Can't remember the last time I slept inside. Man, I never seen such a dense fog as I woke up to. It was knife cutting thick, I would have drowned out on the fairway. I'm carrying a lot of weight, but its not to bad, so far. I hope I run across a piece of plastic to make a shelter tonight or I'm gonna be wet in the morning. I'll probably freeze to death and it won't matter anyway. Skil's has worms, and I can't do nothing about it now. Not a whole bunch of traffic on this road. Lots of logging trunks, that must be the main livelyhood around these parts.

12:40pm- Ten miles out of Fargo and it is getting hot now. We just stopped for lunch, sounds funny saying that, in a place called Bear Branch (go Figure) not one house to be seen except some kind of communications building. I have some fried ribs that Mark gave me, and I have never heard or thought about frying ribs. We are sitting in the trees on the trail to Camp Branch. Whatever! We are about out of water and only 1/3 of the way to Homerville. Skillet is a real problem today, just keeps whining and whining.

5:45pm- We found a little trail to spend the night on, about 15 miles out of Fargo. There is a sign that says this is the property of a Hunting Club. We have no water and I don't want to push the baby to the twenty mile limit until he feels better. I built a little fire to try and keep the bugs down, don't know yet if it will work. What can I expect though I am in the Okeefenokee Swamp. What could go wrong?

The Back Nine In Fargo

November 18, 2001- Sunday- Day 23

9:30am- We are about 9 miles north of Ocala on our first break. We are sitting on the edge of a sink-hole and looks like 60ft deep. Might hurt to fall in there. We got a pretty good haul from the KFC last night. After staking out Winn Dixie for a few hours with no luck, I decided to reconoiter the KFC. Around 11:00, at closing time, one of the employees brought 2 garbage bags out. He sat them down beside the dumpster and went back inside. I ran up and grabbed a bag and got back in the woods before he returned. Idiot was scratching his head and must of thought he was losing it. Thirty seconds ago , he put 2 bags there, now there is only one. I didn't move for 15 minutes and then slowly lipped back through the woods to where I was camped. I opened the bag expecting to have to dig enough scraps for Skil's, but what I had in this bag was a Godsend. Everything that was left on the line, that didn't sell was in here. Baked beans, bisquits, cole slaw, potato salad, and a whole lot of chicken. It was still hot too! All packed neatly, which told me right then that this stuff was never meant to go in the dumpster. The KFC guy was stealing this stuff and taking it home to feed his 10 little brothers and sisters. If by some chance he stumbles across this journal someday, from me and Skillet, we thank-you! So, we are sitting here on a Sunday morning, on the edge of a sink-hole having whats left of our exquisite dinner night.

Fargo, Georgia-4:05pm- What a day its been! No longer humming "Georgia on My Mind" We are here! Me and Skil's was just bopping along down 441, when a car pulled over 50 yards ahead of us. This old black guy gets out and walks to the passenger side, turned to stare at us and pulled his dick out and started pissing. I just kept walking toward him thinking this ain't gonna turn out well. After talking for a few minutes, I figured that he was border-line retarded and posed no threat. So, he lives another day! He told me he was headed for Valdosta, Ga. and if we wanted to ride we were welcome. I cleared a spot for Skil's in the back seat and took note of the contents. We're talking ice-picks, dildos and stuff I didn't recognize. I'm thinking weird now! We stopped at a "Junk Store" down the road and the guy gets out and sells a couple frying pans and some really neat candy despensers for $5.00. What the hell is this? Back on the road and the first gas station we stopped and got $5.00 worth of gas. Then this Cat started stopping at churchesand being Sunday most were in service. Then we stopped at a black church and he told me that Black churches don't give any hand-outs. Who am I to argue with that? Finally in Mason City he found what he was looking for. A church (white) having Thanksgiving Dinner. (I was thinking WTF, Thanksgiving is on a Thursday) He went to the back door and spoke to the people inside. Next thing I knew all the believers were carrying food out to us. What' going through my mind now, I can't say, I just know that I have never asked anyone for help before, so I'm totally confused by this behavior. I went and talked to the Pastor and he really made me feel comfortable. We stood out in the drive-way and used the hood of the car for a table. After we ate these delicious meals. another group came with cherry pie and cake and, of course the literature that goes with any meeting of the cloth. We were told to think about being saved etc., holy-rollers are all the same.

Back on the road and I have come to the conclusion that this idiot can't drive, he's all over the road. And he is really hard of hearing, almost deaf! Had to yell a lot. I tricked him to going out of the way so I could stay on 441. He fell fro my spin, and I don't feel bad about it.

As, I record todays events, we are on the 10th tee at the Fargo Country Club (and I mean country). There appears to be a shortage of golfers in Fargo, because I don't see anyone playing. If they don't have sprinklers we'll sleep right on the green tonight. I see a little pump house that may have a water faucet, I see a hose laying near it. I'll wander on over in a bit and check it out. We have gained at least a week in our adventure today. Just by looking around I'd say this is the shortest way to N.C., but I have a feeling it ain't the easiest. LOOK! Skil's we're not in Florida no more! I sure hope that any of these red-necks around here have never seen "Deliverance". Every truck that goes by has a chair mounted on it for hunting, so maybe they are my kind of people. Wondering what these folks around here do for a living, probably lumber-jacks or something.

Wow, here comes a group of golfers, I'll be Damn! I better back off the green before I get pinged with a golf ball. I imagine they are going to run us off. Hell, it looks like kids. They came over to talk to me and they sure seem like really nice kids. We talked and they told me I could sleep in the golf shack, but don't get caught. They gave me a couple of sodas. Don, Todd, Travis and Bubba, I should have expected friendly people, I am not in Florida. Todd told me to walk over to Grannie's resturant (Swannee Cafe) and get something to eat, he tell them I'm coming. Beginning to wonder if I am still on earth. They tried to emphasize that it was 30 miles between towns for the next couple hundred miles. Oh Boy! All the way to Macon.

I have been hearing shots ever since I arrived in Fargo. All from different directions. It might be hunting season in Southern Georgia. I was told that all I will see until I get to Homerville(?) is trees, lots and lots of trees. I have to plan on water for the little boy. Definately a lack of traffic on 441.

7:00pm- Well, check this out, Don and Todd just pulled up bearing gifts (Blanket pillow, sweat shirt, socks) What's this? Travis and Bubba just pulled up beside us with food and sodas. Everything bad I have said about high-school kids I want to retract. What a bunch of great kids. One day I am gonna come back here to let them know I never forgot this.

8:20pm- After the kids went home me and Skil's were trying to make ourselves comfortable and it is hard-core black out here. Something is moving around out in the darkness, but can't tell what. Its pretty big by the sound of it. I see car lights on the golf course coming our way, oh shit! But wut, they stopped 200 hundred yards away, not been found out yet. WTF! Looks like WWII over there, somebody is shooting up the world. This ain't cool! Oh hell here they come. We don't have time to run, a situation to be dealt with best I can, I guess! The truck pulled right up to us and said "Hi, I heard you were here" (small towns) Introduced himself as Mark, the keeper of the Greens. He told me his son, Travis, told him I was here and he said it was okay. He explained that he just shot a bunch of hogs that were tearing up the course. Has to come out everynight and clear the field. Hogs, well that answered alot of questions on the creatures prowling around in the dark.

9:10pm- Good ole' Mark came back and he was bearing gifts also, not to be outdone by children, I guess! Dog food , sodas, snacks and told me someone would be by to pick up the hogs, so don't be concerned. Then Mark gave me permission to sleep in the golf shack. Said the light doesn't turn off, but it would be better than being out here when the fog rolls in. I didn't hesitate to take advantage of this offer. Now, a new problem has arisen, I have to carry all this stuff on my aching back. This day-pack is not made for loads. Great for carrying school books, but extended trips into the wilderness, NO!