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LYN'S JOURNALS

October, 2003

Through October 31, 2003 - Friday - 1795 Total Miles to Date

October 1, 2003 - Wednesday- 11.1+ 1382.2 = 1393.3Total Miles to Date

                                                            27.4 Total SD Miles to Date - Day 2 - Walking

Today started out much different than we expected - Joni had been up in the night several times and had mentioned she was so cold she couldn't stop shivering. When I got up at 5:30 I put my sleeping bag over her because it was quite cold and the heater wasn't coming on. We also had no hot water. It dawned on me that we hadn't gotten propane for quite awhile because we weren't using much propane. However with the cold weather we are using the heater quite a bit and that uses our propane. Actually we weren't getting any water at all - cold or hot. Since things were quite frosty outside and the windows all covered in ice I figured that the water hose had frozen. Anyway Sam and I got up and had our Bible Times while Joni slept a bit longer (she does her Bible Time at night). I heated our bottled water in the hot pot so we could have tea and whatever else we needed hot.

After Joni got up Sam and I had the bright idea of using hot water to make our Herbal Life shakes. I got it all ready to shake and as I began to shake it the top exploded off and the shake went everywhere - from the ceiling to the cupboard to the floor, and everywhere in between - but confined to the kitchen area at least. Sam and I both burst into laughter, then began the clean-up. It really didn't take too long. The carpet cleaned up nicely - and so did my clothes. I went to the office to ask about a good place to get propane. I explained our problem and she said that the place they use would come out and fill our propane tank for us if we wanted. I readily agreed. What a great idea. She said she would just pay it and we could pay her back when we finished walking for the day.

Finally we got our shakes ready again, and after drinking them and putting all the dishes in the sink, we began loading the car to head out. Everything took a bit longer this morning, so it was late when we finally got started. Arriving at our start point we got our gear on and headed out. It had warmed up nicely since the sun came out, so we were quite comfortable without our jackets.

In our second segment of walking this morning, a red car passed us then turned into a driveway ahead of us and began backing. I pulled out a card to have ready just in case it was someone who wanted to know what we were doing. It turned out to be Joyce Pilgrim. She got out of the car and asked if we were the ladies that were having dinner at the Pilgrim's house tomorrow night. It was then I recognized her. We talked briefly since she was on her way to a meeting.

Continuing on we soon found Joni. She had found a "gold mine" of rocks - mostly quartz - and had one very nice piece for me. As we looked around this area where 2 teens had apparently been killed in an accident, we found lots of the quartz rocks with the rose coloring in it. We ended up with several small pieces and one bigger piece each (Joni and me). We put them in the car when we got there, then we ate a bit and made some phone calls before continuing on into Custer.

We saw Joyce again on her way home. Then soon we came to Four Mile Ghost Town. Joni had stayed back at the last place for a bit, so we stopped here at Four Mile to look around and talk with the gal there - her name was Mary Krogman. She told us all about how she and her husband started this place 8 years ago as a replica of an actual town that was once on the same spot. She was quite interesting. As we continued on from there wondering where Joni was we heard the honk of our unique horn as Joni drove past. She stopped just ahead and told us then what had happened. She had sat at the last place for just a bit, then suddenly woke up with a start and realized she had fallen asleep for a bit over an hour. :-) We were just about to Custer so we prayed while we were all together, then wrote Memorial Stone # 38 to put down when we got there.

We walked on into Custer to the turnoff we'll be taking toward Hot Springs and on to Nebraska. Then we went on into the town to look around at shops and go to the post office. We had no mail for us today, but we had a couple of things we needed to mail. Then we called it a day for the walking. We drove to Berean Bible Church where we went last Sunday and took pictures of the church, then on toward the castle. We stopped to place the Memorial Stone, then on the rest of the way to the castle.

I started the water heater again, then later discovered that he had turned off the gas valve to fill it, but hadn't turned it back on, so the water wasn't heating and the heater wasn't coming on. With Joni holding the flashlight I got down and turned the valve back on, and relit the pilot light. We ate our dinner, and watched a slide show of some of our recent pictures. Sam went over to the office to call Chip, and I journaled while Joni did dishes. Then we all headed for bed.

October 2, 2003 - Thursday - 13.7 + 1393.3 = 1407.0 Total Miles to Date

                                                        41.1 Total SD Miles to Date - Day 3 - Walking

Today we woke up to cold again with no heater and no water just like yesterday. Maybe we weren't out of propane after all. I talked to the owner (Max) in the office. He made several suggestions, and even came over and took a look. He also said he would come over during the day and clean the soot build up out of the tubing in the water heater. He and his wife (Cindy) have just been super nice to us, and so helpful. As we were looking around the castle I noticed icicles hanging from our water connection. If it freezes again tomorrow we'll use the pump and the water in the holding tank. He had no idea why the heater didn't come on, but he suggested that if that happens again we try our air conditioning unit on a hotter setting to see if that will give us some heat.

Joni was a bit under the weather today, so I called Joyce Pilgrim to see if she could possibly pick us up in the afternoon. She said she could, so I was able to tell Joni to just relax all day, not worry about us because we were covered. Joni ended up sleeping until 3 PM, so it was good she stayed at the castle and got some rest. She really needed it.

Sam and I drove to our start point and parked the van, then began our walking. We packed plenty of stuff for us for the day as well as for Waliluke. Our walk today was all in new territory to us - and it was beautiful. What a treat we had all day. Soon after we started we noticed a gravel road below us that seemed to follow the highway. We decided to walk on it as long as it stayed with the highway. As we walked along I suddenly thought it might be the Mickelson Trail (one that we had originally planned to walk all the way from Deadwood on). Eventually we saw a sign that confirmed that. It did stay with the road much of the way, but we were east of the road with buildings in between for quite a bit as well. Once I knew it was the Mickelson Trail I wasn't too worried as long as it was on the east side of the highway. I knew it stuck pretty much with Hwy 385/89 until the junction - then it went off more beside Hwy 89. It soon went under the highway and out west of the highway enough that I didn't really feel comfortable. There we went back to the highway for much of the day. We finally came to another section where the trail was right beside the road, so we walked on it again until we reached Pringle and the junction of 89 and 385. There the trail followed 89, and we went with 385.

Waliluke went the whole way with us and did really well. After we turned at the junction we stopped and fed Waliluke and gave him water and let him take a nap for about 15 minutes. After we started walking again a highway patrolman went by. A few minutes later he went by the other way and made a u-turn. I quickly pulled out a card. He stopped and asked if we were okay, and I handed him the card as I explained what we were doing. He was delightful, and asked lots of questions. Finally I asked if I could take his picture. He said, "Sure", and wanted to know if he should get out of the car. I told him that would be great. He put on his hat and came around the car to our side. Waliluke immediately went over to him and snuggled up as he does to everyone. Trooper Heath Soelzer loved it. He let Waliluke snuggle all he wanted. As we talked some more and took pictures Waliluke fell asleep on his shoe. Finally we said good bye with the troopers promise to pray for us, and us to pray for him. Oh, I asked him how long he had been a highway patrolman and he looked at his watch, then told us "about 1 ½ months". I also told him that he was the first highway patrolman in any state to stop and check to make sure we were okay. I let him know that we really appreciated him stopping. We did have a sheriff stop the other day in Wyoming to see if we were okay, but once he knew we were okay he just zipped off. Well, it was a very interesting experience.

Right after he left Joyce drove up to take us back to Custer. Sam and Waliluke got in the back and I rode in front. It was really sweet of her to come out to get us. We got back to Custer and she left us at the van, then she went home while we went to the castle to change and see how Joni was. She still wasn't feeling real good, so we changed and left her with Cassie while we went to the Pilgrims house for dinner. Les and Joyce Pilgrim live 1 ½ miles off the main road and up a dirt road on the top of a hill. When we arrived we asked if it would be okay to tie Waliluke up outside to a tree. We did so, leaving him some food. Both Les and Gary were intrigued with Waliluke, and made sure he had water. Besides us, Les and Joyce had invited Gary and Bev, the pastor and his wife.

Our dinner was Cornish hens, with biscuits, a nice salad, and a green bean casserole. For dessert we had a delicious cheesecake. The visit was delightful in their beautiful home. Finally we got Waliluke, said our good byes and headed off back to the castle. Joyce and Les sent a full meal home with us for Joni. It was a great evening. When we got to the castle, Joni said she was feeling a lot better. We talked a bit, then I did my journal and we headed for bed.

October 3, 2003 - Friday - 20.0 + 1407.0 = 1427.0 Total Miles to Date

                                                    61.1 Total SD Miles to Date - Day 4 - Walking

Today we had no frost and we did have water and heat! We left the castle at about 9 AM, went into Custer to get our mail at the post office (we had a bunch this time), then headed out for our start point. It was almost 10 when we started. Soon after we started Trooper Heath stopped by again to see how we were doing. He had also seen Joni walking toward us and stopped to say hi to her.

We had a few miles to go before we came to the Wind Caves portion where the buffalo roam free. As we crossed over the cattle "buffalo" guard we came into the prairie where the prairie dogs have set up housekeeping. They were everywhere and there was a sign telling about them and the "Little Prairie Dog House on the Prairie".

Then we saw Joni walking toward us. She left Cassie in the car - thankfully. She told us there were some buffalo on the other side of the road just behind the hill. As she told us this and pointed back to where they were we all saw them crossing the road in front of us. We still had Waliluke with us and prayed he would not start barking - we had wanted to put him in the car before we got to the buffalo area. He didn't bark, and we stayed put until all 4 of the buffalo she had seen crossed the road. The buffalo, unfortunately, were between us and the van. Another car was nearby, and I was ready to ask them to give us some protection if needed. We had been warned about the buffalo here and the danger they posed - last year one person had been gored. Well the buffalo kept moving and soon we were able to get to the car. We put Waliluke in and Joni drove ahead a bit with the two dogs. For the next 6 miles while we were in the buffalo range Joni stayed fairly close to us in the car and kept an eye out for any roaming beasts. We did see several more, but they were all quite a distance away. Prairie Dogs were everywhere and quite "talkative". This was a very enjoyable 6 mile stretch. At the other end we crossed the "buffalo" guard again - this time Waliluke followed me across stepping gingerly onto each iron bar. I went back across so that he would follow again so I could get pictures of him crossing. Then we had to go back one more time. This time he missed one step, but was fine. I got some good pictures of him - he's so cute.

Our route continued on through pleasant prairie lands with some great views. Before we knew it we were coming into Hot Springs. We stopped and prayed for both Pringle (yesterday's walk) and Hot Springs - we had decided to wait until Joni was with us to pray for Pringle and leave our Memorial Stone. After we prayed, Sam wrote Memorial Stone #39 for Pringle while I did Memorial Stone #40 for Hot Springs. We left the Hot Springs one at the sign with plans to drop the Pringle one off tomorrow when we drive through it again. We told Joni we wanted to walk through Hot Springs, so she drove off with Cassie while we walked through with Waliluke. Little did we know how big this little town of 4,000 plus people was. It just seemed to keep going and going and going. However, it was a cute little town with a waterfall flowing over beautiful rock, old sandstone buildings that were delightful, and lots of interesting scenery and shops, plus the old jail house. We took lots of pictures.

Finally we reached the very edge of town. We soon saw Joni waiting for us at about 6 PM. She had actually driven an extra 0.2 of a mile to wait so that we would get 20 miles in. That was great - another 20 mile day! Since Joni had been sick yesterday, and was still a little shaky I drove back to the castle. We stopped at the grocery store to get a couple of things, then home for a late dinner. I also opened my mail and read aloud Earline's letter, Esther's letter and some other stuff. We received a remote thermometer from Dave that gives highs and lows for the day, plus he packed it with lots of plastic grocery bags (something we told him we needed - we use lots of them with two dogs to pick up after). Dave also sent me my e-mail and Guideposts, September updates and my Outdoor California magazine - all welcome.

Finally it was time to head to bed for a good night's sleep. It really was a great day! Thank you, LORD!

October 4, 2003 - Saturday - 19.7 + 1427.0 = 1446.7 Total Miles to Date

                                                        80.8 Total SD Miles to Date - Day 5 - Walking

                                                        Weekly Total = 97.0 - Daily Average for week = 16.2

Today we had a ways to drive to our start point. Once there - the east side of Hot Springs - we got started pretty quickly. We had beautiful scenery as we walked - trees were turning bright yellow, and the hills were beautiful. Joni went back into town for awhile, then passed us by and stopped to walk a bit with us. There were lots of businesses and homes for awhile, then we got out to more of a country setting. Finally we came to a service station/market right at the junction of 385/18 with 79. As Sam and Waliluke and I came close to it we saw a dog tied to a post out front near the grassy strip before the road. I warned Sam that a dog was up there, then I looked closer and saw that it looked like Cassie, then I realized it was Cassie. We were planning to stop there anyway so we went in just as Joni was coming out.

From there we continued on Hwy 385 now heading for Oelrichs about 18 miles away. Here we got away from most of the trees and were on rolling prairie hills. It was beautiful, but a different kind of beauty than we had been having. We were on these rolling prairies for the rest of the day, and they continue as far as the eye can see.

I wore my hands free headset today as I walked and spent quite a bit of time talking on the phone since it was Saturday when I have more minutes. I called Gail first and talked with her for awhile. Then I waited a bit and talked with Dave next. I had to recharge the phone while we were eating our lunch, then I tried to call Marilyn. I got her, but it didn't last long. She was at Mission Springs with the kids I think, and didn't have good phone service. I was very disappointed since I haven't talked with her since they got the kids. Well, next week we'll be in Nebraska, so maybe I can talk to her again then.

We finally came to a point where Waliluke had enough walking for the day - it was a warm day, otherwise he can walk as long as we do - and he just lay down in the grass. So we got him to the car and let him ride while we did a couple more miles, then we called it quits for the day. Once in the car we decided to call Carol Crouch to wish her a happy birthday tomorrow, but I had no phone service there so we waited until we drove a bit. Before we left we looked at our Nebraska map to decide where our mail call will be after Chadron to let Dave know. Then when we drove on I called him first to give him that information. Then I called Carol and got her answering machine and we three sang Happy Birthday to her and left a short message. Then a bit later I called Dellie only to lose her right away. We found a spot in the Buffalo range where I had good service, so we stopped there and I talked a bit with her. Then we drove on back to the castle, had dinner, watched the dogs go crazy as Waliluke ran back and forth in the castle jumping and careening all over the place, pouncing on Cassie every time she started drinking water, and just having an exciting time. Then just as suddenly as he had started his frantic running, he stopped and fell asleep. He is such a crack-up. Oh, how we all love him.

Finally we finished up everything and headed for bed.

October 5, 2003 - Sunday - 1446.7 Total Miles to Date

                                                    80.8 Total SD Miles to Date - Day 6 - Rest Day

                                                    Last Weeks Total = 97.0 Miles

Today we went to the Living Outreach Church where Pastor Joel Ziockowski greeted us. There were a lot of people milling around in this little church. The pastor told us there were refreshments downstairs if we'd like to go down and do a little visiting. Down we went and enjoyed a time of fellowship there. Joni ended up on one side of the room talking to people while Sam and I were on the other side talking with a gal who immediately gave us a prayer request for a retreat they were doing in Rapid City October 23, I believe. She was a really sweet lady, but I don't remember her name.

Time to go back upstairs where we sat in the 2^nd row and the service soon began. The music was good - lively but not too loud. Then announcements were made and we were introduced and given a chance to say just a few words. The pastor gave a great message on GOD creating each of us uniquely as ourselves. When we accept Christ we become new creatures as GOD intends us to be. The Pastor told a bit of his past - how he was once a drug addict and a drunkard, but 20 years ago Christ changed his life. He told us how he went to AA for years and always introduced himself as an alcoholic. According to AA, once an alcoholic always an alcoholic. But Pastor Z. said that is not true, because GOD made him a new creation free from alcohol and drug addiction. As he told his story it came out that he was one of the sons of the sculptor of Crazy Horse - one of the 10 children. His mother and 7 of his brothers and sisters are continuing the work on Crazy Horse.

It was a delightful service. Afterward we talked with various people. The man next to Joni handed her a few dollars and said he didn't have much, but he really wanted us to have what he did have. Then a lady handed me some money to help us along the way. Again it wasn't much, but it was what she had and it was from her heart. We talked awhile with her and her daughter while we got the dogs out for a bit of a romp.

Then we went back to the castle where Joni prepared our brunch for the day. I spent a lot of the afternoon writing a letter to Anne and a card to Laurie and Evan and the kids. Sam gave Waliluke a bath - his very first. Of course we had to take pictures of this momentous event. Then I went over to the office to see if they knew whether or not they still do the light show at Mt. Rushmore. Max and Cindy had just driven up and Cindy told me the light show is at 8 PM. We left here at 6:30 and checked around. They do still light it up - and they did - but they ended the program with it for the year on September 30. We went into the ice cream shop and got ice cream and sat and ate that, then we took pictures of the lit up heads of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln.

Then we headed back to the castle. Mt. Rushmore isn't that far away from Custer. It was a fun evening even tho' they didn't have the musical show with the lights. Finally to bed.

October 6, 2003 - Monday - 1446.7 = Total Miles to Date

                                                        80.8 Total SD Miles to Date - Day 7 - Moving Day

                                                        Last Weeks Total = 97.0 Miles

Today I actually slept in until 6:30, then got up and dressed and did my Bible Time. The others slept until 8:30 or 9:00. We had our breakfast and then began packing up, then Joni and I went into Custer to get our mail and leave our forwarding address. No mail, but we weren't expecting any, so no problem. From the Post Office we drove to the Living Outreach Church to take pictures. As we were taking pictures we noticed the "gardener" mowing the lawn. It turned out to be Pastor Joel. He saw us and stopped mowing the lawn and came over and talked with us. We talked for quite awhile - about the church, about his family - both brothers and sisters and his children, and about outreach in Custer. We also talked about the Crow Indian Reservation. He was very interesting to talk with. I would love to talk with him more. Several of his brothers and sisters have become Christians - Joel was the first in his family. We promised to add him and his family to our prayer list.

We got back to the castle between 11:30 and 12:00. Shortly we were ready to take off. We headed out for our new home in Chadron, NE. As we drove we stopped in Hot Springs to eat at the Chinese Buffet as our celebration of Laurel's adoption. It was fun. Sam ate the whole meal with chop sticks - a first for her. I ate it with chop sticks too, but that's not unusual for me. We got lots of pictures.

Then we headed out from Hot Springs and went on to the junction of 79/385 where we stopped to get gas in the castle. Then from there on to NE and into Chadron. We parked the castle at Wal-Mart, then stopped at the Visitor Center to find out about campgrounds. There was the state campground, but it only had electric hook-ups. We ended up at J and L RV Park with full hook-ups at $80.75 a week. It seems very clean and nice and we have a good shady spot. It was actually hot when we arrived today.

We got set up, then Sam and I went to Wal-Mart to get a few things we needed. Back to the campground to eat, journal, talk, make phone calls - I called Laurie to wish her a happy anniversary of her adoption into our family - and finally head for bed.

98.1 Total SD Miles - Day 8 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = 17.3 Miles

Today we got up and got ready and headed out to our start point. I wasn't feeling real great, but I really wanted to walk. As we began I found it felt good to at least get started after 2 days of not walking. I did feel a bit weak all day since I had stomach problems before we left the castle. I had to make a few extra pit stops along the way - a bit difficult since we are on open prairies. Now was the time to bring out the "Ladies Room" -- a large thick blue poncho I've been saving for this purpose. It really works well, and we printed on it in large orange letters "Ladies Room". We'll have to get a picture of it so our families and friends at home can see it.

I walked all day and into Nebraska, in spite of not feeling well - something we didn't think we'd do. I did keep moving pretty steady, but felt very weak when I stopped to rest. We went through Oelrichs and had prayer, then left Memorial Stone #41. The trees we did see were beautiful in color. It was a nice day - sunny and bright and not too hot. If only I had felt better I really would have enjoyed it. We came to a roadside park at about 4 ½ miles from the border and I sat at a bench and rested for awhile. Then determined to reach the border I plodded on with the team.

At the border we took only a few pictures since we'll start there tomorrow. I just needed to get into the car. I'm wondering if I have what Joni had last week. It did start about the same. I haven't gotten the headache she had, but otherwise it's about the same.

Back in Chadron we drove to the post office to see what their hours were. They open at 8:30 AM and close at 4:30 PM, so we'll try to stop there in the morning to get our mail (hopefully my shoes will be there). Back at the castle we had dinner, journaled, and I headed for bed. I called Dave after I was in bed so I could rest.

October 8, 2003 - Wednesday - 21.0 + 1464.0 = 1485.0 Total Miles to Date

21.0 Total NE Miles - Day 1 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = 38.3 Miles

Today I got up at about 5:30 after a very good night's sleep. I could tell right away that I felt a lot better than I did yesterday. After Sam and I had our Bible Time I fixed our eggs and got Joni up. We ate and got ready to head out. From the castle we went to Wal-Mart for a few items, then to the post office to see if we had any mail - especially my shoes. Yeah!! My shoes were in, and so were several packages and letters. The postal clerk was really nice and he looked like Steve Martin. Two packages to Sam were Care Packages with lots of good stuff in them - eats and girl stuff - face and foot masks - and lots of CHOCOLATE! What fun! Finally down to the business of hiking.

Our start point today was at the SD/NE border. We first prayed for both states, then left our Memorial Stones #42 and #43 at the SD and NE signs respectively. We began walking (me in my new shoes) and had lots of people to wave to. Joni had two people stop to talk to her, then we had one man stop to ask us if we were okay. I was able to tell him what we were doing, but with traffic there wasn't time to give him a card since he was on the other side of the road. Soon after that a NE State Trooper stopped to see if we were okay. He was also on the other side of the road, but there were no cars either way so I was able to give him a card. He was really nice, wished us well and told us to stay safe.

One time when Joni was walking toward us she stepped on a rattle snake that she didn't see. It struck at her, and may have hit her shoe. She was able to circle around and take pictures of it - quite a beauty. We finally came into Chadron with 18 some miles, and decided to go for 20 miles for Chip. Then we ended up doing 21 miles!

Back at the castle Joni prepared dinner while we got things put away and I sat down to soak my feet while I ate. We looked at maps and came up with a different route through NE that will cut out 80 to 90 miles. Today we made it 1/3 of the way through our Journey. We were real excited about that and took pictures at the point where it would be 1/3 of the way.

When Sam told Chip we had done 21 today he was real excited. Finally we put things away and headed for bed.

October 9, 2003 - Thursday - 15.3 + 1485.0 = 1500.3 Total Miles to Date

36.3 Total NE Miles - Day 2 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = 53.6 Miles

Today I slept a little later (5:45 AM), then got up and got myself ready for the day. I'm back to fixing eggs for breakfast again now that the weather is cooler and we're doing our Bible Time in the morning again. We all had a fluffy egg scramble this morning with toast plus our Herbal Life Shake supplements.

Finally we headed out and began walking a bit after 9 AM. My new shoes tho' comfortable are really making my feet sore. I'm sure it's because I let my others wear down so much. I had actually ordered these in Billings, MT when we were there, but they didn't get them sent out for more than a month, then I just had then ship them to Dave and he mailed them to me in Chadron, NE. So that was well over 2 states away - originally the plan was for them to ship them to me in Sheridan, WY, but the guy said when I talked to him that someone had really dropped the ball. Now I'm suffering from very sore feet. Oh well, I'm happy to have them and I know that all will be well with them soon.

Our walk today began with beautiful cottonwood trees turning all colors, ponds and nice hills. We took lots of pictures. We walked by a state park where we met Joni and Cassie coming toward us. They went on into the park while Sam, Waliluke and I continued. We stopped to take a picture of some trees and heard a voice asking us if we were photographers. We told her what we were doing and her immediate response was "Have you eaten lunch yet?" We said we hadn't, and she invited us to join her for some sandwiches. We told her we had one more member of our team who had just gone to the state park, but we'd love to have lunch with her. So she told us which house was hers and said she'd go back to start sandwiches while we got her. We walked on to the car and drove back to the park to get Joni and Cassie, then to the house.

We had a delightful lunch with Connie Poitra and her husband, Jim. Jim is a French Chippewa Indian. Connie is more Irish descent. What a delightful time we had. Connie is quite an accomplished artist. We enjoyed seeing a lot of her artwork. Then Joni and I each bought a piece - I bought a watercolor entitled "The Old Maytag" - an old wringer washer with flowers growing in it. Joni bought an acrylic of one of the ponds we had just passed with all the colorful trees by it. And Connie gave an unframed oil of Jackson Hole to Sam.

As we were about ready to leave Connie told us that she had Parkinsons, and had just recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's as well. We assured her we would be praying for her. Wow, what a heavy burden for her. She is on medication to slow down the Alzheimer's and plans to keep busy with her painting as long as she can. We really felt privileged and honored to have lunch with her and her husband. Finally we all hugged and said good bye with the promise to write from time to time.

Joni dropped us off at the place we had stopped and she went back to the castle to leave our pictures so they wouldn't get damaged in the car. As we walked on a couple was just leaving their place. They had stopped to lock their gate. The man called over to ask where we were going, so we stopped to tell them. Their names were Willy and Connie - two Connies just minutes apart. Their dog was Rajah - beautiful. We took their picture, then they shared with us a prayer request for their son, Josh, 13. He lives in a group home in Omaha, and ran away 2 days ago. I sensed that Connie was running from the LORD, and that Willy doesn't have any love for the LORD, so I said a little bit about GOD's love for all of us in sending His Son to die for us. I left it at that and promised to pray for them.

Sam and I continued on and soon Joni and Cassie passed us by, then parked a ways ahead and walked back to meet us. Soon after they joined us a car pulled up beside us and the woman asked what was up? We told her, and she wanted to know more details and if we had gotten any publicity in the area yet? We told her we hadn't, and she made a few notes before heading out. Her name is Vanna B... And she is a teacher at a small school out in the country. She was on her way back to Chadron where she lives.

We continued on to mile post 151 bringing us to 15.3 miles for today. We needed 15 to bring us to 1500 miles! Then we headed back to Chadron where we had dinner at the castle, watched a slide show of our pictures that Sam downloaded last night, talked to Brenda and to Dave, then went to bed. I am so thankful for the many opportunities that GOD gave us today.

October 10, 2003 - Friday - 19.8 + 1500.3 = 1520.1 Total Miles to Date

56.1 Total NE Miles - Day 3 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = 73.4 Miles

Today we got up and had our Bible Times, then we had our scrumptiously fried eggs. We also had our delicious Herbal Life Shakes -- ummmmmmmmm! This was one of our goofy days - we have those every once in awhile.

Once when Joni went outside this morning before we left, Waliluke ran out and over to our neighbor's tent. Joni and I went over to get him and got to talking with the people there. They were John and Marigo (Margo) Morrill from Forest Lake, MN. We talked with them for quite awhile. Actually I talked with them for quite awhile and Joni and Sam joined us from time to time. It didn't take too long to find out they were Christians and that we held the same values. (When we came home in the evening we found a small packet on our castle door that contained a note and 3 McDonald's gift certificate booklets - no signature - we feel pretty confident that it was from John and Margo. That was pretty exciting for us since we do enjoy McDonald's for breakfast and/or hot fudge sundaes. :-) )

We finally got started on the walk, continuing on our way to Alliance. The trees were all beautiful in their golds and reds. It was a warm day and we ate lunch in the shade of some nice trees. Walking on after lunch I stopped for a pit stop in some trees down in a small ravine. Sam stayed up on the road. As I was pulling everything together I heard a car coming to a stop. Looking up I saw not just any car stopping, but a sheriff's deputy. I walked on up as Sam explained what we were doing - he was just stopping to make sure she was okay. I gave him a card and he was quite impressed and very nice. His name is J.D. Sutphen, and we took his picture with Sam and Waliluke. He wished us well and told us to be safe.

We continued on, and soon arrived at Junction 385/7E. 7E is a connector to Hwy 87. At this junction a young man and his small son were in their truck ready to cross on 7E. They saw us and turned our direction just to make sure we were okay. They didn't stop and talk, just signaled to us to find out if we were okay, then we signaled back that we were and they drove on. That was very nice.

Joni was waiting for us about a mile up the road from the junction at mile post 125. We hopped in the car and called it a day. Arriving at the castle we got things put away, and got our dinner ready, and set up the computer for a slide show. Then the power cord box slipped off the counter and right into the dog's water dish. We quickly disconnected it and pulled it out, but too late - it was ruined. We watched the slide show on the battery thinking the box would dry out. Later when I went to type in my journal the battery showed it was low and I couldn't finish it. (It turned out we would need to buy a new one before we could use the computer again.)

I made a few notes for when I could use it again so that I wouldn't forget stuff, then I headed to bed.

October 11, 2003 - Saturday - 20.7 + 1520.1 = 1540.8 Total Miles to Date

76.8 Total NE Miles - Day 4 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = 94.1 Miles

Today we got ourselves ready then headed out to the post office first. There we found that it didn't open until 10:30 on Saturdays. We headed out to our start point. The walk today was pretty flat all day. Since it was Saturday I put on my headphone and made phone calls - something I will do most Saturdays - assuming we have service. I talked with Marilyn for quite awhile until we got cut off. Then I realized the battery was pretty low, so I plugged it in in the car for a couple of hours. Later I talked to Marilyn again. Mostly we talked about the children (from Russia that they have just adopted) and how they were doing with English and adjusting to culture and other things. They've had some good times, some great times, and some not-so-good times. Some of the latter were really difficult. It was good to talk with Marilyn for awhile since we really had not talked since they got home from Russia with the children.

As we walked we came into an area where we noticed lots of trucks carrying some kind of food. When I finally got a good look at one I realized it was sugar beets. Where we stopped for lunch was evidently the road to one of the farms that raised them, for trucks kept coming by us loaded with sugar beets. When we began walking again we soon came to the place where all the trucks were going to dump their loads. There was a huge, long pile of sugar beets, and long lines of trucks waiting to dump while more kept coming in. We took several pictures of the process, and found it quite fascinating.

A bit further on we saw a large field of sunflowers just about ready for harvesting. There were also many fields of dried cornstalks waiting to be plowed under. It was a very interesting day with all the farm products to be seen. The sugar beets were especially fascinating.

Finally we walked into Alliance with its almost 10,000 people. We prayed and left Memorial Stone # 45 -- their sign declares that they are an oasis in the midst of sandhills. We prayed that they would be an oasis of living water to the area all around them. We continued walking on through town. Our plan was to get to the east end of Alliance. Joni wasn't able to find a place to park so she continued on and we ended up at a Historic Marker. It gave us good mileage, but meant having to drive back to the castle in complete darkness -- some deer crossed the road in front of us, but Joni did a nice job of stopping. We ended up getting home at about 8 or 8:30 and had to eat dinner quite late. I called Dave and talked to him, then headed to bed.

October 12, 2003 - Sunday - 1540.8 Total Miles to Date

76.8 Total NE Miles - Day 4 - Rest Day

Last Weeks Total = 94.1 Miles

Today we got up and showered and prepared for church. Joni wasn't feeling good, so begged off from church. Sam and I went intending to go to Berean Community Church. We got there, set everything up for Waliluke, and crossed the street to the church. Then we noticed on their sign that they had turned their church time and study group times around. We really wanted a church service, so we got in the car and headed out for the next church on our list. It was the First Baptist Church of Chadron.

When we arrived they had just started, so we didn't miss too much. We did get introduced and were able to share a bit about what we were doing. One couple was particularly curious about our Journey. The man who made the announcements said they would be putting our card on their bulletin board. One gal gave us a prayer request afterwards.

Back home we got a quick lunch. Joni wasn't feeling much better, but she decided to do laundry as best she could while Sam and I drove to Rapid City, SD to see about getting a part for the computer. There is not much in this part of Nebraska.

Sam and I had an enjoyable drive to Rapid City. We found an Office Depot first, went in with the computer and explained what we needed. The gal was most helpful, but they didn't have what we needed. She sent us on to Office Max. They didn't have it either, but suggested a few other possibilities - all in the mall. Off we went to the mall, and began with Radio Shack where Jeremy Robinson helped us. He was the Senior Manager, and ever so helpful. He found just the part we needed, tested it all out on our computer, and sold it to us. He was a fellow Christian and was a delight to talk with. We took his picture and wished him well, as did he to us, then we were on our way back to Chadron, NE. We first made a couple phone calls while we were in the parking lot -- one to Dave and one to Edgar and Dorothy since they had called me a couple times. We stopped at a KFC to get drinks and some chicken pieces to eat on the way home - unfortunately it tasted like it had been sitting under the heat lamp all day, tough and old tasting. Sad!

The drive between Chadron and Rapid City is about 1 ½ to 2 hours. We listened to tapes some, talked some, and stopped on the way back to take pictures of the beautiful sunset. It was a bit before 8 when we got back. We shared our experiences with Joni of how GOD led us to just the right place and person to get the part we needed. She had managed to get the laundry all done, and get a lot of sleep. Finally we all headed for bed.

October 13, 2003 - Monday - 16.7 + 1540.8 = 1557.5 Total Miles to Date

93.5 Total NE Miles - Day 5 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = 16.7 Miles

Today was the start of another walking week. We had a few things to take care of before we headed out, then a long drive to get to our start point. We finally got going, and stopped in Alliance first at McDonald's to buy breakfast with our gift certificates. This was very exciting for us. Then we had to stop by the Ford Dealer in Alliance to see if we could get seat belt replacements for the ones Waliluke chewed. What a fun bunch at the Ford place. They did order the seat belts with overnight delivery. We scheduled the repairs and servicing for tomorrow at 1 PM. We also had them order the parts to hold up the back door since it has pretty well given out.

Finally we got started walking on a very cold and windy day. Our wonderful wind and rain gear is so great, making us quite comfortable as we walk in this kind of weather. It is light - not bulky - and keeps us warm. Of course, it will get colder and we'll have to add a few more layers as weather dictates, but this will still be great over things.

We had a few small hills today, but mainly flat - all very easy walking. It's nice walking in the cool weather - I can walk much faster in it. My blistered foot is almost healed, and the sandals are feeling much better now.

In the afternoon we had some rain, so we put on the rest of our rain gear including the gloves and continued walking. We came to the unincorporated town of Antioch with its 3 or 4 homes, prayed and left Memorial Stone # 46. Soon after that a young man came out of one of the homes and called to us, "Wow, you've walked a long way!" We stopped and talked to him - his name is Tony - and gave him our card, then he exclaimed, "You really have walked a long way!" We got his picture, and he wished us well. A bit later a man in an official car from Alliance stopped to ask if we were okay. We assured him we were, gave him our card as we explained what we were doing, and asked if we could take his picture. His name is Bill McDonald.

At one point we had a beautiful rainbow in the sky. There was another one as we were driving back as well. We finally ended at mile post # 106, then headed back. It had gotten quite cold, but Sam and I were plenty warm. After a long drive back home we arrived at our castle and had dinner, worked on our budget for this month, and I caught up on the journaling I hadn't been able to do until we got the computer part we needed. I'm sure glad it wasn't any longer. Finally I headed for bed.

October 14, 2003 - Tuesday - 1557.5 Total Miles to Date

93.5 Total NE Miles - Day 6 - Moving Day

This Weeks Total = 16.7 Miles

Today was long and sometimes frustrating, yet good overall. After we got up and ready Sam and I headed to Wal-Mart and the post office. That took pretty much all morning. Joni stayed at camp with the furry people and got the castle ready to travel. She had it all disconnected and everything when we got back - just a couple of things she wasn't able to do, but told me what they were so I could do them real quick.

At Wal-Mart Sam and I did a LOT of shopping since we won't have another Wal-Mart for a long time - perhaps not another in NE. :-( I got my prescription refilled - that was a traumatic thing in itself. It seems I was 2 days early according to insurance, but the gal at the pharmacy was wonderful. She really went to bat for me and finally got insurance to agree to go 2 days early. They really didn't want to and didn't understand why I just couldn't go to any pharmacy. She carefully explained to them that this was NE and there just aren't too many Wal-Marts and changing it to another pharmacy basically takes it out of Wal-Mart's system and we'd have to get it started over with the doctor, etc. Wow!

As for the rest of the shopping - we had plenty to do since we won't have another Wal-Mart for a long time. We tried to get enough of all the non-perishables to get us to the next Wal-Mart, then as many perishables as we could fit into our fridge and freezer. What a task. Plus 35 gallons of drinking water. We had one clerk take out 1 grocery cart and 1 big flat cart of water, while I took out 2 grocery carts, and Sam took out 1 cart. Then the clerk and I handed things in to Sam while she put them in the car. What a sight we must have been getting all that stuff out. Of course, it cost a pretty penny, but we won't have to do major shopping for awhile.

Next we went to the post office, got our mail and turned in our forwarding address cards. Then home to the castle and quickly got pulled out and on our way. I did stop for gas in Chadron while Joni went on with the van to Alliance where we had an appointment at the Ford dealer to get a new seat belt in the front passenger (chewed through by Waliluke), new lifts for holding the back door up, and regular servicing. Our appt. was at one, but we were late (I did call them, and they said it was okay) because of the time it took with shopping, etc. Sam and I followed with the castle. We stopped at Carhenge to take pictures (this is like Stonehenge, but made with old cars painted gray, stood on end and on top of each other, etc. - quite fascinating). Then on to Alliance, parked the castle by the Ford Dealer's, put groceries away, and walked down to the 2 hardware stores in town. We're trying to find something to block off the rest of the car from the dogs to keep their destruction (Waliluke's destruction) contained. These are not hardware stores like we're used to, and they had nothing that would work. There aren't pet stores around either like we're used to.

Finally the van was ready. We paid for it then got pictures of the wonderful staff at the Ford place. These people really enjoy their job, their customers and each other. They were such a fun bunch of people. We said good bye and went on our way. Joni and Cassie went to Carhenge to get pictures while Sam and I drove on in the castle to Mullen. We arrived there at about 6:30 I think, and Joni came in about a half hour later. We got set up, then I grilled cube steaks, Joni fixed mashed potatoes and we put together a salad. After eating, I went outside to find a place where I had cell service to call Dave. It was very minimal, and we got disconnected a couple of times. Finally we got through the things we needed to talk about and said good bye.

I went back in and got things put away from my bed, got ready for tomorrow, then finally headed for bed. - Oh, the drive from Alliance to Mullen was quite beautiful - lots of small lakes, sandhills, trees in sections, and just pretty scenery. It will be a great section to walk through.

October 15, 2003 - Wednesday - 20.0 + 1557.5 = 1577.5 Total Miles to Date

113.5 Total NE Miles - Day 7 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = 36.7 Miles

Today we got up and going somewhat early, but we had a long way to drive so we didn't get as early a start as I had hoped. As we drove through Hyannis we stopped at the post office to see if we had any mail. There was none yet. Then on to our start point. We made several stops early in the day for pictures and pit stops, so got off to a slow start - pretty much our norm. Our first town came about 4 miles from our start point. This was Lakeside - a cute little town. We prayed and left Memorial Stone # 47. Lakeside is unincorporated - not knowing for sure what that meant we thought maybe it didn't have a post office or city government or who knows what. However as we walked past we noticed it did indeed have a post office. We figured that someplace along the way we'll have someone to ask since most of the towns along here are unincorporated.

Continuing on we enjoyed many pretty scenes and fun times with Waliluke - we have a rope toy we often take as we walk to throw for Waliluke or play tug-of-war. He enjoys that. Other times we throw dog treats ahead for him, and he runs and pounces on them. How he remains so active and full of life all day I don't know. Then after 20 miles we go back to the castle and he is jumping and bounding all over the place as though he had just been lying around all day. Then suddenly he drops off to sleep and sleeps quite soundly.

A lot of trains go along the tracks we are now walking beside. We always wave to the engineer, and usually they toot the whistle and ring their bell and wave back. Once in awhile they don't see us. At one point today we saw two people cleaning the roadside in the section marked as being cleaned by the post office workers. We talked to the two and found that one was actually a Nebraska State Road Crew person named Vince who was told by his boss to see if Cathy, the postmaster, needed help cleaning the roadside. He noticed she was doing it alone, so he helped her finish up. That was fun talking to them and getting their pictures.

Then we came to the town of Ellsworth where Cathy was postmaster. We prayed and left Memorial Stone # 48. Oh, yes. We used our last Memorial Stone in Lakeside with little hope of finding more since this is all a sand area -- sand hills make up this area -- we are even staying at the Sandhill Motel and RV Park. As we neared Ellsworth I notice a couple of very big rocks by a tree. We went over and looked and found several smaller rocks as well. How nice of GOD to provide the rocks just when we needed them. Joni drove us into town for a tour of the place, and we stopped at Wade Morgan's Saddle and Hunting store (or something like that). We talked with Wade for awhile. He told us there are about 30 people in the town, more or less. We took pictures of him and his store, and a few around the town. As we got ready to leave town a train came through, so we had to wait to get back out to the road to walk.

The rest of the day was pretty uneventful - lots of waves to people and from people. Someone stopped to ask Joni once if she needed help, but finding out she didn't they drove quickly on. We stopped at the 126 mile marker, and got into the car and headed back to the castle. Sam had a call from Lois as we got into the van, and they were able to talk for quite awhile, so tomorrow we should have good phone service on the road if we do want to talk to anyone. That's good since we have pretty bad service back at camp.

Back at camp we got stuff in, then Sam fixed dinner while I journaled and Joni showered. Sam ate while we finished what we were doing, then Joni and I ate while Sam got started on downloading pictures. I read the info to the others about Nebraska. Then we did our GAJ BIT and headed for bed. Today we decided that we needed a special name for our Bible times since I call it one thing, and Joni calls it something else, and Sam calls it still something else. After awhile we came up with GAJ BIT which means Great American Journey Bible Inspiration Time. If we add an "s" to BIT making it BITS, that stands for Bible Inspiration Time Sharing - that's when we share from our BIT with the others.

Joni came back from her shower to tell us this funny story. This place provides towels and bathmats for the showers. She got into the shower room and undressed, then remembered that she had not gotten a towel from the stack out in the outer room. She put on her jacket and a bit else, stepped out to grab a towel and the door closed and locked behind her. She then had to ring the bell to get someone to come open the door for her. It was the gal who checked us in last night, and she wanted to talk about how our day went and how we worked it, and how many miles we did, etc., all while Joni is standing there with very little on.

Finally after all was done we headed for bed.

October 16, 2003 - Thursday - 20.0 + 1577.5 = 1597.5 Total Miles to Date

133.5 Total NE Miles - Day 8 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = 56.7 Miles

Today we got a little earlier start, tho' not much. It started out as a cloudy day with the threat of rain. In fact a bit after we started walking it did begin to sprinkle, but then soon after that the winds blew and the skies cleared and it was a beautiful sunny day. We had only a couple of miles to the small unincorporated town of Bingham. There we prayed and left Memorial Stone #49. It's always interesting to see the different things in an area that cause us to pray certain ways. This morning as we were driving to our start point I noticed a rancher in warm clothing fixing things up, and I assumed he was getting things ready for winter, so that affected my prayers today. I know that each of us sees different things and we each pray accordingly.

After Bingham we continued on with 8 or 9 miles to Ashby. We lost the shoulder on the road a bit before Ashby and so we tried using a pair of Cassie's booties on Waliluke since the grass area is full of stickers. Once we got them on him we laughed SO hard because he did a cute little dance as he tried to walk. I took a video of him, but doubt that it shows the full extent of his little dance. We got him out walking right away so that he wouldn't pull the booties off. It really seemed to help a lot, tho' from time to time we still had to pull stickers out of the booties. He loved being able to walk in the grass without getting stickers in his feet. At this same time we had grasshoppers again and Waliluke was jumping after them and pouncing on them in the grasses. Once he pounced on one and came back with about 5 stickers on his nose. It took some doing to get them out because he didn't like us to touch his face now. We ate our lunch at a place by the side of the road at Ashby. Then we prayed for the town and put out Memorial Stone # 50. We walked with Waliluke for awhile then without the booties and he got into some cactus. We plucked that out with the tweezers I brought along for that purpose, then decided to put Waliluke in the van for awhile. He really wanted to walk with us and couldn't understand why we put him in the car.

After a bit Sam and I noticed the old road between the highway and the railroad tracks. We went down to walk on it and found it quite nice. When we reached the spot where Joni and the pups were waiting we went up and told them about it and took Waliluke back to walk with us. Then Joni and Cassie went to a spot further up and walked back on the old road to meet us. The old road sometimes got real narrow, and sometimes was rather weedy, Piles of old asphalt were often dumped alongside it, but it was still great for walking - much better than the highway with no shoulder. We were able to stay on this until about a mile or two west of Hyannis. It was great.

We met one man today when he stopped to see what we were doing because he had seen us so many times. He worked on the railroad and did a lot of driving back and forth. I think he was a switchman, and a LOT of trains go by on this particular line, so he was very busy. Anyway we told him what we are doing, and took his picture. He gave us his card and wished us well. I think his name was Darron - the card is in my purse and I can't get to it right now.

As we came into Hyannis it was starting to get dark, so we didn't take the time to pray and leave a stone then. Rather we'll do it when we start in the morning. It's better when we see what we're doing, and besides we were anxious to get our 20 miles done and get back to the castle to eat and sleep.

At the castle we did our usual routine of putting stuff away, fixing and eating dinner, doing our GAJ BIT (Great American Journey Bible Inspiration Time) and finally to bed. After the pups ate they went through their usual routine of running and playing as tho' they hadn't walked at all today. Waliluke runs and jumps into the air like the puppy he still is. He's so full of life, and makes us all laugh SO much! What fun!

October 17, 2003 - Friday - 20.0 + 1597.5 = 1617.5 Total Miles to Date

153.5 Total NE Miles - Day 9 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = 76.7 Miles

Today I slept late (6 AM), but got up and ready quickly. Once all of us were up and ready we had prayers, then loaded the car and headed out. Our start point was Hyannis today. We drove first to the post office there, got our mail and turned in our change of addresses. When we went in we looked at the clerk, and she looked at us. Suddenly we recognized each other from a day or two before. It was Cathy, the postmaster for Ellsworth, whom we had met while she was out cleaning up the highway. I asked her if she was also postmaster for Hyannis, and she told me that she was just helping the Connie, the postmaster at Hyannis, because she had something she had to take care of today. It was really nice to see her again.

After we left the post office we went to get gas and use restrooms. Then we went across the street to the hardware to see about some wire or something to make a barrier for the pups on Sundays. They are going out of business after 30 years (time to slow down) and selling everything at low prices to clear it out. We got a good deal and we hope it will work to protect everything.

Then we headed to our start point by the Episcopal Church in Hyannis. The day turned out warm and beautiful much to our surprise. Yesterday we were wrapped up all day to keep warm, and today we were down to shorts and tee shirts before noon. Hwy 2 runs beside the railroad tracks all through here. At one place a truck was coming from the railway as we walked by. The men in the truck asked if we were walking across Nebraska or something. So we stopped and gave them a card and told them about our walk. There were three of them and they had lots of questions. They all got out of the truck so we could take pictures and talk easier. Their names are Mike Shannon of Alliance, NE; Don Walker of ScottsBluff, NE; and Joshua Garner of Alliance, NE. We said we'd send copies of the pictures to them. They were really nice. Finally we headed off and they went back to work.

Soon after we left them we saw Joni and Cassie up ahead. We noticed they crossed the road and started talking to someone. As we got closer we saw it was another RR worker. He had come out to ask about what we were doing since they had been seeing us at different places along the road for several days. He, too, was very nice and Joni got pictures of him.

Continuing on we finally reached a good lunch spot in the shade of some trees (some of the few trees in this area) just before Whitman. As we sat resting after we ate we heard a car pull up behind us. Looking around we saw a state trooper come up. As he started to talk Cassie and Waliluke suddenly came to life (they had been asleep) and Cassie just about leaped through the open window with a loud vicious growl. The poor trooper jumped back and just about had a heart attack. I slipped out of the car and went around to talk to him. He had just stopped to see if we were okay, or if we had car trouble or what. I gave him a card and explained what we were doing and that we were just on our lunch break. He was very nice and let me take his picture even after our dogs scared him half to death. He told me we really got his adrenalin going anyway. Well we know that our dogs will protect us. Usually Waliluke doesn't know why he is barking, but if Cassie starts it he figures he is supposed to join in. The State Trooper who stopped was named Mick Downing. He'll probably never forget us.

After that we got started walking again. Soon we walked into Whitman where we prayed and left Memorial Stone # 52. We took quite a few pictures in Whitman - a really cute little town (unincorporated). Then we continued walking into our last miles of the day. Joni and Cassie came back a couple of times, but on a dirt and sand road across the tracks from us. The last time she did this a train came between us, and we just kept walking to our mile marker #166 where we ended our day. We had to wait a bit for Joni and Cassie to come since they had to wait for the train. The trains are all quite long, so it takes awhile for them to go by. Joni finally came and picked us up and we headed back to the castle. I told the two of them that I would fix dinner tonight if they wanted to fix up the back of the van for the dogs with our new fencing. They agreed, so that's what we did. We had chicken and dumplings with mashed potatoes and broccoli - a meal we enjoy every so often.

I'll see their handiwork tomorrow, but I trust them and know they fixed it quite well. It remains to be seen if it is actually Waliluke proof. We're all waiting for that. Finally we headed for bed to work on our GAJ BIT, prayers and to sleep.

October 18, 2003 - Saturday - 20.0 + 1617.5 = 1637.5 Total Miles to Date

173.5 Total NE Miles - Day 10 -Walking Day

This Weeks Total = 96.7 Miles

Today we didn't have far to drive to our start point, so Sam and I had our GAJ BIT this morning (we both like that much better). After we were all ready we drove the 18 ½ miles to our start point and began walking. The day was much warmer and I started out in shorts and short sleeves. The first 8 miles were on the road with virtually no shoulder. Fortunately this is not a busy highway at all so that was not a problem.

At 8 miles we came to our first short bypass of the highway and took it. That only went less than half a mile. Then we had a little more road and then the beginning of a long stretch of the old road which bypassed the highway, yet was close enough for us to still wave at passing cars. A few honked at us and waved (a couple of those waved quite vigorously causing us to believe they were some of the ones we see driving back and forth quite a bit and now recognize us) before we waved.

Because it was so hot today (91) Waliluke only walked in the morning and evening. Joni, Cassie, and Waliluke met us for lunch at about 1:30, I think it was, at about the 11 or 12 mile mark. We had a good walk on the bypass - this is simply the old non-maintained highway which in places is overgrown with weeds and even caved in at a few spots. It was nice not to be right with the traffic for awhile. On this road we were much closer to the railroad tracks tho', so when they went by (frequently) we couldn't hear much. Most train engineers wave to us, and one even gave us a rather unusual "musical" toot on his train whistle. We've really gotten to know the RR workers on this stretch (the ones who work on the tracks, not the trains, tho' we sometimes wonder if the same ones have gone by many times). Actually we started writing down the engine numbers today just to see if some of them have reached their destination and are returning. The east bound ones are usually full of coal, while the west bound ones are often empty. Occasionally other types of freight go by in both directions.

After lunch Joni took both dogs back to the castle with the plan that we would walk to the castle and then all walk through Mullen together. Sam and I came to a section where we had good phone service, so we made a few calls. I called Suzi Kneedler to wish her a Happy Birthday (yesterday). It was good to talk with her and reminisce a bit about our OR/WA walk 10 years ago. Then I talked with Charlie and Earline Ferrell for awhile. It's so good to talk with people from home. I really like Saturdays when I have phone service and can talk for awhile with various friends. Then finally I talked with Dave who is at a Czech/Slovak Genealogy Conference in Texas. Mirek is there also and I was able to talk with him for a bit as well. That was really special. Each of these calls was really special.

Finally we walked into camp and got Joni and the pups up from their nap and walked on through Mullen. Joni then went back to get the van while Sam and I walked on to the 186 mile marker giving us our 20 miles. We watched and photographed a beautiful sunset while we waited for Joni. When she came we drove around town a bit to get a feel for where the churches are. We didn't find the one we had picked out for tomorrow, but I asked at the motel/RV office later and they told me where it was.

While Sam fixed dinner Joni took a shower and I drove to a spot where I had phone service to return a phone call from Ling Tong in San Jose. We talked for just a few minutes (she'll be going to China for a week in November to visit her family). Then I went back to the castle to eat. We decided to watch the DVD of Calamity Jane that Lois Garrett sent us per Joni's request. That's the first DVD we've watched since the 2 we rented in ID. It was nice to just take the time to relax a bit and watch that. It was really good, and is one of Joni's favorite movies.

Finally we headed for bed and a good night's rest.

Back to "Lyn's Journals" Index

October 19, 2003 - Sunday - 1637.5 Total Miles to Date

173.5 Total NE Miles - Day 11 -Rest Day

Last Weeks Total = 96.7 Miles

Today I got up and showered and had my GAJ BIT, and got the others up at the times they asked me to get them up. We headed for the church at about 9:30 which got us there early enough to work out a good spot to put the pups. We ended up leaving the back door open (with the light switched off to keep from running down the battery) and leashing them to the seat belt loops with the 20 foot coil cords. That way they could be in or out of the car and have a little shade. We left them water as well. Then we told them to stay and went inside. - Actually when we first got there we leashed them up like that at the far end of the parking lot. There were a couple of donkeys in the yard next to the church and they saw the dogs and came running over to investigate. When they got closer they began braying loudly and the dogs began barking. We decided we better move them. One of the men that drove up about then introduced himself and suggested the other end of the lot. That's what we ended up with and it worked very well. The donkeys were really cute and quite funny, but we thought that might be a bit noisy during church. :-)

Inside it was still a few minutes before starting time. The young man who met us outside told us they were still finishing up the building of the church and today was the first week they were using some of the classrooms. He gave us a tour downstairs and introduced us to the pastor's wife. We talked with her for awhile (Cindy) and another lady with her (Dee). Then we went back upstairs and got seated for the service. Soon the pastor came over to talk with us (Mark). Cindy had given him our card and he wanted to know more about what we were doing. We told him a bit more and he asked if it would be okay to share with the congregation. During the announcements he asked me to come up and share from the platform. This was an incredible church. They received us so warmly. I think everyone in the congregation came and greeted us at one point or another.

During Mark's sermon, he used our walk as an example several times. Some people had come late and after the service came to meet us and find out more about what we were doing. Then one of the ladies invited us to join her for lunch at the Cattleman's Café in Seneca (about 12 miles east). We ended up with she and her daughter and granddaughter (Darlene Hall of Scottsbluff, NE; Deb Cox and Scout Cox - the 3 generations); Mark and Cindy Danielson (the pastor and his wife) and their children - Adam and Ben. They have an older daughter who is married and living in Mississippi. They also had a foreign exchange student from Guayaquil, Ecuador - Andrea Navarrete. Adam is a sophomore in high school and is a fullback on the football team. Ben is about 10 and played a piano solo in church this morning (Jesus Loves Me). What delightful people. They kept asking questions about the walk and how they could help. I was just amazed with their interest.

Finally we said good byes and headed back to Mullen and our castle where Joni took a nap before doing a load of laundry. Sam went to find cell service so she could call Chip, and I sat and wrote a couple of letters. When Sam came back we decide to watch a DVD video that Lois sent us (What About Bob?). We had popcorn and colas, and had to pause it every time a train went by. We are quite close to the train track and can't hear a thing when they come. It took us awhile to get through the movie, but we finally made it. It was good to relax a bit - we so seldom get to just sit and do nothing. I have lots of letters I want/need to write, but sometimes we just need to sit and do nothing special.

Sam went off to talk with Chip again while Joni and I folded clothes and listened to the coyotes call back and forth to each other from one side of the town to the other. Then we headed for bed. It really has been a great day!

October 20, 2003 - Monday - 20.0 + 1637.5 = 1657.5 Total Miles to Date

193.5 Total NE Miles - Day 12 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = Miles 20.0

Today we all got up and got moving rather quickly - even Joni. She wanted to get some wash going this morning before we went, and since they only have one small washer and dryer here she can only do one small load at a time. Yesterday she was able to get 2 or 3 loads done, and today I think she finally did about 5 or 6. Usually we can get them all done at the same time in about 3 or 4 loads cause most of the places have several machines that are all much larger, but the washer here is only 75 cents and the dryer is free, so .......... we take what we get. Anyway Joni got some going, and we all got ready and went to pray at the Mullen sign and leave our Memorial Stone # 53. Then Joni dropped us at our start point and we got to walking at about 9:20 AM.

It was a good day of walking with quite a few people stopping to talk with us today. The first one that stopped was Brian who was driving a Pepsi van - we told him that our favorite drink was the diet vanilla Pepsi, but he didn't offer us any - actually he probably didn't have any with him, and I'm sure he couldn't have given us any anyway. :-) Just a couple of minutes later 2 men stopped to see if we were okay - they were Stuart and Ken. All of these stopped to talk to us near Seneca on Hwy 2 where we've been walking. We got pictures of all 3 of them.

Joni was able to come out to meet us once and walk with us before Seneca, then she met us again at Seneca where we sat and ate our lunch. After lunch we prayed for Seneca and left Memorial Stone #54, then Joni went back to the castle to continue the laundry. It was a while before we saw her again At Seneca we had walked 10 miles, and we saw Joni again we had 4 ½ to go. When she came this time we stopped to get water for Waliluke and he jumped in the car and refused to come out. In fact we wanted to put him in the back and he ran into Joni's arms to escape us. Finally Sam was able to pick him up and carry him to the back of the car and lay him down where he fell right to sleep. We assured him he didn't have to walk if he was tired. He just lay there with his eyes closed. We stroked him a bit, then shut the door and headed off.

Joni went past us and we continued walking. We went up one hill and I had fairly good phone service, so I called Dave and we were able to talk for awhile until the service went out. He knew that was a possibility and we had talked about the things we needed to so that was fine. With less than a mile to go a lady pulled up and asked if we were just out for a walk or if we needed a ride. We went over and talked with her and told her our story. Her name was Georgia Finney, and she was the cutest little lady - I'm dying to know her age, but I refrained from asking. She had a lot of questions for us, and she told us she lives in Broken Bow and had just gone to visit a lady friend in Alliance who has Lou Gehrigs (sp?) Disease. She said she drives all that way once a month because she had promised her friend she would visit her once a month. We told her we would be moving our base camp to Broken Bow on Wednesday. She got quite excited and wanted to know where we'd be staying. I told her it would probably be the Wagon Wheel. She said she lives real close to that, and she'll look for us. Then she asked us if we would be willing to come share at the Senior Center in Broken Bow at lunch on Thursday. We said we'd be delighted. So she is going to see if she can line it up and then she'll find us and give us the info.

Right after she left, Joni drove up all excited because she had just visited the Rainbow Llama Ranch. We remembered passing it. She said they had some babies that were just a couple of days or so old. We were really glad she had something fun like that to do since she had planned on walking the last part, but with Waliluke sleeping she couldn't do that. She had a grand time with the llama people. She then drove on to our 206 mile marker where we were stopping. Right after she left a guy we had been watching on the ranch by the road came out in his hay "unrolling" truck. We were watching him as he unrolled the hay with this special tool on his truck as he drove along, leaving the hay spread out behind him. He had been watching us and wanted to know what we were doing, especially after seeing us talking to both Georgia and then to Joni. His name was J.D. Purdum, and he is a ranch hand at this and two other ranches owned by his boss. He and another ranch hand run the three ranches. He was a nice guy. We got pictures of both Georgia and of J.D. Purdum. Then we walked on to where Joni was waiting. I asked her to pull forward just a bit since she was a few feet before the 206 marker. She told me I could walk up there and back :-). I walked up there, then she drove forward past it so I had to walk even more. :-) Finally we got in and headed back for Mullen.

I called Dave during the few yards we had service to ask him to send more cards since we've been giving so many out. We finally got back to Mullen, and Joni got more wash going as soon as Sam and I got changed. Then we folded socks and Sam got dinner started. We ate, journaled, and Sam downloaded our pictures. Then we headed for bed when all was put away and cleaned up. Great day!

October 21, 2003 - Tuesday - 22.0 + 1657.5 = 1679.5 Total Miles to Date

215.5 Total NE Miles - Day 13 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = Miles 42.0

Today we walked - well, there was a bit more to it than that, but that is the basic idea. We had our GAJ BIT this morning before leaving again since we didn't have far to drive to our start point. It's really amazing how quickly the mileage adds up these days so that in just a couple of days time we are driving about an hour to our start.

We began walking at 9 AM today at about 5 miles before Thedford. It was a beautiful day with sunshine and streaky clouds and a good wind all day. The wind kept it comfortably cool, yet it was warm enough to wear shorts and short sleeves all day. For the first hour we had trains go by every 10 minutes, then there was a long break from them and they came about 1 an hour after that. As we came to Thedford we were a little further from the trains for awhile.

Thedford is a cute little town with nicely painted houses and well kept yards (mostly), about 3 cute churches, a museum, a small grocery store and a few other businesses. By the sign where we prayed and left Memorial Stone # 55 there is a park. Joni went in, but Sam and I continued walking. Just east of Thedford are several newer businesses including a Rodeway Inn with a nice restaurant, a couple of nice gas stations with mini marts, and one or two other businesses. Joni was waiting for us by a historical marker that told all about the sandhills and their development into pastureland for cattle. That is really its only use except for near Alliance where the sugar beets, corn, and sunflowers grow. Of course, that is on the edge of the sandhills and it probably has other soil mixed in.

We continued on, stopping for lunch at about 11 ½ miles. We found a spot by the railroad tracks that was reasonably comfortable and somewhat free of stickers. The stickers and burrs are awful in the sandhill area. We've been plagued with them for days now - especially Waliluke. He is always getting them in his feet, and on his nose when he jumps off to the side to catch a grasshopper. Then we have to stop, pull out the tweezers and go through each of his feet thoroughly to pull out the little stickers. It's very time consuming, and a bit uncomfortable for Waliluke, but not as uncomfortable as leaving the stickers in his feet. He really fights us sometimes.

Yes, I mentioned grasshoppers in the above paragraph. They are back, but not as many as before. Also they are quite different. There seem to be only two kinds now -- the little ones and the very large ones. When Waliluke catches one of the little ones he just chomps it up - ugh. But when he catches one of the big ones he carries it down the road with its legs hanging out of his mouth. Eventually he amputates the legs, drops the body on the ground and rolls all over it. Cassie stands nearby looking on in disgust.

Well, on to better things - At 20 miles we arrived at the edge of the Nebraska National Forest. This is a small forest that was all hand planted in the sand. Joni told us there is also a nursery where they are growing more trees to plant in the park as well. At 20 miles (our typical ending mileage these days) we decided to do two extra miles to have as a cushion for Thursday since we are tentatively scheduled to speak at a Senior luncheon in Broken Bow. If we do that we will not start walking that day until after lunch. We will be in the Central time zone then, but we plan to keep our watches set for Mountain time since in just a few days the time falls back and we figure why should we bother moving our watches ahead an hour just to set back an hour in a few days.

The extra two miles took us through Halsey. We had met a lady earlier in the afternoon who lives in Halsey. She had seen us in the morning, then saw that we were still walking in the afternoon and wondered if we needed a ride someplace. We told her what we were doing and took her picture and got her name - Mickie Fisher. People really are nice here in these small towns. Finally we came to mile marker #228 giving us 22 miles for the day. Joni and Cassie walked with us several times today including the last portion through Halsey.

We got in the car and headed home to our castle - about an hour's drive. Then we had dinner, cleaned up, journaled, and whatevery else we needed to do, then went to bed.

October 22, 2003 - Wednesday - 1679.5 Total Miles to Date

215.5 Total NE Miles - Day 14 - Moving Day

This Weeks Total = Miles 42.0

Today was quite a day - it was moving day and we weren't in a big hurry, so we all slept in a bit. I actually slept until about 6:30. The other two slept until 9:30. Once we were all up we sat and ate our breakfast and talked and laughed for awhile. We had the pups tied up outside with their long coils where they could play and have some room. Finally I left to go over to the office to pay our bill. I got that taken care of, then we started packing up and unhooking everything. We headed out at about 11:30 I think.

It was a beautiful drive - the first part we were familiar with since we have already walked it. But the second part was all new. Joni had stopped to get gas in Mullen while I drove on to Thedford to get gas - we had arranged to meet in Thedford at the Conoco. Joni wasn't too far behind us. After we got gas and snacks we headed off for Broken Bow. Our destination was the Wagon Wheel Motel and RV Park. It was at the west end of town as we came in, so we pulled in and parked, then I went over to find the office to register. I had to ring the bell to get anyone to come. Finally a young man (in his 20's maybe?) came out. He apologized for not hearing me sooner and said he wasn't feeling too good today. The only discount came by paying cash, so I pulled out my cash and paid him - that saved us about $30.00.

We settled on space #1 since it was in the shade partially, and along the edge making it a nice place to tie the dogs outside for awhile. We put them out there while we set up and hooked up the castle. Once we got everything hooked up I washed the back storage door of the castle, then Joni and I set to work applying our U.S. map. We then put the 15 states on that we are walking through on this Journey. We put feet on the states we've been through. Now we want to get lettering to put on the other side of the storage door to say Great American Journey - Walking and praying for the nation - or something like that.

As we were hooking up the water, electricity and sewer I noticed a metal strip coming off on the side of the hook ups. We laughed and said that by the end of this walk we'd be driving our castle with no walls or roof - just the engine and seats breezing along. Then I opened the storage on the passenger side of the castle and a frame board dropped out - quite rotted through and useless to put back in. We doubled over in laughter. We then decided that the next time we go to Wal-Mart (we may not have one before Missouri) we'll look at canvas to make our castle into a covered wagon when it all falls apart. :-) One must have a sense of humor when on this kind of Journey.

Then Sam remembered we hadn't been to the post office to get our mail. So Joni and I got in the car and were just ready to head out when Joni said there's a red car headed this way. I looked back and we realized it was Georgia, the gal we met on the highway the other day who wants us to speak at the Senior luncheon tomorrow. She told us it was all arranged - we are to be there at 11:30 (10:30 Mountain time - we've decided to stay on Mountain time since this weekend is the time change and it will all change back to that time anyway). Now we just have to make sure we remember that when we have appointments. Georgia had Joni and I hop into her car so she could show us where the Senior Center is (I told Sam what we were doing first). She drove us there - it's close to the RV Park - then she said she'd like to take us to dinner. We went back to camp to get Sam and the dogs. I rode with Georgia while Sam and Joni brought the pups in the van.

Georgia took us to the Tumbleweed Café - a very popular place - I haven't seen a restaurant that busy since leaving California. We learned a lot about Georgia during the evening - what a sweet lady. Georgia is 83 years old, was married to her first husband 30 years when he died, then remarried 1 ½ years later and was married to her second husband another 30 years. If you do the math you'll see she was only about 13 years old when she got married the first time. Wow! She had some miscarriages early in her marriage, then finally carried her daughter, Alberta Lareece, to about 7 months. Alberta was born at their home 50 miles from town in the middle of a blizzard. Alberta weighed only about 1 pound. She told us what all they did to keep her alive. A bit over a year later she had a second girl - Roberta Janeece. Georgia now has 9 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Georgia also told us stories of ranch life, and of cattle drives she and a girlfriend worked on. What an amazing woman. We all encouraged her to get her stories written down. They're too good to lose. We noticed that at the restaurant almost everyone knew her. She's quite a lady - we really had a good time with her. Since we're sharing at the Senior luncheon tomorrow we'll not walk until afternoon, so in the morning Georgia is going to take us out to the stock yards to show us around. Two of her grandchildren work there.

After a very good meal, lots of great conversation and laughter, we returned to the castle to bed down for the night. We also called the guys (Chip and Dave).

October 23, 2003 - Thursday - 1679.5 = Total Miles to Date

215.5 Total NE Miles - Day 15 - Speaking and City Tour Day

This Weeks Total = Miles 42.0

Today we got up late since we wouldn't be walking until later. Georgia Finney picked us up at about 10 Central Time (9 Mountain Time) to take us out to tour Adams Land and Cattle Co. These are huge cattle feed lots - we went first to the east lot, then to the south lot. Between the lots there are about 93,000 cattle. The south lot was very interesting since that is where they have a mountain of grain with tractors constantly working it over. A supervisor told us about this part and took our picture in front of it. We also got his picture with us, and with Georgia.

After our little tour we headed for the Senior Center where the luncheon was. There were around 30 seniors there. We joined the group for a lunch of baked chicken and fixin's - very good. We shared a bit about our walk and laid maps out on some of the empty tables and gave everyone a magnet. We took pictures of everyone and enjoyed talking and answering questions of many. After awhile a man (Lloyd) came over to me and asked if I would like to see a book about him. I said that I would, and he went out to the car to get it and bring it in to show to me. It seems he was a prisoner of war in World War II and earned a lot of medals - including the purple heart. The book is his story as written by his wife who died just before the first copies were completed. What a delightful man he was. We each bought a copy of his book and had him autograph it. His granddaughter came in while we were talking with him, so we got to talk with her for a bit. Then she left, but called on the phone a few minutes later to get my address so she could write to me. I gave her the home address and told her everything would get forwarded to me.

Lloyd only had two books with him, so we agreed to have Georgia take us to his place to get the third one. After picking up our things we headed out for Lloyd's home. When we got there he invited us in with apologies about his messy place. We were really surprised at how clean it was. He had lots of antiques - furniture, dishes, a knife collection, etc., and enjoyed showing us everything. It was really interesting. The dish collection was his wife's, but most things were both of theirs or even his. His wife did a lot of quilting when she was alive, and he showed us the quilt on his bed - it was made completely of old ties and was really beautiful! A great idea for Dave's old ties! Finally we said good bye and headed back to the castle where Georgia had left her car to ride with us.

At the castle took a few more pictures with Georgia, hugged her, and she told us she'll be back over sometime before we leave the area. What a sweetheart she is. We had hoped to do some walking today, but with being as late as we were and having to go so far to get to our start point we decided to spend the day taking care of some errands we needed to take care of instead. So we first went to the post office to pick up our mail. The postal clerk saw our names (I always give them one of our cards and point out the names so they know what to look for) and before I could say much at all she exclaimed, "Oh, yes, we have mail for you! Then she went over and brought back a whole bin of packages and letters for us. Sam had two care packages for the team - one from her mom, and one from the Carters. What fun to see all the goodies including meal packets, candles, snacks, and another Wal-Mart gift card! These things are SO appreciated!!! Then we parked at the town square and walked around visiting shops and introducing ourselves and looking for several items. I still haven't found Nebraska earrings. I also want to get more of the state map magnets, and Joni and I are both collecting pins for our hats from each state. Joni found the charms for her bracelet, and Sam found several things she wanted, but I didn't find any of the items I wanted. We have only about 2 weeks left in the state, so hopefully I'll find something soon.

I have a binder with us that lists lots of state trivia for all the states. It also tells things like the state bird, state tree, state insect, etc. One of the trivia items was that in "Blue Hill, NE, no female wearing a hat that would scare a timid person can be seen eating onions in public." We thought that was pretty funny!

Back at the castle we read our mail- we had 5 letters from Earline including one that was originally sent to Custer, SD, and two that were sent to Chadron, NE, and one sent to Hyannis, NE. What fun we had going through all the clippings and reading the notes from her. I had a package from Dave with more cards to give out (yeah! - I was out) and my e-mail, etc.

Finally we did our journals, made phone calls and headed for bed.

October 24, 2003 - Friday - 20.5 + 1679.5 = 1700.0 Total Miles to Date

236.0 Total NE Miles - Day 16 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = Miles 62.5

Today I got up a bit before 6 AM Mountain time (remember we decided to stay on Mountain time until Sunday when the time changes back to Standard time, then we'll actually be on Central time). After I got dressed I got Sam up and we both had our GAJ BIT. Then we woke Joni up - we tried to let her sleep as late as possible because she is not feeling well. By this morning it was starting to go down into her chest. She is so susceptible to colds, bronchitis and pneumonia that I really worry about her. Tomorrow (Saturday) when I make my weekly phone calls I will ask for special concerted prayer for her.

We finally got out the door and off to our start point. It was a good hour away. We stopped in Dunning at the Sinclair station to use restrooms and for Joni to get coffee. We talked a bit with the man in charge. Then we drove on to our start point at Halsey - actually we put our Memorial Stone # 56 out for Halsey - we had prayed for it the other day, but still needed to put out the stone. Then we drove up the road a mile to where we began walking. As Sam and I walked Joni drove back to the NE National Forest to park the car and take a nap. She ended up sleeping for over 2 hours, and finally caught up with us as we were almost through Dunning 10 miles down the road. We had her go ahead to find a good spot for lunch.

Oh, yes, before we got to Dunning a state patrolman stopped to see if we were okay. After telling him what we were doing and talking with him for awhile, I asked if I could take his picture. He then pulled over and got out of the car and put on his hat for us. I took his picture with Sam and Waliluke. The patrolman's name is also Sam - Sam Mortensen. I told him how much we appreciate him stopping - it really is nice when any policemen stop for us. They are always very pleasant, and most are very young - they look like they just graduated from high school, at least to Joni and me. A few minutes later a lady stopped to see if we needed a ride. Her name was Dori - at least that is what her license plate said. We didn't get a picture of her, she was in a hurry. We saw her again a bit later as she drove back the other direction.

Back to our lunch stop. We walked across the bridge over Dismal River, and Joni was waiting for us on a little side road. We got in and she drove us back in to a cemetery where there was a nice place to sit and hook the dogs up in back to be in or out of the car. After eating we prayed for Dunning and wrote Memorial Stone # 57, then drove back to place it at the "Welcome to Dunning" sign near the school. Then back to the Dismal River to walk on. Joni walked with us a couple of times during the afternoon, but she just doesn't feel at all well and was very cold all day, so stayed in te car the rest of the day.

It was dark when we finished walking tonight since we had started so late. Sam and I don't mind walking in the dark - we were prepared with a flashlight so cars could spot us easily. But Joni was worried about us and came looking for us just a few minutes before we got to the end. She turned around and went back to where she was waiting, and we walked on to that spot.

We got back to the castle and got everything in, then had dinner and did our journals and clean up duties. Waliluke had walked the full day, but still wanted to play some. Then he sat on the couch beside me. I looked over at him and he was just sitting there looking at me with his eyes slowly closing - it was so cute. Then all of a sudden he just fell down and went to sleep. Now it's time for me to go to sleep, so I'll finish this up, bring in TP and kleenex from storage, and get to bed.

I also mentioned to Sam tonight that I keep forgetting to ask Dave to send me our microwave egg poachers that are in the drawer under the oven. So just in case I still haven't asked you, Honey, when you read this would you please send them to us - unless you and Russ are using them? Thanks. And unless you edit this everyone else who reads this will know we want the egg poachers. :-)

October 25, 2003 - Saturday - 14.5 + 1700.0 = 1714.5 Total Miles to Date

250.5 Total NE Miles - Day 17 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = Miles 77.0

Today we got out a little bit earlier and drove to our start point via Memorial Way past the EV Free Church to see the timing for church service. We also noted it had a very good yard/parking area for tying up Waliluke if we need to. It looks like a fairly new church - very nice. Then we drove on to our start point and began walking.

Since it is Saturday I had my phone headset on, but had to wait until Anselmo to get service. Joni met us there and we drove to the large Sandhills Cathedral to park on their grounds and eat our lunch. It is a beautiful spot. After we ate we drove around to the front of the cathedral and I went up to see if the door was open - it was, so we all went in to look around. It was a simple, yet beautiful cathedral. We took pictures both inside and outside. We decided to pray for Anselmo in the cathedral on the kneeling benches. Then we went out to the car and wrote Memorial Stone #58. We took it down to the east entrance sign and took our pictures and left the stone, then continued walking.

Joni didn't walk at all today because she is sick with a bad cold and it is starting to go into her chest. Instead she just drove ahead 3 or 4 miles each time to meet us with water and other stuff, and slept int the car while she waited. She couldn't get warm though, and finally after 14.5 miles we decided to call it quits. Joni was just too cold, and she looks and sounds bad (sick bad), so Sam and I agreed to quit early and get her back to the castle where she could warm up and get a better rest.

Once we got her in and all the stuff in - including the dogs - Sam and I took off for the grocery store to get some food and some money. We had just a few odds and ends to get, then we did it in three orders so that we could each get $100 cash back. However their system wouldn't accept Joni's or my ATM cards - both were Bank of America. Why it declined us we don't know. So Sam ended up paying for all the stuff with her Washington Mutual Card and getting a total of $200 back. I had used $100 of my money the other day to pay cash for our RV spot since cash gave us about a $30 discount. I used my personal money then, so now Sam paid me the $100 and now GAJ owes her the $100. That's our high finance for now. :-)

We took the groceries home to the castle, fixed our dinner (chicken pot pie and salad), made phone calls and went to bed.

October 26, 2003 - Sunday - 1714.5 Total Miles to Date

250.5 Total NE Miles - Day 18 - Church Rest Day

Last Weeks Total = Miles 77.0

Today it was 18 degrees outside (thanks to our new remote thermometer -- a gift from Dave) when I got up. The heater wasn't working and I was half frozen. :-( At least we had the foresight last night to leave our faucet dripping so it didn't freeze again. The hot water heater was working so I had hot water to wash up in. :-) Once I got ready I put on sweatshirts, jackets, my cap and gloves while I had my *GAJ BIT. When the others got up - much later - they also had to get ready in the cold, though it had warmed up to about 23 degrees by then. All of a sudden I thought, "I wonder what would happen if I turn the heater clear off thenon again?" I tried it, and shazoom! - It worked! We're learning bit by bit all the little idiosyncrasies of this castle. We got the summer ones down pretty good, and now we're learning the winter ones.

We had our breakfast and were just about ready with time to spare when we heard a knock on our door. It was Georgia coming to see where we had decided to go to church. We told her the EV Free. She said she had decided that if we hadn't chosen one yet she would invite us to hers. I asked which hers was and she said it was the First Christian Church. Well, as is our custom, we really like to let GOD choose our church for us, and we took Georgia's sweet invitation as direction from GOD. What a blessing! She came in and sat and visited with us while we finished getting ready and until it was time to go. Then we followed her to the church and got the dogs settled in an alfalfa field across from the church. It was a perfect spot and they behaved quite well. When we came out later they were lying there so nice just watching for us.

The church service was very nice - the people very friendly - and the pastor preached a great sermon on controlling the tongue. At the end of the service they prayed for our Journey along with many other requests, then after the prayer Pastor Dan told the audience a little bit about us, and encouraged people to stop and talk with us about what we are doing. Many did so it took us awhile to get out to the pups - not a problem. After that Joni took the pups with her back to the castle to rest while Sam and I joined Georgia, her daughter - Alberta [Bert], son-in-law - J.B. Morgan, and another lady - Frieda (I'm pretty sure). Joni still wasn't feeling good, and besides she got to talking to a lady at church who does hair. Joni has been wanting to get her hair cut for ever so long. Lynna, the hairdresser, said she would be happy to do it for her this afternoon. So she came to the castle to lead Joni to the shop to cut her hair.

Meanwhile we were at lunch with the others having a wonderful meal and enjoying the fellowship SO much! J.B. is an absolute character - a really fun guy and so sincere in his devotion to GOD. He was a delight, as were the others. We haven't been in the newspapers or anything here, but thanks to Georgia we've become the talk of Broken Bow - almost. We found out that at another church in town one of the adult Bible study classes was talking about us today. In fact we later met one lady from that church who was in the class. After lunch we all hugged and said we'd see each other again someday - no good byes - that would be too sad. J.B. paid our bill. We have just been overwhelmed with the hospitality and kindness shown us by these people. Nebraskans top our list for hospitality. We have a few people across the nation that we really plan to keep in touch with and this town is home to a few of them.

Georgia took us then to our castle to see if Joni was there - she wasn't - so she then took us to Lynna's shop to see if she was there. She was just finished with getting her hair cut (Lynna told her it was a gift from her -- what did I say about hospitality?), and then we went to the Dollar General store with Georgia to look for a crock pot. We didn't find the crock pot there (they did have one, but it was too big for us -- we only have room for a small one), but we did find several other things we needed. Georgia introduced us to several people in the store -- some that worked there, and some that were customers. Then from there we went to the Medicine Chest where we did find a crock pot just the right size. We bought that and met the clerk who was Georgia's granddaughter -- another delightful person.

Finally we said good bye to Georgia for now with tentative plans to meet tomorrow sometime, somewhere. She and another lady did drive out to look for us Saturday (we figure they went by while we were eating lunch at the cathedral in Anselmo). Perhaps she'll do that again tomorrow.

Back at the castle we all set to work on organizing projects. The shelf above my bed looks really nice now. I was able to make room for our new crock pot to be stored there when we're not using it. Finally I journaled and made phone calls and soon after that I went to bed. Oh, yes, we are now on Central Standard Time - two hours ahead of California.

*GAJ BIT = Great American Journey Bible Inspiration Time

October 27, 2003 - Monday - 16.0 + 1714.5 = 1730.5 Total Miles to Date

266.5 Total NE Miles - Day 19 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = Miles 16.0

Today we got a bit of a late start for a variety of reasons - then once we left the castle we had to go to the east end of town to get gas and to go to the post office. The gas stations around here are rather interesting - all grades of gas are the same price, so today I had a choice of 87 octane or 91 octane for $1.60.9 - I chose the 91 octane. Interesting. We are also getting use to all kinds of gas pumps with varying ways to start the gas running. This one had me stymied until I went in and asked. By the end of this Journey we'll know how to operate any gas pump in the nation.

When we went to the post office the gal saw our card and said, "Oh, yes, you have mail". We had a care package from the Uhlers and several letters. Since I was driving I had to wait to read my mail. Finally we got to our start point and headed out walking. We had about 5 miles to Merna, and Joni and Cassie joined us a couple of times. Then we went to the Merna sign and prayed and left the Memorial Stone #59. As we walked through the edge of town (390 population) a postman pulled up to talk to us - it was one of the men from church yesterday that I had talked to quite awhile. I recognized him pretty quick. He asked where the third person was and I pointed ahead to where Joni was stopped. He drove on over to see her for a bit, then he headed back to work -he is a rural postman. We also saw at least one of the grain truck drivers who was at church yesterday. Then before we got out of Merna a van drove up and we realized it was Georgia and Bert. We stopped and talked with them for awhile. They were arranging for the Custer County Chief to interview us, as well as the local radio station.

After we said good bye to Georgia and Bert we continued on. At one point Joni had parked and walked back to meet us. As we were all getting to the van a sheriff's deputy pulled over to talk with us. He wanted to know if that was our van parked up the road. We told him it was and what we were doing. He then told us that someone had called in with a complaint of a green van parked out in front of the anhydrous ammonia tanks, and they had seen a lady get out with a dog and walk away. He then explained that they've had some problems with people stealing the gas and other things. He also told us it was okay for us to park there, that we had done nothing wrong. He took down our license number so he could notify all the others that our van would be parked in different places so they would know it wasn't anyone parked for illegal purposes. He was very nice and wished us well as he went on his way.

We finally stopped for lunch at about 11 miles. The Chief reporter, Carrie, came while we were just getting ready to walk after lunch. She interviewed us and took our picture, then we got off to walk again. It wasn't long until we were coming to Lloyd Wells' place. We stopped there to talk with him a bit. He is ever so sweet, and another that we must keep in touch with a bit.

Then we continued on into Broken Bow and stopped at our castle for the day. We didn't get our 20 miles in again, but at least we got the 16 and were able to get into Broken Bow. We got our stuff put away, then Dale came from the radio station to do an interview. He took a couple of pictures for the WEB site as well, then interviewed us for the radio story tomorrow. It was a fun day of interviews.

Then we ate dinner, and Sam downloaded pictures. I called Dave to let him know about the internet access for the radio station interview. We talked briefly. He told me that the fires in California that we just found out about earlier today, are indeed close to Laurie and Evan. He called Laurie to see how things were there. She said she was very nervous yesterday because the smoke was so bad and several around them were leaving, but they stayed.

We finished up with our evening chores and headed to bed. Oh, yes, Georgia called and wants to meet us at McDonald's for breakfast tomorrow. Since we're walking from the castle I told her that should work just fine. She wants to treat us one last time. She has been such a blessing to us. We do love her.

Well, I'm off to bed - I am just SO very tired tonight.

*GAJ BIT = Great American Journey Bible Inspiration Time

October 28, 2003 - Tuesday - 21.0 +1730.5 = 1751.5 Total Miles to Date

287.5 Total NE Miles - Day 20 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = Miles 37.0

Today we got up and had our *GAJ BIT, and got ourselves ready to go. We had out energy drinks and got our stuff out to the car. Sam and I then took off walking from the castle to McDonald's while Joni drove there to meet Georgia. At McD's Georgia was waiting for us. We ordered our breakfast which Georgia was planning to pay for, but as we talked to the gal at the register who happened to be the manager and she found out what we were doing she told us our breakfast was on her. She and Georgia "fought" over that for a few seconds, but the manager won. Cute. Georgia then took us over to introduce us to about a dozen or more of her friends who meet there for breakfast every morning. We had a great time. But finally it was time to head out walking - we had 20 miles we wanted to do today.

After we started we stopped at a motel that had one of the Huskers helmet mailboxes that seem to be popular in this area. I was taking a picture of the little Corn Husker guy on the wall when the owner came out. She told us we should see the inside, so we followed her in and took pictures of their office all decorated in Corn Husker red everything. They are real Corn Husker fans and love to let people know. They are John and Diane.

Just past the motel was one of the signs for Broken Bow. Joni met us there and we prayed for Broken Bow and left Memorial Stone # 60. Of course we got pictures, then continued walking.

Waliluke was in a playful mood as we walked quite a bit today - it was windy and he likes the wind. Sam said he stopped to eat a lot of the corn along the road that gets left by the trucks as they whiz by. As we walked we waved to a lot of people. After quite awhile a car pulled up on the opposite side of the road, and a man asked if we were okay, or if we needed a ride. We told him what we were doing. He told us he was the pastor of the Church of GOD in Broken Bow, and he had seen us when he went into Broken Bow earlier. Then we he saw us again on his way out he thought he better see if we were okay. I took his picture and got his name - Keith Archer - and thanked him for stopping. He lives in Berwyn and was on his way there.

A bit after that we came to a place where three men were working on the railroad. As we walked by they hollered over to us to ask where we were headed. It seems they had seen us a few days earlier up by Dunning. We talked with them for awhile and they each handed us some cash - how sweet. They were Mike Booker from Merna, Lloyd Eggleston from Broken Bow, and Mel Anderson from Merna.

We continued on through Berwyn where we prayed and left Memorial Stone # 61. Some time after Berwyn we stopped for lunch at a bit over 12 miles. We ate and rested a bit then headed back out to the road. It wasn't long before we arrived in Ansley. Joni was waiting for us at one of the Historical Markers that told about Ansley. After a bit of talking with her we headed on through town. Soon a man stopped to ask if we were okay or needed a ride. We told him what we were doing and gave him a card. We got his picture and his name - Jess L. Springman - and he works for Jon & Associates. The Jon stands for "Jesus of Nazareth". Pretty cool. He talked to us for quite awhile, and promised to pray for us. He told us he came out of Satan worship and other things about 18 years ago, I think - maybe it was just 8 years ago. Anyway he talked to us for awhile. Joni came while he was talking to us, and we introduced her. She had the radio on low to see if our story would come on. Soon it did and she turned the radio up so we could all hear it. They did a good job of reporting it, and even played a bit of what each of us said. That was pretty cool.

After Jess left Joni told us to hop in real quick. She wanted us to see something, then she would bring us right back. She drove us around the corner where there were a whole bunch of elk penned up. We saw a man and a little girl walking among them feeding them, I think, but they were not where they saw us, nor could we talk to them. We got a few pictures. They came right up to us, and I even petted a couple of them. A kitten was there and it crawled under the fence and one elk bent down to sniff at the kitten.

Back to our walking. We had prayed for Ansley at the Historical Marker, but still had to put out the Memorial Stone #62 for it. The Ansley sign (population 555) was not too far down. We stopped there and took pictures, then continued to the Sinclair station and market for a pit stop. Right after that we came to our junction where we turned off on Hwy.183. Joni went ahead to check out how far to get our 20 miles in. Sam and I walked on. One guy stopped to say he was sorry he hadn't stopped when he went by the first time, but he hadn't realized our van was broken down. We assured him it wasn't broken down, and told him it was our shuttle van and what we were doing. He was glad to know we were okay, and went off before we could say any more.

It got dark quick now. I had my flash light out to use when cars were coming so they would see us, but I only used it when cars came. We could see quite well and prefer to walk without lights unless we have to. It was a beautiful night - lots of stars, the wind had died down and there wasn't a whole lot of traffic. It's a pretty road that I think we'll enjoy for the next 80 or so miles.

Joni wasn't able to find a place to park until we had done 21 miles, so we got in an extra mile. Joni was very apologetic, but we didn't mind at all. We piled into the car at that point and headed back for Broken Bow. When we got there we got stuff in and put away, then Sam went over to take a shower while I fixed dinner. Joni and I ate before she got back, then I was working on my journal when she returned.

Then I called Dave and talked for awhile, and finally went to bed - very tired, but a good tired.

*GAJ BIT = Great American Journey Bible Inspiration Time

October 29, 2003 - Wednesday -1751.5 Total Miles to Date

287.5 Total NE Miles - Day 21 - Moving Day

This Weeks Total = Miles 37.0

Today I woke up at about 5:30, but decided that since it was moving day and the others were sleeping in I would just cozy up in my bed a bit longer. I cozyed up until 6:30, then decided I better get up and get moving a bit to get my day started. After dressing I did my *GAJ BIT, then did a few odds and ends until the others got up at about 8:30 and 9:00 AM.

After everyone ate we began the task of packing up for moving. Then Joni and I went to the Post Office to get mail and turn in change of address forms. We also took pictures of the downtown area in Broken Bow. When we got back to the castle I called Georgia to let her know we were moving. She said J.B. was there and they would quit what they were doing and come right over. She also called Bert. They each came right over in their individual vehicles. J.B. saw us unhooking and immediately began to help. He was great. He helped fix a couple of things real quick - and would have done more if he had had the time. He also wished he had thought ahead and offered to drive the castle to Alma for us while we walked one day. It was too late then, but it would have been a wonderful idea. He is an experienced RV driver - they have a 36 foot 5^th wheel. Well we took a few more pictures, and hugged each other and shed a few tears, and promised to keep in touch. We really have fallen in love with these people. Georgia is going to get three copies of the paper tomorrow and send to us at our next Gen. Del. Address.

They left and we headed out just a few minutes later. Joni made a few stops in town while Sam and I went on down to the Centex station at Ansley. There we got gas, then I pulled out in the large lot and parked to call Dave since he had called and asked Sam to have me call as soon as I could. He had found more of a story about us on the internet then he saw yesterday and wanted to tell me about it. He also had a question for me, tho' I can't remember what it was now. Oh well, I answered it for him at the time, so I guess that is all that matters. We talked for a bit while we waited for Joni to come. I also went in and got a diet coke. When Joni came we headed out. At Holdrege we stopped at a Vet's office to see about a muzzel for Waliluke to keep him from chewing things in the car - one that allows him to drink, but not to destroy things. We can't afford to replace seat belts too often. They didn't have any in stock, but they could order one for us. The gal was very nice - she was maybe a "vet practitioner" or something like that. Anyway she called to see if she could order one and how long it would take and also got the price for us. We have to pay a bit more to get it this way, but since these small towns don't have pet stores, we decided it is cheaper than new seat belts. It will be in tomorrow sometime, so we will probably stop and pick it up on Friday as we go through.

We also went to the post office in Holdrege and did indeed have some mail. Then we went to McDonald's for restrooms and drinks. We continued on to Alma, stopped at the E.V. Free Church to ask directions to the campground we wanted to stay at, and talked with the pastor and one of the ladies there about their church. I told them we would be there this Sunday. He said he would have me share about our Journey during their sharing time if that was okay with me. I told him we'd ove to. His name is Glenn J. Saaman. He gave me his card and later I noticed that he had the scripture from I Cor. 10:31 on it, which says, "Do everything for the glory of GOD." On all of our Memorial Stones we write, "To GOD be the glory." So I thought his card was pretty cool.

The lady I talked with is Becky Stiler. We drove on to the campground only to find it is closed - the book says it is a year round campground. :-( I pulled onto a side street and parked the castle. A man turned the corner just as I parked and pulled into the driveway. He came out to see if we needed anything. We told him our problem and he made a few phone calls for us, and at the same time Sam called Alyce to check a few places for us on the internet. She also made a phone call or two. Meanwhile the man's wife came out and invited us to her Bible study tonight. When we finally got a campground lined up it was too far away and too late for us to make it to her Bible study, so we offered our apologies. The couple are Jerry and Barbara. I asked them which church they go to and they told me the Evangelical Free Church. Another indication from GOD that that is the church we are to attend this Sunday. We told them we would see them Sunday. Jerry is going to get the name and phone number of a friend in Superior - our next expected camping area - and give it to us this Sunday at church. What an incredible state NE is - so many friendly people, easy to get acquainted with, and so willing to help.

We headed down the road to Republican City on Hwy 136 to find the Patterson Harbor Campground. It is one of the only campgrounds in the area still open - most close for the winter. Alyce-Kay found this one for us and talked to the lady about it. Actually it is in our book, but the book says it is closed as of Oct. 1. The gal, whose name I can't remember right now, says that the hook ups are still available and we could have any spot of our choice. We're the only ones in the whole place now, and it's pretty good size. Their showers are closed, so for a slight bit extra she is letting us use a key to get into one of their kitchenette units to use the bathroom for showers. How nice. The camp fee is already very low, so a little extra is not bad at all. This campground is about 6 miles off the main road across a very long dam, and down a beautiful county road lined with gorgeous trees. We arrived just at sundown, and had to set up in the dark with our flood light - the first time we've used that. It didn't take us long to hook up once we settled on a site. We're actually using the sewer dump from one site and the water and electricity from another site. Then we go right next door to cabin #3 to use the bath. This will be the nicest shower we've had I think - clean, and we are the only ones using it. How nice of them to let us do this.

We got all set up and then while the others were busy with various chores I fixed dinner - all I had to do was slice the leftover roast beef and get the bread and butter out to make roast beef sandwiches. We ate, and journaled, and headed for bed. Oh, Joni finally has phone service that she can use. Nebraska has been very bad for her for phone service, so this is good.

GOD is SO good - we have a beautiful campsite all to ourselves and nice people to share with (the owners) and a good church for Sunday with people we've already met. Tomorrow we plan to get started from here early since we have a distance to drive, so bed time must come as soon as possible.

*GAJ BIT = Great American Journey Bible Inspiration Time

October 30, 2003 - Thursday - 21.0 + 1751.5 = 1772.5 Total Miles to Date

308.5 Total NE Miles - Day 22 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = Miles 58.0

Today I got up at 5 AM, dressed, then got Sam up, and Joni after Sam was dressed. We didn't do our GAJ BIT this morning before leaving. Instead we headed out at about 7 AM. We stopped in Republican City to see if anyone delivers propane. The second place we went to gave us a phone number for the Mid-land Co-op. I called them and they said they would be happy to deliver for us. They had no problem with bringing it out while we walk and just leaving a bill for us to pay tomorrow. Again I have to say Nebraskans are wonderful people!

We had a long drive today, so we kept going with only a restroom stop in Holdrege for all of us. It was a bit after 9 AM when we got started walking. There was a 20% chance of snow for today. We had lots of wind and a sky full of clouds, but no rain or snow today. Sam and I were each dressed nice and warm in layers, and found ourselves to be quite comfortable for walking. Waliluke walked and played with his rope at various times throughout the day. He has so much energy. He walked the full 21 miles today, played tug-a-war with his rope, then came home and romped with Cassie for an hour or so.

Three times people stopped to see if we needed help today. The first was two men named Dean Wiess and Darrell Pinkston. A bit later a husband and wife stopped, but we didn't get their names or pictures because of traffic. The third was a man by himself, Charles Benson.

It was a good day of walking, but too cold to take many pictures, but we did take a few. A bit before one stop with Joni I got a phone call - it was Vreni from Switzerland. I sat in the car and talked with her for awhile. Sam had a call from her mom because Kittie and JomMichael wanted to talk to her. I talked with Kittie for a bit as well. I also told Alyce-Kay thank you for the hats she crocheted us. We wear them all the time - they are SO perfect for this weather.

The only town we walked through today was Miller right at the end of our day. It is a town of just a bit over 100 people. We prayed and left Memorial Stone #63. Then we drove back to the castle - still a long drive. It was after dark when we got home. While Sam and Joni straightened up the van, I prepared one of our favorite meals - corn beef hash and fried eggs. After we ate we all took care of our journals, and I did my *GAJ BIT. Sam did hers in the car today on the way to our start point, and Joni did hers during the day. Joni didn't walk today because of her cough. Finally we all headed for bed. I also called Dave and talked with him for a bit.

*GAJ BIT = Great American Journey Bible Inspiration Time

October 31, 2003 - Friday - 22.5 + 1772.5 = 1795 Total Miles to Date

331.0 Total NE Miles - Day 23 - Walking Day

This Weeks Total = Miles 80.5

Today we got up early again and ready to head out for walking. After eating our breakfast and getting all of our stuff together and in the car we drove into Republican City. I pulled off at the corner of Layne and the street that comes over the dam to call Midland Co-op to find out where they were located (they were the ones that delivered our propane for us). It's really funny to get directions from people around here - they don't know the street names, and they obviously don't have to give directions very often. Anyway I finally figured out that the street I had stopped at was the correct one, and that they were just at the end of that. So we drove down there and I paid for the propane. Then we headed on to Alma to find the post office. It wasn't open yet, but we found out that it opens at 8:30. It will probably be Monday before we get there.

From there we drove to Holdrege to the McD's first to use restrooms and get coffee for Joni. Then we went to the vet where we had ordered the muzzle for Waliluke. It was in, and we also got some Revolution for both of our furry people. It was so cute - the receptionist was dressed up like the Cat in the Hat, and one of the other staff members was the Kennel Goddess (she had a pooper scooper for her wand). We had a fun time talking with them and taking their pictures. They were all so nice to us. We promised that if we walk into town when they are open that we will stop in and say hi to them. Then from there we went to the Holdrege post office to pick up our mail and leave forwarding addresses.

Finally we drove on up to our start point where we got started walking at about 10:15. We didn't really go through any towns today, though there were two or three major intersections where gas stations and such had sprung up. It was cold , but not quite as cold as yesterday. The wind wasn't as strong as yesterday either. We had nice scenery, and a fun time with Waliluke with his rope toy, and with him racing Joni every time she drove off. He waits for her to take off, and if she stays there awhile he keeps looking back and/or lying down in his special little crouch.

A bit after the 10 mile mark we stopped to eat lunch by the Wild Horse and Burro Ranch. It was fun watching the horses and burros while we ate. After lunch Joni drove to Kearney to check out some places and things there while Sam and I walked. We sent Waliluke with Joni because he has a sore paw. Sam and I kept walking. We had a goal today of 21 miles, but ended up doing 22.5. That means that we only have to do 19.5 tomorrow to make 100 miles for the week. Just as we reached Joni to get into the van a man stopped to ask if we needed anything. We told him what we were doing and gave him a card. He was pleased that we were praying for the nation (most are) and even thanked us. His name was Jeff and we took his picture - a very nice man. We told him that was our shuttle car across the street and assured him we were fine. It had been dark for the last 2 or 3 miles. We carry flashlights for that purpose, and, of course, we are facing traffic. Sam and I both enjoy the night walking.

We got in the van and drove back to Patterson Harbor where our castle is, had dinner, then did the journals and *GAJ BIT, and finally to bed.

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