Planetwalk Friday, April 25, 2008

The day began with a light breakfast, leftovers of last nights salad. A big breakfast is something I avoid before setting out on a long walk. Tourist from Canada joined us at our table. When they learned I was walking for the environment, they talked about recycling and how there was no one answer.

Alicia

I started walking from Claysville. On the front page of the paper a cover of yesterdays accident with the Headlines FIVE DIE IN ACCIDENT It was hard not to take yesterday with me, but soon I was walking over the low hills into a valley of streams with little villages hugging the shores. The houses were grand and small, old and new. In the afternoon I crossed into West Virginia.
 
In a November 1989, journal entry, I work my way over the West Virginia mountains and stop in the Liberty Street Cafe. I remember the time once I see the store exterior. These feeling are strong. I have to walk inside. The woman there working behind the counter has only been there for a few years and doesnt have the memory. Just the same I sit having a soft drink; reading the paper, unable to escape some yesterdays. Before I leave I play a tune for two old ladies and a young boy, walk out into the day having no regrets.
 
For Lunch John G stopped by a pile of bricks, at the front of the old Stone house. We fiddled more with the sensors knowing that one day they would have to work. We had a list of our concerns to put to PASCO that would eventually help with our Planetlines Curriculum. See Map or KML

More people are waving from their cars as I walk down the road. Up close people say hello. In the Second Shot Cafe, I stopped for water, and Alicia, brought cookies that she had baked the day before. She wanted me to have them as she had tried to walk yesterday she said, but couldnt.  You deserve them she said. John Stopped.
 
Further on Burt, a banjo player sees me walking down the street. He motions to me and says he wants to see my banjo. In the parking lot of some insurance company I show him my American Princess and play a Life's Celebration. I will remember this for the rest of my life. he says.
 
I continue walking following route 40, wondering where the rain has gone. The temperature on the bank clock says 86 degrees. I climb the hill into Wheeling crossing the river and walking onto Brookside and John G waiting to take me to the hotel before I fall asleep I hear the total of 21 miles for the day.