7 miles today – 122 total!
Takoma Park – Washtington DC …and then some
Greetings!
Today was beautiful….A vast collection of neighborhoods, architecture, and history all squeezed into 7 miles of land.
Kanoa and I had an amazing night of rest with a wonderful host family in Kensington, MD. THANK YOU Dan & Thereza Sherman for your warmth and flexibility with our schedule. They made our need for rest very easy and comfortable. Ahhhhh, I wish that the design of such a trip would leave me the freedom to spend days sitting over coffee with each of these host families, as they are all so unique and special….
Last night I was able to speak to a group of around 30 students from the University of Maryland. They are involved in a historical Outdoor group on campus and allowed me to speak & share on our ‘concept, travels, and prep’ for Kiva Walk. It was SO much fun sharing our ‘growing’ story. Their eyes lit up and they laughed often as we told trail stories and gave advice on ‘walking across the country’….good times!
We made our way into Washinton, DC today…passing & interacting with all varieties of people. I knew that both Kanoa and I were getting weary and in need of rest, so I was extra aware in taking breaks – as well as – using NEOPAWS booties! These little ’strap boots’ were a HIT today. I couldn’t believe how much attention Kanoa received from everyone we passed…literally. I think we interacted, smiled, thanked, and exchanged long stares with hundreds of busy bodies in DC b/c of Kanoa’s appearance today! (see below – taken in the backyard of the Sherman house this morning)
….We will get good sleep tonight, as we are staying with a friend, Chris Cormier, who lives close to DC central! I may have a video up for tomorrow; however, will be taking it very slow….I believe I will stroll around the area and look for an inexpensive (if there is such a thing) massage to ‘work-out’ the growing knots in my back! (…if not, I will try Kanoa’s method of ‘bunny front legs, spread back legs, and lizard movements on my back….we’ll see!)
I come to you from the ‘cushy’ floor of a small town sauna…I mean, parish library @ Old Wye Parish Episcopal Church in Wye Mills, Maryland….original structure built in late 1700’s!! btw…
I do not have access to uploading a video; therefore, you have my jumbled words being formed by my big thumbs punching the keyboard of my phone!
Today was a loooong day of mostly following the busy 404 hwy towards the Chesapeake Bay Bridge! We did, however start off the day wiith brisk winds, dunken donuts, and more hawks. Shortly after leaving our starting town of Denton, MD we were joined by a man orig. From south africa who craves to be out walking…we talked trail talk & economy buzz until he had to turn back home. We were greeted by several locals today which saved the depths of hwy roars reaching my mental limits. All of that said, my night ended with an incredible couple of hours with the pastor here at the Church….we shared, laughed, and dove into great things throughout the conversation…I can say I am truly loving my time with people!
Kanoa is doing great btw…he has been MUCH more relaxed at night and I feel is finally ’somewhat’ engaging his inner workdog//herding instincts! He captures SO many people a day…I love it, he really is an amazing dog.
Well, I just opened all the windows and am finally cooling off in this here library! I will leave you until tomorrow while on my way to Kent Island.
The long awaited walk is here…the anticipation, excitement, and obvious ’stress’ came to a head the minute Mark Ray and Curtis Powell (2 incredible people in my life) drove Kanoa and I towards the Cape Henlopen State Park ‘beach’ parking lot. We were greeted by 6 locals and a local newspaper w/cameras and smiles (3 end up joining us for a few hours!). I swallowed much of my fear, tears, and anxiety to cushion the excitement from the group. We all greeted one another and made our way to the water for the official ’send-off’. It was at that moment that I could taste the heart & soul behind this trip. Shots of strength came over me as my life became increasingly limitless after each initial step.
After saying farewell to Mark and Curtis w/tears in my eyes, I knew that these significant men weren’t going anywhere…their spirits are synced w/my own and our journies will continue to blossom through this! So, there we were…4 strangers walking together. A collaboration of thoughts, interests, and back grounds all inter-lacing to share, inspire, and better understand each other. After 4 hours we learned much about ‘our’ lives…enjoyed an incredible local coffee shop…and randomly found ourselves in an adult learning class speaking on ‘the walk’ & Kiva!
My new friends were gone and I was on my own facing my country and her 30mph winds. Ahhh, the many cautious eyes focusing twisting their attention at our on-foot madness! After cleaning Kanoa’s slimy stool, crossing miles of farm land, accepting food from a worried local, and walking through beautiful Milton, DE…I would say our first day was full and good!
An incredile couple picked me up for the evening (one of which joioned me at the start). I finished my first day with quality chili, great conversation & laughter, a fiesty cat, and a nice hot shower…
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Summary
In March of 2010 my dog and I will embark on a coast-to-coast cross country trek from Delaware to San Francisco, CA. For many years I have longed to engage in a long-term adventure involving the simplicity of a backpack, my two feet, and the rugged and unpredictable terrain of our country and those who inhabit her. I am eager to connect, share, and learn from the unique people I will encounter along the way.
...Video done by Joseph Powell - Thank you!
About Kiva
Kiva's mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty.
Kiva is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend to unique entrepreneurs around the globe. (About Kiva)
Please note that I will not be taking financial donations for Kiva, as my #1 goal in supporting Kiva is encouraging people to join as members.
This walk will be a signifant chapter in my living mission to help awaken authentic community in American society...
Join me throughout this on-foot discussion...there will be much for us to learn!
Please note that the Kiva Walk website is operated and monitored by Jonathon Stalls, not Kiva.org. Kiva (Kiva Microfunds, LLC) and Kiva Walk are two separate entities, and any transactions made through Kiva Walk--financial and non-financial--are not affiliated with Kiva (Kiva Microfunds, LLC).
Walk with me across America... 
