Kieffer Walks Across America - Via Virtual

Roth and Lichtenfels talk Pitt

2011-01-06T07:45:00.000-05:00

Roth and Lichtenfels talk Pitt: "Fox Sports analysts Yogi Roth and Bob Lichtenfels breakdown the Pittsburgh coaching situation and the state of the current program."

"The lonelist Road in America"

2008-05-31T09:17:00.000-04:00

ETA - Spring '08- Read about Route 50 - The sole surviving non-interstate transcontinetal highway. http://www.roadtripusa.com/us_50/index.html
Map Copyright http://www.route50.com/, US 50 Coast to Coast.

"For you, as well as I, can open fence doors and walk across America in your own special way. Then we can all discover who our neighbors are."
Rob Sweetgall

"Every journey has a secret destination of which the traveler is unaware" Martin Buber

2,845 miles - 51 miles east of Falion, NV

2008-02-29T21:58:00.001-05:00

138 miles to Stateline, Ca. via route 50.

26 miles west of Austin, Nv - 2,785 miles

2008-01-22T13:03:00.000-05:00

EUREKA, NV 2,690

2007-12-31T12:46:00.000-05:00

2,641 miles recorded

2007-07-10T21:53:00.000-04:00

Somewhere on Route 50 between Ely and Eureka on "America's Lonelist Highway". Have only "recorded" 141 miles since last posting. Lots of reasons, low blood count, for one, which has seemed to correct itself. (asprin?). Some lost of interest in trip. Energy turning toward golf.
And, as I remember, from the beginning, I have had a series of leg and hip problems. Anyway,
about 600 miles to go or 200 days x 3 miles to finish the trip.

2,500 miles walked - 60 miles west of Delta, UT

2007-02-11T13:40:00.000-05:00

Route 50 joins with Route 6 and there is over 150 miles of empty highway between Delta, UT and Ely, NV. In an oddity, U.S. 6 enters and leaves Utah concurrent with U.S. Route 50. However, the two routes are different though the state. U.S route 6 also a transcontinetal highway, 3205 miles long, running northeast from Long Beach, CA, with its eastern terminus, at Provincetown, Mass. Route 6 is the only on of the classic cross-country highways to cross the Hudson, Mississippi, Missouri, and the Colorado Rivers. Find out more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_6

A few years ago, LIFE magazine designated US 50 in Nevada as the "loneliest Road in America".

Well, in Utah, US50 doesn't do much better. Here is a song that seems appropriate on this lonely road: Long Lonesome Highway by Jim Hendricks A special "Thank You" to James R. Hendricks. Check his songs and interesting music history at: Maple Street Music.

Delta, Utah - 2,439 miles walked

2007-01-28T23:38:00.000-05:00

Well, here I am again, back to my virtual walk - in the middle of Utah. Still on Route 50 and starting to move, at a walk, West. At a place called Delta. The Chamber of Commerce calls it the "Gateway to the Great Basin National Park. There is a lot of beautiful country around here and as I looked through the area's photo's , I came upon this picture of a gentleman tourist who said in his comments that this was "the place to stay in Delta." (Best Western) "There is a movie theatre next to the motel, so you can eat at the cafe see a movie just by walking next door." I guess after you see so many rocks, you just want to catch a flick and get some grub. How often do you see a photo, maybe like this one, and think about the person behind the camera who is just trying to make time and the moment stand still? "Wait, let me take you picture". Next time I will say, Yea, freeze me in time - make this moment last.

In my research of this town of 2,800, I found this quote, "Delta also has a large skunk population, as shown by the fact that the high school students have been know to bring one or two to choice sporting events, and shove them in opposing schools' buses. Needless to say, the number of skunks is dwindling rapidly" That's something to remember about Delta.

It good to put injuries and projects behind me and move with the contour of the land when Route 50 breaks away from the Interstate and connects small towns to small towns.

Entering Utah - 2180 miles walked

2006-04-17T06:53:00.000-04:00

Walked a few extra miles over the last couple of days just to get out of Colorado.

Grand Junction, CO - 2160 miles

2006-04-14T22:57:00.000-04:00

Here I am in Grand Junction, Co., where Route 50 joins interstate 70 for a few miles into Utah.
This view is looking East, but I just took a left (from Montrose's direction) and will heading toward the camera - west toward Utah.
Grand Junction located in the Grand Valley, was first called Ute, then West Denver and finally came to be known as Grand Junction because of its location at the confluence of the Gunnison and Colorado rivers. The Grand Valley is known as Colorado's wine country.

Montrose, CO - 2100 miles from Ocean City, Md

2006-03-19T21:54:00.000-05:00

"Montrose is a friendly little town," says resident, Krystal Rose, "where it is common to go and hang out with friends at the supermarket, or movies. No huge malls... No huge buildings.. Just the small town stores, and a nice view of the mountains. And friendly litttle girls selling lemonade... :)"

85 miles walked in March, this date. Plan to have 100 miles before vacation starts the 24th.

http://www.cityofmontrose.org/webcam/citycams.php

Gunnison, CO - 2045 miles walked on trip

2006-03-03T15:13:00.000-05:00

I combined my virtual walk west on Route 50 the last couple of weeks with the "furthest west walking event in the United States." The IditaWalk 2006 http://www.idita-walk.com/ A charity event to promote physical fitness in the spirit of the "IDITAROD SLID DOG RACE." To complete the Idita-walk, one has to walk a total of 1049 minutes between Feb 1, 2006 to March 18, 2006. No problem with my milage. And, all finishers (over 500 starters) receive a "stylist and cool" T-shirt.

February - walked 93 miles. Gunnison, CO, Elevation 7,683 feet. Population 1,329
Gunnison lies in the center of the Colorado mountains, at the bottom of a wide river valley, about midway between Montrose and Salida. It holds a strategic position at the base of three mountain ranges that surround the Gunnison river valley. Home to Western State College, it is a hip and outdoor-oriented town, as well as a focal point for some of the finest recreation in Colorado. Gunnison boasts that the sun shines almost every day, but due to its valley location, it gets extremely cold in the winter. In fact, Gunnison has occasionally recorded the coldest temperatures in the nation. The Black Canyon is a spectuclar landscape nearby. Check link:
http://www.nps.gov/blca/

Monarch Pass - Continental Divide - 2000 miles walked

2006-02-21T20:17:00.000-05:00

Weather cam - Feb. 21, 2006. 7 degrees. Time 1800. Check current weather at this link:
http://www.dickgilbert.com/colocam-monarch1.htm com/colocam-monarch1.htm This pass marks the highest point on US-50, (11,312 ft) and straddles the Continental Divide: The 30 feet of annual snowfall on the east side of the pass ends up in the Atlantic, while (in theory, at least) moisture falling farther west makes its way to the Pacific. 2,000 miles walked from Ocean city, MD, virtually. 1,800 steps per mile x 2,000 miles = 3,600,000 steps, over 200,000 calories burned, about 35 pounds lost + other health benefits, I believe. Learning a lot about the people and places on Route 50. Trip about 2/3 finished. Seems interesting that this mile marker brings me to the Continental Divide and everything now flows to the West.

Texas Creek, CO - 1948 miles

2006-02-06T12:55:00.000-05:00

Texas Creek is approximately 25 miles west of Canon City and Royal Gorge! (Check out Link).
The town essentially consists of one building that has a restaurant, station and rafting company along Route 50. From Salida (west of Texas Creek) to Canon City, you're in a canyon (photos) with the Arkansas River running along the highway. And here I am on my treadmill. Would really like to actually see this area. In time.

Cañon City, CO - 1918 miles

2006-01-31T21:35:00.000-05:00

This bridge, twelve miles west of Cañon City, on Route 50 was built in 1929, is 1'052 feet high and a quarter of a mile long over the Arkansas River. Walking over this bridge is quite adventurous as the bridge is pretty shaky, especially if the wind blows hard and this is very often the case at this altitude over the gorge. In 2004 this bridge had it's 75th annniversary.

Cañon City (pronounced Canyon) is an interesting town with a remarkable history. Situated in a beautiful valley along the Arkansas River, the area boasts 325 days of sunshine annually.
Chile Wagon Restaurant (807 Cyanide Ave.) Specializing in Mexican foods with American flair Don't worry about the street name. Cyanide was used to remove gold from the rocks.
Also, Alfonso's Super Taco, is said to be very good (and cheap).

Pueblo, CO - 1882 miles

2006-01-13T20:40:00.000-05:00

By the way, all of you vistors, it's not pronounced PEE-EBLO or POO-EBLO, it's PWEB-LPUEBLO - Some of the older locals remembers when his city was just known as "Pew Town." Pollution from the state’s largest steel mill once filled the city’s air with foul-smelling odors and chemicals. Today, they proudly point out the haze-free view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the distance.

Route 50 continues to Canon City and on west to Salida. Nice to almost be off the plains. Virtualy.

Devine, Co - 1860 miles

2006-01-09T23:00:00.000-05:00

STUDY: EXERCISE HELPS SPEED WOUND HEALING IN OLDER ADULTS
COLUMBUS , Ohio – The body's ability to heal even small skin wounds normally slows down as we age. But a new study in older adults finds that regular exercise may speed up the wound-healing process by as much as 25 percent. Read complete article:

http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/exereld.htm

Fowler, CO - 1,826 miles

2005-12-04T13:03:00.000-05:00

The Arkansas River flows along Route 50 in Fowler and then heads for Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Beginning in the Rockies of Colorado, near Leadville, the Arkansas River is a popular place for whitewater rafting. Connecting to the Mississippi River near Napolean, Arkansas, the Arkansas River runs for about 1450 mi (2334 km) and is the fourth longest river in the United States.

Hamstring and a cut heal has slowed my walking. No problem, since its my trip. Time is no problem - I have just the right amount of time to complete my life. This walk is just a little side trip. I sure am interested in what is up ahead.

Route 50, 1,826 miles walked

Kendall, KS - 1,689 miles walked on "trip"

2005-08-13T15:29:00.000-04:00

Moving west on Route 50 in Kansas the "Sunflower State". Approxmately 30 miles from Colorado/Kansas border. Just entering the Mountain Time Zone.
http://wwp.mountain-standard-time.com/

Nearing 100th Meridian 1652 miles

2005-07-16T19:44:00.000-04:00

Nearing Garden City, Kansas and the intersection of Route 50 and Route 83 which is one of the most interesting roads in the U.S. Link: http://www.roadtripusa.com/us_83/index.html - Informative reading on route 83 called the "road to nowhere" or "where-in-the-hell-am I".

Route 83

Cimarron Cut Off - 1627 miles

2005-07-02T08:16:00.000-04:00

Near Cimarron, 32 miles east of Garden City and 16 miles west of Dodge City, the main track of the Santa Fe Trail crossed the Arkansas River and headed southwest across the waterless plain of the Jornada del Muerto on what was known as the Cimarron Cut-off. (Notice the ruts that still exist after 150 years) This desolate region is also where, in 1831 in the earliest days of the trail, legendary mountain man Jedediah Strong Smith was killed by a band of Comanche warriors. The route cut off 10 days travel time to Santa Fe vs following the northern side of the Arkansas River. Note: Now walking every other day, mostly, and doing resistance training on the off walking days. Need overall extra strength as I move west and march into old age. (older age) Looking forward to completing this journey and arriving in decent shape.

Santa Fe Trail (ruts)

Kansas Plains - 1612 miles walked

2005-06-25T19:56:00.000-04:00

Kansas Plains - One hundred miles in Kansas might be a trip to the grocery store. It is not uncommon for people living in the Western part of the state to routinely drive 60 miles or more just to go to a restaurant for a meal. Out here, distance is frequently measured in time, with an hour representing about 70 or 80 miles or more. It is not all that unusual to read in a small town newspaper about an 70 year old grandma getting a ticket for driving more than 80 miles an hour; she was probably late for her quilting bee in a town 50 miles away.There are plenty of places in Kansas where you can look clear to the horizon and never see a tree nor a man-made structure. During hours of the day, you can listen and not hear any man-made sound; no airplanes, no cars, maybe a windmill creaking in the wind. Note: Between Howell and Cimarron, Kansas traveling west on Route 50.

Wright, KS - Miles 1592 walked

2005-06-18T09:30:00.000-04:00

Past the halfway point in "walk" - My journey from Ocean City, Md where Route 50 starts in the East to San Francisco is 3,200 hundred miles. So, I have also passed the half-way point of my virtual trip. I have finally solved the problem of my "Hello" function to post on this blog and hope to keep it "up and running". Planning to get some solid string of 5 miles days and researching Kansas as I "move" west.

May 7th - 1511 miles

2005-05-07T19:09:00.000-04:00

Hutchinson, KS 1482 miles

2005-05-01T10:03:00.000-04:00

.
Home on the Range Cabin Description:One of the most popular songs in American history, and the personal favorite of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was inspired by a nagging woman - or at least by the absence of one. Dr. Brewster M. Higley, a physician from Ohio, lost his first three wives to either illness or injury. Then he married the widow McPherson, and she turned out to be an unsufferable nag. To escape her, Dr. Higley gave up his medical practice and moved to Smith County, Kansas, where he built a small log cabin on the Banks of Beaver Creek.It was while living here alone in 1871, enjoying the peace and quiet of his new life, that Higley penned the words to the poem which would later be set to music and in 1947 became the state song of Kansas. It has been recorded scores of times, from singers including Gene Autrey and Frank Sinatra and many others.If you visit the Higley Cabin you will feel like you are in someone's back yard, and you will be. Although it is on private property visitors are welcome. When I was there I found the cabin unlocked and unattended. There are a few pioneer era furnishings and other items on display. A plaque on the side of the cabin tells a bit of the story. As I left the place I found myself humming the tune:
HOME ON THE RANGE Oh, give me a homewhere the buffalo roamWhere the deer and the antelope play'Where seldom is heardA discouraging word,And the sky is not cloudy all day.Home, home on the range,Where the deer and the antelope play,Where never is heard a discouraging wordAnd the Sky is not cloudy all day.

Near Emporia,KS - 1381 miles

2005-03-18T11:02:00.000-05:00

Emporia wave On country roads out side of Emporia be prepared to do the country wave. When you pass a car or pickup truck going the other direction give a slight nod and while keeping your palm on the steering wheel open your fingers and give a waving gesture with your fingers. They will wave back to you almost every time. The only ones who don't wave are city people and tourists. And you don't want to be one of those do you? Bad cold and bad hip have slowed me down in the last month.

1324 miles walked - US 50

2005-02-19T21:34:00.000-05:00

"nice organ" "The heart is really a very nice organ", Richard Stein, MD, AHA spokesman says. "It doesn't know whether you you're walking barefoot on the beach or you in $4,000 Nike gear on an expenive treadmill. According to Dr. Stein brisk walking help reduce the following risk factors for heart disease: High blood pressure, Diabetes, Obesity and overweight, high triglycerides and high levels of HDL (good cholesterol). Note: You can't use cash or a credit card to buy time when old "skull and bones" comes a knockin' at your door or try to reason with a "lets talk this over", but probably you can use some "sweat equity" to keep you doorstep open for a while longer.

Le Loup, KS 1300 miles

2005-02-12T08:23:00.000-05:00

Sign of another time It is nearly 500 miles (actually 442) across Kansas, with US-50 passing throught the agricultural hertland of America, winding through dozens of small farming towns that dot the generally level landscape. (Locals definitely seem to prefer the word "level" to the equally accurate "flat.") This is the heart of the "Wheat Belt", where most of the country's grain is grown. Route 50 follows almost exactly the in the footsteps of the trappers and traders who braved the Santa Fe Trail. My virtual footsteps following by a 150 years. I can hear one of those trappers saying, "Virtual, Damn, I have heard it all now!"

Kansas City - 1268 miles west

2005-02-05T15:40:00.000-05:00

Kansas City, KS It's right smack-dab in the middle of the country and that geographical position gives it an interesting mix of midwestern, southern, western and even a little eastern influence. You'll find cowboys and rednecks, bone-suckin' barbecue, great museums and restaurants and warm, friendly people. Route 50 is positioned along the southern section of this city. Walked 30 miles this week. 110 miles in the month of January. Good start in February.

Lone Jack, MO - 1238 miles

2005-01-28T21:03:00.000-05:00

Spc. David McCorkle wife, Maureen, said, “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, he’s up to something,’ in a telephone interview from their home in Lone Jack, Mo. on route 50. She was right. Link to nice story - http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=19998&archive=true
Walked 28 miles this week - getting close to Kansas.

Warrensburg, MO 1205 miles

2005-01-22T19:08:00.000-05:00

"moving west" on route 50 near Warrensburg, MO - walked 30 miles this week on treadmill.
Some 12:00 miles (5mph). Ever wonder where the old saying, "A man’s best friend is his dog," came from? Well, if you guessed Warrensburg, Missouri, you were right! Read about the story - link - http://www.warrensburg.org/drum.htm

Smithton, MO - Outpouring - 1,175 miles

2005-01-15T20:17:00.000-05:00

Smithon revival Three years ago, a revival broke out in Smithton. As a result, this Central Missouri community--population 532--has drawn tens of thousands of visitors from across the United States and from other nations. The "Smithton Outpouring" has been described in magazines and on television nationwide. Link - http://www.baptiststandard.com/1999/7_21/pages/smithton.html

California, Missouri - 1149.5 miles

2005-01-08T08:55:00.000-05:00

The central Missouri town of California -- with 4,005 residents, 10 churches and a turkey-processing factory on Route, where the showpiece annual event is the Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival. The high school football game are packed on Fridays, the pews on Sunday, and $100,00 gets you three bedrooms and 2,800 square feet seven days a week

Legend has it the town on the edge of the Ozarks got its name during a house-raising in 1848, when California Wilson told two early settlers that he'd buy them each a jug of whisky if they would name the town after him.

1128 miles - End of 2004

2004-12-30T09:31:00.000-05:00

Entering 2005

Jefferson City, MO - 1124 miles

2004-12-28T21:31:00.000-05:00

Jefferson City Capital Walked 5 of last 7 days - 4.0 miles per day on treadmill. Good workouts! The next time I decide to "walk across the country", I think I will pick a smaller country. Overall - "The first thing to do in life is to do with purpose what one purposes to do" Pablo Casals. And my I am moving west as I purposed. Note: the capital at Jefferson City is offen said to be the most beautiful state capitals in the U.S.

Linn, MO - 1101 miles

2004-12-21T13:38:00.000-05:00

Walked 16 times X 4 miles so far this month on the treadmill. "Walk the Walk".

When I retired, some 30 months ago, the only time that "thin" and "Gene Kieffer" was used in the same sentence was something like this: "Gene Kieffer has a thin chance of ever losing that weight". Today, I weighed in at 198-199. Down from my high of 245 on retirement and down 25 pounds year starting 01/01/04. 110,100 calories burned on my "Walk Across America" this year. "Net, Net", equals about the 25 pounds that I have lost. Interesting, I think, to see where all this sorts out as I continue "west."

Note: this is the lowest that I have been since Dr. Wuu put me on the Atkins diet about 10 years ago.

Gray Summit, MO - 1037 miles

2004-11-30T22:21:00.000-05:00

Walked 34 miles in the month of November. On vacation. What walking I did do was in Hilton Head, SC., Georgia & Virginia Beach. Finally over a bad cold.

St. Louis - 1006 miles

2004-10-28T20:40:00.000-04:00

Toasted Ravioli There are a variety of foods that originated in St. Louis. For example, the ice cream cone was invented here during the 1904 World's Fair. One local favorite is toasted ravioli. One word, I have read - delicious. This is meat or cheese filled ravioli that is breaded and fried, served with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese. At any local Italian restaurant you are bound to find this. Good luck trying to find this dish anywhere else in the country. Also St. Louis is famous for "Thin Crust" Pizza. Walked 4 miles on treadmill as I start to move out of St. Louis. Damn, this ravioli looks good! Recipe: http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/getrecipe.zsp?id=31320

Arrived in Missouri -1002 miles

2004-10-27T10:03:00.000-04:00

Gateway Arch Here is a link to an interesting story of a gentleman, Don Mark, who tells about his adventure riding to the top of the Arch - and down:
http://www.pacifier.com/~dlmark/TRGatewayArch.htm Walked five miles today on the trail in the "mist". Felt good to be over 1000 miles, in Missouri (my 7th state) and to be at the "Gateway to the West"

Nearing the Mississippi - 997

2004-10-26T11:09:00.000-04:00

Mississippi River Basin http://gatewayno.com/history/Mississippi.html Walked 5 miles on the trail today.

Nice thing about ESL - 992

2004-10-25T17:57:00.000-04:00

East St. Louis, IL SI Kozol St. Louis, Illinois "the most distressed small city in America." "Perhaps the most crime-ridden, downtrodden, and dangerous area in the entire USA." A first-time visitor suddenly deposited on its eerily empty streets, East St. Louis might suggest another world." The city, which is 98 percent black, has no obstetric services, no regular trash collection, and few jobs. Nearly a third of its families live on less than $7,500 a year; 75 percent of its population lives on welfare of some form.
Only three of the 13 buildings on Missouri Avenue, one of the city's major thoroughfares, are occupied. A 13-story office building, tallest in the city, has been boarded up. Out side, on the sidewalk, a pile of garbage fills a ten-foot crater.
It is, according to a teacher at the University of Southern Illinois, "a repository for a nonwhite population that is now regarded as expendable." The Post-Dispatch describes it as "America's Soweto."
The nice thing about ESL - there is a freeway (route 50/44) that enables one to bypass the city and go east and west at 70 miles per hour. Walked four miles today on the trail.

Great Cahokia - 988 miles

2004-10-23T22:27:00.000-04:00

Cahokia Painting Walked 5 miles today. 12 miles from the Mississippi River and St. Louis. Cahokia, a little north of Route 50 was once the largest city in N. America. Monk Mound, centerpiece of the city, is the largest mound in U.S.
During the Middle Ages, Cahokia was a larger city than London and yet today, is an abandoned place about which we know almost nothing. Centuries ago, there were more than 120 mounds at the Cahokia site, though the locations of only 106 have been recorded. Many of them have been destroyed or altered. Sixty-eight remail. It is generally believed that about 20,000 people once occupied Cahokia, living inside of a wooden stockade which surrounded various pyramids. What the actual name of the city may have been in ancient times is unknown. The site is believed to have existed from 700 A.D. until its decline in 1300. By 1500, it is thought to have been completely abandoned.

World's Largest Catsup Bottle - 983

2004-10-23T11:14:00.000-04:00

"BROOKS CATSUP BOTTLE WATER TOWER (1949) A couple of miles south of Route 50/Fairview Heights, IL. This unique structure held 100,000 gallons of water, not catsup. While some of the water was used in operation of the catsup factory, most was reserved for fire protection. By 1993 this 170 ft. tall landmark was showing signs of age. The Catsup Bottle Preservation Group, lead a drive to restore the bottle to its original 1949 appearance. The World's Largest Catsup Bottle is known around the world as an excellent example of 20th Century roadside Americana." Nearing E. St. Louis. Took yesterday off. Five miles today.

Near Fairview Heights - 978 miles

2004-10-21T08:45:00.000-04:00

Thought of something profound to include in this journal today while I was doing 3 miles on the treadmill, but I can't recall the idea. Trying to remember, bought this quote to mind from:
"Hallmark Medical Collections"

"Read this twice and add to reminders
We need to see you about Alzheimers"

Anyone know a word that rhymes with Colonoscopy?

O'Fallon, IL - 975

2004-10-20T01:33:00.000-04:00

Pizza Challenge http://www.schiappas.com/ofallon/challenge.htm Check contest rules with the link. "Regurgitates" is in one of the rules and a "stopper". And I am thinking that this could disturb the "casual diner" sitting nearby enjoying a meal and watching the contest. I bet they make money on practice "rounds". Schiappa's located on Route 50/Rt158 intersection in O'Fallon, IL. Route 50 merges w/Interstate 64 for a while as it nears metro St. Louis. Walked 5 miles today - on an empty stomach.

Lebanon, IL - 970

2004-10-19T07:39:00.000-04:00

Tour De Stooges
"Come join us in May 2005 for the eighth edition of the Tour de Stooges bicycle tour at McKendree College in Lebanon, Ill. The Tour de Stooges consists of five routes ranging from 13 to 63 miles. Our routes are on lightly traveled rural roads in Southwestern Illinois. After the ride, enjoy the all-you-can-eat brunch buffet at McKendree College and all the Three Stooges films you can stand." "Slowly I turned . . step by step . . inch by inch . ."
Love to have the T-shirt. Walked 5 miles today on the trail. Moving west, "step by step". Enjoying the country and people. Via Virtual.

Trenton, IL - 965 miles

2004-10-18T15:45:00.000-04:00

Trenton--- A City of Beautiful Homes
Most visitors to this city find themselves describing it as a "city of beautiful homes." Its tree shaded streets and green lawns. Trenton's future is not in its past as is that of so many small cities. It is favored as a home for families who have lived in St. Louis or at Scott air force base. And handsome homes go back as far as men can remember. The houses of a century ago are still among today's most attractive homes. Trenton came into being on May 14, 1855 when it was plotted by Alva Lewis who had the rare vision to draw wide streets that gave charm and privacy. ATTN: "Partners Without Parents" meet each Wednesday, 7:30 at the High School on old Route 50. Walked 5 miles on treadmill this morning.

Branden Bell, Aviston, IL 960 miles

2004-10-17T11:52:00.000-04:00

While passing through Aviston, IL, I noticed this: Branden Bell, Aviston, IL http://www.projo.com/cgi-bin/extra/terror/tribute/view.cgi?id=3727 A tribute and some local and national encourgement to this hero serving our country. I love small towns! Walked 5 miles on the treadmill this morning. It took about 1hr 10 minutes with warm up and warm down.

Breese, IL 955 miles

2004-10-16T06:09:00.000-04:00

Breese, IL http://www.city-data.com/city/Breese-Illinois.html 49.2 miles east of St. Louis.
Breese Dairy Queen: "We had thought about doing something with a cow because of dairy, but then I thought, `You never see an ugly penguin, so we decided on that. He holds a burger to remind people we offer more than just ice cream," "We ball and smash the burger ourselves, so it's fresh," "We only use fresh strawberries in shakes and sundaes", said Michele Mave, owner/operator. Sounds like a good place to stop and eat. There are some disadvantages to virtually walking America. Walked 5 miles on treadmill this morning- rainy and chilly outside.

Carlyle Lake - 950 Miles

2004-10-15T20:07:00.000-04:00

Massagauga Rattlesnake The Eastern massasauga rattlesnake, an Illinois endangered species, is found at Carlyle Lake. This shy, retreating snake is, at an average length of less than 30 inches, the smallest of Illinois' venomous snakes. Massasauga's live in old fields, marshes, bogs and floodplain forests where they feed on small rodents. Few massasauga's remain in Illinois, due to the loss of prairie marshes, their preferred habitat.
Carlyle Lake - Largest man made lake in Illinios. If you want to catch something go to:"(Mamma) Lavish's Bait Shop, Carlyle Lake, IL" "All your bait and tackle needs. Minnows, crayfish, leaches, crawlers, shad, chicken livers, Geno's stink bait, Krazy blades, largest selection of tube jigs in Illinois. 1 mile from great fishing at Carlyle Lake and the Kaskaskia River." Walked 5 miles on trail - cool and windy

Walking West - 945 miles

2004-10-14T22:21:00.000-04:00

WALKING AND THE USE OF CALORIES
Physical activity can increase the basal metabolic rate by approximately 10%. This increase can last for up to 48 hours after the completion of the activity. Physical activity assists in reducing the appetite. Weight loss will occur with decreased calory intake, increased metabolism, or both.

Walked five miles on trail today. Best workout for a while.

Windy City - 940 miles

2004-10-13T14:58:00.000-04:00

Walked 5.5 miles today on the trail. North of current location on Route 50 is Chicago, called the "Windy City". But not for the reason you might think. "New York Sun editor , Charles Dana, tired of hearing Chicagoans boast of the world's Columbian Exposition, dubbed Chicago the "Windy City". Chicago's average wind speeds -- 10.4 mph (16.7 km/h) -- are no greater than several other major American cities. For example, Boston has an average wind speed of 12.5 mph (20.1 km/h), and tops the list for the windiest large US city while New York City's Kennedy Airport averages 12.2 mph (19.6 km/h). Chicago is about middle of the pack for annual average wind speed for major US cities: Quote on walking: Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time". Steven Wright.

Like the back of a huge animal

2004-10-12T17:28:00.000-04:00

Illinois, The Prairie State. Note: highest point above sea level is 1, 235 feet (Charles Mound) Some info on the prairie in this state and some personal thoughts by early travlers : Prairie:Introduction. Walked 5 miles today. Took a day off yesterday.

Tribute to Salem, IL 929.5

2004-10-10T08:35:00.000-04:00

Eight and 1/2 miles past Salem, but there is one last thing I want to mention about this interesting town of 12,000, on Route 50, and its contributions to millions of G.I.s, including myself. TRIBUTE TO SALEM, IL: BIRTHPLACE OF THE GI BILL OF RIGHTS -- DURBIN (Extension of Remarks - April 20, 1994 The GI Bill has helped to educate 7.8 million veterans, helped 14 million buy homes, and enabled countless Americans to get back on their feet after returning from military service. Walked 4.5 miles at the Veterans Park in Clarksburg, WV

John T. Scopes, Salem, IL -925

2004-10-09T07:36:00.000-04:00

Salem has an interesting history. Home of John T. Scopes and William Jennings Bryant. The two men were years apart but would come together in 1925 to become two of the three most important people in one of America's famous legal cases. Know throughout the U.S. and world as the "Monkey Trial". In fact, books, plays, and a movie have been written about the trial and surrounding events. "Inherit the Wind" was the best know play, book and movie" (Movie staring Spencer Tracy) The following news story is taken from the front page of the Salem Republican dated June 11, 1925. "John Thomas Scopes, 24 years, indicted for teaching evolution in Dayton, Tenn., High School is present in New York securing counsel and advisers to face his trial, July 16th." One of the grand jurors who found the indictment suggested that hanging should be Scope's portion. "Scopes, it will be recalled, graduated with Salem High School class of 1919 on which occasion, Wm. Jennings Bryan delivered the address. [It will be recalled that Bryan was a prosecutor at the trial.]" I wonder if Bryan challenged the class "to thine own self be true". Scopes was found guilty and fined a hundred dollars. By the way, the third "famous" person was Clarence Darrow who represented Scopes, put Bryan on the stand and questioned his thoughts on "Genesis", techically winning the trial in a hostile southern astophere. Good drama, real life. Bryan took a nap and didn't wake up, five days after the trial. Scopes went on to lead a life of a private citizen and didn't profit from the event. Walked 7 miles today on the trail.

Three miles from Salem, IL

2004-10-08T19:17:00.000-04:00

William Jennings Bryant
Born and raised in Salem, IL. Despite a long and distinguished political career, William Jennings Bryan is best known for the decisive defeats that he endured. He was nominated three times to represent the Democratic party as their presidential candidate. Three times he was defeated. (1896, 1900, 1904) Known for his quick wit and mastery of spoken language, Bryan was a stirring speaker. In 1896, he railed in support of the coinage of free silver and the end of the gold standard: "You shall not press down upon the brow of labor a crown of thorns. You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold. Walked 6 miles on the trail today. Beautiful Day. Total miles - 918

Nearing Salem, IL 912 miles

2004-10-07T22:09:00.000-04:00

A bit of Salem lore is the creation of Miracle Whip by a local restaurateur. Located at 100 North Washington was Max Crossett's Cafe. According to the story, Kraft bought the recipe known as Max's "X-tra Fine Salad Dressing" in 1931 for $300. It was renamed Kraft's Miracle Whip and introduced in 1933 and it became a national success within weeks. With its tagline "Salad Miracles with Miracle Whip Salad Dressing," Perhaps, "Uncle Max" should have sold out to Procter & Gamble. http://www.wackyuses.com/miracle.html Note: this weblog is "PG" rated and some "wackyuses" have been removed to protect the naive. Walked 6 miles on trail today.

On the road again - 906 miles

2004-10-06T20:43:00.000-04:00

Walked 3 + 3 today for six miles. Not easy. "Life is Short", I heard this once again this evening. Wait! Life is the longest thing that any of us will ever do on this earth. Lincoln said from this part of Illinois, "I have walked slow, but I have never walked backward." Keep moving ahead, I guess he meant despite time & things moving against us. Lincoln's Failures/Greatness

Vacation

2004-10-01T05:10:00.000-04:00

Weblog will resume 10/6 after Florida trip.

Route 50 west - 900 miles

2004-09-30T05:49:00.000-04:00

Route 50 road sign Walked 6 miles today for a total of 900 since Jan. 1. Heart rate this morning was 45 beats per minute. Weight 204. Lost twenty pounds of fat since Jan 1.
90,000 calories burned walking the 900 miles. One million, 800 thousand steps. Overall health good except for a nagging hip muscle problem. My original premise of exercising 1/24th of each day is, on avg., correct. Particular days extend that time period. But, then again, life itself is entirely too time consuming.

Health Tips - 894 miles

2004-09-29T08:04:00.000-04:00

"Today's Tip: A healthy sex life is an important part of an intimate relationship. Regular exercise may help enhance your sex life. Research suggests that 45 minutes a day of aerobic exercise - including brisk walking - increases blood flow to the genital area, improves self-image and reduces stress. All this has been shown to lead to increased sexual arousal and decreased erectile dysfunction (ED). " My Hot Tip: Walk to the drug store to pick up your script for Viagra. My question: Anyone know who has been hiding my walking shoes?
Walked 3 miles on trail and 3 miles on treadmill. Need 6 miles tomorrow to end month at 900.

Flora, IL - 898 miles

2004-09-28T17:24:00.000-04:00

Ford Flora fiasco
Easily remembered is Ford division's choice of the nation's population center*, Flora, IL to introduce the 1961 model cars and trucks. Flora, a southern Illinois farm community with a dirt-road main street, was the spot of unveiling. Its 6,000 citizens were privileged to drive a fleet of 1,374 cars and 200 trucks - all of them white - for a week.
Most of the media flew the new super jets into St. Louis and were transported the 100 miles to Flora in Ford vintage 1925 TriMotor planes. A half-dozen tents were erected in Flora's Charley Brown Park for seminars. A young executive talking on trucks drew seven newsmen. The exec? Lee Iacocca.
Special temporary 1960 license plates were issued by the state for those loaners. Some cars never did return, and several rang up 10,000 miles in a week. To cap the activities, the nearest Ford dealer closed his dealership a few weeks after the Flora show. Walked - five miles today on the trail. Looking forward to the 900 mile mark in the next couple of days. *Note - Mean Population Center of the United States in 2000: 37°41'49" North, 91°48'34" West - 2.8 miles east of Edgar Springs, Phelps County, Missouri.

Clay City, IL - 893 miles

2004-09-27T15:08:00.000-04:00

2003 Guy L. Green Award for years of dedication in various ways to the Corriedale Sheep Breed Ed Craig, Clay City, IL (middle) presented by Ed DeOrnellis. Congratulations to Ed Craig. Remember the old west movies between in the sheep farmers and the cattle ranchers and usually involved water rights (great water, I assume). I was always on the Sheep farmers side. They always had great looking daughters. Walked six miles in my old "clumpy" shoes to help hamstring injury on the trail. Heading west. Note: This message printed on recyclable media.

Moving west on Rt. 50 - 887

2004-09-26T18:05:00.000-04:00

Next town "up" is Clay City. Read about some strange sightings and resident's experiences with mysterious creatures in Illinois: GATORS, LIONS & PHANTOM KANGAROOS! Walked 5 miles on treadmill today while watching NFL football. Is that an example of multi-tasking?

Noble, IL. - 882 miles

2004-09-25T09:21:00.000-04:00

Noble, IL. [Preachin] "I'll live in a town someday but it won't be a dumpy little dirty town. No squabblin or fightin amongst the inhabitants." Read what "Hoot Gibson" says about Noble, IL. and the town he will live in "sweet by and by". With great water, I assume. I remember singing "In The Sweet By & By" at the Nutter Fort, WV Bapist Church and the old men, nearby, singing with gusto and faith. I know "Hoot Gibson" Walked 5 miles on the trail today.

Olney, IL - 877

2004-09-24T22:23:00.000-04:00

White Squirrel Wars "The squirrels in Olney were kidnapped from Marionville," http://www.roadsideamerica.com/set/squirrels.html Watching albino squirrels might be fun for a short while in Olney, but perhaps the best reason to detour through Olney is to sample the incredidly good, inexpensive burgers and milk shakes at Hovey's, on old US-50 at 412 E. Main. Look for the Mike's Ice Cream sign. Hectic day today with trip to Nutter Fort, WV to visit my 92 yr old father. 3 miles on treadmill very early.

Claremont, IL - 874 miles

2004-09-23T22:52:00.000-04:00

Walking west. Virtually. Recorded 6 miles on the trail today. Next town is Olney, IL. Quote of the Day: "Live out your imagination, not your history". Stephen Covey.

Exercise Benefits the Mind -868

2004-09-22T10:17:00.000-04:00

Walked 7 miles today. (5 at a fast pace and 2 at much slower gait) From the Journal of the American Medical Association - men who walked more than two miles per day decreased their risk for dementia. Men who walked less than one mile per day increased their risk for dementia by 71 percent See story: Ivanhoe's Medical Breakthroughs - Exercise Benefits the Mind

Lawrenceville - 861 miles

2004-09-21T10:53:00.000-04:00

Walked 6 miles on the trail. Beatiful day. Lawrenceville, IL (pop. 4,745), which stakes its claims to fame on two very different fronts. It was named for U.S. Navy Capt. James Lawrence, best remembered for his dying words, "Don’t give up the ship," during the War of 1812. Later, in 1845, Lawrenceville gained notoriety as the first place in Illinois to execute a woman by hanging.
Elizabeth "Betsey" Reed. Convicted of poisoning her husband with arsenic-laced sassafras tea, she was put to death on May 23, 1845. Reed burnt down the Palestine jail, and was moved to Lawrenceville, where she "got religion" and later "rode to her execution astride her casket singin' hymns and praisin' God". An estimated crowd of 20,000 witnessed her hanging. Reed is buried beside her husband in Heathsville's Baker Cemetery

Entering Illinois - 855 miles

2004-09-20T17:41:00.000-04:00

The Wabash River Walked 7 miles today on the trail. Indiana was an interesting state and I look forward to driving Route 50 someday and visiting the small towns and country that I virtually walked.
Now to Illinois:
US-50 runs straight across over 150 miles of Southern Illinois - pancake-flat farmlands- acres of corn and soybeans as far as the eye can see, with small towns dotting the roadside every 10 or so miles. For much of the way, US-50 follows the 'Trace Road,' a slightly raised causeway originally traced across the swampy marshlands by the same prehistoric people who built the enigmatic mounds at Cahokia, which still stand in the eastern suburbs of St. Louis. Midway across Illinois, US-50 passes through the quirkily historic town of Salem (birthplace of two American icons: William Jennings Bryan and Miracle Whip).

Vincennes, IN - 847 miles

2004-09-19T15:08:00.000-04:00

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park picture 1The site of an extremely important battle that occurred during the Revolutionary War. Vincennes contains the largest memorial outside of Washington, D.C., a massive granite memorial that stands over 80 feet high on the Fort Sackville site. Inside the memorial is a bronze statue of George Rogers Clark and Clark's words carved into the limestone. The oldest city in Indiana, Vincennes began as a French fur trading outpost founded in 1732. Walked 4 miles yesterday (18th) and 5 miles today on trail.

Nearing Vincennes - 838 miles

2004-09-17T08:50:00.000-04:00

Walked 5 miles on treadmill due to rain. These calories I am burning make up for a lot of eating mistakes as the day goes forward. I hope your computers audio can pick up Red Skelton reciting the "Pledge of Allegiance" Inspiring. Red Skelton Museum and Performing Arts Center

Moving towards Vincennes - 833

2004-09-16T06:01:00.000-04:00

"Indiana records show that just one person, Richard Bernard Skelton, was born July 18th, 1913, inside the house at 111 West Lyndale Avenue in Vincennes, Indiana. However, many believe several others were born in that humble house on the same date and all earned fame like Skelton. There was contry bumplin Clem Kadiddlehopper, Junior the Mean Widdle Kid, Lovable hobo Freddy the Freeloader and many more." Walked 5 miles today on trail.

WHEATLAND, INDIANA - 828 miles

2004-09-15T11:59:00.000-04:00

Walked 5 miles on trail. Nearing Wheatland, IN. There are a lot of towns in the U.S. named "Wheatland". Guess I shouldn't be suprised. Here is what "Debbie" says about her Wheatland. OUR TOWN: WHEATLAND, INDIANA FOUNDED IN 1858

Washington, Indiana - 823 miles

2004-09-14T19:03:00.000-04:00

Walked 5 miles today on the trail to bring my total to 823. Entering Washington, IN. Boyd and Sons, Green Streak Pulling Team, Washington, Indiana
"Life doesn't happen along the interstates. It's against the law." -- William Least Heat Moon, Blue Highways

2004-09-13T15:44:00.000-04:00

Walked 7 miles today after taking off three days, (10th, 11th, and 12th) due to injury. And I don't feel 100% after today's milage with the hip muscle. Actually, I have been lucky with all the time and distance I have been walking to be injury free up till last week. As a podiatrist said, "Time wounds all heels."

2004-09-09T14:44:00.000-04:00

Walked 3 miles today. My left hip is causing me some problems. Will take tomorrow off. Noted while reading about walking, the avg. person takes about 2,000 steps per mile and since I am now 811 miles walked since Jan 1 or 1,622,000 steps taken since I started this "Walk Across America." - No wonder my hip is giving me a problem! Click on: "comments" below this post. Appreciated

Loogootee, IN - 808 miles

2004-09-08T15:19:00.000-04:00

Walked five miles on treadmill this morning while the rain from hurricane Frances "spills" into Ohio. Reached Loogootee, IN today. Meet one of the teachers in Loogootee. A Mrs Strange. Click on:Mrs

2004-09-07T15:08:00.000-04:00

Walked 3 miles today. Total 803.

Labor Day - total miles 800

2004-09-06T18:25:00.000-04:00

I had to walk 7 miles today to bring my total walked this year to 800 miles. I am now 25% complete in my journey to walk Route 50, coast to coast. Total miles will be 3200. Hope to be in Loogootee, IN,by the map, tomorrow. Felt good after walk. Great weather.

2004-09-05T21:34:00.000-04:00

Walked 6 miles today to bring total to 793 to date. More frequent exercise needed to control type 2 diabetes past 40

2004-09-04T08:18:00.000-04:00

Now 787 miles from Ocean City MD and moving west through Indiana on Route 50. Next town is Loogootee, In. Today, I walked 7 miles on local "rails to trails" path. This is where I walk most of my milage. Info: .Cycling Ohio's Rail-Trails & Bikeways - National Road Bikeway

2004-09-03T07:56:00.000-04:00

No miles today. Arrived at Nutter Fort, WV for the weekly day/night visit with my father and realized I had forgotten my walking shoes. Herd on the street - "I signed up for an exercise class and was told to wear loose-fittling clothing. If I HAD any loose-fitting clothing, I wouldn't have signed up in the first place!"

2004-09-02T08:31:00.000-04:00

After 10 miles endurance walk yesterday, today's 5 mile walk was almost a "stroll in the woods" as I walked the trail and enjoyed nature more than usual. Recovering from my body adapting to stress. "improvements in endurance represent structural changes: increased capillary supply to the muscles, increases in the size and number of mitochondria within the muscles, and strengthening of ligaments and tendons. These structural changes take a great deal of time to develop." Total miles - 780

Bedford, IN - 776 miles

2004-09-01T16:09:00.000-04:00

Bedford, Indiana Walked 10 miles today and nearing Bedford, In. (Population 2,000)
Nice town. At 1704 Brian Lane Way, is the "Little Theater" and features an intimate atmosphete of of 170 seats for plays and musicals. "Not a bad seat in the house".
Below is rainbow in Bedford. (double click to enlarge)

2004-08-31T16:30:00.000-04:00

Five miles on the trail this morning. 765 miles to date. More than half way through Indiana.
The Hoosier National Forest is amazing large in the south section of the state. A lot of "leafers" from Louisville metro make a Fall trip into this area of Indiana. One of Indiana's best-known driving tours in the fall is the Parke County Covered Bridge Trail, which takes visitors by the area's 32 historic covered bridges. The bridges in these west central Indiana communites were built between 1856 and 1920, and all are listed in the National Register of Historic Places

2004-08-30T10:23:00.000-04:00

Walked 5 miles on treadmill due to rainy weather. Total miles todate - 760. Nearing Bedford, IN. on route 50. Noted that I burned 893 calories today according to the machine based on speed and weight. That seems high. I conservatively estimate 100 calories per mile. Which would be 76,000 burned this year on my attempt to "walk America". 3,500 should equal a pound lost. Divided into 76,000 = 21.7 pounds lost in theory. I am about 19 pounds
less that the beginning of the "trip". But, there has been a transfer of some fat to muscle.
Still, walking (exercise) builds an appetite! So there is always the "food choice".

2004-08-29T16:26:00.000-04:00

Day of rest. Went to reunion which is called a "homecomming" in Jackson County, WV. Someone asked my Dad who is 93 if thought he was going to live to be a hundred. He replied, "If I do, it going to be a hell of a hard seven years".

Brownsville, IN - 755 miles

2004-08-28T17:27:00.000-04:00

Walked 10 miles today on the trail in high humidity and heat. Now at 755 miles and near Brownstown, IN. Main Street in Brownville is Route 50 and there is a nice family restaurant here that promotes catfish dinners with Lima beans, I am told. Noticed this "home remedy" yesterday - "You only need two tools: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and shouldn't, use the duct tape."

Seymour, IN

2004-08-27T11:41:00.000-04:00

745 miles

Now 745 miles into Route 50 trip. Walked 5.5 miles today on trail. Just "passed" through Seymour, IN. About Seymour - Seymour is unique in that its location offers many benefits sure to satisfy the needs of almost anyone. It's nestled amidst southern Indiana's rolling hills, wildlife refuges, national and state parks, private parks and recreational areas. While the city fulfills cultural, economic and social needs, the country offers the natural beauty and peace of America

2004-08-26T09:36:00.000-04:00

Walked 4.5 miles in Clarksburg Veterans Park. Total miles to date - 739.5. Thinking about the excellent results of lab test and my exam and recalled this quote: "Good health is merely the slowest rate at which one can die" Which leads me to another quote: "Don't ask me how he died, ask me how he lived"

2004-08-25T17:10:00.000-04:00

Heart rate 50 this morning. Walked 5 miles on trail. 735 miles to date. Got lab results of blood test today. 137 cholesterol, 67 HDL, 63 LDL, and 41 triglycerides. Doctor said it was very unusual for HDL to exceed LDL and was amazed. Two years ago, 158 cholesterol, 81 LDLs and 41 HDLs. Walking and food selection must be helping! Quote of the day -
"I have two doctors--my left leg and my right leg."
George Trevelyan

2004-08-24T07:18:00.000-04:00

Morning heart rate - 47. Walked 6 miles on trail. On the fifth mile (measured), I walked an eleven minute mile. I believe that ties my fastast time for that distance. This is the first time I have timed myself since late May. Total miles todate - 730. Next town west on Route 50 is Seymour , IN. Quote of the day - "If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there"

North Vernon, In - 724 miles

2004-08-23T15:03:00.000-04:00

MapQuest%3A Maps%3A map Heart rate 51 this morning. Walked 9 miles and felt great. Very nice day. At mile mark 724 and just passed through North Vernon.
North Vernon history:
North Vernon, IN was platted in 1854 and the main business section of town was developed from that time until after 1900. North Vernon was third in the state for railroad traffic the Ohio & Mississippi that later became the Baltimore & Ohio railroad (B. & O.). The Pennsylvania and New York Central of Big Four all met in town. All three of these railroads had passenger depots. There were also two freight depots in town. There were at least thirty passenger trains that came through North Vernon a day in the 1890's.

2004-08-22T16:24:00.000-04:00

Morning heat rate - 53 - Walked 3 miles today. Still a little tired from the Florida trip. Total miles todate - 715.

2004-08-21T09:47:00.000-04:00

No miles walked on 8/19, 8/20 & 8/21. In Flordia.

2004-08-18T08:42:00.000-04:00

Heart rate at 51-52 this morning. Walked early in the morning (7am) at a fast pace for 5 miles and felt great. Leaving for Florida at noon. Total miles todate -712. Walking toward North Vernon, IN. Had lunch with Steve Fagan yesterday and remembered, "He could get you excited about diving into a cess pool". Its good to be around positive energy.

2004-08-17T06:24:00.001-04:00

Morning heart rate of 46. Weight at 208. Walked 5 miles this morning. Quick pace w/lots of aches and pains. Total miles since Jan. 1st - 707.

Versailles, Indiana at 697 miles

2004-08-16T09:33:00.000-04:00

Lycos�Travel
Morning heart rate - 48 Indicating that the 10 miles at a quick pace yesterday did not put any extra stess on my cardio system. Weight up a little to 209. Today is my weekly rest day from walking. Thought of the day: Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.

2004-08-15T23:47:00.000-04:00