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Sunday, April 15, 2007
Checked my emails to keep everything in motion. My walking partner is sore today – we are doing another 8 miles slack packing. Getting back to the B&B, she could hardly walk. While we were out there, I thought – “What’s her problem? She isn’t carrying a pack, she has shoes on, let’s move it!” Then I though of the parallel of the troops coming home. On the outside they look fine, but when they can’t keep a job, or get that million mile stare, or break down, I say “Well, I’m doing it. What’s their problem? Suck it up and let’s move!” I realize I am only thinking of me without realizing if they don’t make it, it affects me also. Forgive me for being weak because the strong take care of the weak, and I have not.
Got back and went to a poker game with Earl (Earl and Lois own the B&B “Dutch Haus” in Montebello) and some of the locals, 3 of them were veterans with issues. I fit right in, was excepted due to the fact that I single handily helped the local economy.
Monday, April 16, 2007
My chiropractor was down for the count, could hardly move, and her whole body was in pain, so I went and did 10 miles. My back is ok – still no gear on it, and my feet are good. Talked to hikers FedEx, Ospray, and Gut Hook who are staying at the B&B, who are looking at the website and writing letters. It was windy on the trail.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Today was a great day in the woods – light wind and no rain. Talked to some day hikers that are going to tell their friends and write. Heard on the radio about the shooting which was terrible and how the media hammers all the tragedy is like giving cake to a fat lady. It’s what they want, but shouldn’t have. It’s not as exciting to talk about how to prevent or stop it from happening again. It was dramatic, explosive, not slow and insidious like with the troops coming home. Just shooting themselves or their wives. To me, one death is too many if I can prevent it. Another sad think is the copycat incidents that come about from the media’s way of handling the news. I wonder if the media handle this different could it be more healing and constructive? But, then, would anybody buy the paper?
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Walked with some gear for 10 miles, met Orange Blaze whose brother is in Iraq with the Marines. What does that family and all the other families of the soldiers go through, and will still go through after they come home, that the public will never know about because it isn’t dramatic enough, horrifying enough to sell papers.
Got home and met Mama Boots who has hiked with the girl scouts for over 40 years and at 78, plans to hike 10 miles tomorrow. That is a role model for young and old, boys or girls; never give up. Also met some hikers from Kentucky who heard about me at a church – they are going to write letters.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
I took my physician sight-seeing after we had breakfast with Mama Boots and her entourage who went to do 10 miles today. When we came back there were 2 woman hikers (Tao and Kentucky Blue) and 1 man (Salamander) and we heard Mama Boots did a few mile, fell, and cut her head. They called the rescue team for it had gotten dark, cold, and had started raining. They got there and got her out before 10pm. She didn't quit. Thank God she had people with her.
I told the hikers what we are doing and one of the girls told me she was retired from the military because of PTSD. She had to fight to get help. I guess with the Veteran's Administration being under funded and under staffed, it has to be difficult to get everybody the help they need.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Today was the first day fully loaded and 8hrs of walking (did about 13 miles). My back is sore but who's wouldn't be? Met 2 guys day hiking. One was retired from the military (Korean and Vietnam). He had read about me, but now he will write a letter.
Called a paper in Roanoake, VA and will meet with them on Monday or Tuesday.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Did 15 miles today. Met Mouse Trap, Pilgrim, Angel, and some day hikers. Met people that had seen me last year and still haven't written. What do I have to do to get them to write? How many times have I thrown my power away and said "I can't do anything, why bother? Let someone else do it."? Well I can't let them do it alone anymore, for it isn't getting done. There aren't enough of them to make it happen yet. Join us and make a difference. The letters have worked. I am in touch with Congressmen who have called me because of the letters.
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