After agonizing over the decision for a long time, Cynthia and I decided to postpone the completion of the hike.  I will be finishing the trip in sections when I can, but we are no longer out on the road together.  We made it nearly one thousand miles before coming to this conclusion.  We had a phenomenal trip together and met so many wonderful people.  We were constantly surprised by the overwhelming generosity we encountered.  It was humbling and reaffirming.  America is a wonderful place to call home and we owe it all to anyone reading this.

We still have an amazing story to tell despite the early finish.  We filmed much of the trip.  An account will be forthcoming.  Stay tuned.

This is Dr McDougal from Regional Eyecare Center in Cape Girardeau Missouri.  I had persistent discomfort in my eye related to wearing my contacts too much on this trip.  After hearing about our trip across the country, he was incredibly helpful and generous in solving my problem.  People like Dr McDougal, John from SOE, Mickey from Shellmound Campground, Cindy from Columbus Belmont,  Terry and Lydia, Renita, Tammy, Bill, Laura, Paul, Nicky,  Carol and Bill, Jack, and countless others have shown us such kindness and confirmed the goodness of the people of America.

We feel safe here.  We feel loved here.  This is a truly wonderful place to call home and it would be nothing without all these good people.

I found more(!)(?) puppies yesterday.  I spent enough time with them to name both of them even though I know you’re not supposed to do that unless you’re keeping them.  The little brown and black girl is Springer and the black and white boy is Danny.  There was an insane storm which I weathered in an open barn garage.  Afterwards, I found the two puppies at an abandoned house further down the road.  They didn’t take much coaxing but I didn’t have a good cell phone connecting to Cynthia.  I comforted the puppies, fed them some crackers, removed as many ticks as I could find, and finally found the phone number for a local man who rescues dogs and finds homes for them.  I also finally got in touch with Cynthia.  After a little more finagling, we got the puppies to our new friend and they are now on their way to good homes.  However, we totally would have kept them under different circumstances.  They were doll babies, as Cynthia would say.

Speaking of Cynthia, the pepper spray canister on her key chain went off today in her pocket.  She’s okay, but you should see her recount how it all went down.  Oh wait!  I filmed it.  Expect a video to be forthcoming.

I have been meaning to start this list for a while. Yesterday’s “attractions” were just too over the top, so now the list begins. I will periodically update this list when new noteworthy roadside debris presents itself.

-Running tally of money found to date: $4.86
-Uncountable volumes of diapers.
-A singular noteworthy diaper because it had been chewed up by a law mower.
-Yellow rubber phallus (moderately detailed).
-Red clay phallus (obscenely detailed).
-Cell phone.
-Roll of film.
-Erotic dice (still in packaging).
-Erotic literature magazine.
-Multiple broken pocket knives.
-Multiple broken scissors.
-Functional pocket knife.
-Erotic photo magazine.
-Erotic DVD titled “Girlfriends”.
-New beach towel.
-Used but clean Tennessee Titans hand towel.
-Clean men’s Nautica size medium dress shirt.
-Giant box of rubber bands.

May 18, breakfast at Sweet 16th Bakery was PHENOMENAL!! Here is Pyar enjoying two pieces of their 15 some odd layer of gooey goodness called lasagna. We have been wearing our complimentary Tshirts in honor of the amazing vegetarian bakery. I think we must move to Nashville. And the owners know “Back in the Day Bakery” in Savannah, GA. Wonderful memories, thank you so much, Dan and Ellen.

Sweet 16th Bakery Lasagna Breakfast

We cannot get enough of good friends. Jack feels the same. We really appreciate the amazing hospitality and fun times with ice cream with Will and Vickie!

Warm White and Cool White Friends

Jack’s first three mile walk with Pyar found awesome friends, sweet tea and breezy porches.

Jack's first walk with Pyar

On May 15 we explored downtown Nashville with the best tour guide. We had a blast in Franklin – just outside Nashville with an amazing host family and local celebrities. One of the celebrities that allowed us to publish his photo is featured below.

Elvis and Cynthia

We arrived in Franklin May 14. It was raining off and on for a couple days. Jack has a keen ability to find turtles in need. He rescued this one from the bike path where we hiked. Franklin is an incredible city full of rich history and phenomenal people.

Jack Rescues Baby Turtle