PREPARING TO HIT THE ROAD

I was so glad to be rid of the boots that caused so many problems and so happy to have new boots that I decided today was the day to get ready to head back down the trail. That meant doing laundry, repacking, and ensuring I got a good carbo load. So, that evening, Adrienne and I headed to Rock Bottom Brewery in town.

I was very hungry, so I ordered chicken wings and onion rings to start. That would be followed by an 8 oz filet mignon with potatoes and vegetable; all of this along with their house beers. Alli was the waitress and she did a fantastic job ensuring the meal was just right. I offered her to join the "fan club." She asked what club and I explained my sojourn. She was intrigued, asked for my blogsite, and then proceeded to inform everyone in the brewery about my journey. She also surprised me with extra wings! Thanks, Alli.

MINNESOTA TWINS

I did catch up with family finally on Sunday for a really great time. I met my Dad, Aunt Lyla, and Uncle Jay for a Twins game. We all met up around 1:00 PM just in time to grab some beer, roast beef sandwiches and prepare for the start of the game. I have never shared a Twins game with my Dad before.

The game was great! The Twins pulled off a second win in the last of the 3 game series against the Texas Rangers. It was a very exciting game with the crowd on their feet until the last pitch of the 9th inning. Twins win: 5-3

I have to thank David Harris for such great tickets and seats. We were right on the third base line just above the Twins dugout. Amazing way to watch a game!

This town has me thinking of possibly making it my home. I will have to give it some thought. I have a long journey ahead before I make any decisions, but I have never experienced Minneapolis/St Paul like this. I guess I was too young to either understand or appreciate what this area has to offer.

MN STATE FAIR

I don't know what happened to our plan of using cell phones for the family to link up at the fair, but we never did. We got in touch with each other long after we all had left the fair. The family had a bbq at home while Adrienne, Laiel (her sister), Neal (Laiel's boyfriend), and I all went home with plans of going into town for dinner. By the time we got home, it was pretty late so Adrienne and I went by ourselves and went to a nice Irish Pub for some good food, beer, and music. We took in the sights of downtown and stayed until about midnite and then headed for the train ride home. It was a long day, but a good time was had by all.

Highlights of the fair:
1. Lots of corn displays
2. Lots of food on sticks
3. Lots of entertainment
4. Haunted house
5. Fat fried pickles
6. Fat fried snickers bars on a stick
7. Fat fried cheese on a stick
8. Summit beer on a stick (seriously)
9. Chocolate covered bacon on a stick (never found it and am disappointed)

MINNEAPOLIS

Not much to say about today other than I started out from Granite Falls, headed for Minneapolis (only 123 miles). I walked approximately 7 of them before being picked up by my dad, Earl, and my Aunt Lyla. They were headed to the Cities to see the Twins play on Sunday and also to take in the Minnesota State Fair. So, I joined them.

Once in Minneapolis, we went directly over to Uncle Jay and Aunt Tootie's and had dinner and caught up on things. The meal was delicious and they offered for me to stay, but I had already contacted my good friend, Adrienne and she had some things planned for the weekend for us to do.

Before I left Jay and Tootie's, we all discussed how we could all meet up at the State Fair on the following day. We would just use our cell phones and link up once at the fair, easy enough.

Another significant event was getting rid of the boots that got me to this point but not without pain. I went directly to REI and picked up a new pair of boots. I won't divulge the old boots brand name, but I will say I chose Asolo's again for my new boots. Hopefully they work out better than the previous pair. I am sick of blisters.

MILAN

While I was having breakfast, a gentleman asked if he could sit down and visit. He had noticed my backpack and was wondering what I was up to. I explained and he mentioned how his son, Steve, had done something similar a few years ago. Steve and his brother-in-law, Ryan, had biked across the US and had also done similar trips in HI and Australia. He then introduced himself as Mr. Billy Thompson. He asked if he could offer me a ride to Montevideo, but with one stipulation; we must stop in his hometown of Milan first. I agreed. What a pleasant decision this would be.

We set out after coffee and had a wonderful conversation throughout the entire trip. He spoke of his family, his town, careers, retirement, history, his love of the area, and his chosen profession as a documentarian. Once we arrived at his museum in town, this would become most apparent.

He took me on a tour after introducing me to his daughter, Ann, who was a teacher all over the world with her husband, Ryan, and now is the proprietor of the Billy Maple Tree's art studio and gift shop. Billy showed me all the glorious items he has collected and created. What a fantastic museum, gallery, studio, and history lesson. There are so many amazing stories he shared with me, they will have to be put into a separate medium; a book, perhaps?

After a tour of the shop, museum, and town, we headed down the road towards Montevideo. Along the way, we took in State Parks where I picked up a new walking stick, an organic grower's garden in Watson and learned the sordid details of how the town is trying to illegally force him to stop (potentially due to his Pakistani ethnicity; there is no legal merit to the case), MN's largest cottonwood tree (34 ft in circumference), and then stopping to visit Mr. Dale Pederson.

Dale runs a business, Stony Run Woods (www.stonyrunwoods.com) and met us in his woodshop. We looked around for awhile and he then invited us to have a seat outside on his willow furniture and offered us some homemade apple cider, if we were interested. Of course! We were thirsty and that cider tasted so delicious on a hot summer day. We visited for awhile and talked of his business, my journey and of how Mr. Pederson's brother had retired from the Marines and chose to work for Pheasants Forever in the area which improves the grasslands for pheasants and other wild animals. Now, this sounds like the first "something" I would prefer to do rather than continue to work for the government.

After our visit, Billy drove me to Montevideo and we went to City Hall for a permit to use the park for camping. They needed $20 for me to pitch a tent and Billy and I both found that ridiculous so he offered to take me to Granite Falls. We left and after a short drive arrived. There was only one problem, no place to pitch a tent close to food and drink. Everything in Granite Falls is located on Hwy 212, so I made the decision to stay in a hotel for the nite, update my blog, and it is always refreshing to sleep in a bed.

After all the encouragement I received from Bill, his family, and Dale, my journey is starting to develop into something tangible. I cannot say that I will be staying in MN at this moment, but it does have promise. Milan, MN is definitely the finest place I have yet visited. It will take someone extremely special to compete with the man I met today, Mr. Billy Thompson.

Photos on Facebook here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104983&id=672758511&ref=nf

REST ON A SUMMER'S DAY

I thought I would give my feet another day off while enjoying a beautiful summer day in Appleton. I spent my time, first by getting breakfast and then walking thru the town and observing the architecture. I planned to meet a few people, but no one was around. It was a nice walk and the town looks a lot like Watertown, SD but smaller.

The rest of the day was spent reading my book, "A Walk across America" by Peter Jenkins, a nap at lunch, last minute laundry, a shower, and then watching a movie in the evening. Then it was time for bed in preparation for my long walk to Montevideo in the morning.

APPLETON

I was very apprehensive about starting out today from Ortonville because of a damn blister. My plan was to head to at least Odessa, MN which was only 5 miles away. If I could manage that distance, I would attempt to press on for Correll. My concern was that because this town has a population of only 47, I might not be able to sustain myself or find a place to spend the night. I made it to my first stop easily. I then decided to continue. I had plenty of water and fresh socks to keep me in good shape. I was losing steam about a mile out of Correll and then fortune showed itself.

A gentleman by the name of Mr. Tubbs, 74 yrs old, saw me at one of my rest stops and pulled over and asked me where I was headed. I said FL and he offered to get me as far as Appleton. Perfect. As we drove thru Correll, I saw that my prediction was correct, only a row of houses on the hwy with nowhere to eat or rest in sight.

During our drive, he offered me some cherry tomatoes that he forgot to drop off at the restaurant in Odessa from where he volunteers and was returning. He continued to say he does a lot of volunteer work now that he has been retired for 22 yrs. He had a soft water business that he sold to his son 22 yrs ago and now his son has made his millions. He seems to enjoy his retirement and gave sound advice for entering Montevideo. There is some construction and I should take hwy 13 to avoid going all the way around and out of my way. I appreciate advice like that.

I was very apprehensive about starting out today from Ortonville because of a damn blister. My plan was to head to at least Odessa, MN which was only 5 miles away. If I could manage that distance, I would attempt to press on for Correll. My concern was that because this town has a population of only 47, I might not be able to sustain myself or find a place to spend the night. I made it to my first stop easily. I then decided to continue. I had plenty of water and fresh socks to keep me in good shape. I was losing steam about a mile out of Correll and then fortune showed itself.

A gentleman by the name of Mr. Tubbs, 74 yrs old, saw me at one of my rest stops and pulled over and asked me where I was headed. I said FL and he offered to get me as far as Appleton. Perfect. As we drove thru Correll, I saw that my prediction was correct, only a row of houses on the hwy with nowhere to eat or rest in sight.

During our drive, he offered me some cherry tomatoes that he forgot to drop off at the restaurant in Odessa from where he volunteers and was returning. He continued to say he does a lot of volunteer work now that he has been retired for 22 yrs. He had a soft water business that he sold to his son 22 yrs ago and now his son has made his millions. He seems to enjoy his retirement and gave sound advice for entering Montevideo. There is some construction and I should take hwy 13 to avoid going all the way around and out of my way. I appreciate advice like that.

He drove me down Main Street in Appleton before dropping me off at the military memorial in town. This was another act of fortune. On the other side was a beautiful riverside campsite complete with restroom and shower facilities along with electrical outlets at the site that will allow me to recharge my electronics. I now call this home for the evening. I may even stay an additional day because it is so nice and allow my blister to get another days rest, considering I have already gone 90 miles in 3 days.

At the campsite I met an older couple who didn't divulge their names, but commented they were from Sioux City; Leeds in the Evergreen Village. I couldn't believe it. I was just there a week ago with my cousin, Dev, and his family. (I spent many summers with Lana and Dev there when I was young.) This couple offered to watch my gear while I went into town to have a meal and update my blog.

The café I found was Peggy's Place and I ordered a Reuben. I don't think I will be asking for a free meal this time, I can barely keep my coffee cup filled, so I don't think it is worth anyone's time or effort to ask. Maybe I will try for free beer later at the local pub. Ha.

All is well in the state of Minnesota.

Minnesota

23 Aug--ORTONVILLE

I woke up extremely exhausted and sore and realized I needed to lighten my load, so I am mailing my camera, extra set of clothes, razor, and other miscellaneous items that will lighten my load by almost 4 lbs. I showered, packed my gear, and started out. It wasn't long before I got a ride from a nice gentleman and lady that didn't want to share their names, but rather a ride all the way into Ortonville. After 40 miles we arrived in Ortonville where they treated me to a nice brunch at the Hilltop Café. I then went across the hwy to the Vali-Vu Hotel and checked in to continue to rest.

That evening I walked to the Matador Supper Club and Lounge just north on Hwy 75. I had a meal and a couple of beers and visited with the bartender, Michelle, who explained to me that it was a quiet nite because it was Sun, but also because the Corn Festival had just finished. (I witnessed the parade earlier in the day.) We continued our conversation and I explained to her my plans for my trip to FL. She then tore up my bill and asked if I would empty the trash bins into the outside receptacles to repay my debt. I was astonished. This trip is getting better, a meal and beer for emptying a couple of trash bins.

22 Aug--IT BEGINS

It was hard leaving family and start out on the road, but I was anxious to get going and knew the only way to do it easily would be to just make the decision to start out. I chose 22 Aug (Sat) and made it abruptly. Even with the decision made, it was difficult starting out with family all around wanting to follow me on a beautiful Sat afternoon.

I officially started walking from Aunt Lyla's house in Sisseton, SD and stopped first at the Tastee Freez for a bbq sandwich and thankfully I did because it would prove to be the only meal of the day other than Uncle Tommy's beef jerky.

After my sandwich I headed south down old Hwy 81. I remember this road from my youth. Before the interstate was built we used to travel this route to Gogie's (my great grandmother) house in Sisseton. This time I had 4 miles of it to walk before I headed east toward Browns Valley, MN.

This walk already brought about a lot of memories, thoughts, and reflection. My initial excitement carried me thru most of the day. I felt really free. I could go anywhere. I could do anything.

I had forgotten how much wildlife exists in SD. Garter snakes, turkeys, pheasants, frogs, and farm dogs were everywhere. I need to thank Ricky J for recommending a walking stick for my trip, especially when the farm dogs start barking and running down the driveway towards you. Thankfully, I Didn't have to use it as a weapon, but it did come in handy as a leaning post and it assisted me along toward the end of the day.

As I headed east, the road become hilly and wouldn't end. It was down Eastman Rd which was to connect with SD Hwy 10 and it never seemed to arrive. After I connected with the hwy, it was another 3 miles into Browns Valley. That was the longest 3 miles I have ever walked, ran, biked, or swam.

I checked into the Riverside Lodge right at the west edge of town at almost 8:00 pm and found it was nothing more than a large farmhouse with the upstairs converted into something similar to a hostel in Europe. This lodge consisted of 6 rooms with several beds in each. My room had 3 other beds and mine had Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle sheets. Cool.

After settling in, the owner, Kathryn recommended I hurry into town because "they roll up the sidewalks" after 9:00 pm. I took her advice and walked the mile or so into town and found that everything was closed and of course this was after walking all the way to the end of Main Street on aching feet and cramping back. So, I crossed the street and headed back on the opposite side. As I walked, I noticed a lone car pull in front of a building which had a Budweiser sign illuminated. Other than that, all else was dark. Several gentlemen exited the vehicle and walked inside the building thru the front door. I followed and discovered a bar that could serve pizza and beer. I was starving and I ordered a Snickers bar to accompany my meal.

Conversation ensued with the bartender and several customers about what I was doing in town and how long I would be staying. I explained all of this along with how I started out from Sisseton earlier in the day and that my plans were to continue on to FL. I then ate my food, watched the Twins game and mentioned I wasn't looking forward to walking back to the lodge after such a long day. Surprisingly, no one offered me a ride. So, is this how my journey begins? Does this confirm the second of my goals, that people aren't all that nice? Will the rest of my trip be like this? If so, I have concerns because it is a long way to FL.

TODAY

...is the day I start my Sojourn. I will depart Sisseton, SD at around 2:00 pm and walk until I reach Browns Valley, MN.

I walk into the light.

URBAN TREK: Leg 3

I never posted the final leg of my journey. It will definitely have to be broken down into several smaller legs. I am considering IN, KY, TN, and GA before I get to FL. The weather should be fine, so we will see where I go.

TODAY'S LOOK

This is what I look like today. Can only get better!

RETIREMENT LOOK

After 22 years in the Marines, I need a new look. What do you think?

9 Aug-Today: SOUTH DAKOTA

I left AZ early on 9 Aug (Sun). This is also the un-official first day of my civilian life. I say unofficial, because my OFFICIAL retirement date is 30 Sep 2009. However, I have been released from the Marines without any possibility of going back. I will always remember 14 Sep 1987 as the day I left for the Marines and 9 Aug 2009 as the day I left the Marines.

As I was about to land in Sioux Falls, SD, I remembered that I departed for the Marines from this same airport; I am returning to the same town in the same state I left behind 22 years ago.

Being "home" is very interesting. Not much has really changed. The radio stations play the same music. The landscape looks the same. All of the people are exactly the same and this puzzles me; the older citizens must have all passed away after all these years, but they seem to all have been replaced by the next generation. They wear the same clothes and appear to do the same things. Interesting.

I have spent my days with more relaxation. I try not to think of problems, issues, or worry about others problems. This has become difficult due to all the "spare" time. I prefer to go fishing, read my books, update my blog, and visit with friends and family.

I first drove down to Sioux City, IA to catch up with my cousins, Lana and Devlin and their families. When I left for the Marines, they didn't have families, now they have a LOT of kids between them.

After IA, I headed for Watertown, SD where my mom and dad, Michelle and Earl, live. We all got together with my remaining brother and sister, Ricky J and Heidi, and had dinner at Dempsey's Pub.

Now, I am in Sisseton, SD visiting with my aunt and uncle, John and Laurie, and also my grandparents, Basil and Phyllis, from Pickstown, SD. All are ready to celebrate my retirement. Hopefully, my Aunts Lyla and Donna will join us since I missed the Ruckdaschel Reunion earlier this summer.

Spending time on Lake Kampeska and testing out my Trek gear has been fun and bolsters my confidence in my upcoming adventure. I even caught a walleye on my first fishing trip. I will try again later this evening on Lake Traverse.

So, now that my Urban Trek is about to begin, stay tuned for updates.

6-9 Aug: ARIZONA

While in AZ, my brother and his friends worked on his GTO and replaced his cam shaft to increase the horsepower. I didn't work, but drank beer while THEY worked. I am now officially retired and wanted to take advantage of that while in one of the largest retirement communities on earth.

We talked about retirement and my plans for my Trek and came up with four solid reasons for this journey:
1. Discovering what I want to do with my life.
2. Test the validity of humanity...predominantly good or bad people on this planet.
3. Write a book on how to retire and enjoy life.
4. Improve my fitness and overall well-being.

3-6 Aug: CALIFORNIA

After enjoying HI for a few days it was time to move on to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA and start the administrative process. The Marines along with Ms. Perez made it a very easy process. The necessary paperwork was completed in an expedient manner and made for a smooth transition.

I had plenty of time off. I was only required to be in uniform the first day I arrived and checked in. After, I wore civilian attire. I guess it helped with the transition. It was liberating to be able to take my last set of desert utilities with boots and discard them. It felt sacrilegious to throw them away with the trash, so I bagged them up and left them near the trashcan. "Fair winds and following seas..."

With the time off, I took a trip up to 29 Palms, CA to relax some more and also to catch up with my sister, Haili, who lives in Desert Hot Springs. We stayed at the 29 Palms Inn and enjoyed a great dinner and conversation.

Ironically, 29 Palms was my first infantry duty station and it was strange to be back there after so many years. I was stationed with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines for almost 6 years and enjoyed several combat deployments with that unit; Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Saudi Arabia/Kuwait and Operation Restore Hope, Somalia.

After an evening of enjoying the desert, it was time to head back to CamPen for final separation procedures and the finalization of my DD214. This was all completed on 6 Aug (Thu) so I rented a car and drove to AZ to visit my brother, Christian, before my flight out of Phoenix to Sioux Falls, SD on 9 Aug (Sun).

Retirees keep reminding me of several things that accompany separation from the military.
1. It will be a difficult transition
2. You will miss the Marines

I am still waiting for either one of those to occur.

29 Jul-2 Aug: SAYONARA OKINAWA and ALOHA HAWAII!!!

29 Jul was the day I left Okinawa headed for Hawaii for a few days of rest and relaxation before I moved on to Camp Pendleton, CA to start my separation process.

United Airlines treated me very well by giving me a complimentary upgrade for my retirement flight. This was the first time I flew in the top deck of a 747. I don't recommend it because it is VERY noisy. Other than that, it was a very pleasant flight. I have to admit, I was more than ready to depart Japan.

Upon arriving in HI I was met by Lubka and we then travelled to Kailua where I spent the next few days catching up with friends and enjoying the beach. Lubka had some last minute things to take care of because she was scheduled to fly back to our "house" in Okinawa the same day I was to depart for CA.

I left for Camp Pendleton (via LAX) on 2 Aug (Sun). Lubka's flight was cancelled and she enjoyed HI for a few more days before returning to Okinawa.

See the next post for updates on the CA trip.