So close... but it feels so far away...

Today started really early for me.  I was actually the first one to get down to the breakfast.  That was cool, because I got the first pick of everything.  I even left out before daylight.  I felt really good when I left out of the hotel.  I even decided to leave my "body guard" behind so she could take care of some computer stuff and finish packing the bags. 



Almost my bathroom



Woody's



I walked for about two hours, then realized, I had to go to the bathroom....  I now believe there should be a bathroom every mile on the highway.  I was again wondering where I was going to find a bathroom when I was rescued.  It was nice knowing that I had such a close call, but I didn't have to use the shack that I found.  

I have to say, it was a really cool place that we stopped at.  Nothing like getting some fresh buffalo jerkey to eat as a after breakfast snack, then I got a bite of walnut fudge to top it all off. 

I took off again and spent many hours walking.  I got encouraging calls from many people, making my morning even better.  Kathy followed me by the side road, until the side road ran out.  I thought it was quite humorous to watch her look at me as I walked off.  Not quite as funny as seeing her traipsing through the grass trying to find a tube of grease that I threw to her.  She didn't find it, but she got a little eaten up by the grass that attacked her.  I did learn a big lesson.  I had her come back to the main road so I could change a bandage on my foot and I did not watch where I was standing or sat my backpack.  Let's just say, ants are not my friends.  I think I spent the next fifteen minutes finding ants crawling on me. 

Kathy went up a couple of miles and waited for me in the picnic area.  I guess I was really getting tired when she left me, because it took me a long time to get to her.  By the time I got to her, I was so tired that I felt like my body was falling apart. 

This is me....  when Kathy forced me in the car to go get something to eat.  I was so tired that I literally could not get up. 

We ended up at Taco Bell where I had a couple of five layer burritos and got to just sit for a bit.  Then we were so excited about finding a WalMart, we went shopping.  Actually, I needed more sunscreen, so powder, some more Icy Hot and really wanted to have a rasor when I stopped for the night.  We went to the smallest WalMart I have seen in years.  Did you know they still have just plain WalMarts...  not super WalMarts... well, now you do. 



RED BULL!



Good to the last drop!

Kathy took me back to the road, but I had her stop at the gas station for a few minutes so I could get some ice for my camelback.  I found something really cool...  I discovered Red Bull!  I now know why Pastor Mark loves his Red Bull. 



Now, to get the VMusic going!



A few items that I found along the way.  I guess this just brings back lots of memories...  my days driving up and down the road, delivering oilfield tools. 

By the way, did you know that if you drink a full camelback of water with G2 powder in it, while walking, you tend to get really ansy to find a bathroom.  I can't win for losing... either a drink to keep from getting dehydrated or I don't drink. 

Oklahoma take notice...  this is what a really good rest stop looks like.  Even has monitored cameras to keep everyone safe. 


Texas rest area

I know this blog is not as interesting as the others, but today was just a hard day for me.  I was ready to stop walking within a few hours, but hung in there so I could make up some miles.  I did figure out why nobody offered to pick me up and take me to Houston...  Huntsville, Tx is where the largest prison in Texas is located and there are signs everywhere that say, "Don't pick up hitch hikers"  Oh well, I guess I looked like an inmate trying to make my way to the prison. 

All is well.  I finally got the icecream that Jack kept eating for me. I couldn't decide which one I wanted, so I had both. 

Day 7... It's not Heaven... I'm alive though.. (with pictures)

I slept in today.  I actually slept till almost eight today, I guess that is sleeping in.  I have to say, last night instead of watching some show that was entertaining, I got caught up in a show on CNBC or some channel like that.  It was a congressional hearing about Craigslist and Human Trafficking.  I was so floored to hear that the lady, a representative of Craigslist said that Craigslist was not willing to stop the adult part of Craigslist in Canada because she wanted them to make that decision.  I'm sorry lady, but if it's wrong to have that site up because it encourages more human trafficking, then it should be stopped.  Who cares about if Canada feels that it needs to be stopped or not. 

Okay, now onto my day.  I had a decent breakfast today and then I went out to meet up with Bob from the Corsicana Sun Newspaper.  He said that the story will run in the Sunday paper because they don't have a Saturday paper.  He was a great guy and we had a really good coversation. 

I took off walking from Corsicana a little later than I normally do, but that was okay, we got some more media coverage.  My mission is to get the word out.  Mission accomplished today.  I walked and walked and walked, thinking that I would soon find a bathroom.  I finally found one...  only to see that it was a closed down station.  Oh man...  seriously.... what's a guy to do...  find toilet paper on the side of the road and squat behind the tall grass?  Don't laugh, I found a roll of toilet paper, but the grass was just too short for me.  After several miles of hoping to find an open bathroom, I finally gave up and hitched a ride to the closest bathroom.  I am so glad that I didn't wait any longer....  it would have been an ugly mess. 

Seriously, I did make it to the bathroom without having an accident, so all was good.  While I was there at a Loves that was really busy, there were several people in the store.  I handed out a few cards and even had a couple of people say they saw me walking.  That is cool!  I took off walking after drinking some G2 gatorade and eating a banana. 

I walked a little while and then I saw a big white truck stop up ahead of me, then pull onto the off ramp.  Some guy got out of the truck and headed straight for me.  Since I am not wearing my glasses, I really couldn't tell what he looked like.  All I saw was a really tall guy walking straight for me.  My body guard was just sitting in the car...  watching.  So, I got ready...  I undid my backpack and braced myself for whatever this guy was going to do.  About twenty feet from me, he smiled and I was shocked to realize who it was.  It was Ray from The Steelhorse Disciples!  He was there to take me out for lunch!  It was so awesome to see a familiar face.  He and his wife, Wilma, were going to College Station to visit a relative and just happen to drive by at the right time. 

While Ray and I were walking towards his truck, two of Texas' finest pulled up and stopped us.  They wanted to know what we were doing and why there were two vehicles pulled over on the highway.  I gave them my information and they said they would make sure to let all the officers in the area know what was going on.  One even told me a good place to stay up the road.  Thank goodness because I thought I was going to be sleeping on the side of the road with all the trees and no towns. 

I made it to Buffalo, Texas and was so thankful that there was actually a town here.  I was beginning to think that all the Texas towns had disappeared. 

Huge thank you to Shelly & Mark Jordan for paying for the motel tonight!  I can not tell you how much I appreciate your love and encouragement.  All throughout my travels, I have had many people step up to help me and this has saved me from having to sleep in truck stops and such!  You guys are loved and I am praying great blessings over your lives. 

Oh yeah, I almost forgot....  I got to eat pizza again!  I am so happy, because that is a rare meal for me since Kathy doesn't eat pizza because it doesn't like her.  Seven days on the road, three nights with pizza!  Go God! 

Help

As Ken makes his walk, it would really be encouraging to know that others are keeping up with him.  If you are reading the blog even if it is just one time, would you please leave a comment so he knows who is checking his progress.  Thanks! 

War Wounds..... and what kept me going...

That's a bruise!

Red spot, not sure what it is...

Yes, that is the real color of my legs...  they are darker than the dirt from the first day....  Go tan!

Notice spot on big toe, small bruise.  The second toe from the right has a huge blister or soar on it, and in the arch has a calous on it.


My inspiration!

It's a great tan!

A hard day .... but Jack got to eat my dip cone.

After the nice breakfast, where I got to eat Texas, (check out my last blog), I took off for another day of my leisurely stroll on the highway.  As I walked, I couldn't help but notice all the poor discarded, mistreated items.  I had to take this little guy with me to give him a proper burial.  He just looked so sad. 

Side Note:  After having some opposition on Tuesday... which consisted of a car with at least two men in it, pulling up in front of me and one of them jumping out and yelling, "Stop what you are doing or we will kill you," I had a constant companion to keep his eye out on me.  I did not allow Kathy to post this, because Jack wanted to remain undetected for a while.  He was great at checking cars that were pulled over, cars that were on fire, cars that seemed a little suspicous and motorcycles in the Harley shops. 

Is this big enough?

Jack encouraged me the entire time I was walking. When I would get tired and ready to give up, he was quick to find a local Dairy Queen and get me a dip cone that he ate for me.  It was awesome knowing that he was enjoying the sweet treat.  I could almost taste it....  NOT. 

Seriously, Jack was great!  He encouraged me and was quick to stop everything he was doing to make sure I was well protected.  He is now home, after spending two days with me.  Kathy was able to take his place, so he could take care of his business. 

I know we are both grateful to him for all he has done.  We love you! 

Kathy showed up about lunch time and we had Sonic.  I can not believe how much I ate, but I guess I am burning way more calories than I normally do.  I ended up eating a double cheeseburger and tots.  It tasted so good.  Kathy took over the watch and we sent Jack on his way.  However, he did give Kathy all his pointers so she would be able to protect me just as well as he did.  What he doesn't know is that Kathy would probably take on anyone one handed if she thought they were trying to hurt me.  She gets fierce, I've seen that in her. 

I did have a guy pick me up and take me a few miles ahead, which was great, because I was ready to sit on the side of the road.  He and I prayed together then I went on my way.  I apologize, but I do not remember his name.  You know who you are... thanks! 

My day ended earlier than I wanted because my knee was just not cooperating with me.  I guess today was the day it wanted to act up on me.  I do have a HUGE shout out to make to the WOW ladies from Oakcrest Church of Christ who paid for my room tonight.  I love you ladies!  Wish I had a picture to post. 

Kelly walks to raise awareness of human trafficking

Kelly walks to raise awareness of human trafficking

Texas Sized Breakfast



Are they proud or what? 

 I guess you could say that this hotel is proud of being in the state of Texas.  Maybe Texas is proud of having this hotel and decided to send them a waffle iron that makes Texas shaped waffles....  Thought to ponder.  Eitehr way, I am eating a Texas shaped and sized waffle for breakfast. 

I had a rough night last night.  I think the food I had for dinner didn't set well with my stomach.  I should have known better because the last three times I have eaten at Long John Silvers, I have had problems.  Sad thing is, I still love it. 

My knee is hurting me this morning, so I am going to be walking on God's strength, not my own.  We shall see how far I get tonight.  I am hoping to make it a good ways, I have been doing really well so far.  However, I am afraid my weekend goal may not be met.