Just about one mile from the center of town, I saw this lady pull off the road ahead of me and look back in my direction. The animated look on her face told me that she was more than excited about me walking for cause. I thought to myself, “There has to be a deeper connection here.”

Sure enough, she is an avid backpacker who has hiked the Appalachian Trail, areas in Angola, Nigeria, France, and other places. Carole (pictured, right) and her husband are also planning a coast to coast bike trip starting in a couple of months. She could see that I was hot and immediately started offering words of wisdom from experience. I explained that I poured every last dime that I had in cash and credit into the formation of the Coalition and into buying gear. Thus, I had to buy the essentials that I did not have and make do with what I already owned even though it may not be the most efficient or lightweight choice. Nearly stopping me mid-sentence, she pulled out $40 and said, “No here’s what you need to get.” And the list began! You have no idea how grateful I was for her donation and her advice because I was suffering!

After a couple minutes, I saw another lady crossing the street towards us. Robin (left) worked at an eatery across the street and told us in an amused tone that everyone in the restaurant wanted to know what I was doing but was too afraid to ask. So they sent her! After explaining the Walk to her, Carole’s eyes lit up in an instant. “Have you eaten your lunch for the day? The Café has the best burgers. Let’s go have lunch.”