I woke up the next morning around 1000. I had trouble sleeping the night before and I don't know why. I could speculate but that's pointless. After I and the Kirby's got moving for the day we went down to the Hiram coffee shop in downtown Hiram Ga. The coffee shop had a warm happy feeling inside with an overall gentle aura. The main room inside was filled so we agreed to enjoy our lunch on the back patio. I ordered a corned beef sandwich with my usual coffee shop beverage, a medium coffee with a shot of espresso. We enjoyed ourselves greatly on that patio, laughing at each other but mostly laughing at Daniel. Daniel is the youngest of the Kirby children and quite the comic. He has a very outgoing personality with a highly creative imagination. He certainly doesn't meet a stranger and has keep things lively for us all. After some time on the patio we all wet next door to the cigar shop to view the inventory and enjoy the aromas. After toiling around inside for a while we left for the house. It was mostly uneventful for the remainder of the afternoon. About 500 we picked Gail up from work and headed over to Bay Breeze seafood restaurant. The family wanted to take me as a treat. I really enjoyed the atmosphere in the building and we had a server in training at our table so we made his night a little more lively shall we say. After a great dinner all of us piled in the car and went to American Legion Post 111. I was invited in to the meeting so that I may be able to share my story and share the Foundation with the members. They were all very receptive and interested on the cause. A little later I was invited in to the Auxillary meeting which is generally the wives and or lady associates of the Legion. Again, all were receptive and greatly appreciate of the Trek. We stayed a while and I spoke with many of them an took many pictures for FaceBook. We all left and headed to the Kirby abode.
I woke up about 615 today, packed my things and we headed out to a local breakfast place for a grand biscuit and coffee. We met Gail at her work and ate BF in the pEking lot. After that I was dropped off at the spot where the found me and we said our goodbyes and that was that.
I walked on for a ways thru Lithis Springs and then Douglasville. I met up with Don Ho at his shop Custom Mufflers. He is a Legion Member and wasn't able to make it last night to the meeting but heard about the Trek and asked me to stop by. He gave me some lunch money and we Took a few pics for the photo album and I headed out with a destination of American Legion Post 145. On the way I passed a great BBQ place called Hudson Hickory House. Man that place smelled heavenly and the sandwich was even better. I sat inside for a while and as I was eating the owners son came out to say hello and wish me well. I also met a guy who has a brother thT is finishing up Ranger school and I spoke with him about that and other things and he said he would certainly get his brother involved in the FoundaTion and the Trek. After a few goodbyes to everyone I headed out the door and on to 145. I arrived a while later and walked inside. I walked up to the bartender and shook his hand and explained who I was. Don Ho had called him earlier and told him to expect me. I introduced my self to an officer of the Legion and I was told they would put the word out. I was then introduced to a table of men and women. One in particular was a former Ranger officer and we spoke about the Trek and the Foundation and how he had never heard of the Foundation before I mentioned it. It's a huge honor for me to introduce a Spec Ops Warrior to the Spec Ops Foundation. It's monumental for me. So I passed out several cards and shook many hands. A Navy man spoke with me for a while about the walk itself..... Curiosity and amazement wrapped in one I think. He continued to thank me and to wish me well. I never would have thought I would be able to touch this many peoples lives and certainly not like this. How great is this for ME?!
Well, the title tells you where I am. I'm behind 145's woodshed holed up from the cold Nd the wind. Maybe Villa Rica tomorrow or maybe I'll just walk till the next big thing happens.....
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Staying at the Kirby's house.
What a day! I have been walking west for one day and already great things are happening. I left mom and dads house around 9 this morning and made my way thru Vinings towards US78. I made it to the corner of South Cobb and Cooper Lake Rd(I think) when a camera man with WSB TV in Atlanta met up with me and proceeded thru an interview with me. He also took several videos of me walking. Afterwards we shook hands and I headed WEST!
I walked on thru Mableton and made it into the city limits of Austell when a lady stopped me and asked me who I was. I told her I was matt and she asked if I was on the Fish radio last fri and of course I was so I answered yes. She was so excited that I was worried she was going to burst. She went on to tell me about her son, Petty Officer Dusty Kirby. Dusty is a Navy Corpsman and was shot in his face while guarding his post during his deployment to Iraq some 4 years ago. His mom, Gail, showed me videos and pictures of her son and I have to say that it was certainly moving. I was actually able to speak with Dusty by phone as he is in Camp Lejune which is in North Carolina. Dusty was upbeat and thankful for what I was doing and excited that his family could find me and have me in their home. We spoke for a few minutes about things that will stay between us but know that Dusty is a warrior. I am proud to have spoken with him.
So after spending a little while at the family home and after speaking with a radio station in Brooksville Florida we went out. The parents Jack and Gail and Destiny and Daniel the siblings and Crandall the family friend hoped in two vehicles and headed to Mellow Mushroom. We arrived at the Shroom and grabbed a couple tables and placed our order. Gail asked for the manager to come out and meet me so after a minute he made his way out to us and she told him all about me and the Trek. He introduced homself as Clint and He was a bit taken aback at what i was doing for the Foundation. He thanked me and then went on to give us a 50% discount on our food! That is huge! Thanks to Clint and Mellow Mushroom of Hiram Ga for their support. While we were eating Jason Romano called me. He is a friend of mine from Valdosta and he said his family wanted to meet me Nd only lived a few minutes away from Mellow. They came out and said hello and gave their warmest regards. It was great to meet them.
Just before this two riders with the American Legion Post 111 dropped by to say hello and inquire about the Trek. Knight Rider and Cowboy were great people and I learned that post 111 has played a huge part in the Kirby's lives since their son Dusty was wounded. I have been invited to a meeting tomorrow night at the Legion and I understand that the Sons Of Liberty will be there as well. This will be a huge opportunity to share the Foundation and the Trek with Americas own. This is going to be a huge honor for me and I hope that I am able to reach many for our "wounded families".
I was involved in a conference call with several other cross country walkers tonight also. It was informative and I was excited to hear from others who had walked the USA before me. Some had already finished their walk and some were about to embark and others were just beginning. I hope to be able to impart more wisdom on the next phone call. I offered my advice on blisters and asked about the distance between cities from a guy in west Texas. Lots of good advice was passed amongst us.
So I am here at the Kirby abode, in a home that has suffered much of it's own share of pain and misery. A family that is genuine and open. You can see the remnants of the roller coaster ride they have endured. I can only imagine the nights of crying till morning and the days of heartache and pain for their son. His road to recovery has been long and his familys has been no less of a struggle. It's a very real interface with a family resembling that which I walk for. Motivation. Cause for perseverance... Not that I needed it...
I will leave you at this. Goodnight.
I walked on thru Mableton and made it into the city limits of Austell when a lady stopped me and asked me who I was. I told her I was matt and she asked if I was on the Fish radio last fri and of course I was so I answered yes. She was so excited that I was worried she was going to burst. She went on to tell me about her son, Petty Officer Dusty Kirby. Dusty is a Navy Corpsman and was shot in his face while guarding his post during his deployment to Iraq some 4 years ago. His mom, Gail, showed me videos and pictures of her son and I have to say that it was certainly moving. I was actually able to speak with Dusty by phone as he is in Camp Lejune which is in North Carolina. Dusty was upbeat and thankful for what I was doing and excited that his family could find me and have me in their home. We spoke for a few minutes about things that will stay between us but know that Dusty is a warrior. I am proud to have spoken with him.
So after spending a little while at the family home and after speaking with a radio station in Brooksville Florida we went out. The parents Jack and Gail and Destiny and Daniel the siblings and Crandall the family friend hoped in two vehicles and headed to Mellow Mushroom. We arrived at the Shroom and grabbed a couple tables and placed our order. Gail asked for the manager to come out and meet me so after a minute he made his way out to us and she told him all about me and the Trek. He introduced homself as Clint and He was a bit taken aback at what i was doing for the Foundation. He thanked me and then went on to give us a 50% discount on our food! That is huge! Thanks to Clint and Mellow Mushroom of Hiram Ga for their support. While we were eating Jason Romano called me. He is a friend of mine from Valdosta and he said his family wanted to meet me Nd only lived a few minutes away from Mellow. They came out and said hello and gave their warmest regards. It was great to meet them.
Just before this two riders with the American Legion Post 111 dropped by to say hello and inquire about the Trek. Knight Rider and Cowboy were great people and I learned that post 111 has played a huge part in the Kirby's lives since their son Dusty was wounded. I have been invited to a meeting tomorrow night at the Legion and I understand that the Sons Of Liberty will be there as well. This will be a huge opportunity to share the Foundation and the Trek with Americas own. This is going to be a huge honor for me and I hope that I am able to reach many for our "wounded families".
I was involved in a conference call with several other cross country walkers tonight also. It was informative and I was excited to hear from others who had walked the USA before me. Some had already finished their walk and some were about to embark and others were just beginning. I hope to be able to impart more wisdom on the next phone call. I offered my advice on blisters and asked about the distance between cities from a guy in west Texas. Lots of good advice was passed amongst us.
So I am here at the Kirby abode, in a home that has suffered much of it's own share of pain and misery. A family that is genuine and open. You can see the remnants of the roller coaster ride they have endured. I can only imagine the nights of crying till morning and the days of heartache and pain for their son. His road to recovery has been long and his familys has been no less of a struggle. It's a very real interface with a family resembling that which I walk for. Motivation. Cause for perseverance... Not that I needed it...
I will leave you at this. Goodnight.
Monday, February 28, 2011
CHECK THE TREK!
http://www.causes.com/causes/585301-trek-for-hope?m=525c9925&recruiter_id=84134864
Paste this web address into your browser to check out the new Trek For Hope causes page on FB!
CHECK THE TREK!!!
Paste this web address into your browser to check out the new Trek For Hope causes page on FB!
CHECK THE TREK!!!
Looking to the west...
Tomorrow is the day. The Trek carries from Atlanta and we head west. No more guaranteed stopping points and the farther west I go beyond the mighty Mississippi river the more barren the land will become... Or so it would seem based upon pictures. I'm looking forward to it.
So I will leave the parents house in the morning and walk down to US 78 and take it west towards Birmingham Alabama. Anyone have friends or family in Birmingham?
Mom and I drove back to Atlanta today. I really haven't done much at all the past few days since I arrived here and I notice that I am not as sore this morning. Normally when I wake up every morning it takes a little bit in order for me to function fully.
Well, there really isn't much else to say atthis point except follow the Trek as always and anticipate great things. I did start a causes page for Trek For Hope on FB so check that out.
Have a good night and I will get with you tomorrow night. Check out YouTube for video updates as well under TrekForHope2011
So I will leave the parents house in the morning and walk down to US 78 and take it west towards Birmingham Alabama. Anyone have friends or family in Birmingham?
Mom and I drove back to Atlanta today. I really haven't done much at all the past few days since I arrived here and I notice that I am not as sore this morning. Normally when I wake up every morning it takes a little bit in order for me to function fully.
Well, there really isn't much else to say atthis point except follow the Trek as always and anticipate great things. I did start a causes page for Trek For Hope on FB so check that out.
Have a good night and I will get with you tomorrow night. Check out YouTube for video updates as well under TrekForHope2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Update...
I will be leaving for Alabama on tues now instead of mon. The weather forecast for mon in Atlanta is thunderstorms for the majority of the day so I guess one more day will not throw the Trek off by that much. Actually, it all worked out for the best anyways.....mom needed a little help moving her stuff up from Quitman ga to Atlanta so I was able to ride down with dad and help load the Uhaul trailer. It was interesting to see all the road signs along the interstate for all the cities I had walked through and to realize just how long a trip this really is. When you whiz by at 80 mph you can not fully appreciate what it is to travel at such a speed. Walking at 2-3 mph is a constant reminder of how convenient the automobile is and how one might take it for granted.
Mom and I will be heading back to Atlanta in the AM and I will prep for the first step west on tues morn......
Please pass the Trek to your friends and family. It is truly important to reach as many people with this cause as we can. Please remember also that this walk is sponsored by the generosity of people I meet on the street and through these electronic medias. People need to be made aware so that the Trek can continue and so that its purpose will be fulfilled. Anyone may give as they see fit..... there is the online donation site at firstgiving.com/jacobparrish1 which sends all of your gifts to the Foundation. On the opposite end there is me and the Trek itself. The only way I am able to do what I do... walk across the US, raise awareness, meet people and create avenues of financial support for children, etc.... is by a minimum level of financial support from all of you out there.
Just so that everyone knows how I work things on the road let me tell you this.....
People will give me donations when they see me on the road. I try to offer them both avenues of giving when I meet them so they can give how they feel comfortable. Most everyone that desires to give right then usually will give me cash money of varying amounts. Most of the time I am told to keep it for myself or to use it as I see fit. What I have been doing is dividing the daily donations in half and keeping one half for food and water along with the other various necessities and then giving the other half to the Foundation. If you go to the online donations page you can see the donations listed in order and you will see sporadically T4H-Road Donations... This is where I have collected those donations and deposited them into a bank account and then gone online to donate them. This gives you the ability to see what is being given on the road. Typically I will gather an amount over several days and then go online to make the donation.
So, thats just a little insight into how it works out there.....
Anyways, Im going to head to bed now. Ill get you all updated on the upcoming route tomorrow night.
Mom and I will be heading back to Atlanta in the AM and I will prep for the first step west on tues morn......
Please pass the Trek to your friends and family. It is truly important to reach as many people with this cause as we can. Please remember also that this walk is sponsored by the generosity of people I meet on the street and through these electronic medias. People need to be made aware so that the Trek can continue and so that its purpose will be fulfilled. Anyone may give as they see fit..... there is the online donation site at firstgiving.com/jacobparrish1 which sends all of your gifts to the Foundation. On the opposite end there is me and the Trek itself. The only way I am able to do what I do... walk across the US, raise awareness, meet people and create avenues of financial support for children, etc.... is by a minimum level of financial support from all of you out there.
Just so that everyone knows how I work things on the road let me tell you this.....
People will give me donations when they see me on the road. I try to offer them both avenues of giving when I meet them so they can give how they feel comfortable. Most everyone that desires to give right then usually will give me cash money of varying amounts. Most of the time I am told to keep it for myself or to use it as I see fit. What I have been doing is dividing the daily donations in half and keeping one half for food and water along with the other various necessities and then giving the other half to the Foundation. If you go to the online donations page you can see the donations listed in order and you will see sporadically T4H-Road Donations... This is where I have collected those donations and deposited them into a bank account and then gone online to donate them. This gives you the ability to see what is being given on the road. Typically I will gather an amount over several days and then go online to make the donation.
So, thats just a little insight into how it works out there.....
Anyways, Im going to head to bed now. Ill get you all updated on the upcoming route tomorrow night.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
I now have the iPhone 4 with Verizon service!
I dare my new phone to autocorrect me now!!! So, I bought the newest gen of the iPhone today and I bought it at Verizon so I am counting on consistent service as I move across the USA. I am already impressed with the speed and functionality of the phone and it's so nice to see more bars in more places if you know what I mean.
I'll keep you updated on the new phone and how service is as I progress. If Verizon would pick up the Trek i could give a real world commercial in a few months.... Hmmmmm
I'll keep you updated on the new phone and how service is as I progress. If Verizon would pick up the Trek i could give a real world commercial in a few months.... Hmmmmm
At the parents house in Atl.
As I am writing this installment it is currently 1030 on 26FEB. I am on dad's laptop so I dare my phone to autocorrect this! Read the previous posts if you want to know why I am saying this.
I will write this kinda in reverse order..... starting with now and going back in time.
I woke up this morning feeling good. My knees were a little stiff and my feet a bit sore but, that's to be expected. Since I have started this Trek over a month ago now, that seems to be the morning situation.... everything is stiff.... stretch, bend, move and loosen the body for an hour to get moving. Once the temperature warms up and I am in the mid-west, I plan on cutting more weight from my pack specifically my sleeping bag which is about 8-9 total pounds. It is the layered military version and is surprisingly heavy. I will opt for a sleep mat and blanket for the warmer climates. Doing so will allow me to carry more water which will be neccessary once I reach Texas, Arizona, New Mexico etc. There are longer distances between towns and it will be very warm during the mid day. I have even considered sleeping thru the day and walking very early in the morning and late in the evening just so I can miss the noon heat. More on this later in the Trek.
Yesterday morning I went to 104.7 The Fish which is the christian radio station here in Atlanta. I went on the air live with the morning show crew Kevin and Taylor in the morning. They were great to work with and very encouraging. We took 2 pics which you can see on their FB page and also on the T4H FB page. The station was up on the 7th floor of the Buckhead Centre building here in the Buckhead section of Atlanta so in the middle of talking I grabbed a quick look around and it was gorgeous from up there. Kevin and Taylor spoke with me in between songs and we had a fun time in the studio and mom even called in to say a few words as well. I was told that they would edit the interview of the songs and make it one uniterrupted piece and it will be emailed to me so we can put it up on the FB page for everyone to listen to. The station also gave me tickets to the Atlanta Thrashers hockey game against the Florida Panthers last night at Philips Arena. Dad, me and one of my sisters went..... I tried to find a 4th since I had four tix but it was kinda last minute. The game was awesome and it was really an experience to be in the arena and "feel" the game. The lights, sounds and vibrations..... you miss so much by watching it on TV.
Lets see... thursday night I rolled into Atlanta. I made it to around the I-20 area at 10pm and called dad for a ride. I will follow the I-20 corridor west to L.A. so I made it to my marker. Dad found me and bought me a meal from Steak N Shake and brought me to the house. I certainly slept good that night.
Thursday morning 2 gentlemen found my campsite in the woods and stopped by with supplies for the trip. Kevin rode up on his bike and gave me food and water and said many kind things. Clyde gave me food and a few objects to make the trip easier. Its always a treat for me when ppl find me on the road.
I also met the Firefighters of station 9 in Clayton Co. They saw me walking along the road and stopped right in the middle of it to ask me my story. Big firetruck on a 2 lane road.....lights on....talking to me. Well, they offered me a cold drink at the station which was 20 feet up the sidewalk so I said yes. They have a great place which is nearly brand new.. well it certainly felt new. We all sat around the dinner table and told stories for an hour or so and then I had to leave. It was a much needed break and Im glad it was spent with them.
All throughout the day I met many people and passed out many cards. Even the Forest Park police stopped me to check on me and I passed out my card to them and told them my story. Thursday was a good day for sure and Friday certainly followed suit.
My plan now is to wait here till monday morning and then head west to Alabama.... Brmingham is the next big city. Make sure you stay tuned for all the big adventures coming our way. Dont forget to tell your friends and family about the Trek. Awareness is half the mission here so spread the word.
Hoping everyone has a good Saturday and a great weekend. Until next time....
I will write this kinda in reverse order..... starting with now and going back in time.
I woke up this morning feeling good. My knees were a little stiff and my feet a bit sore but, that's to be expected. Since I have started this Trek over a month ago now, that seems to be the morning situation.... everything is stiff.... stretch, bend, move and loosen the body for an hour to get moving. Once the temperature warms up and I am in the mid-west, I plan on cutting more weight from my pack specifically my sleeping bag which is about 8-9 total pounds. It is the layered military version and is surprisingly heavy. I will opt for a sleep mat and blanket for the warmer climates. Doing so will allow me to carry more water which will be neccessary once I reach Texas, Arizona, New Mexico etc. There are longer distances between towns and it will be very warm during the mid day. I have even considered sleeping thru the day and walking very early in the morning and late in the evening just so I can miss the noon heat. More on this later in the Trek.
Yesterday morning I went to 104.7 The Fish which is the christian radio station here in Atlanta. I went on the air live with the morning show crew Kevin and Taylor in the morning. They were great to work with and very encouraging. We took 2 pics which you can see on their FB page and also on the T4H FB page. The station was up on the 7th floor of the Buckhead Centre building here in the Buckhead section of Atlanta so in the middle of talking I grabbed a quick look around and it was gorgeous from up there. Kevin and Taylor spoke with me in between songs and we had a fun time in the studio and mom even called in to say a few words as well. I was told that they would edit the interview of the songs and make it one uniterrupted piece and it will be emailed to me so we can put it up on the FB page for everyone to listen to. The station also gave me tickets to the Atlanta Thrashers hockey game against the Florida Panthers last night at Philips Arena. Dad, me and one of my sisters went..... I tried to find a 4th since I had four tix but it was kinda last minute. The game was awesome and it was really an experience to be in the arena and "feel" the game. The lights, sounds and vibrations..... you miss so much by watching it on TV.
Lets see... thursday night I rolled into Atlanta. I made it to around the I-20 area at 10pm and called dad for a ride. I will follow the I-20 corridor west to L.A. so I made it to my marker. Dad found me and bought me a meal from Steak N Shake and brought me to the house. I certainly slept good that night.
Thursday morning 2 gentlemen found my campsite in the woods and stopped by with supplies for the trip. Kevin rode up on his bike and gave me food and water and said many kind things. Clyde gave me food and a few objects to make the trip easier. Its always a treat for me when ppl find me on the road.
I also met the Firefighters of station 9 in Clayton Co. They saw me walking along the road and stopped right in the middle of it to ask me my story. Big firetruck on a 2 lane road.....lights on....talking to me. Well, they offered me a cold drink at the station which was 20 feet up the sidewalk so I said yes. They have a great place which is nearly brand new.. well it certainly felt new. We all sat around the dinner table and told stories for an hour or so and then I had to leave. It was a much needed break and Im glad it was spent with them.
All throughout the day I met many people and passed out many cards. Even the Forest Park police stopped me to check on me and I passed out my card to them and told them my story. Thursday was a good day for sure and Friday certainly followed suit.
My plan now is to wait here till monday morning and then head west to Alabama.... Brmingham is the next big city. Make sure you stay tuned for all the big adventures coming our way. Dont forget to tell your friends and family about the Trek. Awareness is half the mission here so spread the word.
Hoping everyone has a good Saturday and a great weekend. Until next time....
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