After breakfast this morning, I wrapped up the outer three toes of my right foot with blue Leukotape K, put on two pairs of socks and my slides, grabbed my backpack, and out the door I went.
No rain today (good), but it was mostly cloudy (very good), and for long stretches at a time I walked in the shade of trees along Hwy 50 (even better).
The highway is noisy, with two lanes of traffic in each direction. As I walked I listened to the Charlie Parker audiobook (he was a serious addict by his mid- to late-teens, married with a son, and constantly hocking his alto sax for drug money). I also tuned into podcasts and listened to jazz masters Bill Watrous and Dexter Gordon.
This part of my journey provides a wide shoulder, which makes the traffic noise bearable. Also, I’m getting close to my goal. The first half of this final leg offers places to eat and/or stay; the second half, less-so. I am certainly counting down the miles, but I can’t make them pass any faster.
Yesterday’s excursion with Gordon to the Naval Academy and the time spent with Ray and Marlene provided a nice opportunity to rest up. All walks this week are on flat terrain, and should be fewer than 20 miles a day. Unless or until it rains, I’ll be hiking in my Reefs.
Managers at both Choice and Wyndham Hotels have saved me money on several occasions by providing special discounts, and I appreciate it. Independent motels have also given me discounts, and at least once I was comped a room. I guess I’m a VIP!
Lunch at Panera Bread in Easton was comforting. 19 miles today.
@ Easton, Maryland