Judi's Trek Blog

August 29, 2006

Our day started earlier than it did yesterday, I’m guessing around 7 AM. Before we left the Penn residence, David gave us a copy of the Daily Press in which there was a story about Gary’s journey by Hillary Borrud (staff writer) and Aaron Walker (staff photographer). Mom drove us to last night’s stopping place, a block from the intersection of Hesperia Road and Green Tree Road in Victorville, CA. We filmed Gary’s ceremonial flag retrieval and his discussion of the day’s goals before setting off to walk through Victorville. We met Bobby Dukes (78) and Yvonne (67), a couple carrying walking sticks. We asked them about their choice of walking sticks. We are still deciding what to carry in the harshest part of the desert.

Bobby showed us his self fashioned walking stick made from a golf club with the head removed. He demonstrated the benefits of its lightweight construction and showed us how he uses it for killing rattle snakes. He gave us some hints on managing snakes. His walking companion (I’m pretty sure Yvonne is his wife, although we didn’t specifically ask) told us that she usually spots the snakes and then moves away so that Bobby can kill them. I told Yvonne that I liked her role in the snake management business and that I would plan to spot the snakes and let Gary manage the rest of the story. We all laughed together. Bobby told us that he and Yvonne routinely walk 10-12 miles each day to stay healthy. We congratulated them on their healthy lifestyle, shared well wishes and continued on.

On 7^th street in Victorville there is Paul’s Furniture store. A huge chair is on the side of the store; we took pictures in the chair for a “Gary is shrinking” chuckle. This took a while, but was pretty fun. Gary hammed it up for the camera and sent a few pictures via phone image to his wife, Cheryl.

Around 1240, Gary, Mom and I took a rest break beside Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Café on Old Rte 66 between Victorville and Barstow, California. We were really feeling the 118 degree weather. Mom found a little shady spot, so we took advantage of the opportunity. We told Mom about our morning walk noting that a number of people offered encouragement in the form of a short honk and a thumbs-up as they drove by in their cars. Sally Mendoza and David Rickwalt stopped by our little shady spot to take some pictures with Gary and to help support his journey. Their enthusiasm, encouragement and support were very appreciated. We talked about Fast-5 and the obesity problem in our country.

We talked about diabetes and hypertension. Sally told us of her weight loss success and her motivation to continue her efforts to achieve and maintain best health. Mom went into the café to use the restroom. She returned to tell us that Shawna and Brian Gentry, the owners, requested that we come in and sign the guestbook. We went in and had some refreshing ice water, visited with Shawna and Brian and the patrons having lunch, then left a note in the guestbook. We took a few pictures, a tradition that Gary has developed and we are continuing. It was great to share in the pride that Old Route 66 merchants have for their location and traditions.

We were walking on the National Trails Highway when a man named Robert Clouser called to us from the side of the road. He offered cold water and asked Gary to sign his copy of the Daily Press paper because he really is supportive of Gary’s mission. Gary signed the paper. We took some pictures, then Robert invited Lynn Maloney to also have a picture taken. Robert and Lynn are caretakers of the Antique Station in Oro Grande, CA. Robert was outside the Antique Station when he first called to us. He invited us in to meet Barbara Engelhardt (Helendale, CA), Chris Spurlock (Hesperia, CA) and Nan Guzman (Hesperia, CA). I called my Mom to tell her that we were inside. She joined us shortly. We talked with the group about our journey and Fast-5. They were a welcoming group with enough energy to recharge our enthusiasm to keep walking and keep talking until everyone with an interest hears about the important messages that we carry and share.

Gary and I said our farewell and continued on. Mom stayed behind for a little while to browse the antiques and buy a gift for a friend. Mom tells me that the merchant did a stellar job of packaging the gift to be mailed tomorrow.

A brief walk brought us to Club 66 Bar and Pizzeria. We stopped in to enjoy the air conditioning and to talk with those inside. The owners, Nolie and Linda, treated us to Diet Cokes and listened to Gary’s tales of the east coast leg of his journey. Gary talked easily with Nolie and Linda and the patrons sitting nearby.

It was an engaging discussion about the obesity epidemic and some of the factors that are contributing to the problem.

He talked about the kindness of strangers and the generous spirit of this country’s inhabitants. After a welcomed break from the heat and a generous dose of friendly conversation, Gary and I moved on. When we connected with Mom later, she told us that Linda and Nolie gave her Club 66 t-shirts for our group. We appreciate the kindness and will be sure to send a note back to thank them.

 We approached Iron Hog Saloon on National Trails Highway, Old Route 66 in Oro Grande, California. The owners, Mark and Lynda Townsend called to us with greetings and an invitation to come in for free drinks and dinner. It was a kind offer and we eagerly accepted a cold drink and warm conversation. We had plans for dinner with the Penns, so we delayed our break-fast until later. The Iron Hog Saloon customers and owners were just great offering well wishes, encouragement and a festive atmosphere. We talked about our military roots with Bill Sheridan, Mark Townsend and the rest of the group.

We participated in a well established tradition of writing a message on a dollar bill so that Mark and Lynda could display it with the many other messages collected over the years. I took the opportunity to film inside of the saloon. The atmosphere was fun; we really had an enjoyable visit. We said our good-byes and thanked them for the hospitality. We walked .3 more miles east to finish the day with 13.1 miles. We planted the flag as I filmed Gary giving the day’s closing remarks. We hopped in the car and headed back to the Penn’s home for dinner and fellowship. Ruth had prepared a generous meal and we ate heartily. It has been a good walking day – the longest distance for this west coast leg of the journey, so far. We feel like we are getting a rhythm to the routine as time passes. Gradually we will increase our distance as endurance builds and pounds drop. 

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