Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The Long-Awaited Update

Hello everyone!

It's been much too long since I've given you all a written update. Part of it has been because I have been lazy and I feel like I can never quite find the time to formulate my thoughts, and part of it has been the fact that I am still pondering how I should schedule my written or video updates. I'm thinking a weekly written update would be good. Today is Wednesday, so how about every Wednesday!? Cool.

First of all, I want to take the first part of this to name and sincerely thank all of those who have generously taken me in and restored my spirit beyond words. People like Len Bowen, Rick & Julie Guibord, Heather Dalton, Nature's Classroom Yarmouth, Carol & Dave Thompson, Tom & Deena Kinsky, my amazing girlfriend Erin Sladen, Stephanie & Sue at the Moonlite Inn, Josh Lavoie, Judy Wynne & Family, my buddy Greg Colucci, Nature's Classroom Ivoryton, and Jessica Flake have shown so much kindess, gone out of their way for me, and made sure that I've felt comfortable and safe on a journey where neither of those things will ever be a guarantee. You all inspire me more than you'll ever know!

To those people who I meet on the street in passing, I want you to know how powerful your words of encouragement are and how wonderful it is to meet all of you. You are a part of what makes every day a new adventure and you keep my inner positivity glowing. Thank you so much!

Even those who may never read this; you beep your horns at me and shout enthusiastically or pump your fist out the window of your car. You keep me going!

If I'm leaving anyone out please forgive me; everyone involved so far has really made this more amazing so far than I could have ever expected.

Now, onto a more general update on how things have gone and how things are going. As far as how I'm doing physically, things are looking good! All my muscles have been feeling strong and flexible, and aside from a few minor blisters and occasional sunburn, I've really had no complaints. The weather has been so incredibly beautiful that sometimes I wonder if this is real life. I honestly have not had to walk in a steady rain once yet. As previously mentioned, the same kind of luck has been true with finding places to sleep at night. I've only had to camp outside two nights so far, and both times I only had to deal with a few sprinkles of rain. My pack has been feeling good, never too heavy that I felt any pressing need to lighten the load. Food and water have been easy problems to solve so far, since New England is pretty dense as far as restaurants, gas stations, and other stores go.

I've seen and done some really beautiful things so far. I've traveled beside the ocean, walked along abandoned railroad tracks, crossed a 135 foot tall bridge, walked through a couple cities, stayed at a B&B free of charge, played basketball with kids in Pawtucket, crossed two state borders, and camped outside under an abandoned wooden bridge. Those are just some of the highlights, but there have been so many more amazing things that have happened, it's hard to keep track of it all! Seeing the landscape change from coastal plain to rolling hills has been a real treat so far, and feeling the season change from late winter to budding spring has also been encouraging.

So, all in all, I am doing very well! As I make my way across Connecticut I am meeting more people and exploring both new and familiar places, getting used to the hills, and bracing for the heat of the coming summer. It's gonna be a good one!

Until next Wednesday...

- Eric

PS: I intend to do a long picture update pretty soon, so check back!

On The Road: April 23rd, 2013

Willimantic, Connecticut

Monday, April 15, 2013

On The Road: April 15th, 2013

Thoughts, love, and prayers with all those in Boston tonight. Do not be afraid; they can't take our love and our spirits away from us.

Rehoboth, Massachusetts

Tuesday, April 9, 2013