Alpha and Alive!

We're alive!!!
Captain's Log, Day 8
The four of us stinky people may have finally found our hiking niche. It's kind of crazy to believe that we've been in Oregon for over a week hiking over small mountains, pumping water from (and sometimes falling into) flowing streams and staying with the coolest people ever. We're a long way from St. Louis now!
As I sit on the porch, relaxing in the shade and allowing a cute dog to lick my dirty socks, I find my heart so filled with joy because I am finally looking at the area we circled on our maps during our planning. It seems so ridiculous now that we just randomly hight-lighted areas that sounded funny or interesting without a real thought as to what we would actual encounter. It was all paper and words while we were in Webster, but now it's nothing but a giant world with fast cars and mile markers that I could swear are actually 5 miles between each other. This state sure has its share of beauty and really sweet souls. Heck, I think if I were to quit this trip today I would have enough to say about the generosity in America.

Here's my really, super, duper, short story about life in the slow lane:
Wednesday May 30
Early in the morning the four of us eager travelers were chaperoned to Lambert St Louis airport by our bodyguard Dee Goines (haha). Our send off song was the delightful and always poppin' "The Way You Move" by Outkast. Well boys, the way we move is kind of like a turtle. My story separates from the group's when I took a seat on a flight to Portland. I left the other six stinky feet to track down our luggage and make room on the standby list. Unfortunately that never worked out...as you can read from Stuck In Salt Lake. Life on the way to Portland was...boring, that is until we reached MOUNT HOOD!!! Oh my gosh. Anyway, after picking up luggage and sitting for Carol Ann and Mark to pick me up, I met a guy who had overheard me talking about my trip. I thought he had been asleep in the uncomfortable airport chairs behind me while I was explaining myself to a curious woman (Starla), but once she left he turned over and sparked a conversation with me. I thought it was a joke. I mean seriously, how often does one come across people who've walked across America. I've searched for them, but they don't usually fall into my lap. The man's name was Rick and though I wish we had had more time to chat, the one very valuable bit of knowledge I've remembered is to stop and smell the roses. Thanks Rick. Immediately, I felt at ease and comfortable with the trip ahead of me.
Thursday May 31
The four stinky people walked four miles from to beach to...almost Florence. The Pacific Ocean made an impression on me...gray, windy and COLD. :) I loved it!
Friday June 1
After 17 miles on our of shape bodies, the four of us were practically crawling to the town of Mapleton. Without breakfast or lunch our stomachs we eating themselves inside out, but fortunately we were able to salvage the rest of our bodies when we stumbled into (the most amazing shop/restaurant) Alpha-Bit. It was 5:50pm when a man appeared from nowhere to tell us about the Alpha-bit shop and all of its vegetarian options. Turned out that the restaurant usually serves a la carte, but every friday night at 6pm they serve a meal. The owners Caroline and Jim made a place for us at the table, fed us a feast of a meal and gave us the coolest place to stay. We took a trip to what is pretty well known and respected in Oregon as the Alpha Farm. It's a community-based living environment compiled of some of the most precious individuals I've ever met. I won't say too much because this should be short and you should read my book after the trip ;). Anyway I played with a six year old genius named Gabrielle and learned to "release (my) sense of urgency." Thank you J for the banana pancakes. I only wished we had learned our lesson earlier, but your words have meant much.
So...the days are flying by, but we're moving so slowly that for the first time I feel as thought I am enjoying every moment of life (including the aches and pains in my back and legs). In only one week, I have started figuring out what I really want out of life. It's good to take this time to think. I don't like sitting and thinking because I'm an antsy person in general, but walking and reflecting is a whole new world. The scenery always changes and perspective is always fresh. :)

Here's my shout out: Kate, you make the best grilled cheese EVER! Thanks for lunch.
And Gabrielle, I miss jumping on the trampoline with you.