WALKING ROUTE 66
People Were The Best Part Of The Trip
Chasing the mighty dollar is an illusion.
As I mentioned yesterday, Bruce has a collection of funny t-shirts. This one says, “To save time, let’s just assume I am never wrong.” lol.
Between the longest walk thus far, a relaxing jacuzzi bath, and a comfortable bed, I overslept. Usually, I am up at 4 AM for meditation and prayers; then after freshening up and breakfast, I am on the road by 6 AM.
It was almost 6 AM when I woke. The pleasant aroma of coffee brewing freshly dragged me out of bed and into the kitchen where Bruce was pouring himself a cup. He poured one for me also, and we sat on the patio and got to know each other a little better. We talked about college, faith, and human behavior.
Bruce had called his friend Chris, who works for the local newspaper. We met by the post office on Route 66. Chris told me he’d send a link when the story goes online. Bruce promised to mail me a physical copy of the paper as well. Also, he gave me $100 in lieu of a pair of shoes.
I knew Holly was hugely influential, but I didn’t realize how far-reaching it was. 😎
Around noon, I reached Fanning, home of the World’s largest rocking chair. It stands at 44 feet tall. The travel depot next to it was closed, like a lot of the iconic businesses along the Route.
Bruce had told me that the property behind the rocker is where he was born, as it belonged to his grandparents at one point. As I was resting and enjoying my snack of almonds and dates, a group of bikers stopped by to take pictures in front of the chair. I couldn’t tell if they were Brits or Aussies, so I asked. The man asked if I saw any kangaroos with them?
Ah, no.
“That’s how you could tell we are Brits.”
Okay, if you say so.
I reached St James, my destination for the day around 5 PM. After investigating the area, I decided to stay at McDonald’s near the Interstate. The Manager on duty and the staff were very accommodating and kind. I can’t thank them enough.
As I think back and ponder.
While I undertook the journey to strengthen my faith and trust in God, what I learned about humanity was very heart-warming. Life is all about building relationships, forming networks, and realizing that deep inside; we’re all the same. Anything and everything else is just an illusion.
Stay blessed and be happy, my friends.
Day 34: Making New Friends (Original blog post).
Just for fun.
I invite you to tag along if you’re up to it. I am tagging a few friends who I think will be interested. If you are tagged but don’t want to read my stories daily, just let me know in the comments, and I will not tag you moving forward. If you are reading this and aren’t included in the list below, but you’d like to come along, let me know so that I can tag you.
Michele Amy Trista Henery Timothy Tim P.G. Sherry Saloni Indra B. A. Linda Sharon Tree Linda Britni Desiree Elisabeth Simona Kristin Helen Julia Chris Rosennab Tom Truenorth Agnes Aurora LauraRaduenz Catherine Joe Stuart Gurpreet BFoundAPen Margie Bob NaNa’sworld Wolfie
As always, thank you for reading and responding.
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Rasheed Hooda is a published author, and a regular contributor and editor for ILLUMINATION, a writers’ community on Medium, where writers support each other.
He is a self-proclaimed weirdo who lives a Freedom Lifestyle and writes about related topics — Travel (a top writer), Personal Growth, Freedom, and entrepreneurship. (Get the Newsletter)