Tim & Mike bid me farewell from their home in Royston. Mike joined me for the first five miles of the day. "I haven't walked a mile in twenty years," Mike told me, "tomorrow's my birthday, and this is a good first step into taking a nice walk every day."

A handful of miles into the day, and we reach Goldmine, home to the first pumpkin patch I've seen outside of my native Pacific Northwest!

Five miles into it, and Mike's completed the first of many more walks he'll be taking this year. Mike hasn't gone on a mile-long walk in 20 years-- and today he walked five. I sense something very awesome beginning here...!!

Forward to Hartwell

Ah-Yeh-Li A-Lo-Hee, the Cherokee "Center of the World." I had no idea this existed, and though I was on a tight schedule, I immediately had to put all else on hold to stop at this VERY special place, meditate, pay my respect and gratitude before returning to the road...

Buck & Beverly Barnett were awaiting me in Hartwell, where their great friends, Bob & Barbara (who hosted me to the excellent, comprehensive dental treatment this past Wednesday) own a lakeside cabin. All are at the cabin this weekend, and have invited me to join them! (Yay!) Beverly has a warm friendship with Tim & Mike; it was Beverly who called them and asked them if they'd like to host me. She hasn't seen either in a while, so I enjoyed witnessing a warm reunion among them all upon arriving to Hartwell tonight!

Saying goodbye to Tim & Mike. Awesome Guys!!

Arriving to the lakeside cabin, in Hartwell, Georgia

Buck helps to prepare a late evening cabin meal

Bob Fogg talks college football with me. Bob & Buck are fans, and I have plenty to learn from them both!

Barbara & Beverly, Road Angels