Sunshine, Hills, and Heartfelt Hellos

This morning, I woke up on a wonderfully comfortable mattress in a cozy room at Paula and Marcus’s house. The simple joy of knowing I’d get to see them both before I left already made getting up feel lighter than yesterday. They’d told me they'd rise early to say goodbye—such a kind gesture. I truly appreciated that.

There was a peaceful energy in the house, and I felt grateful—for the restful night, the sunny forecast, the continued healing in my leg, and the solid 33-mile distance ahead. A new day, and a different mood altogether.

Before I left, we had a brief but meaningful exchange. I'm thankful not only for their hospitality but also for the conversations we shared, including snacking time with some friends. I’m a big believer in having respectful, heartfelt conversations—even (and especially) when we don't all agree. I’m grateful for the openness to listen and learn from each other’s perspectives. That, to me, is the kind of connection that makes the world more human.

After packing up and saying goodbye, I set off. The morning was crisp, and I was tempted to run… just to warm up a bit. I did jog a little, but mostly, I stuck to the plan: walking. I reminded myself I’m still on my “running vacation,” and I want to give my leg the full recovery it deserves.

It took a little while to fully cross Russellville—there’s always more to see in a town, and with the buggy, I need to stay focused and maneuver carefully. But I didn’t mind. Observing city life brings a different kind of rhythm to the journey.

Back on Highway 64, I crossed a bridge that spanned a lake, then came a steady stretch of rolling hills. Not too steep, but they kept me moving with intention. The sun slowly warmed the air, and with it, my spirit. It’s amazing how a bit of sunshine can energize the heart.

I walked steadily throughout the day, taking only a couple of short breaks—for groceries and a quick bathroom stop. By 4 PM, I had made it to Clarksville, where I checked into a motel. Nothing fancy—just some WiFi, a cold instant coffee, an apple, and later I’ll heat up some rice and mix in a few nuts. That’s dinner. And honestly, it sounds perfect.

One of the sweetest parts of today was waving to people as I passed by. Whether they were in their gardens, yards, or on porches, I lifted my hand to say hello—and more often than not, they waved right back. It’s such a simple, human gesture. If you’ve never tried it, give it a go—it’s like an invisible thread of connection. People don’t really think about it. They just respond, often with a smile that lingers.

It reminds me of how instinctive it is to reach for each other—to connect. Like extending your hand when someone needs help and having someone grab hold without hesitation.

So thank you to everyone who waved back today. You made my walk feel a little warmer, a little brighter, and a lot more human.

See you tomorrow.