DAY 39 ~ 10/23/21

Joan and I walked a total of 15.7 miles today, most of which was in the rain. We were wet noodles!! To end the day we walked into Junction City/Fredrickstown which is in the south eastern part of Missouri. We are also entering the Mark Twain National Forest. Our RV park is in this forest as well. It’s really beautiful with roaming hills and trees.

Today brought new parts of the country I’ve never seen before. As we approached Junction City/Fredrickstown I was saddened by so many broken down houses, piles of used items and what appeared to me to be trash in peoples yards. The other thing that was shocking was seeing so many trucks without license plates. I guess these are the “sovereign citizens” rejecting state government types. Some of them had confederate flag plates. Quite alarming for this northerner.

We had a kind woman pass us on the road we were walking on, turned around and come back to ask if we needed a ride. She said she was going to work. We told her our story and she said that she would pray for us. She then said looking at me “I think I saw you walking by my house yesterday. My dogs came out to the road. I told her I was greeted by some dogs on F yesterday late afternoon, and one was black and white. She said yup that’s my dog. How great is that synchronicity! I’m so amazed at the kindness we’ve encountered!

We talked to a young man in his yard on Hwy OO that said “I’m not used to seeing two ladies walking down the road around here!” We told him our story and he basically had no reaction. Maybe a wow. But he did tell us to have a good day.

We also ran into two guys in a truck coming out of their driveway. As we passed them the passenger said in a southern drawl from the window “Don’t take my raccoon on the road there. I’m having it for dinner. Times are tough!” (There was raccoon road kill on the road.) Unbelievable!!! I guess now I’ve heard everything. He did have a smile on his face so I hope he was kidding but then again you never know.

We had grilled lemon pepper chicken and roasted veggies tonight for dinner. Hit the spot!

Another night with no cell service. So strange to be without it. Amazing how much we depend on it now. Thank goodness I’ve cached enough radio paradise music and for my blue tooth speaker. Listening to music is my perfect wind down before bed time. It’s perfect accompaniment to my daily journal writing too!