The amount of time I spent planning this route last year is really paying
off. The end point of day 5 was a parking lot in Shartlesville. It was quiet
and secure and, in theory, should have made for a quiet night. On that
subject, I felt sorry for Deb and. Carlton having to put up with my snoring.
The issue I had was no matter when I turned in the night, a blister would be
caught or the general aches in my feet would wake me up. This is nothing I
haven’t had to deal with before. These early days are going to be difficult
for my feet. I just have to keep the faith that things will get better in
the coming weeks.
I set off from Shartlesville at a snails pace. I was absolutely shattered.
Never mind. I just had to keep moving forward.
Carlton joined me for a few miles and then Deb. Between them, they somehow
managed to get me to the 9 mile point. I simply didn’t think that was possible
at the start of the day. Carlton had found a nice quiet spot to park the RV at
Rehrersburg. It was time for a 30 minute tactical snooze. That was followed by
a wrap and some rice pudding. In what seemed the blink of an eye, I was on my
way on the next 9 mile block.
I started out on a busy road with very little room for me. I had a quick check
in on the phone with David Fairlamb as I was running. He would have got a
different Run Geordie Run had he spoken to me in the morning session. I was
running with a little pace again and enjoying it.
As I reached Frystown, I could see some very dark clouds ahead. They were
accompanied by the odd rumble of thunder. I asked a nearby garage worker if I
could shelter under his canopy. He invited me to the office and I sat there
and waited for the torrential downpour to pass. I told Keith (the garage
owner) and his colleague who’d taken me in all about the run across the USA.
Keith checked out my website and a 100 dollar donation was made. It’s these
random acts of kindness that stay with me forever. Thank you to Keith’s Garage
for kindness and generosity. It means more than they may know.
After a few minutes, Deb turned up with my waterproof and hi viz. Carlton was
busy down the road doing the laundry! Top man. Deb rejoined Carlton just in time
to fold my laundry. Don’t they look delighted.
I stopped for an omelette at 18 miles and was soon on my way again. At this
point there were very dark skies ahead, the odd rumble of thunder and some
impressive lightening.
I was joined by Deb then Carlton and we made it to the 30 mile point as it got
dark. It wasn’t safe to proceed on the main route 22 road so I called it a day
there. In reality I was on my limit. Painful feet brought this day to an end.
Tomorrow's route is 34 miles Carlisle.
Day 7.
TUNE OF THE DAY: Creedence Clearwater Revival - Have you ever seen
the rain.
