lots of excitement

I am beginning to get an image of what things are like day to day with Jed. I hate to make snap judgements, but I am getting the feeling that Kentucky is not quite as friendly as the midwest. Maybe they are weary of the flooding and rain and just not happy in general now. I got a call from Jed asking me if I could express mail one of his trekking poles to him at a town called Booneville. He was in Hindman, and having an impossible time trying to stay dry with the supplies he had. He ordered himself a larger tarp that he could wrap around himself at night when he slept to attempt to stay dry. His last few nights were spent on the move, looking for a bridge/rock/anything at all to deflect the pounding rain. He was unable to stop and rest for the night because of the relentless soaking. Getting frustrated trying to set up a tarp shelter in the 40 mph winds, he got to a location where he could order supplies online. He was having the tarp express mailed to Booneville, where he was anticipating being in another day or two. I got the poles, managed a 15 minute break from work, and shipped the package as soon as the post office opened. That was Tuesday. I got word this evening, Thursday, that he picked them up at the PO. Of course the mother in me REALLY REALLY wanted to include a shipment of one of his favorite cookies...pizzelles...in the box. No time, no space in the shipping tube...I had to settle for the bare bones. I hope this helps Jed.

One of Jed's buddies from ALE (Adirondack Leadership Expeditions) met him last night in Booneville for a bite of food. How great is that! What a pleasant change from the day for him. He'd had an "encounter" with a couple of pit bulls earlier on. I am grateful for his deep throaty voice, as he faced them down screaming and looking as intimidating as possible. That can work for a charging bear in the northwoods but you never can really predict what an animal will do. Especially a tag team of pit bulls.

Today's post came in the form of another frustrating tale. As Jed ran by a house, he noticed a police car in the drive, and some local heat on the porch. Two guys, 4 dogs. As he passed, the cops told their dogs to "get him". The dogs charged, but didn't follow through to contact. Maybe the local law thought that was funny. I didn't. I have some very dear friends here who are policemen. They would be appalled at the thought of officers doing this. Redneck jerks!

So....Jed's introduction to Kentucky hasn't been a very positive one. In fact, I imagine he will not be sorry to see that state behind him. Me neither. Besides, then he will be closer to us. He's going to jump off the Transamerica trail and run across Missouri on the Katy trail. There are many here who would love to run with him for a while, and that will make it both safer and possible for them to join him for a couple miles. I can't run with him, but I am going to navigate some time off work and drive to an area where I can see him and spend a couple hours with him. I haven't seen him for a long time.

I would be grateful for any prayers on his behalf for safety and health.