Back on Jersey Time…
Aside from the nagging blisters and beat up joints, this has been the best stretch of the trip. Truthfully, we have been feeling much better and the pain is continuing to subside. St. Louis was a nice stop for us, especially the Cardinals game we got to see and the famous Gateway Arch. Just want to make a quick shout out to Gerald Stewart who we met at the Sonic in St. Louis.
After leaving St. Louis, our goal was to fly through Illinois.It was a 150 mile stretch that we really wanted to put behind us just because it was flat and there really wasn’t much around. To get out of the state, we had 102 miles that we planned to break down into four walks. However, after a little discussion we decided just to get it done in three days. The way it worked was 3 walks, each 34 miles long. Those extra four miles really take a toll on you, especially after the first walk knowing you have to do it two more times.
Yesterday we made it to downtown Indianapolis and now we are just about 700 miles away from Nutley. Ant was in heaven for a day because he got to see Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Colts play. We continue to get the royal treatment as we relaxed in a suite and the Hilton Hotel in downtown Indy. After a comp’d stay at the Crown Plaza yesterday, we just received an email saying we will be taking care of the rest of the time through Indiana. We really want to thank everyone who has contributed in any way to the success of our walk. There are simply too many people to thank because this has grown into something beyond both of our expectations.
During today’s walk out of Indianapolis we started talking to a few people as we were taking one of our breaks at a gas station. A couple struck up a conversation with us because they of course were curious of the baby strollers. After we told them we were doing they wished us luck. A little way down the road they beeped as they drove past us. Apparently, an idea popped up in their heads as they pulled over to the side of the road and waited for us to meet up with them. Once we got there they ran out to take a picture and asked for our autographs. That was definitely a first for us and we really appreciated it. A few miles down the road we took a longer break on a couple of park benches in the shade and then finished the final 12 miles to Greenfield.
Another boost for our psyche during this past week was crossing into Indiana and entering the Eastern Time Zone. We are now on the same schedule as everyone back home, which makes us feel even closer. We will be in Ohio in just a few days and will continue to get closer and closer. Our estimated arrival date is now Friday October 8. This will give us some leeway in terms of taking a few extra days off or cutting some long walks into shorter ones. Thanks everyone for following and once we have definite plans for our final walk we will let everyone know.
NICE PHOTO WITH THE ARC !!!
KEEP IT UP ROB AND ANTHONY
“Oh my sons,my sons”!! Just knowing you both are on our side of the fence makes me so happy! It is a gorgeous weekend here. It will be hot this week. The humidity has subsided a bit. There is a hint of autumn in the air. We can breath a little now ( a sigh of relief because you are getting closer.) Hey have you guys ever listened to Closer to Home by Grand Funk Railroad? It seems very fitting now. We might meet you in Pittsburg for the Steelers game!! LOVE YOU!!!
Again, as always thanks to everyone who has made your journey a little easier! The goodness of the people you meet along the way continues to astound me! You both are in my thoughts every hour of the day and knowing you are so close to home is really making my days easier! Dad and Uncle Lou hope to come out around the 9th and I will most likely see you in Pennslyvania once the baby is born! Miss you both and love you!
You both are getting that Samson look with the hair and I must say it is adorable. Ant — loved the little heart nose on your hat in the photo!!! As always, you are in our hearts and souls and the moments of thinking about you both pepper our days and nights. Let’s hope this part of the country treats you as well as the southwest and mid-section of the US has. Can’t wait to see Ant walking into Sassy’s kitchen with Robbie scrounging around for his healthy treats and odd combos of food. Looking forward to seeing you dump that raw Quaker Oats down your gullet. All the angels and saints have you in their loving arms as you move closer to us and we can once again embrace you both. Love you. xox
Hi Guys! I was so upset to see that the post I made on your last blog never went through. Wierd…Anyway, first off, as I said in that blog, “Thank you for calling me from the Cardinals game on my birthday Ant!” It was a wonderful surprise to hear from you and to hear your voice! It feels like such a sense of relief that you are almost home….kind of like after you pass Wednesday, and the week-end is almost here!! Most of all, that the both of you remain safe in God’s care. As the rest of the family and all of your friends, old and new, have said, we continue to be so grateful and appreciative for all of the “angels” that have crossed your path along the way. Everything happens for a reason, and it has never been as clear as we have all witnessed throughout your journey. We will continue to pray for your safety, and count down the days until we see you again.
We love you!!
Aunt Donna and Billy
Hi Guys,
Have been with you all the way and prayers are with you. May the angels remain on your shoulders and guide you home.
Victoria
It’s so exciting to know that you are so close to the final leg of this amazing journey. Just reading about it is staggering. I can only imagine what it must feel like to both of you knowing that the word “home ” is in your conversations these days. We think about you all the time and pray for your continued safety on this incredible life experience.
Hi guys! I’m so happy you’re back in our time zone and heading for the East Coast. I love reading your Facebook updates and blog posts and can’t wait to see you to hear about your journey firsthand. Neil says hello from Lac-Beauport, Canada.
Love you both,
Lauren
Hi Guys! Sorry, I read this blog last week and never responded…Better Late Then Never!! So happy to hear you’re back on Jersey time. Will not be long until you’re in the same area code!!!!! Always in my thoughts and prayers.
Love ya!
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Hi Again,
Thankful you are in New Jersey.
Welcome Home…back to New Jersey..
May the angels remain on your shoulders.
Victoria
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