Of course, when you exert your body beyond a reasonable limit of physical activity, it needs a break. For this reason alone, I am thankful for today's rest. Otherwise, I would just as well keep on keeping on. After all, the surest way to measure any real sense of progress on this journey is to hear the rubber of my tires roll across the asphalt and to arrive at a different hotel each night.
The High Priest Group Leader at the Chillicothe Branch of the LDS Church picked me up at my room this morning. He travels more than 30 miles (one way) to get to church. Large boundaries here in this part of Missouri; the Chillicothe Branch covers nearly 200 square miles. Today was the Children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation (CSMP) back in Boise, which I regretfully missed. Coincidentally, the Chillicothe Branch had their CSMP today. So, yet again, I felt a connection to my children while we are miles apart.
I really got a kick out of, both, the differences and the similarities, in such a small community like this. I met a man whom I might speak more of at a later date. In the short time I spent with him, he made a profound impact on me, my mission, and my existence. I can only hope that, maybe by a chance, I was able to have a possitive impact on him; and more importantly he might be able to comprehend the miracle of forgiveness.
Other duties today included updating my website, laundry, phone calls, dinner, and more packing. Oh, as if I weren't already armed enough, I picked up another defense mechanism for those blasted dogs. Because there have not been many here in Missouri, I wonder what the future holds. I know I won't have to worry about losing my balance while swinging a stick or crossing my fingers in hopes that the pepper spray makes it into the dogs eyes before he sinks his teeth into my leg. Now, I will simply aim and pull the trigger...on my new BB gun!
It's time for round two at the Golden Corral Buffet. Kansas is just around the corner.
"I CAN!"
15 comments:
Did the air horns not work? I know when Austen blows his trumpet and Shadow is around it sure sends him a runnin'! Heard no more about your finger or knee, so I'm hoping that no news is good news as far as they are concerned. You're going to have to find a way to even out that tan when you're done, but in the meantime, it's a wonderful tell tale sign! For my peace of mind Chip, you're going to have to get your blogging done first! When you haven't posted before I go to bed, it's very unsettling!!
You bet you can!
Faye
:)
You mean business! A BB gun, huh? When these dogs are chasing you, is there ever a owner yelling for the dog to stop or come back? And how far do they chase you?
I had been busy the last couple days and wasn't able to get to the computer but know I was thinking about you often and was wishing you well. Glad you had a good rest day and hope it was enough to get you through the next six days of cycling!
Happy trails!
I know we talk several times a day, but let me just put it in writing how very proud I am of you! You talked about this incredible trek for so long. Although I might have thought you were crazy, I never doubted that you would do it! Who knew as fifth graders in Mr. Sallee's class, that the obnoxious Chip Schultz would not only be my husband, but be riding his bike across the USA in honor of heroes all around us?!I have always had a desire to touch people's lives. You inspire me to find ways that I can. I love you "one thousand years ago."
Chip,
I enjoyed talking to you yesterday, glad the phone is working again. We'll have to work on cleaning off the tires more safely when you get home. Your arsenal of anti-canine ordnance is going to make your corps buddies jealous!
It was great to hear that you are in great spririts!
Dean
Hey Chip. I must say that I'm loving that tan line across the middle of your forehead. It really brings out the whites of your eyes.
Love the BB gun, too. I have complete faith that you will be able to look, point, and shoot at a rabid blood-thirsty dog-beast all while riding straight ahead, avoid wandering to the other side of the road into oncoming traffic, AND not losing your balance on the bike.
You're doing awesome, Chip!! Keep going and this'll be over before you know it!
Love, Ellen
Hee Hee
Have to say great tan line. I check your blog everyday but as you can see only write once in a while. Just want to let ya know you're rocking, and YES you can.
Hippy Doug
Hi Chip!
I had Jody send me some of your cards to hand out (thanks Jody), people are so interested in what you are doing. They can't believe you are riding a bicycle across the country by yourself! Well I just wanted to say hello and wish you well. Take Care of yourself out there.
-Julie Sanford (Anderson)
Chip, Any idea how many pounds you have dropped since you start the ride? You look noticeably thinner. Maybe you should eat more pizza. I mean you only ate one slice at the free all you can eat buffet a couple days back. One slice! What were you thinking? Unless you want to be the size of that little Chip on my shoulder in the doctored up San Gorgonio photo by the time you get to Cali, Eat More Pizza!!! Remember "IETBH;IHTBS."
I will let everyone figure out what that means. If you and Tracy can have your secret sayings, I guess we can too.
SF,
Dave
Tracy, I wanted to tell you what a great person I think you are. Chip is doing this ride because you were willing to support him. This is the selfless act of someone who truely knows what love is.
When I consider what you are doing to support Chip in this quest, I am reminded of many military wives I have known over my years of active service. They would get their Marine ready to deploy, take him to the airfield or ship and kiss him goodbye. Then they would turn around gather up their children and go home to be both mother and father to them for the next six, nine, seventeen months. They would take care of all the bills and bruised knees. They would attend all the conferences and soccer practices. They write their Marine and say things like you said to Chip on today's blog. And their Marine's chest would swell with pride and that Marine would be able to take on whatever challenges await.
Thanks for helping me to remember what an important role the military spouse plays in the safety and secruity of our country.
Everyone, if you know one of these extraordinary men, find out who their spouse is and thank them for all they do.
Semper Fi,
Dave
Chip, you are truly insipiring!
And I LOVE all the barn pictures!
I wish you the best of luck in hitting as many attack dogs that come your way. On my mission (where there are many, many stray dogs) we used to say that they were animals of the devil.
Lookin good, Chip. Good thinking on that bb gun. Be careful though. That Thing looks real. So just watch when you use it. Hopeful no one will see you an call the Troopers on ya. Thanks for the text message today. Hope I was able to put a little cadence in your mind.
Keep on keepin on, bro.
Bach
I like your finger Chip. I smashed mine a couple of months ago due to helping my Dad with something and it looks similar to yours. Just want to tell you that you're going to look back at this later on in life and be so happy you did it. All of the support you get from friends and from contacts you meet along the way is amazing. You're doing an excellent job. The blog looks terrific. I love the pictures and stories. I hope you never have a day like you did during the 1st Whitney attempt. :) Keep marching along.
Hey Chip,
Me again...A while back, Michelle Kilgore sent your story to Oprah. Darn that woman! She hasn't done anything about it yet.
Hey Chip you are truly magnificent your doing it, and I look up to admire and respect all that you are and stand for. Sorry to hear about your mishaps dogs, knee,finger glad to hear though that things are getting better. Bradley and I check the computer every night to read about your days he loves it. Keep on keepin on.
love you,
Amy
Faye,
I rarely ever turn on the t.v. in my room. It's shower quickly, eat, blog, and zzzzzzzzzzzzz! Sorry though, sometimes it is pretty late.
Jody,
NEVER an owner ANYWHERE!!! That's the problem. And they usually chase me a bit beyond their property. But sometimes they just show up out of nowhere and chase me for maybe a couple of hundred feet - sounds like fun, huh?
Tracy,
Thanks honey. And I love you to the moon...and back!
Dean,
Likewise. As for cleaning off the tires...don't know if I'll be riding much more after this!
Ellen,
You make me laugh, thanks!
Doug,
Love the support!
Julie,
Thank you!
Dave,
That was at lunch. I can't scarf in the middle of the ride. Sorry to spoil your code, "IT'S EASY TO BE HARD; IT'S HARD TO BE SMART." I love it...Semper Fi!
Dave again,
You really are a great guy. Remember...the toughest job in the Corps is being a Marines wife!
Holly,
Thanks. See, you should have carried a gun on your mission...ha! ha!
Bach,
You are awsome, love the motivation!
Jacob,
The 1st Whitney is never to be mentioned...especially where everyone can hear it (read it).
Jacob again,
COME ON OPRAH!!!
Amy,
Thanks.
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