4-20-06
Start: Lincoln State Park, IN
Destination: Boonville, IN
Miles: 19.2
Weather: Stormy and rainy
We saw lightning hit about 50 feet in front of us today right on the road in front of us. We both jumped and screamed - it was so freaky!! I was shaking, and we were doing our best to stay clear of the power lines. I had one of those little FM auto-scan radios, and they said there was a severe thunderstorm warning that has produced nickel and quarter-size hail. With the close lightning, we figured it probably wasn't far behind, so we began to look for shelter. I can handle the pea-size hail, but not quarter-size! There was a log house on our right with an open porch. At least if there wasn't anyone home, I thought we could stand on the porch while the storm went through.
We started up the driveway and noticed the garage light on, so we walked up to it and talked to the two guys working in there - they said they were just working, but to go ahead and knock - that Doug was a great guy and wouldn't mind if we stood on his porch - in fact he'd probably invite us in - and the guys told us to ask about his bobcat.
When we started for his porch, he came out. Doug asked us what we were doing, so we told him our story, and he invited us in for coffee. Funny thing: we didn't get any hail - in fact, just as we got onto his porch, it basically stopped raining. But we were thrilled to take a break. So we talked over coffee, then Doug brought us downstairs to meet Emos, his bobcat. This cat is so friendly, we were able to go right in, sit on the floor, pet her, play with her, and take pictures. It was just like being with any cat - only a big, big one. She is so well-mannered. And hey - just so you all know, there are bigger cats out there than my Buckley kitty! Doug said Emos weighs about 30 pounds. It was just so cool to meet her. And Doug is a very wonderful guy. He's the kind of person you just feel good around. So our morning thunderstorm brought us a wonderful meeting and experience. I love when these things happen. Thank you, Doug, for sheltering us from the storm, and for such a wonderful, memorable day!
On Doug's porch, on our way back on the road, Dave from Channel 14, WFIE, out of Evansville, met up with us. So we hiked on while he took some footage of us walking, then jumped ahead a few times - I even got a picture of him taking video of us. I knew I was mic'd, and that he could hear me, so as I took the picture I said, "A-ha - you're on camera, too!" I smiled and snickered, and he smiled back. Later down the road we sat for a bit and did an interview. I think both mom and I did well. We are slowly getting the hang of this. It's kind of fun, and we've had people thank us particularly for bringing in good news. And we're thrilled to do that!
It rained the rest of the afternoon, and when we got to Boonville, we were both pretty blah. We stopped at a cafe to eat where we met Jim. Jim is a super helpful guy - one of these guys that everyone in town knows. He'd do anything for anyone. He was helping us figure out what to do with our evening - we chose a cabin at a park just down the road, and Jim gave us a ride (which is okay with me because it was off-trail to the cabin). It's supposed to rain all night, and as I sit here with a roof over my head and my clothes freshly washed, I'm a happy "camper!" And it's a lot cheaper than a hotel room! I was surprised.
Tomorrow is a big day for us. My mom's sisters (my aunts) Lee and Karen are flying down to give us some serious Lee & Karen Trail Magic. These two have done so much when we had our fundraisers, when I was sick, and preparing for this hike. And they always have so much fun doing it. I'm really looking forward to seeing them. I'm probably going to have plenty to talk about. But then again, what's new?
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