Wednesday-Friday June 16-18, 2004

Portage to Munster, IN

Didn't make it to the Illinois line today, but we had fun. About a dozen people joined the walk at various points. All of them added some interesting tidbits about the area. The walking was difficult because there wasn't much of an apron most of the way.

Walked along Ridge Road in Gary. It's certainly an area that's on tough times. But I didn't feel unsafe. In fact, I met some nice people there.

My wife, Pat is here so we're taking some time to explore the area for a few days. I won't be back on the road till Monday.

We visited the National Lakeshore and dunes yesterday (Thursday) and again today. Pat loves the ocean and this reminded her of the ocean. The sand was extremely fine and there were waves, about like low tide at the ocean.

There's also quicksand. I went down to my knees in it. (The first time I told the story I was in to my ankles, then it was kneess. Pretty soon, I'll be in up to my neck.) I suppose they don't call it quicksand here, but I sure went down fast had trouble pulling my ankle, um knees,… out.

The local newspaper, The Post-Tribune, has been great. Some of their people walked with me others attened a little get-together last night (sponsored by the paper).

We're hoping to reach Joliet by Tuesday. Maybe, maybe not.