The End of the Beginning - N2N-TCP Comes to an End

The End of the Walk - Clinton, Iowa

If you’ve read Dad’s last post, you’ve probably sussed out the fact that we’ve come to the end of the walk.

I’m a little saddened to see this effort come to an end, but I’ve got nothing but gratitude for how things have turned out.

I’m grateful for a safe journey journey along the way. Apparently, the Universe really does look out for fools.

I’m grateful for the overwhelmingly positive support we’ve received from the people who have taken their time to share our adventure and their own experiences both virtually and actually. When the sun got hot, the rain pattered down, the packs got heavy, and the feet got raw, your words of encouragement and optimism helped us get up the next morning and take one more step, walk one more mile, and thoroughly enjoy your company. I wish we had made it the full way across, but know that we could not have gotten as far as we did without your support.

I’m grateful for the wonderful people we’ve met along the way. I think that sometimes it is tempting to give into cynicism and question the future of our communities. The news is full of tragedy and fear, but that’s not the story we saw as the people we met greeted us with generosity, friendship, and encouragement. From the friendly honk, a firm handshake or hug, or a place to stay for the evening, the good people who have crossed our path have proven that there is great reason for optimism. The near constant darkness that filters in through the airwaves doesn’t represent what’s really going on out here in the real world. Of course there are tragedies and challenges….some of them really quite daunting, but I’m convinced more than ever that the goodness outweighs the rough spots by a very wide margin. Our new friends and acquaintances have restored my sense of hope that we’ll be able to face the challenges before us together and prevail in the long run.

Finally, I’m grateful for the nearly uninterrupted five months I’ve gotten to spend with my Dad. I’m very proud of what we accomplished together, and I’ll be forever grateful for your help, support, and true friendship along the way. 

The end of the beginning is underway, and what happens next is anyone’s guess.  A bit like a Willie Nelson song, today, I left Dallas on an Amtrak headed south. I’ll be making my way back to Maryland by the long way round. 

As the N2N-TCP winds down, I want you all to know how much your participation in our pilgrimage has meant to us. As we plan the next chapter in our adventuring, I’ll stop back by here every now and then to give you an update. Until then, I hope to see you all “out on the road.”