This morning I woke up early and headed out to catch the sunrise down at the beach on the Sakonnet River. The evening before Dad and I met a man living in the motel where we ended the day, and Greg suggested that we all get together for breakfast at Graziano’s in Portsmouth, RI. It was on the way to our bridge crossing so we all agreed to meet.
Greg didn’t have a car, so he was walking as well so after a little more discussion the plan that unfolded included me heading off to photograph the sunset early, and Dad and Greg heading down to the restaurant a little about an hour later in the morning.
I woke up around five and managed to make it down to the beach in time to catch the dawn.
Sunrise over the Sakonnet River - Portsmouth, RI
The sky was clear and the weather was crisp and dry which doesn’t make for the most spectacular sunrise, but I had the beach all to myself. The seabirds were calling, and the briny smell of low tide reminded me that later in the day we’d head west and would not see the ocean again for another three thousand miles.
After the sun was fully up, and I was beginning to warm up a little, I walked back and met Greg and Dad for breakfast. We had a great time eating an getting to know Greg and Sharon from Graziano’s.
Greg, Sharon, and Me at Graziano’s in Portsmouth, RI
We went on to have a pretty good walking day covering a little over sixteen miles and ending in Swansea, MA. The only minor fiasco was a battle with brambles that Dad (mostly) lost, but as fiascos go, this was a minor inconvenience.
I have been amazed at the willingness of complete strangers to lend us a helping hand during the (so far) short course of our journey. I one ever wonders about where the country is headed, I recommend you throw on a backpack and grab some trek poles and walk just about anywhere. You’ll find that people are interested, friendly, and helpful, and your hope in your country and your fellow man will be greatly restored.
