Canon City to Pueblo; Distance = 38 Miles; People Met = 17+
Our route from Canon City to Pueblo involved all road walking. A common sight along the side of all paved roads we have traveled are bungee cords; most broken, some still in tact. Along this particular stretch were quite a few banana peels. What that means I haven’t a clue.
Peeling out?
Pueblo brought to us many highs and a couple disappointments. One disappointment was a lack of media coverage. The other disappointment was my continuing inability to get rid of blood someway, somehow. With hemachromatosis I’m supposed to get rid of blood about every 3 months. It’s been 5 months for me now, mostly because I wanted to get over the Rockies first, partly because of problems I then encountered in Denver, Colorado Springs and now Pueblo.
The disappointments were far outweighed by the hospitality and speaking opportunities that occurred. I was interviewed by Voices on the Net, a web radio program. I was supposed to be on for 30 minutes but the interview extended to around 45 minutes as JJ (the host) was excited about what I was doing. In fact, it got a little embarrassing when he started tossing out the word “idolize.” After all, my message is to focus on the togetherness of community, not the idolatry of heroes.
The Hiking Humanitarian on Voices on the Net
I also got my first opportunity to speak to a faith-based group. Laura Craven, our extremely gracious host for a few days, set up a talk with her church group from SonRise, the Methodist church in Pueblo West. We ran into one member Mark the next day and he provided feedback that my topic fit in perfectly with their ongoing discussion about their “Missional Map.” The “Equipping Minister” Sarah mentioned she had a contact at Kansas University that might provide me a speaking opportunity there.
The SonRise group with our hostess Laura to the right
Mark and Jennifer
At the store where we met Mark and Jennifer we also ran into Jan Hart in the bakery section. Jan is a retired nurse who originally hailed from West Virginia. She knows what poverty is about and was enthused about the recent protests going on, and about what we were doing.
Jan Hart
We spent a rest day in Pueblo with the First United Methodist Church as our home base. I interviewed Marci Reynolds-Bain, executive director for the Cooperative Care Center. Their mission is to “sack hunger.” In the interview they provide surprising news about the people they serve.
Marci and Mona of the Cooperative Care Center.
The Church hosts dinner on Wednesday evenings, as parishioners then go on to participate in choir, bell choir or Bible study. I performed a couple of my songs at the dinner. The next morning I had a terrific discussion with Pastor Rick, who also happens to be the Vice-District Governor for the Lions Clubs in the area. You could tell we were on the same wavelength in regards to many things, from faith to community. He wanted a stack of my business cards as he was going to do what he could to get Lions Clubs to support our journey and mission.
Other Photos
Prairie dogs
Drinks (soda) were on the house, compliments of Glenna at Valero
Security officer Joseph Sanchez at Parkview Medical shook my hand 5 times
Sharon, Anthony and Dini of the First United Methodist Church in Pueblo
Just checking in on you both, Take good care of yourselves….I love what your doing!God Bless you both
Thanks, Jackie!
It was wonderful meeting you both at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center this morning. I forgot to mention Cheraw, like La Junta has had for a number of years, started its own community garden this year.
Thanks for the info. For those “listening in” don’t be alarmed. There is nothing wrong with either Cindy or I (well, not more than usual). I have hemachromatosis and have to get rid of blood on a periodic basis.
I am in Washington DC for the ADTS Board meeting and plan to tell the Board what a wonderful experience it was to meet you and of your enthusiasm for the ADT. Best wishes. Dick
Keep up the good work, Dick!