Days 255-256 – 2/3-4/12 – New Albany, IN (much content)

New Albany to Henryville; Distance = 20 Miles; People Met = 12+

Photos at the end.

We hiked to Henryville in one day, which left us a rest day to spend in New Albany during inclement weather. While stopping at a convenience store for their restrooms we met Frank, who wants to do something like what we are doing some day. At the Farm Fresh Market in Memphis, IN we met Ron Fraley and his dog. There also was a designated dog chair which the pooch hopped onto just long enough for a photo. One gets the sense the dog is used to paparazzi. We were hailed twice by curious onlookers. One was Al the runner, who informed us that Fuzzy Zoeller’s house was nearby. The other was John the wood doctor, who informed us there was a trail nearby that went thousands of miles. Apparently he did not realize just how nearby that trail was.

On the rest day we checked out but two of the numerous programs in New Albany available to help those in need. St. Marks UCC hosts one of many Hot Meals programs that are coordinated so that a hot meal is available every day of the week, sometimes in multiple places. St. Marks does not go it alone; through and interfaith council teams are formed to rotate service to others here in other ways. At the Hot Meals program I interviewed Glen Snow from the Christian Central Church, or Chef Snowball, about the good deeds going on in New Albany.

Donna came by to meet us at the Hot Meals program and then escort us to one of the clothing programs. While there she mentioned she’s thinking about restructuring that particular program because of the talk I gave on Thursday, encouraging both the more and less fortunate to participate. In that spirit I obtained a pair of running shoes for continuing our trek.

Donna invited us to the annual talent show that St. Marks hosts annually. The theme was movies; the talent and creativity on display was fantastic! The final number, a rendition of “Bridge over troubled waters” adapted as commentary for the closed I64 bridge across the Ohio River, probably will be on You Tube. I was particularly moved by a choral group’s performance of “Seasons of Love,” from Rent. I’ve always liked that song, but never thought how well the lyrics reflect our journey for documenting kindness.

I was invited to give a performance and chose “American Dream” from my original music. Fortunately I did not have to go right after “Seasons of Love” or I would have been an emotional mess.