West Union to Clarksburg; Distance = 28 Miles; People Met = 15+
Out of West Union we followed the remaining miles of the North Bend Rail Trail to Wolf Summit, and from there took roads to the Calvary United Methodist Church in Clarksburg. For this last section of rail trail the song “Last Train to Clarksville” by the Monkees kept playing in my head. We even ran into a family where the dad was wearing a monkey T-shirt.
Trinity, Miracle, Tammy, Josh and Moon
As we passed through Salem we stopped at the 7-11 for a pop and met Francesca. Heading out of Salem we were hailed by Randall and Richard (and Richard’s son Max). They came over to talk, genuinely interested in what we were doing.
Francesca at 7-11
Max Richard, Dad Richard and Randall
There were a couple of more tunnels in this stretch, each one with more water than the last. That led to another tunnel podcast.
We stayed in the activity building for the Calvary UMC both nights. On the first night Pastor Rod Heckert paid us a visit. He asked how we managed to take a year off to do this and we confessed that we had left our careers behind and were not sure what we will do to earn money when we got back home. Pastor Rod shared his own leap of faith. After 20 years as a part time pastor he resolved to become full-time, devoting his whole life to that calling.
Calvary United Methodist Church (Pastor Rod standing towards front left)
I guess the similarities between our “leaps of faith” struck a chord with Pastor Rod. During his sermon the following morning he brought us up as an example of leaving your comfort zone to follow God’s calling, yet in doing so one finds abundant joy. His sermon perhaps was the most inspiring one of the journey; I’m not just saying that because he worked us into it.
Rusty and Kathy
During this stretch we ended our tenth month and began our eleventh, but who’s keeping track?! Unfortunately, the last two months may not go as smoothly as I hoped. A vein now pops out in the back of my left heel. Being so located it gets plenty of aggravation, leading to swelling of my ankle again. Oh well, the show must go on.
Other Photos
Not much of a showroom
Multi-purpose bathroom
Is this males only?
Welcome to WV. Hope to see you in fairmont 🙂
Greetings Betty,
Thanks for the welcome. I’m giving two talks at Fairmont State University. The first is at 1:30 Room 320 Education Building. The second is at 4:30 Room 306 Jaynes Hall. They’re both open to the public.
Kirk
We’re hosting a runner later this week going east to west…happy to take you for breakfast or lunch tomorrow before your talk…Are you driving up there?
My frisbee sure would like to travel with you!
Greetings Gary,
I believe we’ve heard of that runner. Looking forward to meeting you later today.
Kirk
Hello Kirk and Cindy! It was a pleasure meeting you at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Clarksburg West Virginia. I’m David and I enjoyed watching you give my wonderful pet “Duke” attention and I thank you. It was a pleasure meeting the three of you and I admire you for the things you have done besides this hike. I think Duke would have went with you? I saw the article in the Shinnston, West Virginia paper so I thought I’d sent you a note. I enjoyed meeting all and I was impressed by your fortitude. Glad we were able to talk the short time you were here. How do you keep it all together?
David.
Greetings David,
We remember you and Duke well. I love huge dogs with gentle dispositions. We enjoyed chatting with you. Thanks for checking in.
Kirk
Hello Kirk and Cindy! It was a pleasure meeting you at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Clarksburg West Virginia. I’m David and I enjoyed watching you give my wonderful pet “Duke” attention and I thank you.