October 8-10, 2022 from Perryville Marina to Hohenwald
Crossing over to the other side and entering Middle Tennessee felt like quite an accomplishment. I could hardly believe that we really did make it this far. Here I was, pushing my feet and footwear to its limits, and yet, there were still another 416 miles to go. Button, Bo and I made our way to Hohenwald, where we finally had a rest day.
While I was away from home, I had asked my mom, Eleanor, to come from Florida to stay at my house to be with Isaac, who is 16. They are two peas in a pod and Isaac is extremely close with his Lola (tagalog for grandmother). I was looking forward to this rest period because both Lola and Isaac were meeting us at Fall Hollow campsite.
When we arrived with our campervan, several cyclists along the Natchez Trace asked us what we were doing. We told them that we were walking across the state in protest of the Tennessee abortion ban. They all cheered and wanted Walk for Our Lives stickers and balaclavas. The entire group was enthusiastic, and I felt encouraged that we were meeting so many supporters. They were outraged and in disbelief that Roe fell and expressed gratitude that we were walking for this cause.
The only reason I had made it so far was because Button, girl scout of the year, gave me her extra pair of lightweight hiking shoes. These made all the difference, but I still needed some comfortable shoes I could wear around in the evenings, with all the moleskin and bandages on my arches and heels.
Feet are done.
We all went to Walmart, where Bo and I used the electric carts to wheel around the store and make our purchases. We all ate at the Lewis and Clarke’s restaurant, then Bo drove back home to Nashville. I wouldn’t see her again until we got to the end of the walk in another month in East Tennessee
Tags: protest, sayabortion, Pilgrimage, WalkForOurLives