We started this walk in September and we made it to November! The night before, we were joined by Jennifer Walker, our protector and van driver for the next leg of the trip. She’s a veterinarian for a dairy company, and I got to learn all kinds of things that go into dairy production. She and Button, who is a foodie, had lots to talk about. I was reminded of an earlier conversation we had in DeKalb County with a local farmer about how our policies ought to be centered around food production and everything would fall into place from that.
In the wee hours of the morning, we met at a gas station in Oliver Springs to start our trek. Natalie LaRose was a consummate volunteer event planner. Emily walked with us in the morning and talked about the terrorist attacks on our Knoxville Health Center. We had just gotten information that the FBI released information about the man who burned down our health center, and had shot down our doors the year previously, had also been a part of the January 6 insurrection of the nation’s capitol.
Natalie planned for a group to meet us in the morning and then we had to make our way to the Civic Center in Oak Ridge by lunchtime to meet with more supporters.
That evening, we met with even more folks at the 201 Cafe and Wine Bar and then stayed at Ann Mosteller’s home. We had rest days scheduled the day before and the day after we arrived in Knoxville. The following rest day would prepare us for the long trek from Oak Ridge to Knoxville.
The next day was a rest day. Instead of walking, we drove to Maryville to have lunch with a fantastic group of supporters in Blount County.
I felt rejuvenated and excited to connect with so many people working hard during the election season. I was thankful they took time to talk with me and share their perspective on where our state and country are headed. In every place we landed, there were intelligent, strategic advocates and activists in the community. I was inspired and promised to take that spark everywhere I went.
We stopped by an early vote site before heading back to Ann’s house, where Button made us a delicious healthy meal. This was a much-needed relaxing day before our long trek to Knoxville.
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