JOURNAL FOR WEEK THREE
July 7 through July 13, 2006

Paul Completed The Run Across America In 108 Running Days

FRIDAY, JULY 7:  30 MILES (Sunny, 90 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 338]
Stopping Location: Walla Walla, Washington (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 942 Feet

DAY 15: Today was a good day and I enjoyed the 30-mile run from the junction of highway 730 and Highway 12 into Walla Walla, Washington. The temperatures reached 90 degrees and the day started with incredible winds. Marlene, from the Woodward Canyon Winery, picked me up at the Marcus Whitman Hotel and drove me back out to the point on the highway where I left off yesterday. I had to "build Bob" on the edge of the highway in the early morning gusty winds because he was collapsed in order to fit into her small car. After he was reassembled, I was off and running.

A photographer from the Walla Walla Union Gazette showed up at around mile 12 to take some pictures to accompany the article that is going to be published about my trek. After completing that I ran about 3 miles down the road and was stopped by a gentleman who had pulled his van over to the side of the road. He rolled down the passenger window and I could see that he was the only one in the car and was on an oxygen tank. He was intrigued by my journey and was very encouraging. He wanted to donate something to me and handed me a $20 bill. He insisted that he saw coverage of me on the Discovery Channel, but I'm unaware of any such coverage. He was very kind and I appreciate his support.

That's what it's like on the road. Sometimes hours will go by without so much as a wave from a passing motorist. Then, when I'm least expecting it, someone pulls over and wants to take a picture or just chat with me to learn about this cross country adventure.

At this point, I am 338 miles into my trek (about 10%) and am feeling really good. I'm averaging 30 miles per day and will now have a couple of "easier" days before heading into the mountains of Idaho. In fact, I only have 4 more days before I reach the Idaho border! Tomorrow I will run 20 miles to Waitsburg, Washington and it will be my lowest mileage day so far on this run. I'll probably take advantage of the short day by actually sleeping in, rather than having my alarm go off at 5:00 a.m.

I've had some people ask me how long it is taking to run the 30 miles per day that I do. It really depends on a number of factors, such as: how many times people stop me; the temperature; the terrain; how I'm feeling; and more. I can tell you that today's 30-mile run took me 7 hours of time on the road (that's subtracting my stops to talk to people or to eat something). I had a gradual gain in elevation for the last 8 miles of today's run, going from a starting elevation of 200 feet to an elevation in Walla Walla of 850 feet. I had some very rough pavement to run on today... "rough" meaning the actual surface. Bob rolls a lot better on smooth pavement. The best part of the day was the width of the highway shoulder. It was usually around 6 feet wide! There were still plenty of 18-wheelers on the highway and my hat got blown off twice today. The current record for the number of times my hat has got blown off in one day is 3. I know... that's not a very interesting statistic, but it is one of those little things of the day that I tend to notice.

On my way to Walla Walla today I stopped at the Woodward Canyon Winery to thank the owners for their generosity in sponsoring my lodging at the Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla. They are wonderful people and have a very nice business. If you're ever in Lowden, Washington, you should stop into their tasting room. I would have done some wine tasting today, but I'm allergic to the preservative sulfite, and that's abundant in wine!

Tonight I am just going to relax after dinner. Maybe I'll watch some television and get caught up on the news happening in the world. When you're on the road every day you kind of lose touch with the current events in the world. Thanks for stopping in to read this. I'm excited about Idaho looming on the horizon. Washington has certainly been a desert in most locations and a challenge with high temperatures. I know that the mountains ahead won't be easy, particularly with "Bob"... but I think I'm ready.

So, all is well and this journey is moving forward. Take care and thanks for thinking of me.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul, we are on vacation in Missoula and rooting for you! We will keep you in our prayers. - The McCalla Family (Phoenix, Arizona)

  Hi Paul, I hope your having fun, and maybe seeing cool sites! Your entry yesterday was terribly sad! I'll keep in touch, and I hope you keep SAFE! Have a GREAT time! - Kristy Bixler (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul, I had to pop in here again to tell you how proud I am of you, and your trek thus far. I also want to thank the wonderful folks you are meeting along the way, for their encouragement and kindness. I know from our conversations that you are deeply moved by their generosity. There truly are "Angel's Amongst Us", as the old Alabama song goes. God speed Paul. - Love, Mom (Tolsona, Alaska)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

SATURDAY, JULY 8:  20 MILES (Sunny, 95 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 358]
Stopping Location: Waitsburg, Washington (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 1,253 Feet

DAY 16:  Today I started out at 8:00 AM from Walla Walla and ran 20 miles to Waitsburg, WA.  It was the shortest mileage day so far.  The next two days will only be 22 miles each.  The reason for this is because lodging is prearranged in certain locations and we felt it was necessary to keep those accommodations.  It also gives me a few days of easy distance before heading into the mountains of Idaho where I have at least one day of 38 miles. Today the temperature soared up to 95 degrees as I ran through rolling farmland.  Over the course of the 20 miles the elevation increased 1,000 feet.  Today was a day for combating bees, flies, grasshoppers and other winged creatures.  It was a constant nuisance.  I now understand why horses swish their tails.  I believe the attraction was to the hot sunscreen and sweat combination.

Past the 10 mile mark a television news cameraman from Pasco, Washington caught up to me on the road and interviewed me for 15 minutes.  He then proceeded to film my running at set locations for about 3 miles.  It is scheduled to be on tonight's Pasco News. 

I am spending the evening at the home of Doris Huffman. Her son Martin is also here.  I stayed with Martin and his family in Lyle, WA.  She has been very kind and even did my laundry for me.  They also took me to an absolutely wonderful dinner at the Elks Lodge in Walla Walla. 

The weather forecast is for temperatures to remain in the mid 90's.  Tomorrow's 22 mile day will take me 12 miles past Dayton, WA.  I will be picked up by a host in Dayton and taken to the Dayton Hospital where I have been invited to spend the night in their visiting physicians quarters.  Perhaps I can talk them into giving me an IV of chocolate as I have been craving it for the past few days. 

I only have 3 days remaining in Washington and then I'll begin my trek through Idaho.  Some of you have asked about the tendonitis in my right foot and I am happy to report that it is much better and it has not been giving me any problems. 

New pictures are on their way to Rob in Portland and he'll have them in a few days and will post them as soon as possible.  I'll provide my next update tomorrow from the hospital.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul, I know that your Mom and I speak with you daily, however, I wanted to let you know once again how proud of you we are. You are doing a great job and we love reading the daily updates, even though we know pretty much how your day went due to the phone calls. Take care of yourself and stay safe. - Dad (Tolsona, Alaska)

  Paul, It is so interesting reading about each day you re running and where you are staying. Continued good health on your big journey and our prayers are with you for safety and accomplishing what you have set out to do. Hugs. - Arlene Opstad (Big Lake, Minnesota)

  It's so great to read your journal entries. Like living vicariously through you!!! It is such a privilege to pray for you as you continue on. We were praising God for the doctor's report. He is Faithful. Take care, Paul. - The Worrest Family (Missoula, Montana)

  Hey Paul! Just keeping track of your progress and happy to hear that you're doing well since you left our place! It was so nice to get to visit with you while you were here. We all agree that you're a great guy with an amazing journey ahead of you. Wishing you the best! Nick says "I liked you coming to Grandma's house with me. How is your trip? Good luck!" Myles is eating breakfast... Have a great day!! - Mary Lee (Goldendale, Washington)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

SUNDAY, JULY 9:  22 MILES (Sunny, 95 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 380]
Stopping Location: Dayton, Washington (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 1,660 Feet

DAY 17: I must begin this journal entry by saying that I am in the hospital. I was picked up on the road today at the 22-mile mark and transported to the Dayton General Hospital in Dayton, Washington... where I was invited to spend the night in their visiting physicians quarters. Ha! I bet you thought that I was hurt! Nope... just staying in another unusual place. Tonight I will sleep on a hospital bed and it will certainly be different sleeping in a place where I am surrounded by medical professionals. I'm glad that I don't need their professional services! This evening I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the home of the Burns family in Dayton. It was a very nice time, and I appreciate their kindness. Leigh Burns is the Healthy Community Coordinator for Dayton General Hospital.

Today I began my run in Waitsburg, Washington and ended it about 12 miles past Dayton, Washington. It was another hot day... reaching up to about 95 degrees. The heat has consistently followed me on this journey and I have not yet had a cloudy day or any rain. Perhaps when I enter the mountains in Idaho. I now have only 2 days remaining in the state of Washington. I had some considerable elevation climbs today as the rolling farmland began to have taller hills. Guess this is a little preparation for going over the upcoming mountain passes in Montana! Tomorrow I will run 24 miles to the town of Pomeroy, and the next day I will run 31 miles to the town of Clarkston, Washington (which is at the border of Idaho).

I forgot to mention yesterday that when I was running out of Walla Walla, Washington in the morning a car pulled over and out jumped Brenda SerVoss, a friend of mine from Missoula. It was so wonderful to see a familiar face. Thanks for stopping Brenda and encouraging me!!

Getting back to today, I had the closest call with an automobile that I've had on this trek so far. I was 3 miles from the town of Dayton on a wonderful road with an 8-foot shoulder and at least a 1/2 mile of straightaway in front of me. A woman was driving toward me and leaned down to pick up something in her car. She swerved sharply and was coming right at me. All that I saw was the top of her head and she did not look up. I had only about 3 seconds to yank "Bob" as hard as I could and jump into the ditch (which was weeds). She barely missed Bob, and the stroller and I crashed into the ditch. She swerved back into her lane just after passing me and I don't think she ever truly saw me on the edge of the road! No brake lights and apparently no driving skills. It was an incredibly close call and had I not pulled Bob with all my might she would have smashed into it at about 60 miles per hour.

Every day my mother, and others, are praying for my safety and today I was certainly fortunate to walk away from that incident. I took a picture of Bob on his side in the ditch and that picture will be posted in days to come after I get the pictures to Rob in Portland. I pulled Bob out of the ditch and had to do some adjustments to him after his rather hard impact. The stroller was not tracking correctly and I had to work on it for awhile to get things back in proper order. Suffice it to say, Bob and I rolled on for another 15 miles after that to finish the day.

As the day went on the shoulder went from 8 feet wide to 8 inches wide. For the final 5 miles of the day I had to straddle the stroller on the edge of the highway... one wheel on pavement and one on gravel and weeds. There was no alternative. The road became very narrow and I will begin tomorrow at mile marker 379 on Highway 12 in a very narrow stretch of road.

Today a freelance writer/photographer from Pullman, Washington stopped and interviewed/photographed me and said that he may contribute a story to the Pullman newspaper. He was a nice guy and was intrigued with my journey.

Thanks for checking in and know that Bob and I are doing just fine. I have no aches or pains and am feeling great. I'm truly looking forward to Idaho, in spite of the upcoming mountains. Until next time... see you down the road!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Just wanted you to know that I wish you a safe and successful passage in your quest to cross the country. I sure enjoyed listening to some of your stories! - Kevin Jones (Gresham, Oregon)

  Hey Paul: You know I talk to you at least once a day and on some days several times and get to hear about your day, but I always look forward to the end of the day when I can read your journal entry. They are always interesting. Definite close call today! I really don't want to get anymore of those phone calls! I'm sure glad that you and "Bob" are okay. You are definitely coming up on a long steep stretch for the next week but the weather looks as if it may cooperate a little. You have many people watching you and praying for you! You are doing an awesome job. Keep it up! We are all looking forward to seeing you in just a little over a week. Take care of you and "Bob" and be safe! - Diana Sontag (Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

MONDAY, JULY 10:  25 MILES (Sunny, 85 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 405]
Stopping Location: Pomeroy, Washington (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 1,857 Feet

DAY 18: This day brought me to the 405-mile mark of this trek, after 16 running days. For these initial 16 days of running I have maintained a daily average of 26 miles per day - which is a marathon per day. Now I will begin to increase the daily distance to my targeted daily average of 30 miles. In fact, over the next seven days I plan on logging these distances:

Tuesday - 31 miles
Wednesday - 29 miles
Thursday - 38 miles
Friday - 29 miles
Saturday - 32 miles
Sunday - 39 miles
Monday - 29 miles

That's a total of 227 miles for one week - or a daily average of 32 miles per day. Also, those miles will be done through northern Idaho as I enter the steep mountains and the roads are less than ideal. So, prayer would be appreciated. I'll do my best and if I feel I need to back off the mileage a bit, I will. I'm currently scheduled to arrive in Missoula (my hometown) on Wednesday, July 19, at approximately 10:30 a.m. I will then spend a couple of days (July 20 & 21) in Missoula.

Today was the most windy day that I've experienced on this journey so far. The day began with the wind at my back. As I moved through the countryside and wound my way through different valleys, the wind changed direction. For awhile it whipped at me from the side. And later it was a strong headwind that brought my running pace to a walk. The shoulder of the road was poor and "Bob" often only had one or two wheels on the pavement. I spent most of the day in the gravel section just off of the 1-foot shoulder. The traffic was pretty heavy today and the combination of the winds and the air turbulence created by their vehicles made it quite challenging. I wrapped up the 25-mile run today at around 2:00 p.m. and met the Mayor's wife, Jan, at the local Chamber of Commerce. The local newspaper editor, Mike, joined us and interviewed/photographed me. I was then brought to the home of my hosts for the evening, John and Donna Bieber. They are a wonderful couple and John took me on a sightseeing outing to get a look at the surrounding area. It is beautiful farmland, and reminded me of an experience I had this morning.

While running along the highway today I looked at a sprawling wheat field being blown in the wind. It looked like a golden ocean... the wheat blowing like waves on a sea. It was so neat to see and I just stopped and listened to the wind blow through the wheat. The temperatures were more tolerable today. It was in the 80s with sunny skies. Much better than the mid-90s and 100s I've been experiencing nearly every day. Perhaps as I head into the mountains of Idaho I will see some more clouds and cooler days.

While I was running today a young couple from Lewiston, Idaho stopped to take my picture. They had seen me on a television news report while they were in Yakima. I visited with them for a short while and then they drove off. Later, they came back and asked me if I had lodging in Clarkston, Washington (which is right next to Lewiston). I told them that a room had been donated by the Quality Inn at Clarkston, but that perhaps we could get together for dinner tomorrow evening. So, I may be spending a little time with them.

Tonight I am going to dinner with the Mayor of Pomeroy, Washington, his wife, and my lodging hosts. That will be nice. I can't believe that I only have one more day in Washington! Whew... I'll have another state to check off my list. Thanks for stopping in to see my progress, and for those of you who have taken a moment to encourage me through the guestbook... thank you so much! Your words truly help to fuel me along this course.

Gotta run... to dinner! Take care.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hey Paul, I daily get on here and read everything, not to mention Stacey and Diana keep me posted! Wish you the best be safe and we'll just have to get you a three wheel drive BOB for the next one! The ultimate SUV Bob! - Leslie (Missoula, Montana)

  Thinking of you and enjoying your "feedback" on you and Bob. I hope "the book" and the "authors" are in your mind some days to help get it started! Stay safe and well. - Joan Kuchel (Missoula, Montana)

  Stacey and Diana have been keeping me posted on your progress. Please, no more close calls! Thank God that you have "jumping" skills too. Your journal postings are wonderful. Hope you consider doing a book on this effort right from the beginning. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Stasso in Alaska for sharing your wonderful son. We so enjoy both Paul and Vicki as educators for our Missoula Russell School students. Be safe Paul and we will see you in Missoula soon. - Irene (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul and Bob. I just started my summer job clearing trails in the forest. A lot of hard work but it's rewarding. I'm definitely getting in better shape now. Good luck with the run. - Jessi Beebe (Carson, Washington)

  Hi Paul, Sat down after work to read your latest journal entries, and all I can say is that I'm glad I was sitting down. You had me fooled with the hospital bit, and then reading about your close call with the car and having to jump into the ditch....my heart was racing. Stay safe out there okay!! Love ya! - Amy Staso (Anchorage, Alaska)

  Hey Paul, You can add my name to those who are praying for you daily. We're following your progress and enjoying the up-dates. Keep going! - Glen Small (Newport, Oregon)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

TUESDAY, JULY 11:  31 MILES (Sunny, 97 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 436]
Stopping Location: Clarkston, Washington (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 807 Feet

DAY 19: Goodbye Washington! Today I ran 31 miles from Pomeroy to Clarkston, Washington, bringing my total to 436 miles since leaving Cannon Beach, Oregon. I am less than a 1/2 mile from the Idaho border this evening and am staying at the Quality Inn at Clarkston. Tomorrow morning I will cross into Idaho and run 29 miles to the very small town of Lenore - which is more or less a wide spot in the road. I will be picked up by a staff member of the Clearwater River Company, which is 7 miles west of Lenore, and transported to their location where I will spend the night in a teepee. Yep... never a dull moment on this trek!

Today I started out by running up the Alpowa Summit, which tops out at around 3,000 feet. Then, over the next ten miles I dropped 2,000 feet in elevation. As I dropped in elevation, the temperatures increased... far more than what was predicted by the weatherman. It was supposed to be in the mid 80s today. However, when I hit Clarkston the temperature boards outside of the businesses were reading 97 degrees. The heat continues to follow me. I also had a three-mile stretch of construction to run through today, which was a bit of a challenge in that it was a chip rock surface and a bit bumpy and uneven in most places. I made it to Clarkston by 3:00 p.m. and cooled down in my room. The Quality Inn placed a nice welcome message for me on their main announcement board outside.

After arriving at the hotel I took a hot bath and rubbed out some muscles. I then did a little laundry (washed out some tank tops in the sink) and was picked up by Bob Wicks, of nearby Lewiston, to join him and his wife, Emily, for dinner. It was a wonderful lasagna meal and afterward they took me out in their car to show me how I can get through Lewiston in the morning. They even let me stop at a store to do a little grocery shopping (and by "little", I mean "little"). Remember, anything I buy I have to push. Bob and Emily were wonderful and I truly appreciate them welcoming me into their home. I am now back at the hotel and am getting ready for my nightly regiment of icing down my legs.

I will get an early start tomorrow, around 5:30 a.m. Hopefully, I'll benefit from cooler morning temperatures. Today I noticed that more people were beeping their horns at me as they passed by. I then learned that the Walla Walla Union Bulletin had a story about my trek on the front page of yesterday's newspaper, along with a picture. So, people in the area know what I'm doing and simply were expressing their support... via horn honking!

Thank you to those who have sent kind thoughts through my guestbook. I always look forward to seeing who has stopped in to send some thoughts my way. I'm feeling good and am looking forward to the challenges ahead in Idaho. Between the mountains to run up and the non-shoulder roadways, it will definitely be a challenge... to say the least. If you've thought about sending a prayer or two up for me and haven't done so yet, this week would be a great time. I could certainly use prayer as I head into this stretch of the journey. Until I reach Highway 93 at Lolo, Montana, the road is going to be very narrow and packed with turns. As many of you know, logging trucks run along those roads pretty fast and take the corners very tight. In many places I'll have no where to "jump" if necessary, so I'm going to have to be very alert and cautious through Idaho. I'm currently about 220 miles from my hometown of Missoula, Montana.

Time to ice! Thanks for stopping in and I'll see you around the bend at some point.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul, I love reading your journal every day - even the scary ones like your close call with the car the other day! We are all really looking forward to 'camping' with you this weekend! Please let us know if there is anything special you would like us to bring, or anything you need us to pick up for you! Keep up the great job - we are all so proud of you and your great achievement! We pray for you daily for a continued safe and fun adventure! It is truly amazing! See you Saturday! - Jan Bixler (Missoula, Montana)

  You make our daily aches and pains seem so minor, and your tales of kindness along the road renew our faith in people. Keep going. - Martha (Missoula, Montana)

  I truly enjoy reading your daily adventures and appreciate your sharing so many things you see. I must say you have made me far more aware of how little space there is on the side of the road! Stay safe. - Karen Huckins (Miles City, Montana)

  Wave goodbye to Washington for us!! It seems like you just started and now you're putting your second state behind you. Good luck and God speed to you as you make your way into Idaho. Stay safe and "climb" carefully. Give your foot and your body a rest on the way up! (Remember...Doctor's orders!). We can't wait to see you in Missoula... the ice is in your freezer!! - Stacey Rossmiller (Missoula, Montana)

  Hey there Paul! Yeah, the hospital bit was a pretty good one...heehee. Had me going. Glad to see it was just an over-nighter. I want to take this opportunity to tell you how very proud I am of you! I read your journal every night and feel like I am right there with you. I also would like to thank your friend Rob for doing these postings. How truly blessed you are to have so many wonderful friends and well wishers. You are an awesome little brother and we love you Paul! Keep on truckin' Paul & Bob... can't forget Bob. All our Love and Prayers always. - Wendy & Bruce (Tolsona, Alaska)

  Hey Paul! A group of us here at the office are really enjoying your daily stories. We are keeping you in our prayers and are so impressed with the journey you have already accomplished. It will selfishly be a sad day for us when the run is completed because I for one am already addicted to logging on first thing each morning to read the latest report and vicariously seeing America through your eyes. Thanks for the experience and excellent details! - Paul Glidewell (Missoula, Montana)

  Welcome to Idaho! Wow Paul, you've already had quite the adventure and you're only through 2 states! Keep taking care of yourself and stay away from inattentive drivers. We look forward to welcoming you to Missoula for your brief stay. We'll keep praying. - Gin Graham (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul - What a remarkable adventure you are having! I've been following this trek since the students began their virtual run and it's been exciting from the get-go! From California, we are praying for your safety and God's strength and fortitude to envelop you. Best wishes and take special care! - Tracy and Tim Henderson [old school mates of Vicki] (Castro Valley, California)

  Many positive thoughts/prayers to you as you run your way across America with Bob. I picked up the story from the Walla Walla newspaper and it is now bookmarked and checked every day. We have the same Bob jog stroller for our 16 month old son, though it doesn't see quite as much of the countryside as your Bob does! What an inspiring journey you are accomplishing every day. God speed through the mountains of Idaho. - Kathleen (Jackson, Wyoming)

  Paul, we are excited to see another state checked off the list and to know God is keeping your body whole and running. We can't wait to welcome you home next week. We are checking in and praying daily. - The Joy Family (Missoula, Montana)

  Hey BOB! Paul keeps getting all the attention and we don't want you to feel left out of the loop! You're doing a great job... even if you did have to spend the night in the trunk of a car while Paul slept in luxury at the Marcus Whitman! You've been through snakes, grasshoppers, bees, flies... even taken a dive in the ditch and yet you keep letting Paul push you around! You keep on rollin' and stay the line!!! We'll see you in Missoula! WE LOVE BOB!!! - Stacey Rossmiller and Diana Sontag (Missoula, Montana)

  I'm from Walla Walla and have been following your journey. I believe what you're doing is so exciting and wonderful! Keep up the good job! Our prayers are with you for a safe journey! - Stacie (Ft. Bragg, North Carolina)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12:  32 MILES (Partly Cloudy, 85 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 468]
Stopping Location: Lenore, Idaho (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 945 Feet

DAY 20: It must be the mountain air, but I had a great day today and it was so nice to see pine trees again! I ran 32 miles into Idaho, beginning the day at the border. I ended up about 4 miles past Lenore, Idaho and was then transported to the Clearwater River Company, at mile marker 22 on Highway 12 in Idaho. If you've never experienced their friendly services, you should. These folks are wonderful. I will be spending the night here and am looking forward to soaking my feet in the Clearwater River which is just steps away.  The teepees are occupied and I will be sleeping on a picnic table in an open sided kitchen.  That way I don't have to set up and take down my tent.

I am now 468 miles into this trek, and around 190 miles from Missoula. Tomorrow morning I will be dropped back on the road where I stopped today and I will run 35 miles to Kamiah, Idaho where I'll stay at the Lewis-Clark Resort & Motel.

Today was a partly cloudy day and the temps couldn't have gotten above 85. It was pretty nice and the breeze off of the Clearwater River was truly wonderful. Also, for a couple of minutes I actually felt a few drops fall from the sky... the first drops I've felt since leaving the Oregon coast. It didn't actually "rain", but the brief sprinkle was enjoyable.

As many of you know, the shoulder on Highway 12 in Idaho is extremely narrow... and in spots it is non-existent. Today was the first of several days of running on an extremely narrow shoulder and many logging trucks nearly gave me a close shave as they zipped by at 65 miles per hour. Also, some pieces of wood often fly off of those trucks and when you're that close you can't help but being hit by some wood chips. I had to wipe myself down several times because the dust blown by the trucks would stick to my sweaty skin and make me look and feel like Pig Pen from the Charlie Brown cartoons. "Running" today was very different. It was almost like an interval workout. I would run a little ways and then have to stop and tuck up as close as I could against the guardrail as the cars/trucks cruised by. Then, I'd start running again until the next wave of traffic. It was an "on again... off again" running day.

It sure is nice to have the frequently empty landscape of Washington behind me and to be into the mountains once again. I feel like I'm getting closer to home and Missoula is pulling me in like a magnet. I sure met a lot of wonderful people in Washington state and I want to thank each and every one who took the time to provide me with lodging, meals and nice conversations. Each day I wake up and am happy to have an opportunity to do what I enjoy (run) and to shake the hand of America in the process. From the homeless to the financially fortunate, I've met a broad range of people... and there are many miles left to go.

Thank you for encouraging me on this trek across America. It truly is to fulfill my promise to the kids at Russell Elementary School and I hope that I am making a bit of a positive impact in their lives. They are great kids and accomplished such a big goal. Their perseverance throughout the school year encourages me forward each day. Well, time to visit with my hosts, have dinner, and dip my feet in the river.

Another day done. 32 more miles logged. Countless cars with curious on-looking faces. Ever changing terrain and conditions. And I'm loving it each and every day. Thanks for running along!  I'll write again... from 35 more mile markers down the road!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul & Bob... What an amazing journey you are on. I just recently ran my first half marathon - and can't even imagine doing something like this. I really enjoy reading your journal entries, you are so inspiring. I wish you the best of luck as you continue and hope you stay safe and healthy. - Megan (Saratoga Springs, New York)

  Go Paul! You're quite an inspiration. Hope everything holds up throughout the summer. Love the site and look forward to following your trip the rest of the way. Big props to your wife for taking care of the home front too. - Mike Gamble (Gainesville, Florida)

  Paul, I want you to know I am continually encouraged by you and your journey. You have an AMAZINGLY strong and persevering attitude!!! Hopefully YOU will continue to feel just as encouraged and inspired each day by all those who are "experiencing" this journey through you... as you need the encouragement right now more than we do!!! Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of _____ (fill in the blank), for the Lord your God goes with you; He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you!" Love and Prayers - Kristie Boyd (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul, I am Sandra Gora with Our Youth Soccer Academy in Irvington, NJ. While at the present time we are not in the locations you need for P.A.C.E. Run Across America 2006, I would like to applaud your efforts. We wish you much success. - Sandra Gora (New Jersey)

  Hey Paul! This must be such an amazing experience. I'm rooting for you every step of the way. Go Paul! Go Bob! - Shelby Henthorn (Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

THURSDAY, JULY 13:  35 MILES (Sunny, 90 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 503]
Stopping Location: Kamiah, Idaho (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 1,240 Feet

DAY 21: Today was a 35 mile day to Kamiah, Idaho where I am staying at the Lewis and Clark Resort.  They have been wonderful and had an air conditioned room waiting for me along with ice, fruit, breakfast items and laundry soap and money so that I could wash my cloths at their facility.  They also provided me with a nice dinner in their cafe.  I will be leaving in the morning for Syringa, Idaho where I will stay at the River Dance Lodge.  That will be a 22 mile day which is shorter that originally anticipated.  However, after today's day, it will be appreciated. 

Today's route was packed with logging trucks and roads with little or no shoulder.  I once again could not get into a steady running pace because I had to constantly stop against the guardrail so that the trucks could pass.  I managed to complete the day and was glad to get out of the 90 degree heat.  The road ahead will be much of the same. 

I'm dictating this to Rob via phone and there is more that I want to tell you and I will try to add to this tomorrow evening.  (Note from Rob: Our connection was very poor)

There is a story I want to share about an Indian named Gray Wolf and a special bear claw that he gave to me when I was at the Clearwater River Company. That's all from this milepost. Thanks for running along.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul, it's great that Missoula is pulling you closer... just remember, as you have to run away, it'll try pulling back for a few days. Keep smiling... I understand that Pigpen reference all too well... that cloud of dust behind a car or truck on a dirt or gravel road while doing a long run gets that grit into your pores. Be safe out there! - Wayne Baker (New Jersey)

  Keep it up! We will look for you when you arrive... think of feathers, birds, staying light, what an amazing accomplishment. - Tricia Opstad (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul, may God give you strength and stamina as this journey progresses! Keep on keeping on knowing that many are supporting you in this endeavor. God bless. - Ed Norman (Lolo, Montana)

  Children are our greatest asset, they are our future and our hope. Giving them courage, self-esteem, encouragement, and focus on being the best they can be by your example and by bringing the world's attention to your cause will increase the likelihood that our children will be more successful in their own lives. Thanks from all us little old grannies for helping our precious grandchildren have a better chance to be their best! Each step down stomps out ignorance, each step forward brings you closer to your goal! RUNNNNNN baby run! (Can you hear us cheering you on?). - Sherry Darling (Vienna, Virginia)

  Awesome, can't imagine running marathon's day in and day out! Keep it up! - Clyde Rosanowski (Wellington, New Zealand)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!