Day 22 - The Plan

I feel like a broken record. I say it most days, "That was my favorite day!". Then, I realized that I do love most every day. It's like falling in love over and over. Today is no exception, as the 30-something miles to Clinton, CT was spectacular. I saw the Atlantic Ocean off and on all day, and when I didn't see it, I smelt the beach smells, watched the excitement of the tourist in their beach attire, and passed marina's full of boats. It never rained, although cloudy off and on, which is a nice bonus. I crossed enormous bridges, with convenient pedestrian paths. As I pass through each town along the way, they each have their own personality. In a car, I may not recognize it, but on foot, I see and feel it. New London? Quaint, but only near the water, Waterford? A nice regular town with the convenience of a variety of stores, Old Lyme? Prefers their local people, Old Saybrook? (my favorite of the day) welcomes tourists and caters to most anything you'd like to have, with upscale Inn's and fancy Cabins along the water/beaches, Westbrook? the step sister town with very little tourists opportunities, and not happy to have you passing through, and then my destination, Clinton. I'm staying at the Clinton Motel, just as you come in town. It's a nice, small, 18 room, single story, older motel. They have updated (at least) my room, and I imagine the others as well. There's no furniture or mattresses, except in the motel rooms. It's very clean and tidy! The lady who checked me in immediately recognized me. "I've see you several times today. On my way to work, when I ran errands earlier, and now your here. That was fast!". She had quite a few questions, and then wanted to give me a discount because "I've worked so hard today ". She provided me cold water, and sent me to my room to clean up and rest. I will do that. The room she assigned me has a king bed in it, an updated bathroom, and what I thought was a cute comforter. It's as if I'm staying in someone's Guest Room. I like it. I shower and unpack a bit, getting my things ready for tomorrow. The plan will be to get to Milford, and we have motel reservations at the Super 8 there. It will be another 30-something mile day. Even though John is not feeling well, his 2 mile/hour pace gets him here eventually, and he's just fine with that. He knows he'll be stopping soon. I hesitate to discuss his health issues as it doesn't seem appropriate. Between being a nurse, and HIPPA rules I live by, I will leave his personal information out. He plans on making it to the bus station himself. That's John. I offered him a ride when I do leave too, and he will not take it. He will get there on his own, and I know that about him. He accepts very little assistance from anyone, and figures things out on his own. It's just his personality, which makes him a perfect US crossing partner. But this trip has not served him well. He knows he can't finish, but really wants to touch into NY. His desire to hold true to that goal, and his determination under difficult conditions inspires me. I respect him for being able to say he needs to stop this crossing, and take care of himself.
So with that said, here's the plan, at least for me:
David wants to fly out, rent a car, and come pluck me off the side of the road. Then, we fly back home together. This will happen Thursday, assuming he can find me. Just kidding. Fugitive Cyndi will show herself. I could turn my satellite device off and make it a game. He wouldn't like that. I know, I could get to the airport myself and fly back home, similar to John going to the bus station. But David is making it easy for me, to get me there himself. It does almost sound like he would need to come get me, or I would keep making up excuses on why I need to go "just a little further". I might say something like: I accidentally passed NY, I'll go ahead and head to Philly. Okay, im not going to do that, and Fugitive Cyndi will be so happy when she sees her sweet husband!
So your next question is this: Will you run/walk on Thurday, or stay put and await your ride? I haven't decided, but I will either 1) Stay in Milford and wait for him to drive there from the airport, and pick me up, or 2) get up EARLY Thursday morning and run/walk to the NY line. It would be close to 40 miles, but I would give it a try before David gets to me from the LaGuardia airport. And then have him meet me there, just inside the NY state line. They are both great options! I think I'll decide tomorrow night, after I get settled in Milford.
As I enjoy my evening, I think about how pretty the Atlantic Coast is, and how all this is right here for everyone to enjoy. Why have I not thought about vacationing up here?! I'm so lucky to have seen all these New England states, and throughly enjoyed them all.
As my time winds down up here, I'm allowing myself to get excited about what's to come at home. As unexpected as it is that I'm heading home early, I'm making lists of things (in my head) I want to do around the farm. Lauren is coming to Texas in Sept, and I'll get to see her after all now! Who knew?!
I appreciate my family looking out for my best interest, and voting for my safety first, over adventure. Because I may not be the most responsible one in the group, and certainly could be considered a risk-taker of sorts. I have a lot of love to be grateful for. And as I've mentioned before, my future-self will thank me. But it's hard to see into that crystal ball right now.
Thanks for continuing to support me, and I'm going to see what else Connecticut has to offer, before I head out of here on Thursday. I'm really looking forward to seeing David! Good thing I have him to look out for my best interest. He's my everything, my love and my forever cheerleader.
Let's enjoy a little more first,
Cyndi