This morning we said our goodbye’s to the Harju family and reluctantly hit the road. We had spent the morning loading up on cinnamon rolls and coffee and were getting a little too used to the comforts of home. It was time to get walking again. Outside the wind was whipping in gusts up to forty mph but we were relieved to find it mostly at our back. We walked for four hours without stopping and covered 16 miles. Just before reaching out destination of Crescent City (population 650) we stopped at the sign for the Heartland Spa. We were the lucky recipients of a tour of the spa just a few days ago when we drove the route.

The Heartland Spa is a wellness retreat center located on a refurbished farm and boasts amenities for total relaxation. We learned upon arriving that Oprah had stayed there shortly before landing her role in The Color Purple, a source of pride for the spa. Our tour guide, Emily, ushered us through the Woodroom, the Couch room and explained that in the dining room, guests were encouraged to come as they feel most comfortable. Just then an elderly gentlemen walked past us in his bathrobe and a newspaper tucked under his arm and sat down for breakfast. Emily went on to explain that since at the Heartland Spa guests often sport the Heartland Hairdo, a unique look that results from total relaxation and a disregard for the normal cosmetic routine of life in big city Chicago. We ended out tour in the gym on what Emily described as “probably the safest floor you will ever walk on.” The floor was made from old tires and had some give to it, apparently making it more safe than other gym floors. I hate to think that I’ve peaked and that none of the future floors that will bear my weight will assure me the safety of this one.

Crescent City made national news in 1970 when a train exploded at the loading station, leveling much of the town. Apparently houses miles away were singed from the heat. We went to check out the memorial to the disaster but it is being repaired. The town is small…only a few stores and one bar. West of town is a large Fairground that we made our camp for the night.

It was at the fairground that our walk suffered a major setback. As I was strapping down my trusty external frame pack I heard a snapping sound and watched in horror as the top of the pack slowly sagged into the lower portion. I knew what happened before I checked. The main support bars of the frame had broken in half, leaving nothing to hold up the top of the pack. I’m a sentimentalist have grown quite attached to that pack over the years. I carried it on my back for countless miles, many of which were in New Zealand where it was exposed to rain and snow and held up as well as any of the newer frameless packs. Complicating things is the fact that it is not actually mine… although the owner has been kind enough to never call for its return. For tomorrow it looks like some rope and maybe some Duct Tape will suffice but it’s clear that the days are numbered for General Chamberlain (the walks provide more than enough time to think of a suitable name for you pack).

That’s all for now….the temperature has caught up with the wind and a familiar numbness in the fingers is making it tough to type. Thanks to everyone who kept us updated on the Washington Capitals game. Sounds like a big win bringing us one step closer to the playoffs.

Follow the journey from Hope to Oprah on the I Live Inspired Google Map.

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