An Uplifting Day

September 30

Before leaving Crete I stopped at a hardware store to buy a washer for one of my mirrors. It is such a small item that I was embarrassed to ask for assistance but a woman was quite happy to help. While interacting I told her about my walk and before I knew it, I had several employees including the manager listening as I explained the importance of our constitution. Thirty minutes later I felt I had sincerely made new friends. The manager, Dan Papik, was particularly interested and also apologetic that the school had not responded to my offer. I cannot thank him enough for his generosity and the interest he had in my message.

On the way out of town I was approached by a reporter from the Crete News with an interview request (Dan had evidently called the newspaper) and I happily obliged. In addition to the interview, she took several pictures of me talking with some local citizens and I left Crete feeling renewed in spirit.

Toward evening as I began wondering where I would camp for the night, I entered the small town of Roca - population 220. While passing the village tavern (the only establishment in the town) some men offered to buy me a cold beer and I accepted their offer. A half hour later a reporter showed up and I was soon being interviewed by another Nebraska newspaper. (The owner had called the local press unbeknownst to me). The reporter and I spent quite a while talking and then went outside for some pictures. This represented two newspapers in one day - a first for me on this trip.

I later inquired where I might pitch my tent and a local man insisted I sleep on the couch at his home and he would grill some chicken for dinner - which he did. Another act of generosity by a stranger.