Houston:
Today has been a busy day; however, for the most part we have just been riding in the van. We were riding for approximately 10 hours, and my legs were very cramped because of the limited leg room. We were up all night last night packing the van and preparing our equipment so we didn't get a lot of sleep. I and my fellow riders took power naps throughout the day, trying to regain enough energy so that we can still remain productive.
We are currently in Alabama at one of the homes of our Quaker friends, who provided food and shelter for the night. Our hosts were extremely environmentally aware and their house contained both passive solar energy, and photovoltaic solar panels. Making their house very eco-friendly. They have been more than hospitable and I think I speak for everyone when I say we greatly appreciate everything they have done for us.
Marshall:
Our journey began at 7:45 in the morning, five hours after our scheduled departure. Even though our trip deviated from its planned path, our travels still proceeded with success. We reached Atlanta around 2:30 and received a warm welcome from the regional office of the National Park Service, whom we all thanked for all of their generous contributions and donations. (such as our transportation, and water packs).
Around 5:30, NC time, the SNR crew arrived at the house of Sarah Rose and Daryl Bergquist, two local Quakers who welcomed us into their home as well as introducing us to their simple yet effective way of life. Also we had enough time to unwind and chill out in the local pond. In general, the first day was full of many knocked out teenagers trying to shove their bags underneath the seats of a 15 passenger van, while still trying to maintain enough space to comfortably relax. But even though most of our day was spent in a car, we still had the opportunity to become embraced by a community. People whom we would have never had come in contact with if we had not embarked on this journey. Much like the enslaved people escaping from the south, we were also able to put our trust in strangers and find guiding souls when help was needed. For the first day I would say we are doing pretty well.
Ibn
Today was pretty fun even though we rode just about all day. We started our adventure around 7:45 this morning, first stopping at "Cup of Joe" in Chapel Hill to get the adults some coffee. We stopped, like three times, for gas and visited the National Parks Offices in Atlanta to stop and say thank you to Mrs. Priscilla Nalls. Mainly for being one of our major sponsors in funding the cost of the van and mostly and emotionally supporting us in this great journey.
Then, later that afternoon we gave a "ring ring" to meet up with Sarah and Daryl. Two Quaker Friends with whom we're staying with for the night. They completely embraced us and showed us a piece of their way of life. To be honest, I find it so amazing in how they do what they do in using things and just improving the whole nine yards of their everyday life. While not completely "off the grid" their lifestyle consists of the use of solar power for electricity and some of their cooking. The meal we had tonight was delicious and completely vegetarian.
Even, though we spent a lot of time in the car today we still got a little taste of the excitement of what's to come. For it being just the first day I'd say it was great and I can't wait for more tomorrow!
