To my new home, Greenville, North Carolina.
“Most people struggle with life balance simply because they haven’t paid the price to decide what is really important to them.” – Stephen Covey
Out of Petersburg.
After getting up early, my thumb was getting chilly from all the folks zooming past on their way to work. I give up and decide to walk a few miles out of town to another exit on Route 95 heading south.
It is a beautiful walk.
My Hitchin' Post a few miles out of Petersburg.
THIS PLACE SUCKS.
The previous hitcher’s were not diggin’ this spot. “Virginia Sucks!” ”Lucy 10/20/87” ”Eric NY #1” “THIS PLACE SUCKS”
It was the same graffiti you would see anywhere. I disagree, too. I like this spot. There is a hardly any traffic passing. The exit I am at has a few motels and a couple gas stations. But I think anyone coming by will be just stopping for gas and will be headed south.
Meet Ruben.
I turn down a ride, because the guy won’t tell me where he is going. Then, Ruben shows up. He drives a big, black Chevy pick-up truck, doesn’t speak the greatest English, and is very smiley. He is headed to North Carolina! I am happy. I love Virginia, but I am not ready to be back. I have much to explore.
I throw my rucksack in the bed and we zoom.
Columbia.
A small wooden barrel that reads, Columbia, swings from Ruben’s rearview mirror as we head south. Ruben left Columbia 10 years ago amidst a guerilla war.
He likes America, but is ready to go back in a couple years. Columbia has settled some under the new president. Plus, “it is getting bad over here.” Ruben is referring to the US economy.
Columbia resembles the Blue Ridge Mountains. ”Lot of coffee… and coke.” Ruben smiles and shrugs his shoulders.
Historic Greenville.
Pickin’ Lee – Ter.
Ruben runs a business that picks up “Lee – ter” as he calls it. He runs a crew of 12 men that cut grass along the highways and pick up litter. Business is not so good with the economy. Ruben will give it a go for another year and if it hasn’t improved do something else.
Ruben doesn’t like Obama. Well, not true, he doesn’t like that he isn’t making any money and Obama is the president. Ruben likes George Bush. He didn’t have any problem getting paid then.
Attack of the Skunks.
I am still getting used to sleeping outside. Last night, I woke up in the dark, early hours and smelled a skunk. I couldn’t sleep after that, picturing some skunk waiting to hose me down. That sure would kill getting rides! I kept waking up and throwing sticks into the nearby forest… to keep the skunks at bay. So, I nap for some of the trip and Ruben talks to people on the phone.
Chalupas & Dew.
In North Carolina, Ruben stops for lunch and treats me to Taco Bell. He recommends the #5 value meal. “It is good.” He nods. We chow on chalupas and slurp Mountain Dew.
To Greenville & then Columbia.
Ruben lives near Greenville, North Carolina. He says this is a nice town. “It has everything you need.” It is home to East Carolina University and a lot of BMX pro riders. He drops me off at a local park, after exchanging phone numbers. Ruben is headed to Columbia is December and will take me, if I am interested.
I am getting a good feeling about this place.
Create Our World.
Ben
“I am just a person who is human, down to earth enjoying life… whatever god blesses you with. Enjoying life for me is just normal.” – Mohamed Al-Fayed
