Day Nine…(Finish Line)!

After sampling some delicious pastries Lance bought at a local bakery, we headed out to do our last nine miles, accompanied by Bob’s daughter Sara, who made this last leg a real joy.

Then about halfway along, Bob’s older brother Doug met up with us to stroll for a bit, helping us to hand out cookies and t-shirts.

Passing by a large camp of unhoused people, we dropped off 3 full bags of cookies and as we were walking away, one fellow ran after us and asked for a t-shirt, which he immediately put on, saying “This is my first clean shirt in a long time…”

We stopped for lunch at a local diner, meeting up with our support driver Beckie, my wife Chris, Lance’s wife Laura, our dear friend Glynn (who walked all of day 3 with us and then came back all the way from Bellingham to cheer us on over the finish line), and Bob’s brother Doug.

On the last push through downtown, Bob was swept up by his grandchildren and their parents who wanted to walk the last mile with us.

And then the capitol dome came into sight. Bob and I looked at each other with a quiet “we did it!”

With more people around to welcome us, we handed out more t-shirts and gathered for a group photo.

The day was hot but the shade felt good. And after a bit we wandered inside to appreciate the interior of the capitol building.

Nine days. Ninety miles. Nine faith communities. Hundreds and hundreds of cookies. Hundreds of t-shirts. Uncountable kindnesses. Thank you all for helping us find our way.