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Comments from Folks Along the WayThe First 10,000 milesApril through December 2005 |
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Back to "Where's Joe?"
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The "Student's Guest Book" hosted by Stanton Elementary, Stanton, KY, is receiving comments along with the names or initials and locations from people who have met Joe along the road. We thought it would be fun to share them. We will edit with discretion and won't post street addresses, telephone numbers or e-mail addresses (unless it is to your advantage.) If you haven't already, please sign the Student's Guest Book. They are using it as a geography lesson. If you have trouble with the automatic link, e-mail Sarah directly at: swasson@powell.k12.ky.us You can also e-mail comments you would like to share on this page to: Comments@AppalachianHeritageAlliance.org Hey Joe, What an awesome and exciting thing you are doing! I hope that the Great Lakes region, in particular Michigan's Lake Michigan shoreline, will be on your itinerary when you start up again in the spring. It is a beautiful region, as are many areas of our great state! I now live in the Downriver area, south of Detroit, Michigan, where I work as an elementary school Media Clerk (librarian) in the Gibraltar School District. I see you started out in Lompoc. That is my place
of birth (1960) and my family left that area of California for northwest
lower Michigan in 1966. I don't know how we managed to end up here;
but the Detroit area has a unique and cultural quality of its own. Thanks for your great story! I saw it first in
Teacher Magazine, then checked out the web site. I really loved your
mention of Jimmy and Roselynn Carter and attending his Sunday School
class. Best wishes, Linnea Johnson Brownstown, Michigan 12/7
Joe: Tom Willis Taylorsville, KY 12/3
Joe: Greetings! I read
the article about you in today's Lexington Herald Leader. Although we have
never met, we are related. Distantly, that is. Probably third or fourth
cousins! My mother was a Lillian Bowen and was born and raised in Powell
County. I was also born in Stanton in 1939. Mom married a Millard Powell
from over on White Oak in Estill County. When I was very young they moved
to Oldham County. Mom was Miss Powell County in 1938!!!!!! Her
father was Clayton Bowen and was the Powell County Road Superintendent for
several years. I still have several aunts and uncles that live in Stanton.
But the real reason I am contacting you is this: In 2003 I flew to
Seattle along with an old high school football buddy. We touched the Space
Needle on Sunday afternoon, June 1st and walked to Miami, Florida. I
walked into the Orange Bowl, completing my journey but David continued on
and walked all the way to Key West, or as far as he could go! I was 62
years of age at the time and turned 63 on the walk. It was quite an
experience. Now I am
contemplating riding a bike from San Diego, California to Caribou, Maine.
I would like to straddle the US/Mexican border, start riding and then
straddle the US/Canadian border near Caribou. The walk was a project, much
like yours, to raise funds for the International Conference of Police
Chaplains. I have been very involved with law enforcement chaplaincy since
1980 and presently serve the Oldham County Police at their Chaplain. I am
the State representative for the ICPC. However, I would rather have
a riding companion then attempt this solo. I am talking about a starting
date in the spring of 2007. I am thinking of starting at
or on a date that would get us in the vicinity of Grand Rapids, Michigan
in the middle of July. That is where the Annual Training Seminar of the
ICPC will be held in 2007. There will be hundreds of law enforcement
chaplains from all over the world at the seminar. The 2006 seminar is in
Indianapolis and I am to be one of the presenters. My subject will be
"Making a Death Notification." Believe me, the Seminar would
receive us with flags flying! I am a retired
United Methodist preacher and with my knowledge of both churches and
police departments, I can almost assure you that we would be staying under
a roof most nights on the journey. On the walk most of our nights were
spent under the stars in our little tents and sleeping bags. By the way,
we did pass through Deadwood, South Dakota!!!!!! I think I can get
a nice van and a driver that would go along with our gear, food , etc and
allow us to concentrate solely on riding and enjoying the landscape. Even if you are
not interested, I would very much like to meet you. I would be glad to
drive over to Stanton some day soon and meet you. You just name the date
and place. Maybe Hemlock Lodge at Natural Bridge would be nice and we
could meet over a meal. The treat's on me!!!!! Hoping to hear
from you soon. God Bless, Joe. Jim Powell
Louisville, KY 12/3
Mr. Bowen, I so enjoyed your visit to our school this afternoon.
I find it fascinating that you are making this trip for the second time.
I am glad you told our students that the inspiration for your first trip
was a book!! I also was touched by your story of the
butterflies. I want to thank you for the book that you donated to
our library. I will write inside that it was given by you and a
little about your journey so that the children will always remember.
Thanks again for allowing us to share in your travels.
I
read where Joe will be visiting schools this winter. Is there anyway he can visit a classroom at Red River Valley?
Mrs. Elam’s class has been trying to follow him since September.
I know it would thrill them to actually meet Joe and hear his stories.
Also, we are still interested in the photos.
We have a super idea for a map and can't wait to get it started.
It will be used as sort of a review through the winter, to keep him
fresh in our minds (and since we got involved so late in the game). Rhonda Mayse
November 12, 2005 Plains, Georgia Jimmy Carter National Historic Site- Home of the 39th
President I was amazed at the amount of energy and devotion that
Joe has for his cause. I was delighted to have him join us in our Historic
Bike Tour of Plains, Georgia. I was one of the two park rangers that
guided Joe around Plains and helped him get to meet Jimmy and Rosalynn
Carter. That was such a thrill for him and he relayed his message about
his cause and travel to them and others in Plains. Joe also met some of our
other staff members, Steve Theus, Robin Frazier, Kevin Alexander, Jeff
Campbell, Kenny Wiseman, Annette Wise and Liz Angry. Joe was surprised by
all the activities that he was going to be able to attend on Saturday and
Sunday. We were hosting a program at the Boyhood Farm of Jimmy Carter that
Saturday afternoon with the Old Time Plow Club where we were squeezing
sugarcane to get the juice and make syrup. He was also invited to be a
guest at a dinner meeting for the Plains Historic Preservation Trust. I
take it that he enjoyed his meal!!!!! Also he received another surprise
when his brother-in-law showed up in Plains, with a bike, to visit him.
Talk about a wonderful time. If the students would like to learn more
about our area and our site, please visit www.nps.gov/jica
or www.jimmycater.info
for our educational program page. I and the rest of the staff really
enjoyed Joe and his stories from his travels and we send him off with our
prayers and wishes that his travel goes well. We hope that we are able to
see him again on his next ride. In closing I would like to say.......RIDE
JOE RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gabriel Laster, Park
Ranger, Jimmy Carter National
Historic Site (229) 824-4104 ext.33
November 15th, 2005, I met Joe yesterday in
Hampton, Georgia. Joe apparently had a close call with a
car (that only claimed the existence of his bike mirror) and pulled off that busy
road onto a sideroad in hopes for some respite from the traffic.
That was when he caught the bright colors of the flag I had hanging
from my bicycle trailer where I was pulling my very tired, but
beautiful one year old daughter. You could imagine my
surprise when I saw this older gentleman with his bicycle loaded down with
luggage. I figured he just wanted to ride with me, but his
distressed demeanor suggested he needed something more significant.
His next words were all I needed to confirm that thought. "You know the best
way to get to Atlanta from here?" he asked with a look of great
bewilderment. "Atlanta man!
You are a ways from there and unless you have a GPS it would be hard for
me to tell you how to get there without getting on some very dangerous
roads" "Well, can you
just get me to the nearest hotel" he asked with an air of both relief
and disappointment. I had to think about it
for a minute, but I figured why not and replied, "Sure, follow me and
I'll get you there safely." During our ride to the
hotel I learned about his adventure and what brought him to this
not so chance meeting with me and my daughter. After he got to the
hotel I went back to the house to get some maps to show him all the roads
to take to get to Atlanta. After we talked a bit, it was decided
that I would just help him out myself the next morning and become his
guide. We left the next
morning and had some great discussions on the way to the city. Joe
is definitely an inspiration. Taking on a journey like that is
spectacular. I did not usually
travel down that section of road with my daughter, but something that
afternoon said to go a little further. Had I not made the extra few
pedal strokes I would not have had the great opportunity to meet such a
great guy and save him from more inevitable close calls with Georgia
motorists. Sincerely, Jonathan and
Juliana Matey (baby)
(Email from Georgia Joe Bowen to Kentucky Joe Bowen) Hi, I live in Atlanta and was tracking Joe's route. When will he be through Atlanta? Does he have any events or stops planned? I would like to meet him. Believe it or not, my name is also Joe Bowen and we are almost the same age. I have read his book on stilt walking from CA to KY. I am mailing a contribution to AHA. Thanks, Joe Bowen Atlanta, GA 11/16
Will you pass anywhere
close to Purdy, Missouri? I would love to have you talk to my 9th
grade geography students. Hope all is well. Thanks, Carl Geyer Purdy, MO 11/16
Dear Joe,
I am Hannah Brewer.
I am a student in Mrs. Miller's class at Rogers Elementary.
We have seen that you are in Georgia and that is the state I did
research on. I
am going to tell you about some places in Georgia.
Callaway Garden is beautiful with green meadows, a lake, fishing,
swimming and mountains.
There is a festival in Georgia where they have the biggest golf
tournament in the world.
Let me know if you know about some good places to visit. Hannah Rogers, KY 11/16
Hey Joe My name is Davis
Morgan. My granddaughter, Lexis, and I met you at Taco Belle in
Brandon, MS on October 24th. You were going to Meridian the
next day. Lexis plays soccer and you talked to her about your adventure.
Lexis sent you an e mail, but it was returned undeliverable. She sent it
to the "Student" address. Good luck on your travels and I know
You are looking forward to seeing your grandchildren soon. Davis Morgan Brandon, MS 11/10
Dear Mr. Bowen, My name is Peter Mathews, and I cover Powell County (among others) for the Herald-Leader. I asked my editor some time ago whether she'd like for me to keep up with your trip and she said yes. So far, though, I've done a terrible job. I just read an Associated Press story saying you'd be back in Kentucky for Thanksgiving and wondered whether I could talk to you sometime soon about how your trip is going. Since I'm probably easier to reach than you are, I'll put my contact info below. In the meantime, I'll catch up a bit on your web site, which I haven't been to for a while. Hope you're staying warm and dry. Peter Mathews Lexington, KY 11/07 (Editor's note: Hmmm. You can make up for it by writing a good article.)
Hello Joe! Our class (which includes your niece Alexa
Bowen) wanted to let you know that we had a major celebration yesterday
in your honor. We had a luau and beach day to celebrate your arrival in
"The Sunshine State". Our classroom represented the state of
Florida for your trip, and we are having a grand time doing so! We have
attached some pictures for you to see. We are also sending some to the
Clay City Times. Thanks so much for all that you have done! Remember the
keys to a happy life: Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much! Missy Case Special
Education Bowen Elementary
Bowen, KY 11/3
DUCKS? Good Morning! I
shared your story with the General Manager and he was delighted to hear
that the children are talking about our ducks.
He would also like for me to let you know that we would like to
send a gift basket of Peabody Duck items to the winner of the contest.
If you will let me know when you have chosen a winner or winners,
we will get their information and send them a prize. Jennifer Grady
Administrative Assistant Executive Office
Peabody Hotel Little Rock, AR
501-399-8009 jennifer.grady@peabodylittlerock.com
11/02
*Editors note: OK, elementary students anywhere- The question is, "Where do the Peabody Ducks go when they get off the elevator?" (in the evening.) The prize for the best creative answer now stands at: $15 First place, $10 Second place, $5 Third place PLUS a gift basket of Peabody Duck stuff. My guess is that a gift basket from a hotel this fancy will be pretty cool. STUDENTS- SEND IN YOU ANSWERS!!
Hi,
my name is Cindy Spencer and I am from Nampa Idaho. I am John and Liz
Wickersham's granddaughter. (Pokey was my father) I was talking to my
Gramma Liz today and she told me about what you are doing and I think it
is awesome. Then I talked to Uncle Pete today too and he gave me your
web address. I will also send it to my family here in Idaho so they can
see what you are doing too. Good luck in your travels. Cindy Spencer Nampa, ID 10-30
I
checked in with Joe. Cliff Cheatwood Pine Bluff, Arkansas 10-30
I
read about Joe in the local newspaper and I'm now a fan. Go
Joe Go!! Carolyn Bowen Mississippi 11-02
HI
JOE---I think Dad had given me your email several months ago, but I
haven't been able to find it. I was surprised when I found the
article noting your 6,000th mile in the October 7th Wolfe County News.
The web site is now featuring your 8,000 mile.
Joe, I've
been following your itinerary. I've noticed that you are due in Perry,
Fl. on day 218 and you're not going to Chiefland until day 219. Does
that mean that you're staying in Perry for the night on day 218? If it
is, and you don't have other plans, Omalene and I would love for you to
spend the night with us. We have a 4-bedroom parsonage and there's just
the two of us. If you would want to do that, then e-mail me and we'll be
planning for you. When you get into town you can call me at home.
It would really be a thrill for us if you could stay. Bro Bill Carpenter Perry, FL 10/28
I hope Joe
gets to visit Billy Carpenter in Perry FL. I worked with Billy with an
engineering firm when they constructed the Blue Grass Parkway. This man
worked eleven hours a day and drove to Dayton, OH for a revival six
straight nights and was not late for work. Billy Carpenter is an
amazing man of God. Steven Bowen
Lexington,
KY
10/30
DUCKS? While it's very likely that Joe took up with the
ducks it is unlikely that he has taught them to peddle a bike! Let's wait for further revelations. Ken Thompson Taylorsville, KY 10/22 *editor's note: We are pleased to announce the "situation" regarding the official complaint filed with the “Duck Question Rules Committee” concerning Mr. Bill Karrer’s qualifications to receive the cash prize has been successfully resolved. Mr. Karrer was completely exonerated and as a show of good faith has offered to increase the value of the prize. Therefore, in the student contest to creatively answer the question, "Where do the Peabody Ducks go when they get off the elevator?" the first place prize is now $15, second place is $10, and third place is $5. Students- please email your answers!
Hi: My name is Chantay and I work at the National Voting Rights Museum in Selma, AL. I met Joe Bowen in his travels. The Voting Rights Museum is the only museum dedicated solely to the voting rights movement. We are located next to the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The Edmund Pettus Bridge was the bridge where the marcher's were beaten by state troopers in 1965. Chantay Selma, AL 10/27
I
MET JOE TODAY IN DEMOPOLIS
That sounds great! I talked to the board last weekend and they think Joe sounds great and are really excited about him being the key note speaker. Thanks for all your help and I will be in touch. Annie Frankfort, KY 10/27
I met Joe in the little town of Chunky MS. He said to tell
everyone he is OK. Jordan
Chunky, MS
10/25
DUCKS? Greetings
from the Peabody! Joe, we
are so impressed with all of your accomplishments and are honored that
you made our hotel part of you journey.
Today I spoke with Mr. Musser and he has informed me that our
great little ducks have made a big splash with the elementary school
children. We are so excited
that we can be a part of this learning experience for children all over
the country. Once again
congratulations for all of your accomplishment thus far and good luck on
the rest of your journey! P.S.
The ducks say hello to all of the kids and can't wait to hear all of
their stories about what they do after they leave the fountain. Jennifer Grady, Administrative Assistant Executive Office, Three Statehouse Plaza Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone 501-399-8009 jennifer.grady@peabodylittlerock.com 10/23
Hey, All, We
are Steve and Patty Hughes and we live in Vicksburg, Mississippi. We
were hiking in the Vicksburg National Military Park yesterday and when
we completed our hike at the visitors' center, we started chatting with
this cyclist because we also bike and were interested in his story. IT
WAS JOE BOWEN! We had a very nice chat with him and set him on the road
to a nice hotel and Cracker Barrel restaurant. He was really looking
forward to that!!!! He said tomorrow, which would be today, that he will
be biking across Mississippi, heading to Jackson and Meridian on Highway
80. My husband and I have biked that before, so we gave him some helpful
hints. I am a retired teacher and principal and think that it is totally
awesome that you guys are tracking Joe. Good luck!!!!!! Go, Joe,!!!!!!! Steve and Patty Hughes Vicksburg, MS 10/24
We
met Joe having lunch 10/20. What
an interesting guy! The
Thompsons
Little Rock, AR 10/22
I'll
be watching and cheering! All best, Marcia Tarbis Tofteland Louisville, KY 10/20
Hi,
just wanted to let you guys know I saw Joe today in Russellville
Arkansas. I am a pharmacist at Wal-Mart and Joe stopped in for a few
minutes and we had a short chat about his ride. Joe gave me this web
address and said you guys would appreciate a short note and you would
also put a flag on your map of where he had been sighted.
Joe said he was on his way to Little Rock, Arkansas for a
meeting. He was in good health and I will pray for good health and
weather on the rest of his journey. Joe is a very nice man and an
excellent spokesperson for your schools. John Cobb Russellville, Arkansas 10/19
Joe, I
noticed that you're traveling through Perry, FL., probably around
Thursday, Nov. 3. I'll be looking for you, or maybe you could call me
when you get into town. My name is Bill Carpenter. I pastored the Bowen First Church of God for six years back in the 60's. My wife is Omalene (Morrison) Carpenter. We owned the place just at the eastern edge of Bowen next to Maloney Lumber Co. I think Callie Bowen owned the place at one time. Would
surely like to talk to you for a while if it would be possible. Like I
said, I'll be looking for you to come down the road. I'm pastor of Perry
First Church of God at present. Bill
Perry,
FL 10/26
I
spoke to you in early October about getting our school involved in Joe's
Ride. There is a 2nd-3rd
grade class that is trying to put together a map and some reports of
some of the things he has seen. Is
there a way of getting a copy of the CD that contains photos of the trip
to this point? I know this
would add a touch of excitement to the reports and the map as well. Rhonda
Our cartoon researcher here at Ripley (Ripley’s
Believe It or Not), Lucas Stram, forwarded your contact information on
to me. We are interested in featuring Mr. Bowen in one of our
cartoons, and it would be most helpful if you or Mr. Bowen could supply
us with a photo or two to assist our cartoonist with the drawing.
We’ve also forwarded information about the trip to our publisher in
the
DUCKS? Joe, After reading about your experience at the
Peabody Hotel, my students have a question. Where does the elevator take
the ducks? This question has caused much discussion. Thanks and Be
Careful! Remember the keys to a happy life: Live Well, Laugh Often, Love
Much! Missy Case Bowen Elementary Bowen, KY 10/21
Hi
Joe -- We are back in Wickenburg, AZ -- Sure enjoyed your visit -- and
swapping tales about you and I back in 1967 -- in Moab, at Canyonlands,
the Shaffer Trail. Good to follow your progress -- Oklahoma City!
I was in Bald Knob, AK back in 1951 (?) just after a tornado went
through and flattened the town -- completely -- Never saw such a site
– KC
DenDooven Wickenburg,
AZ 10/21
DUCKS? Not being one to "duck" a challenge I
believe that the ducks shared a fancy suite with Joe. That is how
he was able to stay in the "creme de la creme" (French for
swank) hotel! OK Ken, when do I
collect my ten bucks. Everyone take note, I am copying this post
to both Joe & Ken so they can't claim I didn't answer the challenge.
Thanks. Bill Karrer
Taylorsville, KY
10/22 *editors note: There has been an official complaint filed with the “Duck Question Rules Committee” regarding Mr. Karrer’s qualifications to receive the prize. The rules specifically state that the cash prize is open to “all elementary school students.” There seems to be a question as to whether or not Mr. Karrer falls into this category. The Fraudulent Claims Division of The Rules Committee is currently undergoing an investigation and is seeking verification, specifically: a valid birth certificate and letter from his classroom teacher. The cash prize will be withheld until this matter is cleared up. Therefore, students are still encouraged to submit their best guess as to where the Peabody Hotel Ducks go when they get off the elevator. Rule 17, paragraph c) clearly states, however, that adults may submit an entry but only under the Adult Speculation Category. Rule 17, paragraph e) states that " an inadvertent submission of an adult speculation into the Student Category, regardless of innocent intentions, is subject to a $10 penalty to be added to the cash prize in the Student Category.
good
day joe,
i have been trying to follow your path. i could not get into your
site until today. it has been interesting for the kids to see where you
have been. derek and brittney ask about you quite often. all is well. i
hope your trip is going well. i would stay away from florida for awhile,
you might get wet. i will stay in touch now that i found your site. ty,
derek & brittney
??
10/22
We live in Little
Rock, Arkansas, and had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Joe on
Thursday, Oct 20th at the bowling alley of all places. Our
children were out of school for the day so we were there playing and he
rode up to get a bit of lunch. Our boys were very impressed with
the whole program and Joe spent alot of time visiting with them.
He showed them a map of his journey and we talked about his upcoming
ride through Louisiana, which is our home state. So glad we were
lucky enough to meet him. What a very interesting person.
Good luck on the rest of your ride Joe. The Thompsons
Little
Rock, AR 10/22 Joe, Don't know if you
remember our group - the Spencer County Historical and Genealogical
Society. We meet on the fourth Monday of the month usually at the
Spencer County library at 7:00 pm.. We would very much like for
you to be our speaker at the January 23,2006 or the February 27, 2006
meeting. Would that fit into your schedule? We all are
following your travels with much interest. Mary J. Hite Spencer County, KY 10/22
Hey Joe, you probably don't remember having coffee
with me and some friends in a cafe in Gatlinburg, Tenn. in the fall of
'67. We bought you a cup of coffee and talked about your trip. You were
going to be Governor of Kentucky you said. I had been riding rented 10
speeds in the Holstein Valley while in college there and when I saw the
bag on the back of your saddle that said 10,000 mile tour or something
like that I had to try to meet you. I was excited about bicycling back
then but didn't get my own bike until 1969. I still dream about taking a
cross country trip. You fanned the flames of my imagination about biking
and I have put many thousands of miles under my tires since then. Thank
you. I am now in Michigan but if you will be going through Gatlinburg
again on this trip, I will come down to meet you and maybe we can have
more than a cup of coffee or I'll show you where the best cup of coffee
in the state of Tennessee is served. How are your legs? Mel Dickerson
University of Michigan
10/13
Hey Joe, I just looked at the web site to see how you are doing. It looks like you are still doing well and enjoying yourself - but are you behaving? Gary says to say “Hi.” We are doing well, and we just wanted you to know we are thinking about you. Sonia the barber says hi - she got me a cowboy hat for my birthday so I'd fit in when I go out to Byers! Stay safe, have fun, and go with God. Love, Diana (Williams) Huerta Denver, CO 10/18
Hey Joe, You don't
know me, but I have been somewhat following your progress.. I live in NW
Arkansas, really Springdale, AR & was wanting to meet up with you.
Maybe ride with you for a while... I am between jobs, being layed off in
May.. so i am semi-retired... I have the time to ride alot.. I rode to
Iowa from here & back in late May & June.. Only 1503 miles in 3
1/2 weeks.. not as much as you, that's for sure.. I might be all
ready to late... to meet up with you... I ride an tadpole recumbent
trike.. super, super fun... let me know what you think, OK??
Hello
from Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City National Memorial.
Joe stopped in and visited with the Rangers today.
He is to be commended on a worthy project and as he said, the
children are the greatest asset of our country.
We wish him well on his trip and hope that he makes it home
safely. Bob
Duke, Park Ranger, Oklahoma City National Memorial OK
10/11
Hi
everyone! Judith and James Bradbury San Francisco, CA 10/10
Joe
Bowen stopped in the Claremore Daily Progress around noon today
(Thursday, Oct. 13). He was eager to talk about his visit to our town
some 37 years ago. His memories about Will Rogers, our hometown hero,
and his (Joe's) 1968 visit to the Will Rogers Memorial so many years ago
was intriguing. Joe visited with another colorful character from
Claremore's past, J.M. Davis, while on his first visit. Mr. Davis has
since died and we now have the J.M. Davis Gun Museum which houses one of
the largest gun collections in the world. Joe also recalled the Long's
Wax Museum that has been gone since sometime in the late 1970s. It
burned. He had a story to tell about riding in a Cadillac that Mr. Long
said Jaclyn Kennedy and her children had ridden in. Thanks for
remembering us here in Claremore, Joe. We enjoyed meeting you and
learning about your work with the students and more. Clarice Doyle Claremore, OK 10/13
Hello!,
my name is Billy Prince and i had an encounter with Joe today. after
passing this fella on the highway going to seymour, tx. my wife and i
commented that someone must really need to get somewhere bad to ride a
bike the nearly 50 mile stretch of nothingness to Wichita Falls, TX that
lies between. on my return an hour later we passed Joe again and he was
making good time for someone toting all that gear...lol! about 12:30 or
so i stopped in Holliday ,TX, to fill up with gas at a convenience store
and there’s this fella taking a break from the ride. i
asked how long it took to make the trip from seymour to here and he said
about 3 hours, i went on in and payed up and returned back to ask where
he was headed and he said Florida "well my jaw kinda dropped"
long ride i thought...lol!! we introduced ourselves and the
conversations began, i asked did he see the Camels back in Dundee and he
said he must've missed them, said he'd liked to have taken some pics of
that, told me he had, i believe, 7000 miles or so on his trip, wow!!
"time has a way of passing" i was in a bit of a hurry. if
not, i would've enjoyed chatting more. He's a real nice fella and i wish
him Luck on his journey. P.S. i can take some pics of the Dundee Camels
and send em via email to show what Joe missed. Billy Prince, (somewhere out West, TX?) 10/8
Count
me in on your tracking .... 25
years ago, I provided national publicity support for Joe throughout his
Stiltwalk Across America when I worked with the U.S. Jaycees.
He broke the world record for distance stiltwalking at halftime
of a professional soccer game in Tulsa and I was on hand to witness that
as well as when he finished his trek in Bowen, Kentucky.
It was wonderful to see him again for the first time since then
tonight (October 12) back in Tulsa. He has hardly changed and continues
to have a heart bigger than the countryside he has traveled.
We talked for three hours but it just as easily could've been
thirty if we had decided to ignore our watches. Ken
Harwood Tulsa,
Oklahoma
10/12
I
am still looking in on you, Joe. Best
wishes to you. God
Bless you this day. Kathryn
Cox 10/10
Hello,
I met Joe on Scenic Highway 71 near the town of Mountainburg,
Arkansas, located in the Ozark National Forest.
I had stopped to see the progress on the new Lake Fort Smith dam
construction project when Joe rode up.
He introduced himself and told me about his journey.
It was certainly my pleasure to meet Joe and found the
information about his travels fascinating.
Joe was on his way to Little Rock, Arkansas and was planning on
making it to the town of Ozark to spend the night.
I pray Joe finds nothing but good fortune throughout his travels.
Best wishes, Michael
Jean Elkins,
Arkansas
10-17-05
Hi
Everyone, Joe just left our
motel, Arthur Murray's. I sent him off with clean clothes for another week on the
road. I think we can all
learn from him, you can do
anything you set your mind to. It
has been a pleasure to meet and talk with him. You can see where he
stayed by going to www.noelmotel.com. Good luck to all you
students in your endeavors. Nancy
Zeorlin Noel, MO. 10/16
My
name is David Mink, and I'm a reporter for the Coffeyville Journal in
Coffeyville, Kansas. I met with Joe yesterday (Oct. 14) and interviewed
him for a story in our paper. I also took Joe into the downtown area and
showed him where the citizens of Coffeyville fought back against the
Dalton Gang, a group of robbers who tried to rob two of our banks at
once in 1892. I showed him the original Condon Bank, which still stands
to this day. I also took him down "Death Alley," the alley
which the Daltons used to attempt their escape. I took pictures of Joe
at a mural depicting the beaten robbers, as well. The folks of
Coffeyville were glad to have Joe stop through on his trip, and we wish
him a safe journey home.
Sincerely, David
Mink
Coffeyville,
KS 10/15 We
wanted to sign in on the guest book but could not find it anywhere.
Will this do? We ran
into Joe east of town and had him over for dinner.
Great fun listening to his stories. Let us know if this will get
on the guestbook and if not, how do we do it? (editor’s
note- If you have trouble with the link from the “Where’s Joe”
page, simply send an email to Swasson@Powell.k12.ky.us
) Tom
and Dona Devine Las
Cruces, NM 10/6
Will
Joe be passing through Indiana ? Thanks Steve Glotzbach New Albany, IN,
located just north of the Ohio River and Louisville KY. Stephen
R. Glotzbach New Albany, IN
10/16
Hi
Cuz, I've
been following you since Mom said you were on the road.
I work at the Library and I've shared some of your whereabouts
with my co-workers. They
also say, "Go, Joe, go"!
Love, Cousin Wendy from Idaho 10/17
Hi, Greetings from East Idaho. Sadly we missed Joe when he passed through. Have ridden the same Idaho roads many times. Hope he had a pleasant time in Idaho. Will continue to check in from time to time. Wish him good luck and a safe ride. Dave and Denyse Munson Rigby, Jefferson County, Idaho 10/19
Hello Joe,
Hello Joe, How are you doing? My name is Anthony Mason and I live in Wolfe County, KY. I’m currently staying at Dessie Scot Childrens Home. I’m studying for my GED at Wolfe county learning center. Kay and Julie are very good teachers. They said hello. So, you are riding your bike around the world? Man, that sounds like a lot of fun. I would love to do something like that. I got on the internet and looked up your web page and there was some pretty interesting things on there. I looked at your biography and it seems like you have had a pretty interesting life. It says that you walked over 3,000 miles on stilts. It said that you held the world record for the longest walk on stilts. I bet that was really hard too do. Was it? It also says that you were in “Ripleys Belive It or Not”. That’s soo kewl. I’m 17 years old and originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. It’s really different living in a big city than what it is living in a little town in Wolfe County. But I really like it here. It is peaceful and calm. Well, sir, you just keep up all your good work. We are all really proud of you and we all pray for you every day. So keep doing what you do and stay focused. Write me back. I’ll be waiting. Your Friend and Fan. Anthony David Mason Pine Ridge, KY 10/12
Hello
Again, This
is Gena from San Bernardino. I had the honor of visiting with Joe and
Barbara while they were here. Joe is just incredibly fascinating to me.
I enjoy his company and stories immensely. Barbara's Mom Liz,
her Uncle Charles and my daughter, Antonia and I all had
breakfast yesterday. We had a great time. Joe presented me with a
project challenge. With my knowledge of the computer and unlimited Internet
resources, I will work hard to complete it for him. Details of this will
show up in a later entry. For now, my family and I wish him the very
best. Gena
San Bernardino, CA
9/20
Ken
Noble of Oceanside CA, the northern most town in San Diego County.
I was born in Perry County and grew up in Breathitt and Wolfe
Counties. I am a graduate
of Wolfe County in 82. I
was reading about the ride through Pacifica, California.
My wife and I were newlyweds there.
The headwinds Joe experienced are something I and every bike
rider experience. Great to
see Joe's progress. Ken
Oceanside,
CA
10/1
Good
luck and safe travels, Joe! Maureen
McMahon
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
10/3
Hello,
I
spoke w/Joe while I was at work one day.
A very interesting gentleman, to say the least!
It is wonderful what he's doing!! My
name is Kay Nevinger from Austin, TX 10/3
Shayla
Tipton-16 years old-Duncan, AZ Travis
Tipton-12 years old-Duncan, AZ
9/25
RIDE
MAN RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ARE YOU COMING THROUGH UTAH?
Roger
Spurrier
(Utah?) 10/3
Joe
stopped by our office at Teton Village, Wyoming.
It was wonderful to meet him.
Please wish him well. I
have been checking in on Joe ever since he stopped in Teton Village,
Wyoming and told me about his travels.
I so enjoyed meeting him and found his travels to be most
interesting and exciting for the children in your schools.
Please wish him well from me. Best regards, Sharon
M. Smitherman, (Sales Associate, Real Estate of Jackson Hole)
Wilson, Wyoming
9/16
Thanks
for the inspiring visit to our school. You made the children's day. Julie,
Copper Rim Elementary, AZ
9/24
I live in Alamogordo, NM and met Joe at Cloudcroft 16
miles up the mountain. He
looked great and it was fun talking with him. Yvonne Boyle, Alamogordo, NM 10/1
Joe...Me and my little
brother met you on your journey through AZ. You were eating at one of
our little restaurants in the small town of Duncan. You showed us your
bike and told us about what you were doing. I thought this was so
awesome that I had to come home and get on your site. Good luck in all
you do and be careful on the way. Love Shayla and Travis
Tipton, Duncan, AZ
9/26
Hi
Joe, I am the state coordinator for the Kentucky Junior Historical
Society (KJHS). Every year we have a State Convention where
students from across Kentucky come to compete in project competitions,
quick recall tournaments and learn more about Kentucky's exciting
heritage. I have been following your journey. I think you
would be an incredible keynote speaker for the event and wanted to see
if there was any way possible that you might be able to attend.
Our convention is March 24th and 25th 2006.
Good luck and I look forward to hearing from you! Annie W. Voelkert, KJHS Coordinator Frankfort, KY 9/22
Joe, I and your wife’s uncle, Chuck McGee, worked together for 20 years in San Bernardino. I got mail this morning telling of your trek on bike across America. Congratulations on your efforts and more so at the starting to be ripe age of 62. I have lived here in Kunming, China, since 2/19/98. In the first 4 years I rode a bike most of the time but after having the 10th one stolen, I gave up and now walk. You have probably heard of Ali-ba-ba and the Forty Thieves, well I’m sure they were from here!!!! AGAIN; CONGRATULATIONS. By for now. Dempse Ross, Kunming, China 9/21
My friends and I were at the Grand Canyon this past
weekend and met Joe after we finished our hike back to the top. He came
right up to our friend Kristin and asked how she was doing. To which I
think she replied that she was pretty spent. The rest of us, Corbin,
Judd, Superguy, and I kind of gathered around and we all began talking
like we were old friends. He told us about his journey, where he's been
and where he was going and about his days there at the Grand Canyon. He
also told us about the first visit he made there 38 years ago. I guess
he said he was going to ride out to New Orleans to do some volunteer
work. Very cool guy. Very inspirational. -Wade, Las Vegas,
NV
9/14
Joe,
What a great experience to see the country not just once but twice. I
hope you have another memorable trip. Cindy, Elizabeth, WV 9/12
Maryland
is watching Joe ride.
The Nolin family, Potomac, MD 9/12
The
team at True North Dentistry had the opp to met Joe. Dr.
David Yang, DMD, Dr.
Richard Shannon DDS, PC Sarah
M, Barbie
H, Lindsee
H, Elisha
S,Susie
G,Sarah
F Joe
is such an amazing person. He
is a great example of love and compassion.
It was an honor visiting with him.
and PLEASE send him our best wishes.
Barbie Flagstaff,
AZ
9/9
Joe's
bike ride is being followed by: Wolfe
County Public Library Campton,
KY 41301
9/9
Our fifth grade students talked to Joe Bowen on the phone today. (Actually they are still talking to him as I write.) We put him on speakerphone so that all of the class could hear. The students asked him questions, and it was SO, SO interesting. Joe did a great job of telling stories about his trip and telling the students about his adventures. The students had researched the states that Joe has visited so they asked some really good questions. |
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photo:Bob
Bullock