RunAcrossTheUSA.com

[Matt]

RE: Wednesday, August 24. After we got on our way this morning, our stomachs led us to a friendly convenience store. Brandon was happy with his 1/2 lb. hotpocket and 1/2 lb. burrito followed by hot chocolate. We also had several phone calls to make--you know the press is always hounding us Once we had breakfast taken care of and our phone calls had been made, we headed toward Salem, Oregon, where we planned to stay with the Robertson's daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace.

Our progress was stalled several times by the incredible number of berry bushes along the side of the road. The blackberries were delicious and just too tempting to resist. In fact, I have some footage of Brandon happily stuffing blackberries down his throat.

As we continued toward Salem, some people stopped to ask us what we were up to. After talking to them for awhile, they left with a promise to return with food for lunch. True to their word, they later appeared with burritos, fruit, ice tea, and cups of ice. We appreciate their thoughtfulness.

When we got to the McDonalds restaurant in Salem, as prearranged we called the Wallaces to come and pick us up. At about the same time the Wallaces drove up, Daniella Velasquez from the Statesman Journal in Salem appeared. We all went back to the Wallace's home where Daniella interviewed us, and we all talked about our Run Across the USA.

Later Brandon and I had a wonderful meal at the Wallace home--grilled chicken, rice, corn on the cob, salad, green beans, topped off by delicious watermelon.

Tomorrow morning at 7:20 we will call into a Kansas radio station for an interview on the Dan Tooker in the Morning Show. (See www.dantooker.com) After that phone call, Mr. Wallace will drive us back to the same McDonalds so the we can continue on our journey.

Mr. and Mrs. Wallace have been extremely accommodating and generous. We truly appreciate their hospitality and thoughtfulness.

Wow! Here we are in Salem, Oregon--nearing the completion of this awesome journey. It is hard to believe that in just three days we will be dipping our stroller tires in the ocean near Road's End Park.

If anyone else is trying to catch up with us tomorrow night, we will probably be around Grande Ronde. Did we mention that our mothers are flying out to see us and will catch up to us in the early afternoon on Friday? We can't wait to see them.

Good night from Salem, Oregon.