September 27 Crossing America

Andrews,SC – Conway, SC a distance of 54 miles, all on my bike.
5,954 miles traveled, 4,863 of them on a bike.

On the road by eight AM and had a tailwind for most of the day allowing me to have my fastest average time with a loaded bike to date.  Arrived in Conway at 1:00 PM and immediately spotted a fire station to my right at the intersection of US 701 and US 378.  As I leaned my bike up against the wall next to the office out walks Fire chief Baker.  A grey haired semi-portly gentleman with a big smile and pleasant southern drawl asks if he can help me.  I quickly gave him my pitch to which he immediately said the department would be glad to help me.  He then told me first he had a meeting to conduct first and led me into the fireman quarters
and introduced me to Shift Supervisor Jerry and firemen Brian and Rickey.  He then left for his meeting with the station’s Captain Le and others.  Jerry, Brian and
I immediately bonded and enjoyed visiting for several hours.  Brian showed me a Pumper truck and all the equipment it carries and how to use it.  Pretty impressive what these trucks can do.  Rickey and I had a special connection as we both share a belief God and the influence he has on our life.  The hours flew by and we were looking forward to me staying at Conway Fire Station One this night but it wasn’t to be.  The Chief and Capt. Le felt it would be better and I have to agree for me to get a good night rest it would be best to house me at a quieter station.  Fire Station one is the busiest in this community of 20,000 +/-.  In fact before I arrived they had already responded to four emergency calls.

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly friendships are made and I was quite
disappointed to not be able to spend this evening with the crew of Fire Station
One.  It was decided my best bet for a good night of rest would be to place me with Rescue Squad 2 about a mile down the road.  Before leaving though Capt. Le,  Rickey, Brian and I had our picture taken by the Chief Baker.  I was disappointed we were unable to have the Chief in the picture but there was no one else around to take the picture for us.  Thank you, Chief Baker for making the sacrifice.  You have a great crew at Fire Station One to be proud of for sure.

Left-Right: Rickey, Super Jerry, Old Guy, Capt. Le and Brian.

Shortly after I arrived at Horry County Rescue Squad 2, Director of the station Alex
Dew arrived to let me in.  I was surprised to learn I’d be the only person sleeping at the station this night as the entire station is manned by volunteers who stay until about midnight as back up for Squad 1.  Director Dew gave me a warm southern welcome, walked me around the department, provided me with a towel for a shower, showed me the laundry room and even allowed me to sleep in his bedroom quarters for this night.  He also said to use the office desk to do my journal and gave me permission to use the Wi-Fi.  It is awesome how folks welcome a total stranger into their world.  Gosh, it is so heartwarming to be the recipient of such hospitality.   As I write this I shake my head in amazement and gratitude for the kindness extended to me by the Fire Department and Rescue Squad 2 in Conway, South Carolina.  Don’t get it confused with the Conway in Arkansas as one 911 emergency caller did recently.  The guy called three times before Super Jerry asked him, “What State are you calling from as there was no such address in Conway South Carolina that matched the guy’s location”.  The guy responded, “Oh, I’m in Arkansas.  No wonder you all haven’t arrived to help me yet”.  That story made the guys and me chuckle.

I managed to get two journal posts done this night, so that was good.  I slept quite well, which desperately needed as the past two nights I’ve been kept awake with severe sinus headaches.  Prescription sinus medications don’t help nor do aspirin.  Why did I leave my Netty Pot in my mini-van?  It was just a plain dumb thing to do.

As I prepare to go to bed I tell myself this has been a very good day meeting
friends I hadn’t yet met.  Thank you Chief Bake, Capt. Le, Super Jerry, firemen Rickey and Brian and Director Alex Dew.

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