As the day dawned, we headed towards what promised to be the most treacherous and long day of any in Walkabout history. Although Mr. Frank had promised no more 25-mile days after last year, the promise had to be broken for safety's sake. The walk had to be completed, and quickly, because that evening, we had to attend a Somerset Patriot's game.

A jubilant Nico finds out he's throwing out the first pitch.

We promenade around the ballpark...

The first pitch.

After the game.

The Gummy Apples, plus Brandon Murray, began to walk at a furious pace, and continued to walk quickly as dawn broke in Franklin Township. Racing the heat and traffic, for the third year in a row, we crossed paths with a bike-a-thon, this one a 500-mile journey called "The Ride for Runaways" which took the riders from Albany, NY to Trenton. We were kindred spirits with the riders, and we encouraged each other along the way:

From the Trenton Times:

"And on the last leg of the ride yesterday, journeys intersected, providing another reminder of the potential of youth and hope for the future. Some of the cyclists met about a dozen kids ages 10 to 17 who are walking across New Jersey to promote nature. The teens are have been walking 25 miles a day since July 11, planting trees along the way, and will walk more than 220 miles total. They stopped to chat and take pictures with the Anchor House riders, and both groups wished each other luck."

We want those riders to know that we would have stopped for their offer of refreshments if our paths hadn't veered off when they did. We had to stay en route on a 25-mile day, but we applaud these heroes and knowing how we love our homes and families, and know the hardships of life on the road, we cannot think of a greater cause then to grant shelter and help to runaways. Ride with God, Cyclists!

Well, we'd made twelve miles by 9AM, which was the fastest pace set by the Gummy Apples and the young kid group. We reached Bound Brook, and thanks to Mayor Pilatos, we had a park to stay in with showers!! And then, it was off to the ballgame. Som-er-set PAT_RI_OTS!!! We entered the ballpark and threw out the first pitch (Nico of the Gummy Apples got the honor), having walked the whole way (mostly barefoot). The game was very well-attended, and for some of us adults, it was a thrill to see Sparky Lyle up close (sorry, Ms. Vicky, I couldn't get his autograph). Joe Odebede entered and won the fast-pitch contest for his age group. Then, we had a great surprise. Instead of sleeping outdoors, we were invited to stay at the Chaifetz home in Old Bridge, take showers and swim.

miles walked=25.3 overall miles=160.7