David Freeze

By David Freeze

Two of my best female running friends in Salisbury have decided to try something with new with their long-distance relay group, The Red Hot Mamas. I have known Meredith Abramson and Delaine Fowler for many years and found them both to be simply amazing in so many ways. Both are excellent runners and triathletes and have put their exceptional organizational skills to work on a big project.

Abramson put together an all-women’s team of 12 to first compete in the 210-mile Blue Ridge Relay in 2010. She said, “Over the last decade, we have grown from a group of 12 Salisbury and Rowan County runners to dozens of runners that now can be found along the I-85 corridor from Charlotte to Burlington and then on up to New York, Bloomington, Indiana and Cleveland, Ohio. When our group ran the virtual COVID-19 Miler as our first true fundraising event, we had 49 runners join in and wound up raising nearly $1,000 as a team beyond our race registrations.”

Fowler joined the group a few years after its inception. She added, “The COVID-19 miler raised money for personal protective equipment in the Charlotte area. This excitement and engagement got our minds going as to what we might be able to do locally to help people in need. We long for that feeling of connection in these disconnected times.”

The group, now even including a few men who are not red hot, decided to try a fundraiser here at home for Rowan Helping Ministries. Abramson said, “It may seem silly, but we share the same initials (RHM), so it seemed serendipitous. There are so many great organizations in town, and we know there are and will be many more people needing RHM to serve their needs as we slowly crawl out of the pandemic. Every little bit helps, and we hope all the money we can raise is a true representation of the Red Hot Mama way, ‘Being good, seeing good, and doing good in our community and beyond’.”

The Red Hot Mamas designed this relay to combine some of the favorite parts of events they have done in the past. Fowler said, “We love running as a team and running farther together than we can as a single person. We also love races that have set relay points where we can gather and support and cheer for each other. Obviously, we won’t have a large gathering for this particular relay, but having the same course helps logistics and allow us to do drive-by cheering.”

Due to the pandemic, only two people will run at a time, but we will ultimately have 48 runners who run for one hour in pairs for a total of 24 hours. Fowler said, “If all goes really well, we can build on it in the future to include multiple teams at a time when we’re no longer concerned about gathering limits.”

Currently, The Red Hot Mamas are seeking sponsorships with 100% of all funds raised going to Rowan Helping Ministries. There are five- and six-mile courses for relay participants.

Fowler said, “Every hour we will air hug, air high-five and send the next set of runners on their way. We hope if anyone sees us out and about, they will cheer us on.”

At press time, we still hope to have the Bare Bones 5K in some form on June 6. Gov. Cooper threw the Salisbury Rowan Runners and City of Salisbury for a loop with lower-than-expected Phase 2 limitations, but discussions are still ongoing. Look for more information as it develops on Bare Bones, one of Salisbury’s oldest races, and other future events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .

By David Freeze

By the end of May, we are usually winding down a successful series of spring races and other events. Spring 2020 may end up with no races, but we are doing our best to still have at least one of them. The 19^th Annual Bare Bones 5K is one of Salisbury’s oldest races and we’re working with Salisbury city officials to find a way to meet the upcoming requirements amid Phase 2, now projected hopefully to begin on May 23.

The city can’t OK the permit until North Carolina is actually in Phase 2. The original race date of May 23 won’t work due to the current uncertainly of when Phase 2 will begin, but we hope that one of the next few Saturdays will work. Salisbury was designated a national Runner Friendly Community due to a lot of criteria involving cooperation with city government. We are certainly getting that cooperation again and we will keep everyone posted as the situation develops.

Bare Bones is an interesting race that started 19 years ago when the title sponsor dropped out just two days before the race while suggesting that the event be canceled. With less ways to spread the word of a cancellation than are available now, the Salisbury Rowan Runners decided to take it on, treat the whole event as a thank you to the running community and keep the registration prices very reasonable. Over the years, we’ve recycled trophies and even unused T-shirts, but the 2020 event will have great awards and a slightly different logo on a brand new commemorative T-shirt. Proceeds go to Relay for Life and Rowan Helping Ministries.

Two other races scheduled for June have new updates. The very popular Main Street Challenge 5K, originally planned for Friday evening, June 5, in China Grove, has been postponed until Friday evening, Aug. 21. The Shiloh Missions 5K, held as part of the Faith Fourth of July is still scheduled for June 27. I spoke with race director Luann Fesperman on Thursday and she assured me that they have every intention to have the race on that date.

Over the last two weeks, I have exchanged various communications with the Road Runners Club of America about a return to racing amid the coronavirus. RRCA is the parent organization of more than 1,200 running clubs nationwide. They have suggested certain parts of the process that could be changed or altered to make social distancing work over 3.1 miles. While road racing is not a contact sport, the first races back will likely be required to follow at least certain guidelines for the safety of the volunteers and participants. During my competitive racing period of more than 800 running events over various distances, only once did I have more than a light brush of physical contact with a runner. A tight turn and a couple of bumps amid the start and then it was over. No other part of a race is as congested as the start.

Some of the suggestions for more social distancing that are likely to be used in the early return to racing include a larger starting area and the possibility of multiple starts. We can do these to meet the approved number for a gathering.

The second biggest gathering is usually the awards ceremony following the race. If the number likely to attend is above the gathering limit, we’ll hand each finisher a bag with refreshments and give them directions on how they can pick up any earned awards. Likely in that case, winners will need to visit Ralph Baker Shoes beginning on the following Monday.

Finally, Bare Bones has a virtual 5K choice. Virtual means that the runner doesn’t run the actual race but can complete the 3.1-mile distance at any time of their choosing within a week of the official race day. Those participants get a reduced price and a shirt but aren’t eligible for awards.

You’ve read the latest and you can find more as it develops at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org . Or you can call 704-310-6741. It seems that runners are ready to compete again, and interest is high so far in the three upcoming races. Hope to see you there.

By David Freeze

Most of us know Matthew Weaver as an extremely talented piano player and singer. Over the last decade or so, I have enjoyed his music. I couldn’t help him with that but for the last few years, we’ve began to talk running.

Matthew said, “Growing up in the country, I have enjoyed the outdoors my whole life. My parents and sister, Mary Jean Hobart, and I always took walks together as a family day or night. Sunday was always a walking day after church, and we hiked a lot in the mountains. Exercising has always been a part of my family’s life, and my father and I played baseball for years. Even mom used to get up to bat. (Go Yankees!) There was no sitting around in my house growing up. We had no television, so we were always outdoors doing some activity.”

At Appalachian State, Matthew spent a lot of time in the outdoors hiking, trout fishing and swimming in the waterfalls, and joined his friends for two mile walks and runs around the campus. Everyone in Boone seemed to be outdoors.

Busy with his performing and traveling, I knew that Matthew had faced some challenges with his calorie intake. He said, “I’ve been up and down over the years with weight, and my problem is not sweets. My issue is eating everything on my plate and then some. While traveling and performing around 200 times a year, I had developed some bad habits. Diets don’t work. I found I should eat what I want, but in proper portions and not depriving myself which leads to binge eating. You can’t perform on a full stomach but proper fueling prior to a concert works best. I just can’t load up on the calories after a concert at 11 p.m. to compensate for what wasn’t eaten hours before. My weaknesses are Pringles and blackberry cobbler. I can eat them, but not every day and only in proper portions. Rewarding yourself once a month is good with maybe a second helping occasionally.”

Back to exercise, and how Matthew makes it work. He said, “I feel better mentally and physically when I exercise. I download old-time comedy, detective, and Western radio shows, good preaching, music, and Car Talk for listening. I’m exercising my mind, body, and feeding my soul as I walk and run. Often I am walking and running at 11 at night. I’ve lost around 40 pounds since late fall, and down almost three sizes.”

Matthew plays five shows at a time in one day at the Biltmore Estate. He gets 15 minutes off between shows, so he goes walking to get some exercise between sets. Matthew has completed over 3,500 miles since July 2017. This April, he’s already over 140 miles.

Going forward, Matthew knows that he needs to stay on track. He said, “I have to be more conscious of my health. Diabetes is badly genetic on my father’s side and I feel helpless as I watch my dad struggle with this issue which is causing heart failure and disease. But dad always has a smile on his face and keeps going. I love my momma and daddy, and he’s still my fishing buddy.”

Matthew added, “I want to lose 30 more, and encourage others to turn off your TV and go outside and walk. You don’t need expensive clothes to exercise and get in shape. I do recommend a pair of good shoes from Ralph Baker’s and your feet, joints, and body will thank you.”

I know Matthew is hooked on all the benefits of exercise and expect more success. He said, “A day without exercising is like a day with no Bible reading, prayer, or playing music and singing. It’s a regular part of my life. I get grumpy if I miss more than a day.”

I’ve seen and heard of so much more exercise than normal during the lockdown. There’s a lot of pent up energy. Hopefully, statewide rules will relax in time for the local races to resume soon. The Bare Bones 5K on May 23 is still on the schedule. Check www.salisburyrowanrunners.org for any updates.

By David Freeze

A sense of purpose and how you can help

   Normally the local runners club would be focused on races and other active events this time of year. Between March and May, we had at least a dozen events scheduled. Local charities benefit financially, and our club members love planning and organizing the events.

   My most recent Gotta’ Run columns in the Salisbury Post received supportive comments for the positive spin on the good side of the virus. Here is another in that series, describing a real and positive need in the community and an opportunity for many of you.

   I received word that Rowan Helping Ministries needed volunteers to help serve many of their upcoming meals. The first need was for Saturday, April 4^th. The Salisbury Rowan Runners took that date and looked for more. The usual civic groups and churches had decided to back away currently from a very enjoyable and rewarding contribution to RHM’s wonderful work. At the time, about 60% of the meals were without volunteers to prepare and serve. In the past, SRR has worked the meals in a much less worrisome time, before anybody even thought of catching a terrible virus. It was hard to find a slot to help due to the tremendous community support.

   SRR had committed to serving all Saturday lunchtime meals in April and its now mushroomed to three times a week. In a normal spring, we would have a group working races nearly every Saturday, so it wasn’t a big leap timewise to do this although the need and task involved were different. I asked for volunteers and got them quickly. A few more had questions about how we would meet the social distancing requirements.

   I joined Adalie Harrison, Linda Sufficool and Luann Fesperman that first Saturday morning to serve 90 members of our community. Pizza from Little Caesar’s, an amazing fruit salad from Father and Son Produce and the incredible brownies of Amanda Lewis made the meal. All three of these suppliers went way beyond normal in giving us special pricing and pinpoint timing. Debbie Suggs Catering helped with yesterday’s meal.

    Harrison, age 18, was the first to volunteer. One of the best athletes of any age in Rowan County, she said, “I like to help others, especially those that don’t have as much. Serving was a way to show strength over the virus.” Sufficool, a retired teacher from RCCC, quickly volunteered with,“It would be my honor and privilege to serve there again.” Fesperman, owner of the Trophy House and a former Rowan County athlete of the year, jumped onboard and then donated to the meal costs.

        RHM Executive Director and SRR member Kyna Grubb said, “Rowan Helping Ministries is founded on community collaboration and volunteer service.  In addition to our dedicated staff, we require a corps of volunteers to sustain our feeding programs.  We have streamlined our services and added many new protocols to ensure physical distance and a safe environment for people to help people.”

      New serving procedures at RHM allow for a streamlined process to safely ensure the correct social distancing while the meal was prepared and given to the clients. Meal trays were made ahead, about 10 at a time. Those using the trays ate in the cafeteria, two to a table. Styrofoam to-go trays were also prepared ahead for clients who didn’t want to enter the facility. Those who do enter the building are temperature checked.  

   It took us about an hour to prepare the fruit salad with some of the season’s first watermelons, cantaloupes, bananas, grapes and strawberries, a process full of conversation and fun for all. Another hour to serve the meal and about 20 minutes to clean up completed the work. Proper safety practices were as promised and thankful clients, while farther away, were still appreciative.

    Linda took prayer requests from the clients and we’ve shared those requests for follow-up. Since then, we’ve served five times and have committed to three more times this coming week. Volunteerism to serve the meals has not improved.

   While it may appear that the RHM clients and members of our community were the recipients of a fine meal, the real gift was received by those SRR members who gave their time and talents to care for others. The need is huge, and you and your group can help. If willing, contact Betsy Warner, RHM volunteer manager, at 704-637-6838, ext. 112.

By David Freeze

While all of us have been limited by the state and national response to the coronavirus, we are still fortunate. Yes, we are! I will tell you why I think so.

Back in 2013, I was on my first long-distance bike ride. Still struggling to get the hang of spending long and challenging days on the bike, I had a bad day going. At least, it seemed a particularly trying day. I had just arrived in Three Sisters, Wyoming, after battling a headwind and intense climbing for hours. While trying to get a room, I heard “no vacancy” and extremely high prices. I was already borderline late on getting my daily report in. And a big storm was bearing down on me. I called the Post and spoke to nighttime editor Paris Goodnight. Paris, an outdoor adventurer in his own right, listened to my list of problems and said, “So, what was good about today?” I was immediately floored and realized he was right. There were good things that I didn’t think enough about. No days are perfect, but every day has something good. So, with this column, I hope you will join me as I consider some of the good things even during the response to this virus.

Most of us still have our health. We can still exercise and use the outdoors freely. I read the other day that 20% of people never exercise and an even greater number never seek time outdoors. One friend told me on Sunday about a visit to a botanical garden for the first time and was so amazed that he made 40 pictures. It won’t surprise anyone that I think any day with exercise and time outdoors is my kind of day.

With meetings and events curtailed, we all have extra time for new of different things. Another friend told me that his family decided to do some housework together. They cleaned and reorganized cabinets, talked more than usual and later grilled a meal. He was happy that all of this made great quality time together.

Another friend has been interested in learning a new language and has decided to make it happen. Challenging your mind anytime is good and especially if this virus has provided time to do it. I am looking forward to extra reading. Plus, no time is better to plan my own next adventure.

I have decided to do a neglected project each day. On the farm, there are always plenty of these. For the last week, I have stuck to this and made some good headway. We had some fence problems last week and as of today, I’ve removed about 600 feet of scrub trees and overhanging limbs that make fence maintenance a lot easier.

To this point, I have addressed self-needs. One of my favorite things is to help others, often providing a sense of real accomplishment by the end of the day. Think of your neighbors, friends and family and how you can help them through this. Just the simple task of finding good bananas for one of my neighbors was great fun. It took a very early visit to an already busy grocery store to find some and in turn, the same neighbor got a torn work jacket repaired for me.

In the bigger picture, I love giving blood and realize the need is great. With the attention on the virus and fear of the process, blood donations for other medical issues have waned. Use https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive to find a drive near you. Kannapolis Church of Christ has a drive on scheduled Friday and Mt. Zion Church of Christ in China Grove has one on next Sunday afternoon. Check ahead for any changes.

We certainly have plenty of uncertainty and reasons for concern, but hopefully these are some ideas that will replace worry in a positive way. Yes, there are good things still happening. Let’s remember them and plenty of other blessings we still have. Check out the blooming azaleas and the nice weather as you can. Keep those prayers going.

By David Freeze

Fitness has gone into a never-before-seen world of no gyms and no group activities, all just as Robin Satterwhite and Isaac Miller should be hitting their stride while participating in the Post wellness program.

I asked them what they miss the most and how they are compensating. Satterwhite, a professor at RCCC, said, “I do miss the variety of having three gyms to choose from. Each gym has a different environment or atmosphere. Regular patrons and staff, particularly at the Forum, seem to be extra supportive. I live on a farm and have a good walking or running trail here, plus we have been able to use the track at Catawba.”

Miller, a Salisbury police officer, had another take. He said, “It really hasn’t changed anything for me. I’m blessed to have a department that believes in physical fitness and we have a good gym. I love going for long runs, so I’m great when we are outside. The gym was always a distraction for me because I’m a people watcher and it’s easy to get lost in thoughts of them. Working out at the police department or on my own gives me the freedom to get lost in the workout itself. Catawba College’s track is still open and there’s plenty of room. I marvel in the fact that I’ve been running for 45 minutes or more.”

Both Satterwhite and Miller have shared comments about eating too much. I asked about other problems that still linger. Robin said, “Believe it or not, I haven’t had the urge to cheat this month. My fat cravings (pizza, cheeseburgers, etc.) seem to have subsided. My heart rate and blood pressure have both dropped. My anxiety levels have improved tremendously each month. I am losing weight, but it seems I lose, then get stuck for a while, then cycle again. I have taken a popular depression and anxiety medication since 1996 with a side effect of weight gain. My doctor said the drug can make weight loss difficult. I want to explore a lower dosage to hopefully boost weight loss. I want to also be off blood pressure meds.  Secondly, persistent knee discomfort has hampered my workouts some. David arranged a physical therapist visit to address this.”

Miller added, “My problem is saying no to a good dessert, which I am better at. Sugar is still a weakness of mine. And tacos! My wife is Hispanic and some foods we eat are really heavy, but we’ve gotten a lot better at steering away from unhealthy foods.”

The program is goal driven and March wasn’t the best month. Satterwhite said, “I have not met my goals for March but I won’t give up. I am using 1,510 calories daily and monitoring it on Myfitnesspal as well as doing my six days of workouts weekly. The stationary bike or elliptical trainer for aerobic activity are easier on the knee. I am looking forward to getting to the bottom of that issue.”

I think Miller is turning the corner. He said, “I’ve seen the most improvement in my calorie discipline. I typically only eat sweets when they fall within my calorie limits. Also, I find that I really want to work out. Missing a run makes me feel empty. I associate a day of not running like a day without kissing my wife before going to work. The day just isn’t right if I miss either.”

Neither Satterwhite or Miller is consistently on track right now. Robin said, “I am not where I want to be, but I will get better.”

Goals for April are important to Satterwhite. She said, “I want to see more weight loss. I hope to reduce medications with my doctor’s supervision since I have taken them for over 20 years.

Miller said, “Honestly, I’m not on track with where I want to be. Going into April, I should have already been under 300 pounds. I take full responsibility for every pound gained and lost. I often visited the taco truck knowing I shouldn’t. Results on the scale are a must for me. Multiple strangers tell me they’re rooting for me and others are keeping up with my progress. I’ve recently began multiple runs a day or a run and strength training combo (2-a-days). I want to smash realistic goals. I can put up double digits weight loss every month and I’m going to do it. Next month I will be at 295 or less!”

Miller is at 308 right now and has lost 16 pounds since Jan. 1. Satterwhite is down 6.5.

It’s a long process. See you at the end of April. Stay safe and active!

By David Freeze

China Grove First Baptist Church began the process of looking for a new pastor in November 2018 and entered into a month of prayer. The conclusion of that month began a journey that nobody saw coming and can only be explained by the direct involvement of an incredible God.  

The prayer ministry at First Baptist is available to everyone, with requests often coming through their website, sidewalk prayer box or their Facebook page. A new journey began when an indigenous pastor and missionary in Tanzania simply asked, “Please pray for my ministry.” Pastor Emmanuel simply said, “We need Bibles. Please pray that God will send us some Bibles.”  

When Chad Lewis, a China Grove First Baptist Church member, asked the pastor how he found the church in China Grove, North Carolina, the answer was that “he was praying one night, asking God to lead him to people who would partner with him in prayer.”

“As we began to pray, we also began to research how to send Bibles to Tanzania,” Lewis said. “The Baptist State Convention, the Bible Society and other African missionaries all said that costs for shipping and risk for theft were both too high.”

Even though others were saying “don’t do it,” church members continued to pray and moved forward. After finding several options on Amazon for purchasing Swahili Bibles, Lewis said, “We picked a random Amazon vendor and inquired about bulk pricing. This was no random choice. God was at work in the smallest of details.”

The vendor selected, World Books and Records, wanted to help — but not through Amazon. The goal was to send 50 Bibles, with a stretch goal of 100, dreading the expected high shipping cost. 

World Books responded with, “Yes, we can we accommodate that quantity and we can ship it for free.”  

World Books owner Nderitu Kanyogoro shared how he grew up in Kenya and now has a distribution warehouse close enough to Tanzania for shipping Bibles, saying that when he committed himself to Christ he didn’t have a Bible and could not afford one.

“The student who witnessed to me gave me his only Bible as he came from a very poor family as well,” Nderitu said “I felt the love and the pain of receiving the word of God from my brother. Three weeks later, I witnessed to another student who received Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

“He too had no Bible and then it was my turn to give up mine. I can’t start to explain the joy I felt but even more so, the pain of not having what had become my sword and my shield.”

Nderitu continued, saying his mother visited him at a boarding school and gave him the equivalent of about $2 for pocket money.

“The following weekend, I walked a whole 40 miles to the nearest bookstore to buy a Bible, never mind that I had no more money, he said. “My mom had told me that the 20 shillings would be my bus fare to go back home when the school closed. After school closed, I had no bus fare, but I had myself a Bible. God provided me strength and grace to walk a whole 50 miles back home. I was tired but I had a wonderful time to converse with him.”

After moving to the U.S. as an adult and becoming a successful scientist, Nderitu asked only for the opportunity to help provide God’s word to more people. World Books and Records was born.

“That is why I spend my resources. I have donated to many, and the vast majority do not even know about,” Nderitu said. “It means so much to me to know that a Bible is going to someone who couldn’t possibly afford one, and for that one person, it is nothing short of a miracle.”

With something amazing in the works, China Grove First Baptist Church agreed to collect money during the month of December and watch God work. The church was able to purchase 246 Bibles instead of the original 50.

“God was certainly up to something big,” Lewis said. “Nderitu was so moved that he personally contributed 54 more Bibles so that 300 shipped.” 

Pastor Emmanuel was beyond ecstatic. With most villagers unable to afford a Bible, his church and the village came together for an entire day of worship and celebration to thank God for answering their prayers. Many now had their very own copy of God’s word.  

World Books and China Grove First Baptist Church continued to get updates from Pastor Emmanuel on how the Bibles were making a difference. 

China Grove First Baptist Church continued to pray. Church members have been involved with mission work in Vermont and New Hampshire for over seven years. One of those partner churches, Crossroads Community Church, joined in as did non-church members in the community. 

From the time the first Bible was shipped to Tanzania, a little over a year ago, there have been over 2,000 people in the Tanzanian villages who now have a personal relationship with Christ. Many of those are still without a Bible, but recently, China Grove First Baptist Church sent more than 250 additional Bibles. 

For more information on the Bible program or to send your prayer request, contact China Grove First Baptist at 704-857-5415 or at pray@chinagrovefbc.com  

By David Freeze

I had been curious for the last two nights about a bunch of tall palm trees with Christmas lights wrapped around them.

After dark last night (Friday) and in the drizzling rain, I went for a closer look today (Saturday).

Apparently a local sleep doctor has his office and house together, and decorated the biggest trees in his yard. I walked up and tried to take a few good pictures and a woman came out to say, “How can I help you?” I told her I was admiring the trees and lights. She responded, “Oh, no problem, please enjoy.”

Hawaii seems full of this attitude. So friendly and happy! I am finishing this day while having a blast. A lot of good things fell into place today and I will recap them.

Back from a much-better-than-yesterday early run, I saw another runner coming in and he wanted to know the time. I told him and he said, “I’ve got to hurry to meet the bus.” I did also and told him so. About 45 minutes later, after packing and leaving Arnott’s Lodging and Adventure, I was at the bus stop and my new friend was already inside when it stopped.

These are big city buses with cool bike racks on the front. After a little coaching, I learned how to mount mine and got on the bus. My fare was $2 to take me, two big bags and the bicycle to the other side of the island, probably about 85 miles on the route we took. If I lived on the Big Island, I wouldn’t use a vehicle much. The bus is so convenient and amazingly cheap.

Once loaded, I talked with Ben, the runner from this morning. He’s into martial arts and is an actor, but he’s spending multiple weeks in Hawaii to finish a book. We parted ways at the bus exchange, promising to keep in touch.

Next came the bus ride over some of the same area that I cycled and then the “Saddle Road” back to Kona. I had been told not to ride it because of tight turns, little shoulders on occasion and high traffic. Crossing the center of the island, I was amazed at all the higher altitude grasslands and then more lava fields. Beautiful but barren, it was the shortest way to Kona and I’m glad we saw it by bus. That bus driver used to drive a truck in Charlotte.

First and most important when back to Kona was to return my rented bike to Bike Works. The fee came out $10 cheaper than I expected because I kept it for an extra two days, meaning the per day rate was lowered. My pedals and I are headed home, but I hope to never see that seat again.

The bike did a great job and I didn’t have to pay the $2,800 credit card bill for not returning the bike.

By this time, the rain was falling pretty well, but I had some shopping to do: a few gifts for home and some food for the evening.

While shopping in the ABC store for both things, I didn’t see any liquor. I think its a convenience store chain that doesn’t sell hard alcohol. There are at least three of these stores within about a half-mile walk in downtown Kona. They are packed every time I go in.

Next came the farmers market where I bought the smallest bananas and some fresh pineapple, plenty of each for $4. I wanted one of those miniature teak surfboards but passed this time.

With all this done, I had a mile more to walk to my home for the evening, Kona Tiki Hotel. I am directly on the ocean, listening to the waves crash against a rock wall about 30 feet from the patio area of my room. This is so cool! I even saw a humpback whale surface a couple of times as he or she passed by, remembering from Captain Dan’s Whale Watch that humpbacks like to cruise close in.

Small boats keep passing by, too, and it could rain again soon.

I will have one more update from Sunday after my last morning here.

David Freeze is a Salisbury Post contributor who is biking in his 50th state, Hawaii.

By David Freeze

50^th state cycling adventures comes to a close

   The Big Island of Hawaii is the nation’s largest island with an area of 4028 square miles. It has the world’s tallest mountain from ocean floor to summit as Mauna Kea rises 33,476 feet in that manner. And it has the southernmost point in the 50 states at Ka Lae, or “South Point”. And Hawaii is the only state once ruled by its own royalty.

    An amazing place for sure! But being confident in the beginning that I could see everything on one island in a week was a big mistake. I had plenty of good information as I flew to Hawaii and the usual desire to see everything possible. I saw Mauna Kea from a distance and was on the same road to reach South Point but didn’t have time for the hike to either one.

    What I did see was most active volcano in the world at Kilauea in the Volcanoes National Park. Think a smaller Grand Canyon but with steam vents just biding their time. I saw whales in the ocean, once from my room on the last evening and I saw the amazing waterfalls and flora and fauna of one island of the beautiful state. I met the amazing people, nearly all ready with a smile as soon or even before I was.

     I used to write about how friendly the locals were when I traveled to a new American city. After seeing all 50 states, my award goes to the native Hawaiians. Friendly and outgoing, and so happy. We should all learn that lesson.

    My last night was the most relaxing on the island, not that they all weren’t, but just because my list of things to figure out had dwindled to just how to spend my last morning before returning to the airport. I’ll admit that the time difference made sleeping enough very hard. I wanted to get up at midnight and get on the road by 2am, matching the times back here.

    Imagine sitting on your own room patio and watching a humpback whale surface just offshore. Not once, but twice. Then the ocean slapped against the seawall just 30 feet from that same chair all night long, the best sleep aid I could have.

     I did sleep well on that last night and had a decent run early in the always present humidity. Then a wonderful breakfast of bagels, fresh pineapple and papaya. I knew my time on the island was ending. There was enough time left to walk about a mile and half through Kona, do a little shopping, and savor the environment of peace and tranquility of Sunday morning in Hawaii. I heard an open-air church service from the the second floor of a restaurant and bar. I kept counting down the minutes and finally pressed the phone app to summon Uber. It was time to go.

     Just five minutes later, Alice pulled up and I loaded my bags in her car. During the 15 minute ride to the airport, we talked about my time on the island, and hers too as a native Hawaiian. My impressions and hers weren’t far apart. As a native Hawaiian, we talked about prices, the climate and even whale watching. Alice knew a place that visitors don’t see and when I go back, I’ll find it. She told me the name of Bougainvillia plants and their flowers that thrive even in the lava rock.

     I saw all the main roads, either on the bike (about 175 miles), a tour van or the almost free bus service. I missed the southern side of the island between the Kilauea and south of Kona. When I pedal the long rides, I always have to leave a few things behind to see next time, and you can bet I’ll do my best to return. And visit some of the other islands too. I love the Hawaiian music and words. Next time, I will bring my own bike seat for sure!

      The Kona airport is open air and perfect, except for Sunday’s high intensity TSA rush and then going through an agriculture inspection. My flight to LA was on time, and the connecting flight to Charlotte arrived at 6am on Monday morning.

      Back safe and sound again! Thanks to God for that, for riding with me as always. And for the support of the Post readers, especially Tim and Linda Hoffner, Bill Godley, Leonard Wood and Dick and Jean Richards. To everyone, we’ve done 50 states, the District of Columbia, Canada twice and all the Great Lakes together. Mahalo (Thanks) to every one of you for riding along for some or all of the journey. We did it together!  

 Today felt more normal with a great mix of people and scenery. And some challenges and surprises too!

  To begin with, my butt is doing better with the different bike seat. I’ve learned to raise up just enough when crossing those dreaded bumps. Next time, I will bring my own seat. I had an agenda after another wonderful night in good hotel, the Hotel Honoka’a Club. It rained most of the night and loud birds were chirping constantly. I loved it all.

   First, I wanted to start down the coast toward Hilo and explore along the way. The road shoulder for the most part were plenty wide and traffic was moderate and courteous. Being on a new bike makes me unsure at times but all turned out well. First up was a stop at Donna’s Cookies, a fast moving little cookie factory right on the highway. As soon as you enter, they give out samples. I chose peanut butter and got 10 cookies for a great price. The boss let me take their picture, but all the ladies got serious and looked down instead of laughing as they had been.

    I moved on and just happened to ride by the smallest Post Office I have ever seen. Just about an 8ft. X 8ft., with one operator inside. I met Mary Jo Stevenson coming out and we struck up a conversation across the road that soon moved to just in front of the building. Mary Jo is a local pastor and former Ironman Triathlon competitor. Mary Jo said, “At one time, this was the smallest PO in America and the tour buses used to stop often. Not sure if it still is.”

  After that, I had my heart set on the Akaka Falls State Park. Mary Jo told me it was uphill and was it ever at about 400 feet in elevation per mile for nearly four miles. I had read about some theft occurring from parked cars and wondered what I could do with the $2800 bike. I got the one park attendant to watch it and all turned out well. The falls are spectacular, at 442 feet which doubles the height of Niagara Falls. Got some great pictures and rocketed down the hill to Mr. Ed’s Bakery in Hononu. I met Rick, Jenny and Patty from Livermore, California amid a great conversation of cycling in general and my 50th state. Rick’s group sampled most everything in the store while I got a blueberry and a lilikoi turnover. Lillikoi is made of passion fruit and I am about to eat it now. I did sample the taste and loved it.

   Next up was decision time about where to spend the night in Hilo. I chose Arnott’s Lodging and Adventures where I have a very unique room. There are two other bedrooms in this apartment but no one will use them, leaving me with a large bathroom and kitchen for my own use through early Saturday morning. Gloria did a great job of taking care of me and it is from here that I take a van tour of the Volcanoes National Park on Friday.

  Then will come free time in the afternoon in Hilo. I am on the beach, and have been directed to a nearby black sand beach and rainbow falls. I’ll be on the bike again for these places and more. Tentatively, the bike and I plan to return to Kona early on Saturday morning.

   Today was the best day yet in Hawaii! I loved it all except that terrible climb, or maybe the terrible climb just made all the rest seem better. With that, I hope you will join me for Friday’s update and some more fun. Keep sending your messages and ideas, and those prayers too! See you back here tomorrow!