Day 22 - Lagoon to Moores Creek National Battlefield

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Total Mileage: 25.12 miles

I woke up today in a much better place, mentally prepared for a long day and accepting of the fact that my legs would be tired from yesterday's emotional and physical beatdown.

Today was a straight shot down 52.  I started a few miles earlier than on the planned route, since the highway is basically the same from Kelly through to the juncture of 210. It was a flat, straight road through pretty farmland, and although there were a number of logging and poultry trucks zooming by, I still had room. Following 210 over Black Creek and some amazing swampland, we came in to Moores Creek Battlefield National Monument. I hadn't really intended on doing any miles in the park itself, but it is an amazing treasure.  The park commemorates a significant engagement fought in 1776 between local patriots and 1,600 loyalist troops, mostly Scottish Highlanders. The Patriots used some clever battlefield tactics and fooled the loyalist troops into thinking their position was not where it was, enticing them to cross Moore's Creek, where they were engaged. You must feel sorry for the Scottish troops because they were facing cannon and rifle fire and were charging in with broadswords and muskets. It was, in fact, the last charge of the Scottish Highlanders using broadswords. They were decimated and it was a huge victory in our War for Independence, because it discouraged other factions loyal to King George from joining in the battle, considering the thrashing the Highlanders had received.

But besides the historical interest, the park is absolutely beautiful with monuments to all sides of the conflict, rolling pathways, bridges over the swamp and a quiet serenity. Is well-maintained and friendly, and so I wound up doing the last seven miles in 1.5 mile toops there at the park and battlefield trails. The day  couldn't have ended better.  My legs are tired, my Achilles is hurting but nothing will derail this train.  One foot forward. Every day.

Once more, my tribe is changing and Monty is leaving tomorrow.  I will sorely miss his calmness and total understanding of what we are trying to do.  I think, I hope, he has been touched by our journey together.  

Michael will be joining us tomorrow as our momentum increases and more participants jump in for this final week of the Ruck.

I remembered to turn off my Garmin today when I finished. Yesterday I forgot, when we drove from White Lake to Waccamaw, and Garmin clocked me doing 5:25 minute miles for 62 miles. Faster than the fastest man on earth,  Eliud Kipchoge.  It even gave me a trophy.  I'm going to keep it.
Godspeed, 

R.

Comments

Monty Coggins said…
Richard, I have indeed been touched, honored, and energized from being part of your journey of service and self exploration. Many will see the physical aspect of this ruck and will marvel at your physical strength, your training, and your mental ability to keep putting a foot forward. That is all true and valid. As I said to you today there may be 5 people in the state who can do this physically. Maybe.

What lands more for me is your vision and creativity in putting this whole thing together. Yes, you’ve had incredible support from CAN, your family, and your friends. Nonetheless, every day you ruck, fulfill your roles as husband and father, plan and modify the route, communicate with so many folks who have a stake, take photos that invite others to imagine your day, act as an ambassador for the families who are touched by autism, and, by God, you love every part; the bright and the dark. It’s plain to see. Every day you take your own measure and find that it’s enough. No excuses. No shortcuts.

Much respect, my friend. Thanks for inviting me to this party.
May 19, 2021 at 9:52 PM
Unknown said…
Monty, thank you for your support and service to Richard and Champion Autism Network and all we serve.

Richard, as always, I am in awe of you. Not only do you Ruck and do everything Monty shared, but you write an amazing travel blog with a history lesson too!

How do you do it?!!
Much love and respect my friend!
RUCK ON!!!!
xoxo
May 20, 2021 at 7:13 AM
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