It was a dangerous crossing! Before venturing onto the bridge I had seriously thought about whether or not to try it. I actually watched the traffic for about 30 minutes before deciding that I would go for it. From what I could see, there was no other way across Lake Peoria -- and of course I didn't have a support vehicle.
As I crossed, I received some angry horn honks from motorists, likely trying to get to their jobs and annoyed by the guy pushing the yellow stroller across McClugage Bridge with a "Run Across America" sign on the front. Regardless, I pressed on and avoided the vehicles the best that I could -- some by only a few inches. The bridge crests at the middle and I could then see down the other side. What I saw was a police vehicle sitting there with its lights on, waiting for me. I ran off the bridge and approached the officer -- who was leaning against the hood of his car with his arms crossed, shaking his head. I said, "Good morning!"... with a smile. He looked at me like I was some sort of lunatic.
The officer said, "Son, do you realize that pedestrians aren't allowed on that bridge?" I responded by saying that I didn't see any signs stating that pedestrians couldn't cross it. He shook his head, looked me up and down, and said, "Wouldn't common sense tell you not to do that?!" I smiled and said, "I guess if I had common sense I wouldn't have started this run in the first place!" We both chuckled, and he let me run on without issuing a ticket. He told me to be safe, and wished me luck. I've never received any ticket from police while running across states and countries.
From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso
_______________________________________
Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek
Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:
- United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
- Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
- Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
- Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
- The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
- Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
- Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
- Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
- Some Cycling Moments From The Past