Rest day!
Day 116
Great Falls, MT
July 20th, 2010
I'm walking across America.
That's the idea, at least. I'm walking westward from New York City for nine months or so. If everything goes according to plan, I'll be in Oregon when the clock runs out. If nothing goes according to plan, maybe I'll end up in Peru or Mongolia or Pennsylvania. You can read all about the details of my trip if you're so inclined.
Email me at matt@imjustwalkin.com
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Here's my progress so far:
Woohoo!!! I am the first to comment on this awesome photo of Matt!
Congrats to you young! I know how much you wanted to be first at least one time. Glad you got it.
THANKS Dorinda! This means the world to me!
ummm did you write your comment in invisible ink…or do I need stronger reading glasses…..
Sorry to say it Jeff, but you need stronger glasses ’cause Young’s comment is right at the top. Yeah for young!
Ok…she is first to comment. That is the comment
I’m so happy for you “young”un! Dang – I’ve got to read 50+ more comments before I can get to the next picture! They better be worth it!
I’ve had a long, rough day.
Sorry to hear you’ve had such a rough day Candice in Alabama. Anything we can do to cheer you up? Of course you’re already in bed by the time I’m reading this and posting but wish I had seen it sooner. Smile and know we’re with you. : )
Is that ladder the only way to the roof?
The Civic Center doubles as a live-action Super Mario Bros. game.
I have been humming the Super Mario theme since I read this. I hope I will be able to sleep tonight.
Oh thanks, now I’m doing it to! Well if we can’t sleep we can always come on here and jabber well into the night with everyone else who can’t sleep. : )
Dun-dundun-dun-dun dun, dun!
Laurenis! Stop that! your making the song the in my head worse. lol. thanks. : )
whats worse is I saw a can of Clamato beer on another page….I dont want to go there…ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
super mario save me……..
You think Donky Kong is on the roof?
Could be. Send Mario up to find out and watch for the banana peels.
Perhaps – snakes! Snakes & Ladders.
My freshman roommate in college was from Great Falls. You’re just truckin’ right along…
Hope you took the opportunity to visit the very excellent Lewis & Clark Museum in Great Falls.
I second Montana lover!
The Spirit of Lewis and Clark have been with you the whole way (well, most of the way)…pay your respects, Mr. Green…
What do you do on Rest Days?? You gotta hang out and nap somewhere right?
He had prunes today. Let’s not get TMI. Let the man “rest” in peace.
prunes = dried plums
LOL. nice word play there Michael in Atlanta.
Lol
LOL! @ Michael
Katz – I am thinking more along the line of Jacuzzi, NY strip steak and champagne for Matt… lol
I wonder if that red light was put there to keep people from driving straight into the Civic Center?
Nice observation, young
That and the large potted plants, so that one can’t drive up the steps, I’m assuming.
nice one – but there is a street that goes north – south – see passing car
Of course Glenda, but ,perspectively, Matt’s photo gave us a chance for some light jocularity. Cheers!
Not like NYC Red light area…no don’t think so.
A well deserved rest in deed! Please rest up we worry about you here in the hobo nation and want you to be okay. Hope you rest for even 2 days. You deserve it and I think we all can agree you need it. You’ve walked a long way so far and have little left but that little can be a lot because of the mountains. Rest up Matt. Have a good day.
This civic center is nice looking. Glad you made it to Great Falls.
Welcome to Great Falls! Hope you have a great stay!
OK- you are in Great Falls and you are resting today!
1. Pick up your new pair of boots at P. O.
2. Have your Civics Lesson at the civic center – that is what that place is for, isn’t it?
3. Test the new chocolate covered prunes for proper consistency.
4. Have a ice cold mug or two of your favorite libation.
5. Rest your feet- go have a foot massage and manicure – you know get rid of the TOE JAM
6. Hope someone feeds you your favorite meal!
7. Enjoy your day off.
8. Last but not least -CALL MOM & DAD!
Is that like Tennessee Toe Jam? (Some preserves a friend of mine received in a gift basket)!
Candice in Alabama-
It was good wasn’t it? It is real tasty with peanut butter also!
Hey…I used to live in Butte. Great country out there…a nice place to rest.
Peace, Michelle from Providence
Michelle
I am going to go ahead and assume you are from Rhode Island. My mother’s parents immagrated to the U. S from Bradford, England in 1910. They settled in RI and my mother was born in Johnston and grew up in Pawtucket. My grandparents are buried in Central Falls in the Moshassuck Cemetery.
My mother, who passed away in 1963 from cancer, has a childhood friend who still lives on Lennon Street in Providence. Beautiful state – Newport is just beautiful!
HEY EVERYBODY-
LOOK WHAT I FOUND –
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20100720/NEWS01/7200301/Appetite-for-adventure-keeps-man-just-walking-across-state-nation
Sadly, I knew I would find at least mean and snarky comment about that story in the Great Falls Tribune. If only they would begin the journey from Day 1 and get to know the Matt we know and love. Otherwise, nice story. They are all reading the same, arent’they?? The various stories about Matt as he passes through towns. The one really great story I recall was from the Brooklyn Rail by a writer named Kim. Thanks Don!
Katzien in austin
I read that comment from the person who did not take the time to go to Matt’s website (given in the article) and do the research before passing judgement or making negative comments. I started to reply to his (crap) but he nor his remarks are worthy!
This person is probably just jealous he is not doing this, or thanks Matt is a bum, or maybe he is just an idiot! I tend to think the latter.
He is not a part of the HOBO NATION – thank goodness!
The article is very good and makes good of Matt and what he is doing!
Yes, it’s a shame. Some people in this town are extremely closed minded. I think it’s a great adventure.
Katzien, it was a good read. If the comments bother you dont look. They have not been along for the ride. They comment on a snippet not the experience. Take it from me I have had my fair share of haters recently.
In a country plagued with sky-rocketing unemployment, I can see why one’s mind would automatically assume that Matt lost his job. Well, we know what assume does… makes an ass out of u and me. If the man who left the comment was interested enough to read the article, maybe he’ll follow through with that interest by catching up with Matt on imjustwalkin. And then maybe, just maybe, he’ll have revelation, seek forgiveness, find redemption, and jump on the bandwagon to Hobo Nation in support of an amazing young man (yes, Matt, you’re young compared to me) who has become a source of inspiration and light to those who have come along to “walk” beside him. Maybe.
I completely agree Barb V. You said it so well.
AMEN SISTER BARB V from Michigan!!!
The picture is taken just after i and the boys walked with him just a short distance, I caught up to Matt just before that on the hill behind him.
Glenda, I’m so jealous that you got to meet “our Matt ‘ and walked with him. As far as the comment in the paper====
well you can’t please everyone. Matt has the love and support of so many good people that we can overcome one “bad” apple!!!!!
that bad apple is now in the sauce. Jar it and smash it.
LOL !!! Jeff you’re so good.
Glad you looked up Matt, Glenda and walked with him… fun to put his face with the name… he’s such a nice guy… you’ve been waiting patiently for him to get to Great Falls. So glad he’s taking a well deserved rest!
fantastic find don!
Great article, Don! Thanks for sharing!
What the heck does this mean???? How in the world do the get the “May we….”?!?!??!:
“The front of Green’s cart reads “We may never meet again,” though it’s often misread as the far less generous “May we never meet again.”
Agreed, thanks Don. I thought the same thing Katzien. If that person would just go back to Day 1. I got “here” on Day 62 and went all the way back within a few days.
Sherry, I got on about the same time you did, and did the same. Even if I don’t post much, I’m following along with all of you regulars and feel that I know you. Matt is an inspiration to many across the nation. Even those of us who will never meet him at all.
Well, you know what they say. You can’t please all the people all the time. ;-) IF they are at all curious, they’ll check out the site find out they were the topic of a few conversations. heehee
Let’s not focus on the one negative.. Matt I am sure has inspired every one of us. Mainly we live VICARIOUSLY (just for you Jeff) through his feet and eyes. Matt, enjoy your much needed rest day. From all of us in Hobo Nation (hope ya’ll don’t mind me speaking for all) keep safe, healthy, and content on your journey.
Vicarious cha cha cha…….
Speak away Nick, speak away. You are so right, we all do want Matt to be safe, rested, and all the rest you said.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN….
LADIES AND GENTLEMAN OF GREAT FALLS……..
MATT HAS LEFT THE BUILDING!!!!
“Matt has left the building!” is a phrase that is often used by public address announcers following Matt Green’s walk-bys to disperse audiences who lingered in hopes of a Matt encore. Jeff (no last name, just Jeff), a website announcer who has monitored Matt’s travels throughout his journey across America, made the phrase famous when his voice was captured on many recordings of Matts’ journeys.
“Matt has left the building, please return to you seats for a few moments..take a breath and slowly follow the exit signs out to your parking area” Please ask for help getting to your car please ask one of our many attendants, and please check the Great Falls Civic Center Calender for future events.
Have a Great Evening and Drive Home Safe.
Matt has left the building. Craig, thank you for the report…..Walk on Matt….take a picture….tell us what you think….then the nation of hobo’s will chime in…..Cause that is what we do…..Cheers Matt…..
Have a great rest Matt, you deserve it.
Good Heavens Matt – 50 comments – PLUS you are in Great Falls, MT already!?!?!?! – Did the chocolate covered prunes compel you to such speed!
Perky prunes at that.
Matt – I’m glad to hear you are taking a break – because “I” need one! :)
I hope you get plenty of R & R (rest and re-hydration). Re-hydration due to Perky Prune effects.
I’m going to catch up with this days worth of “we may never meet again” and then hit the sack!
Best wishes from Candice in Alabama.
I
Can’t believe it–I was there! When I did the national tour of “Urban Cowboy: The Musical” (yes, there is such a show…) we played Great Falls, and performed in the Civic Center! Great Falls was a nice town, as I recall.
Hope you’re having a great day of rest, Matt! You deserve it!
I am even more impressed now that I know that Matt is “a civil engineer who design highways.” Talk about some in depth research … Does this make the entire trip tax deductible?
interesting yet odd that Rte 200 crosses thru Malmstrom AFB on the way to Great Falls, yet Matt mentioned nothing about the path…..or did Uncle Sam forbid the taking of photographs??? hmmmmm.
It’s a cover up, man!
gee, just a days walk WNW from great falls, is Choteau, MT….home of David Letterman’s ranch!