To be honest, I was not completely at ease when I set out on this trip to a part of the country I was not familiar with – I had some concern over white superiorists and far-right extremists. That’s also why I wanted to go and find it out. While it did make me nervous to see motorcycle parades with loud flags occasionally, everybody I met on the trail or in the southern towns was very friendly. So, the common people in the country are good, and in this I find it hopeful.
I was really glad to see ordinary families coming out to enjoy nature and fall colors. No matter thin or fat, people all made it to the mountain top with persistence. Yes. Hillbillies too. And I have seen the most beautiful children and youth here; they are all good and intelligent. It makes me wonder how we grow old ugly not just in appearance but also with the mind. It must be schooling, formal or in society, that has failed our children and youth.