BY PHILLIP PINA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Wade Bly decided he wanted to visit his son. Instead of jumping
in a car, he opted to walk.
For six days, and about 190 miles, he has walked. Along miles of lonely farmland and through the bustle is several villages, he has walked. From his home in Wakeman, Ohio, near Lorain, to today's final destination: Kings Mills. Why?
"I've always wanted to do a long-distance walk. When my son bought his new home, I told him I was coming to visit," said Mr. Bly, resting Wednesday night at a Xenia hotel room. Mr. Bly, who is 51 and legally blind, is expected to arrive this afternoon.
His son, Curt Bly, 23, a teacher in the Mason school district, was confident his father could make the trip. His father grew up on a farm, and had always been the family provider and protector. "Everyone else was worried, but I know my father," he said. "He can do anything he sets out to accomplish."
His father was an autoworker at a suburban Cleveland Ford Motor Co. plant. But his failing eyesight in 1989 forced him to retire early. He has a disease that rendered his left eye completely blind, and left moderate vision in his right eye. Always active, he now doesn't even drive a car.
After his retirement, Mr. Bly kept active by walking and riding his bicycle. He started planning this trip around July, as Curt Bly and his wife starting planning the purchase of their home. Mr. Bly started daily walks and exercises to improve his physical condition. And he plotted a path.
He set out Friday from his Wakeman home, walking south on U.S. 42. Most of the trip has been through rural countryside. He packed a backpack with water, food, and other supplies. He listens to a Walkman to occupy his time.
Three days into the trip, he twisted his left ankle. He sat out a day near Delaware, Ohio. But determined to finish the trip, he ventured on, soaking the ankle in ice at nights.
"I am still surprised about all the nice people I have met," he said. About six motorists have offered rides. One saw him limping and insisted, but the determined Mr. Bly declined.
What has struck him as odd, is that the entire trip, he has not seen another person walking, or riding a bicycle. But on the radio and during stops in small towns, he has heard the opinions of plenty of Ohioans on a variety of topics, from baseball to President Clinton.
His plan is to continue following U.S. 42 south from Xenia, to Ohio 741 in Warren County and by this afternoon, he hopes, to his son's home in Kings Mills. Mr. Bly expects to arrive for supper, and spend the weekend with his family.
After the visit, Mr. Bly can take some comfort in knowing the return trip will be easier. His wife is coming to pick him up and drive him home.
