Yeah, the title sounds like one of those superhero battles from Marvel Comics in the 1960s and ’70s. Actually, Dennis Kinch, who is walking west on Route 66 for the National Pain Foundation, met in Vinita, Okla., with Steve Vaught, who is walking east on Route 66 in an effort to lose weight.
Vaught and Kinch met at the excellent Clanton’s Cafe on Route 66 in Vinita. Vaught’s journal (scroll down to the Nov. 29 entry) doesn’t mention this, but I’m hoping that Kinch gave Vaught some good advice during their meeting. Kinch endured dark nights of the soul while dealing with his chronic pain years ago, and he emerged from it. Perhaps he can help Vaught deal with his problems.
Vaught says in his journal he’s about to depart the Sooner State, and he’s not celebrating it, either.
I have to admit that I will miss Oklahoma and its people. I was surprised at the people in this state because I never thought that they would be as great as they are. I want to say thanks to all of those that I have met along the way and want you to know that whether I mentioned you on the site or not I have not and will not forget the experience that you provided me with.
Meanwhile, Kinch is in Claremore. He will meet and greet health specialists and chronic pain sufferers at the Pain Evaluation and Treatment Center at 5801 E. 41st St., Suite 1000, in Tulsa from 10 a.m. to noon Friday.