A micro road trip

Back walking today. This morning I woke to a down pour of rain. I was going for a 10 mile walk no matter the weather. A friend and I met to go for a walking road trip.
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I love road trips. Adventures in traveling. During my training for the 60 mile walk I discovered the micro road trip. Where my road trip consists mainly of a road and my feet. Car is optional. Today, I used it to get to my friends house. It is not the road trip, but only transportation to my road trip.
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Walking 10 miles takes around 2.5 hours, plus an hour for side trips and bathroom stops. Today my road trip was filled with drop dead beautiful autumn colors, an impromptu shopping spree, a delicious lunch and in the last mile, sheets of rain. Lots of chatting, laughing, looking and reminders to keep good posture. I found a pair of sunglasses.
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When budgets and time are tight, look for the micro road trip. Getting into shape, exploring the sound and finding adventures in your own back yard. Love it!

Happy travels,
Denise

Smiling at what comes your way

Tonight I went out for a run. My left leg tied up and I ended up walking. Sally-my flop eared smiler-walked right along with me. I guess I would have preferred running but some days you get what you get. My Aunt Velma is great about making the most of whatever life brings her. I remember her mom, my great grandma Biddle, sitting at our kitchen table shucking peas. She was just happy. I don't know if she loved peas as much as she found a way to love whatever she was doing.

I can take a lesson from my wise family. I couldn't run today, but the night was absolutely beautiful. I realize I'm incredibly lucky to be able to walk and to live in a place where I am safe and free to do just that. Maybe tomorrow I will be back running. If so then great, if not well I hope I have the wisdom to enjoy whatever the run or walk brings.

Wishing you the freedom to enjoy whatever the day brings,
Denise

The 3-day event and pictures

Wow! That was an amazing journey. My whole summer has been about training, preparing, fund raising and "the walk". This weeked we finally did it and it was incredible. Thankfully, we were able to walk all 60 miles, camp in little pink tents at night and finish the weekend healthy, strong and happy. We got two tiny blisters - which are pretty much healed already and a bit of fatigue but overall we are incredibly lucky.

There is so much to tell, but for me it was about supporting my great friend. One year ago she was having her breast cancer surgery. This year she walked 60 miles and past the very hospital that surgery took place. She was always my inspiration. Along the way we meant so many incredible women and men. The volunteers who took care of us were angles!!! The supporters along the way were a gift. The whole journey was one I will never forget, one that touched my heart in a million places. But mostly I was in awe of my friend with her inner strenght and determination to do this walk. She walked in memory of her friend she lost to breast cancer one year ago.

Over 6 million dollars were raised to be used for research and community programs to help find a cure for breast cancer.

For all your prayers, words of encouragement, donations, and support I send you my thanks from the very bottom of my healthy and happy feet!!!

Denise