Sanako and I each walked another 3/4 of a mile last night, so together we have walked a mile and a half. That was farther than I had walked in years so I was somewhat out of breath for a while afterwards. I hope to walk that amount again tonight.
An animal or a creature riled the camels midway through the night. The soft sand didn't hold any prints so we were unable to determine what it was. We moved the camels closer to the fire and spent some time soothing them. Clyde is such a big baby. I also think he might be interested in Eloise. I will have to speak with Lady Trixie and see if such a pairing would be acceptable.
We four have long talks over the campfire at night and during the day when we ride our camels side-by-side. Both Lady Michelle and Lady Trixie offer intelligent and wise comments. We are fortunate to have such charming traveling companions with us.
Now I must sleep. The road goes ever on, and I must have rest before tomorrow morn.
Only 6877.5 miles to Jericho.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Day 9: Exciting news
Lady Michelle took another mile off our total. This is exciting news and led to much celebration around the campfire, particularly since Sanako and I have been occupied and have been riding our camels instead of walking.
More exciting news: Lady Trixie and her racing camel Eloise have joined us! Now we are four brave adventurers trekking across continents, lakes, seas, oceans, mountains, rivers, valleys, towns, cities, villages, caves ... You get the idea.
While looking at the Jigmap given to us by Sage Manjarous, I realize we will reach the City of Ponca at 6834. It will nice to see civilization again for the brief time we can spend there.
I have not seen the "dark figure" again. Perhaps it was just my imagination. However, yesterday Sanako, while answering nature's call, noticed footprints that ran parallel to the path of our Caravan. He lost the trail when the ground became rocky. It was probably a wandering shepherd or some mystic seeking enlightenment in the wilderness. Still it is troubling. We must remain vigilant.
6879 miles to walk before we reach Jericho.
More exciting news: Lady Trixie and her racing camel Eloise have joined us! Now we are four brave adventurers trekking across continents, lakes, seas, oceans, mountains, rivers, valleys, towns, cities, villages, caves ... You get the idea.
While looking at the Jigmap given to us by Sage Manjarous, I realize we will reach the City of Ponca at 6834. It will nice to see civilization again for the brief time we can spend there.
I have not seen the "dark figure" again. Perhaps it was just my imagination. However, yesterday Sanako, while answering nature's call, noticed footprints that ran parallel to the path of our Caravan. He lost the trail when the ground became rocky. It was probably a wandering shepherd or some mystic seeking enlightenment in the wilderness. Still it is troubling. We must remain vigilant.
6879 miles to walk before we reach Jericho.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Day 5: Now we are three
Exciting news! Yesterday, we were joined in our Caravan by the lovely Michelle and her strong camel Humphrey. I look forward to hearing her mileage reports. Jericho seems less far away now that she has joined us. Her ready laugh and beautiful eyes do much to enliven our journey.
Sanako, Hassan, Clyde, and I added another mile to the mileage. Less problem with the yappers last night as our route took us further away from them. Clyde and Hassan do not like it when the yappers howl at them. Nor do I. It’s an eerie sound.
One thing I will note, although it is probably just a figment of my overtired imagination. Twice this evening, I saw -- or thought I saw -- a figure following us. In both cases, I glimpsed the figure among the trees. Neither Sanako nor Michelle saw whatever it was, and I cannot be sure what I saw. Shadows can play tricks on your mind. Perhaps it was only the wind, but it seemed to my straining eyes that it was man-shaped, but large. Very large.
My legs are still complaining about the walking. I expect to have a couple more weeks of this pain until I finally toughen up. I will be glad when I am able to devote more time and effort to Walking to Jericho. We still have 6880 miles to go.
Sanako, Hassan, Clyde, and I added another mile to the mileage. Less problem with the yappers last night as our route took us further away from them. Clyde and Hassan do not like it when the yappers howl at them. Nor do I. It’s an eerie sound.
One thing I will note, although it is probably just a figment of my overtired imagination. Twice this evening, I saw -- or thought I saw -- a figure following us. In both cases, I glimpsed the figure among the trees. Neither Sanako nor Michelle saw whatever it was, and I cannot be sure what I saw. Shadows can play tricks on your mind. Perhaps it was only the wind, but it seemed to my straining eyes that it was man-shaped, but large. Very large.
My legs are still complaining about the walking. I expect to have a couple more weeks of this pain until I finally toughen up. I will be glad when I am able to devote more time and effort to Walking to Jericho. We still have 6880 miles to go.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Day Three, Walking to Jericho
Sanako, Hassan, Clyde, and I logged another mile today. The trek was hard, and we were dogged by yappers who loudly announced their territory whenever we drew near. Clyde chased one of them, but I was worried the yappers might be trying to lead my proud prince of the desert into a trap and reined him back.
We are not making the mileage I had hoped, but it takes a while for one to become adjusted to the pace. We have thousands of miles to go, so there is no need for impatience. Soon we will be making more miles as we and the camels become used to the traveling, particularly if others join the Caravan to Jericho. The Sage Manjarous often commented on how larger Caravans travel faster. I hope others join us in our adventure.
I will close now. My weary bones call for rest. I am not used to this travel, but I believe I will toughen up soon. 6881 miles to go.
We are not making the mileage I had hoped, but it takes a while for one to become adjusted to the pace. We have thousands of miles to go, so there is no need for impatience. Soon we will be making more miles as we and the camels become used to the traveling, particularly if others join the Caravan to Jericho. The Sage Manjarous often commented on how larger Caravans travel faster. I hope others join us in our adventure.
I will close now. My weary bones call for rest. I am not used to this travel, but I believe I will toughen up soon. 6881 miles to go.
Join the Caravan to Jericho
How do you join the Caravan to Jericho?
Simple.
1. Name your camel.
2. Post your daily, weekly or monthly walking totals, which will be subtracted from the total distance to Jericho. Remember that every step helps the Caravan move closer to Jericho. If you walk daily, you'll help the Caravan most, but every bit helps.
3. The trip will be non-linear. We'll be visiting all over the world and also visiting cities of the fantastic. There might be robbers, pirates, monsters, treasures, princesses and princes, lost cities -- who knows what we'll find. Do you want to walk to Jericho with me? We'll be leading camels -- my camel's name is Clyde; Sanako's is Hassan -- and treking across the United States and then along the newly discovered land route across the Atlantic Ocean. What wonders we'll see.
4. Join the Caravan. Walk to Jericho with me. Adventure awaits. Let’s go!
Simple.
1. Name your camel.
2. Post your daily, weekly or monthly walking totals, which will be subtracted from the total distance to Jericho. Remember that every step helps the Caravan move closer to Jericho. If you walk daily, you'll help the Caravan most, but every bit helps.
3. The trip will be non-linear. We'll be visiting all over the world and also visiting cities of the fantastic. There might be robbers, pirates, monsters, treasures, princesses and princes, lost cities -- who knows what we'll find. Do you want to walk to Jericho with me? We'll be leading camels -- my camel's name is Clyde; Sanako's is Hassan -- and treking across the United States and then along the newly discovered land route across the Atlantic Ocean. What wonders we'll see.
4. Join the Caravan. Walk to Jericho with me. Adventure awaits. Let’s go!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Walking to Jericho
Today was the 4th day of the 7-Day Potato Famine. Today was my first real test. I had a hamburger. And didn’t have French fries. Wahoo! Except … I had fried onion rings instead. I don’t think substituting one fried food for another fried food counts as a total victory. Or even as a major victory, but I am going to count it as a victory since I really, really, really wanted a large serving of fries. Still do. But I won’t eat them.
Last night I was tempted by mashed potatoes and scalloped potatoes at the annual smorgasbord at the local Catholic church. Those Catholic ladies know how to cook, and those potatoes looked good, but I contented myself with cheese grits and a vegetable medley. And really, French fries are my downfall, not the other potato dishes.
After eating my fill at the feast, I returned home and started the first major initiative of my Complete Body Overhaul. (The 7-Day Potato Famine is only a minor part of the CoBoO (pronounced Co bo oh. All the O’s are long.) The Soft Drink Drought will be a whole ‘nother matter completely, and frankly I dread it.) Anyway, I started walking to Jericho.
It's 6884 miles to Jericho from where I live, but I've walked one mile. Only 6883 to go. Do you want to walk to Jericho with me? We'll be leading camels -- my camel's name is Clyde -- and treking across the United States and then along the newly discovered land route across the Atlantic Ocean. There might be robbers, pirates, monsters, treasures, princes, lost cities -- who knows what we'll find. What wonders we'll see. Join the caravan. We're walking to Jericho.
Last night I was tempted by mashed potatoes and scalloped potatoes at the annual smorgasbord at the local Catholic church. Those Catholic ladies know how to cook, and those potatoes looked good, but I contented myself with cheese grits and a vegetable medley. And really, French fries are my downfall, not the other potato dishes.
After eating my fill at the feast, I returned home and started the first major initiative of my Complete Body Overhaul. (The 7-Day Potato Famine is only a minor part of the CoBoO (pronounced Co bo oh. All the O’s are long.) The Soft Drink Drought will be a whole ‘nother matter completely, and frankly I dread it.) Anyway, I started walking to Jericho.
It's 6884 miles to Jericho from where I live, but I've walked one mile. Only 6883 to go. Do you want to walk to Jericho with me? We'll be leading camels -- my camel's name is Clyde -- and treking across the United States and then along the newly discovered land route across the Atlantic Ocean. There might be robbers, pirates, monsters, treasures, princes, lost cities -- who knows what we'll find. What wonders we'll see. Join the caravan. We're walking to Jericho.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
The Potato Famine - Day Two
Truthfully I didn't expect to have much trouble with The 7-Day Potato Famine over the weekend. I don't usually eat potatoes over the weekend. It's the weekdays that are a problem because it is my habit -- don't judge me! -- to have a hamburger a couple of times a week, and I always, always, always have an order of French fries with the burger.
So today I've suffered no potato withdrawal. I should have no trouble tomorrow either, although I will be attending the annual smorgasbord at the local Catholic church so I will have access to delicious potato dishes. Sigh.
Speaking of famine, here's a bit about the terrible Potato Famine that the Irish people endured. From Wikipedia:
The Great Famine, also known as the Irish Potato Famine and the Great Hunger was a famine in Ireland which started in 1845, lasted – depending on the region – until 1849 or even 1852 and which led to the death of approximately one million people through starvation and disease; a further million are thought to have emigrated as a result of the famine. Some scholars estimate that the population of Ireland was reduced by 20 to 25 percent. All of this occurred while taxes, rents, and food exports were being collected and sent to British landlords, in an amount surpassing £6 million.
The proximate cause of the famine was a potato disease commonly known as late blight. Although blight ravaged potato crops throughout Europe during the 1840s, the impact and human cost in Ireland – where a third of the population was entirely dependent on the potato for food – was exacerbated by a host of political, social and economic factors which remain the subject of historical debate.
The famine was a watershed in the history of Ireland. Its effects permanently changed the island's demographic, political and cultural landscape. For both the native Irish and those in the resulting diaspora, the famine entered folk memory and became a rallying point for various nationalist movements. Modern historians regard it as a dividing line in the Irish historical narrative, referring to the preceding period of Irish history as "pre-Famine." The fall-out of the famine continued for decades afterwards and Ireland's population still has not recovered to pre-famine levels.
So today I've suffered no potato withdrawal. I should have no trouble tomorrow either, although I will be attending the annual smorgasbord at the local Catholic church so I will have access to delicious potato dishes. Sigh.
Speaking of famine, here's a bit about the terrible Potato Famine that the Irish people endured. From Wikipedia:
The Great Famine, also known as the Irish Potato Famine and the Great Hunger was a famine in Ireland which started in 1845, lasted – depending on the region – until 1849 or even 1852 and which led to the death of approximately one million people through starvation and disease; a further million are thought to have emigrated as a result of the famine. Some scholars estimate that the population of Ireland was reduced by 20 to 25 percent. All of this occurred while taxes, rents, and food exports were being collected and sent to British landlords, in an amount surpassing £6 million.
The proximate cause of the famine was a potato disease commonly known as late blight. Although blight ravaged potato crops throughout Europe during the 1840s, the impact and human cost in Ireland – where a third of the population was entirely dependent on the potato for food – was exacerbated by a host of political, social and economic factors which remain the subject of historical debate.
The famine was a watershed in the history of Ireland. Its effects permanently changed the island's demographic, political and cultural landscape. For both the native Irish and those in the resulting diaspora, the famine entered folk memory and became a rallying point for various nationalist movements. Modern historians regard it as a dividing line in the Irish historical narrative, referring to the preceding period of Irish history as "pre-Famine." The fall-out of the famine continued for decades afterwards and Ireland's population still has not recovered to pre-famine levels.
Friday, November 07, 2008
The 7-Day Potato Famine
As part of my Complete Body Overhaul, I am embarking on a self-imposed Potato Famine. For one whole week, starting today, I will not eat French fries. I will not eat mashed potatoes. I will not eat each candied yams. I will not eat baked potatoes. I will not eat potatoes au gratin. I will not eat hash browns. I will not eat potato chips be they oven baked or kettle cooked. I will not eat sour cream potato soup. I will eat NO potatoes in any form, shape, or fashion for a week.
This is not to say that potatoes are the worse food out there, but they’re just loaded with carbs, and I’m going cut back -- need to cut back -- have to cut back -- on my carbs. A medium baked potato (2-1/4" to 3-1/4" diameter) has 33.87 grams of carbs. That’s a lot of carbs before you add butter or sour cream or anything else to make it delicious.
This is not going to be easy because I love French fries. Really love them. Like how Frenzied Feline loves Twilight. So send me good thoughts as I start my 7-Day Potato Famine.
This is not to say that potatoes are the worse food out there, but they’re just loaded with carbs, and I’m going cut back -- need to cut back -- have to cut back -- on my carbs. A medium baked potato (2-1/4" to 3-1/4" diameter) has 33.87 grams of carbs. That’s a lot of carbs before you add butter or sour cream or anything else to make it delicious.
This is not going to be easy because I love French fries. Really love them. Like how Frenzied Feline loves Twilight. So send me good thoughts as I start my 7-Day Potato Famine.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)