12/10 Back on the C&O trail again

The family barely got over our colds and sinus infections when we got attacked by intestinal flu. We missed school/work and hugged ice cream buckets for 5 days. Exhausting. Finally have enough strength to start walking again. Got in 8.26 miles this week.

I had a strange 'Twilight Zone' experience last night at my son's high school basketball game. I had gone to the ladies room, which being in a high school with typically vain teenage girls, had full length mirrors at each end of the row of stalls. I had on blue jeans and a blue sweater. As I left my stall and turned right, a teenage girl stepped out of a stall in front of one of the mirrors. She also had on blue jeans and a blue sweater. For about a 10th of a second I thought that it was my reflection in the mirror. Then she moved to the sink and the image in the mirror immediately gained 60 lbs, aged 40 years and had my mothers face. Scared the crap out of me! Then I realized it was my reflection. That was scarier still!  The moral of the story is.... if you are at DePere High School and you have to go to the bathroom, just hold it until you get home.

Anyway back to my walk. In Green Bay today I put in 6 miles in 20+ degree weather. I've finished my Game of Thrones books, which has lasted several weeks for me. I was getting kind of tired of listening to them, mainly because there are so many plots and characters that you really need to pay attention and the last book hasn't been written yet. I know that by the time the next book comes out, I'll have forgotten where all the characters left off and will have to reread the books or be totally lost. Now I'm listening to John Grishams new book 'The Litigators'. I always like his stuff and so far this one is going well.

In my fantasy journey, I am still on the first part of the C&O Canal trail along the Potomoc River. The elevation here fell 41 feet in less than a mile. The falls and gorges are spectacular. Plus, it's almost 50 degrees here today. Balmy compared to Wisconsin.

Heron on the Potomac

Potomoc Rapids

11/27 C&O Canal tow path trail on a bittersweet Sunday

I walked 7 miles, on this crisp Sunday morning, along the East River Trail in Green Bay. It's 34 degrees here in Green Bay, but 67 degrees in Georgetown, where my imaginary walk is right now.

I am on book 4 of the Ice and Fire series. I love this series because it has 7 books and each book has at least 30 CDs and between 30 and 40 hours of listening entertainment. That means I can immerse myself for weeks in this story and don't have to worry about finding another good book for a while. However, my name did make it to the top of the list for the newest Lee Child cd, so I had to take a break and wrap myself around my man Jack Reacher this week. Awesome as always! I don't know if I mentioned it before or not, but on one of my business trips the man next to me was reading a Lee Child novel and I told him that was my favorite series. We spent the next half hour trying to decide who could protray Jack Reacher in film versions of the books (which we both agreed we would love to see). We never did figure out who could play him... he's handsome, rugged, tough and over 6'5". Not many actors fit that mold. I saw a rumour on-line that they were going to cast Tom Cruise as the main character. My office buddies and I had a good discussion over that piece of crap. We all agreed that if Cruise was cast we must boycott the films.

Anyway, back to my morning walk. I was striding along with rosy cheeks and my good book when that little nagging bittersweet Sunday spoiler snuck into my head. Work tomorrow (boo)   I love Sundays for their leisure and downtime, but I hate Sundays because that means my weekend is coming to an end and I must go back to work again. It seems to be even worse after a 4 day weekend, I'm afraid. Which brought me full circle to why I am doing this imaginary walk. I am fulfilling one of my  'after I retire' dreams early, so that I don't wish away my last 5 years of employment. Today it just isn't working. I wish I had a job where I just couldn't wait to get back to the office, but I seem to have succeeded so well at my IT job's throughout my career, that I have risen to one that pays well, but isn't much fun. On paper, the role of the project manager is to make sure the project stays on schedule, within budget and delivers all the requirements. Which is true, but in reality, it's just the person that gets to deal with all the problems that come with a project. Chief problem dumpee! Oh well, it provides a good living and I am thankful for having a good job when others have none, but geez, what ever happened to the white knight who was supposed to carry me off and allow me to live happily ever after?????

Entering the C&O towpath trail

In my imaginary world, I linked up with the C&O towpath trail. This trail runs about 180 miles along the Maryland/Virginia border and the Potomac river. I think this should be a nice educational adventure along this section. For example,  I ended my walk today at the Abner Cloud House. Never heard of the guy, but, I did my homework when I got back to the camper and educated myself, just in case I'm ever on Jeopardy and I need this info.

Abner Cloud House

Here's the scoop on this landmark:
At canal mile 3.1, stands the Abner Cloud House, one of the larger structures on the canal. It is the oldest existing building on the canal, built as a home for a miller in 1802. Abner Cloud built the house and nearby mill on the bank of the Little Falls Skirting Canal. The mill provided grain and flour to the city of Washington before and during the operation of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. Cloud was related to the Pierces of Rock Creek, who owned the Pierce Mill. Abner Cloud died in 1812, but the mill continued to provide an excellent quality flour called “Evermay” to Washington until it closed in 1870. The Cloud House was restored in the 1970s and is maintained by the Colonial Dames of America. The house is located on the Canal at Canal Road and Reservoir Road N.W., Washington DC, adjacent to Fletcher’s Boat House.

11/25 Pierce Mill in Washington DC

Black Friday!. You wouldn't catch me anywhere near a store today! But, the weather is in the 50's and I managed a nice 4 1/2 mile walk. The whole family is in a 'lounge around the house' mood today in a post Thanksgiving daze. We managed to put up the outdoors Christmas decorations, but that was the extent of our productive accomplishments.

In Washington DC, I continued my walk through the suburbs. I walked by the remains of Fort Stevens, where a civil war battle occurred on July 11&12 1864. It was the only battle to actually threaten Washington and the only time a U.S. president ever came under fire. I finished my walk at the Pierce Mill, which is a restored operating grist mill. It is between the current Czech Embassy and Hungarian Embassy.

11/22 Fort Totten Metro Station, Washington DC

Nice day in Green Bay today, mid 40's and sunny. Got in a 4.85 mile walk on my lunch break.

In Washington DC it is 57 degrees with a light rain and almost no wind. Feels almost like spring. I am walking in the suburbs today and ended up at the Fort Totten Metro Station.

Fort Totten Metro Station neighborhood

11-20 Movin slow on the Anacostia Trail in Maryland...but I'm movin

These last two weeks have been rough for me. Caught a cold and a bronchial infection and I can still barely breathe. But, I got back on my feet and hit the road again.  I have been working in Iowa all week and was lucky to be able to make a stop at the University of Iowa to bring my niece Lindsey home for Thanksgiving. I went for a 2 1/2 mile walk on campus while Lindsey finished her last exam. What a beautiful campus and it is so invigorating to feel the energy of all those 20 year olds with the future wide open in front of them. I wish I would have known what I know now, back when I was doing the college thing. I would have made sure to savor it more instead of drive so hard.

Today I went geo-caching with my sister-in-law Michelle. We walked almost 4 miles and we were on a roll, finding 10 for 10 of the caches we hunted for. Wooo Hooo!

Meanwhile, down in Maryland, we packed up the 5th-wheel to depart the lovely Greenbelt park. We have appreciated the break and the beautiful weather. While I was hunkered down in my blankets coughing my head off, Andrew and Tony viewed the sites of Washington DC.,leaving me with Buddy as my nursemaid. Unfortunately, this stupid park is full of squirrels and I would just doze off when  there would be a full squirrel attack on the camper and Buddy felt obligated to bark them away. I never saw the assault, but according to the shrillness of the bark, we must have been in grave danger.

I walked my 5.88 miles on the Anacostia  trail. I was walking slow and sucking wind, but the scenery was worth it and I'm ready go. Total mileage this trip so far is 140.90 miles.

Anacostia Trail near Hyattsville MD



Anacostia Trail near Hyattsville MD

11/14 Stuck in Washington DC - caught a bug (sick of politics?)

How ironic that my walk on Tuesday ended up just outside of Washington DC, because when I woke up on Wednesday, I had the dreaded sore throat, followed shortly by sniffles and sneezes, and then wrapped up with a nice nausous fever. I'm finally through the worst of it, still working through some chest congestion and shortness of breath.
Tommorow I start a 4 day, 5 city roadtrip through the wonderful state of Iowa for one of my project rollouts.I will try to get in a  bit of walking, but it will be hit and miss. I can't wait to get out of this polluted city air in D.C. I don't care what party you vote with, or whether you are a liberal or conservative, considering the state of the country in the last few years, I think spending much time in our the halls of our politcal leaders would make even the strongest among us a little sick.

Oops, just fell off my soapbox and skinned my knee....

11/8/11 Camping in the Greenbelt National Park

Woke up to rain here in Green Bay, which lasted until late afternoon (no lunchtime walk again). I walked 5.71 miles tonight, for a trip total of 132.81.

I ended my walk today at the gate to the Greenbelt National Park, located 12 miles from Washington DC.

Camping in Greenbelt Park. Our sightseeing base for Washington DC.

 This is the sign that is posted at the gate:

Deer Warning

The rut has started in Greenbelt Park. The bucks are chasing the does so please slow down and stay alert for deer running across the road.

I'm guessing this is an old sign, but I could not convince Tony of that. He insisted that we had to follow the customs of the local natives. Good grief!

My traveling companions today

11-7-11 Deep in the Patuxent Research Refuge

Tonight daylight savings time almost did me in. It was my first day back from vacation, so of course, I was buried at work and didn't get a chance to squeeze in a noontime walk. When I got home it was already dark out and I almost talked myself into an evening at the sewing machine. But, Tony had made a trip to the library today to pick up 'Clash of Kings', which is the next book after the 'Game of Thrones' in the Fire and Ice series. Andrew had it loaded up on my Ipod by the time I got home and I was eager to get back into the story. So, I donned my reflective vest, my Garmin and my new book and headed out. I managed 6.82 miles....all in the dark. Lots of leaves piled along the curb waiting for the 'sucking' truck to come along and pick them up. I was kind of wishing for a book of matches so that I could light them on fire. I miss those fall days where you could smell the burning leaves. I guess now it's bad for the environment and probably a fire hazard, but it would have been a lot more fun to have my dark path lighted by glowing leaves.

Come on baby light my fire!

In Maryland, I am walking alone again...so sad after spending 4 days with my girlfriends at my side. But, I today I walked through the Patuxent Research Refuge, surrounded by brief glimpses of scurrying wildlife and beautiful birds..flying, floating and wading.


Patuxent Research Refuge


At the visitor center, I read that the refuge encompasses 12,841 acres and portions of the land used to belong to the military where they did munitions testing. Apparently, they swept the land for unexploded ammunition before it was opened to the public, but it is recommended that visitors stay on the trails 'just in case'. You don't have to tell me twice, it would be just my luck to sit on a stump to empty out my shoe and blow a hole in the seat of my pants!

Do I see a land mine in there?

I had never heard of this refuge before my hike, but it's so serene to wander for miles and see no other humans, but still not be alone.



Walk with me dear...er deer.




Come out of there you beavers...we're walking today!



11/6/12 Bowie Md by way of the Houston International Quilt Show

Early Wednesday morning, my friend Janna and I left Green Bay to meet our Arizona friend Mary at the Houston International Quilt Show. We spent 3 days viewing quilts, shopping the vendors, watching demos, shopping the vendors, eating and oh did I mention shopping the vendors. By the feel of my feet we must have walked 20 miles a day, but I'm gonna give myself credit for 3 miles per day. We traveled back to GB on Saturday in time for the boys and I to attend a UWGB basketball slaughter (we won 100, to 33). On Sunday, I resumed my neighborhood walking, putting in 3.4 miles before the Packer game. That gives me a total of 12.4 miles since my last post, and a trip total of 120.29 miles.

Party in Houston!

In Maryland, Janna, Mary and I walked to the outskirts of Bowie Maryland, where we set up our sewing machines in the clubhouse at the campground. We decided to make a simple friendship quilt out of squares and circles. We set up a design wall next to our machines and by the end of the day almost every woman in the campground had brought their lawnchairs to the clubhouse. The helped us cut, turn, iron and rearrange squares on the wall. Just like a good old fashioned quilting bee, we joined together to share our stories and create our legacies.

Our friendship quilt in progress....

11-1-11 Davidsonville, MD

After my long walk on Saturday, I took Sunday off to rest my legs. Monday was Halloween, so only took a short 2 miler at lunch time. I went to the running store to have my feet custom fitted to try and help alleviate some of the blisters and bruises. They watched my walking from all directions, and measured my feet all over the place. They looked at the wear pattern on my old shoes and came up shoes with one side built up and lots of cushion. I even got running socks that are supposed to reduce the friction and help with the blisters. Tonight, I put on my new shoes, stretched a little and took off on a 5 miler. Apparently, though, my body is accustomed to walking crooked. By the time I was a couple of miles away from the house my hips hurt, my knees hurt and my feet were cramping. So much for paying the extra money for a good pair of shoes. I won't give up on them yet, but I'm definitely going to alternate shoes until I get used to these.  My total mileage since crossing the Chesapeake Bay is 16.72 miles, for a trip total of 107.89 miles (in a little less than 30 days).

In Delaware, I started back up again where I left off at the Annapolis Mall. I bought new shoes there too, but these babies feel like I'm walking on a cloud. Since it was Halloween, I decided to do a little trick or treating during my walk. Look at the treat that got dropped in my bag! But, I gave him back. These young boys just don't have the goods for the long haul, I was glad to get back to my 5th wheel, where I snuggled up with Tony and enjoyed the good stuff.... get out of the gutter, I'm talking about Seroogy chocolates!

Look at the treats they hand out in Maryland! Very Sweet!

After my 7 mile walk, I'm now in  Davidsonville MD. It's nice to be back out in the woods and fields again.

Back in the fields outside Davidsonville, Md

10/29 Visting Maryland State Capital

Today was the first game of the season for the UWGB girls basketball team. I decided to walk from my home to the Kress Center at UWGB. The game was at 2:00 so, I left the house at 10:00am, planning for about a 3 mile per hour pace.  It was 9.26 miles from my house to the game and I got there about 1:15. Not bad! We beat Michigan Tech 59 to 39. Good start girls! This was the longest walk that I have done in one session. I would like to walk the Cellcom 1/2 marathon next spring. Today I felt like I could have kept going, so I think that shouldn't be a problem as long as I keep doing my walk across America.

In Maryland, I am walking through the city of Annapolis. I crossed over the Severn River Bridge, where I could look down at the Navel Academy. They even did a flyover for my entertainment.


View of the Navel Academy from the Severn River Bridge

I had all these cadet cuties marching in cadence beside me today. Love a man in uniform (sigh).

My escort today

I took a swing by the state capital building and coincidentally my walk just happened to end at the Annapolis Mall (how convienent). I will be picking up the WB&A Rail Trail tomorrow. I will be glad to get out of the city and back onto some scenic trails. I prefer the sound of birds and the smell of fresh mown hay to the sound of horns and the smell of car exhaust.

Maryland State Capital

Tonight we are back at our campsite at the bay. While I was out walking our fancy cooking campsite neighbors pulled out and left us. (hope it wasn't something I said). Good thing I visited the food court in the mall before I came back to the camper. Might be having s'mores for supper tonight. I think we'll go gourmet and use Reese's peanut butter cups instead of Hershey bars. Yum!

10/27 Chesapeake Bay Bridge and beyond

A two walk day. Lunchtime stroll, and then in the evening I walked to the library to restock my audio book supply. I had finished the Game of Thrones a couple of days ago and put a hold on the rest of the series. Books 3,4 & 5 were waiting for me, but I am number 4 on the list for book 2. Dang it. Oh well, I'll upload the ones I've got and patiently wait for number 2 to come my way.  Todays total is 7 miles, which gives me a trip total of 92.10 miles.

I walked to the foot of the Chesapeake Bay bridge, where Tony, Andrew and Buddy picked me up. We watched a sailboat regatta as we crossed the bay and drove into our campsite at the Sandy Point State Park.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge

The campers at the next site were having a Hawaiian Luau party and invited us over. They had a pig on a spit over the fire. As the party goers passed by, we all cranked the handle to keep porky rolling. The crackling skin and dripping juices sent a wonderful aroma over the whole campground. Later, we parked ourselves on the beach and did some ocean fishing. I have no idea what kind of fish are in there, but we didn't catch any. Good thing because none of us know how to clean a fish (or cook one on a campfire either for that matter).

Here's Tony doing some aerobic fishing.

Once again, I'm listening to surf and smelling salt water as I drift off to sleep. I think we'll make this our base camp for the next few hikes. (Especially if our neighbors stick around and cook for us).

10-26 Chesapeake Bay with my Dad

Today I got the opportunity to walk at lunch and then again when I got home for a total of 8.37 miles today. My walk tonight was after dark, so I donned my reflective vest and took off for a 4 mile hike. Right at the halfway point as I turned to go back home, my dad called my cell phone to let me know that my stepmom had gone back into the hospital on Monday with an infection she has been battling. Apparently, she is on her way to recovery, but I think my dad was lonely at home by himself. When he realized that I was out walking, he was concerned that I was on the street by myself at night. So, he stayed on the phone for the rest of my walk, talking me all the way home. The only thing better than that would be if he was walking next to me. It's so sweet that my 82 year old dad, is still worried about his little girl not being home before dark.

We've had a great 57 year journey dad, may we have 57 more...love ya!

So, today my Dad and I walked into Queenstown, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. Strolled right down Main Street, checking out all the little tourist shops. We shared a big chunk of chocolate fudge with walnuts. Not as good as Traverse City's Murdicks fudge, but almost... you can't go wrong with chocolate fudge can you? We continued along the Bay, heading a little south toward the Chesapeake Bay bridge. Just 6 more miles to the on ramp. The bridge does not allow pedestrian traffic, so hopefully if the walking weather is good tomorrow, I'll get in the 6 miles so we can drive the 5th wheel over the bridge and camp at the Sandy Point State Park on the other side of the Bay.

Aerial view of downtown Queenstown, Maryland



10-25 Nearing Queenstown, Md and things are looking up

Today in Green Bay at lunchtime it  was 48 degrees and raining....definitely not walking weather, ate chicken soup at my desk.  When I got home, it was 46 degrees, raining and now also dark out.... walked 3.24 miles anyway. What a woman!!!

In Maryland today it was 68 degrees and sunny, good time to escape to my imaginary journey. Still walking through farm fields, but in the distance I can see a forest coming up and according to my trusty map, I am closing in on Queenstown, Md. About 1/2 way through my walk, I noticed a tractor in the field on my right (I told you I was gonna stop lookin at the cows and start looking for better scenery). At first I didn't see anyone so I climbed up on the side of the tractor.

Here I am checkin out the tractor....notice how all this walking is toning my ankles

Then, what do ya know? This cute little farmboy jumped up into the seat and asked me if I wanted a ride?....omg, do I ever want a ride!!. But, since this is a 'walk' across America, not a 'ride'...sigh... I regretfully declined. I'd take my real hubby anyday. He doesn't have a tractor, but he has some other really, really good assets!

You meet the nicest people on these kinds of journeys

10-24 Where the heck am I?

Today was a sunny, warm, autumn day here in Wisconsin. I managed a little 4.37 mile jaunt. Down here in Maryland, I left the Tuckahoe Creek area, and walked through a small town called Starr (had about 10 buildings in the whole town). Most of the walk was just plain old farmland. I couldn't tell if I was in Wisconsin or Maryland. I'm 24+ miles into Maryland and still have 17 more miles to the big bay. Hope it's not 17 more miles of bovine companionship. I'm gonna start lookin for some cute farmboy tomorrow.....can you sing 'she thinks my tractors sexy'?

These Maryland mama's look meaner that their Wisconsin cousins....bet they give sour milk!

10/23 Rain on the Tuckahoe

Today started out as the perfect Sunday. Tony went up to the U.P. to attend Uncle Floyd's wake. I got dog and kid duty.. Tony took Buddy for a walk before he left at 8:30 (or I assume he did, since I didn't open an eye until 10:00 am and the dog didn't bug me). Andrew, being the typical teenager, was still sleeping, so I stuck the last CD from the 'Game of Thrones' (my current book), into my bedside CD player and stayed in bed listening to the rain outside and the finale of a really good book. At noon, I eventually wandered downstairs and on the kitchen counter I found a bottle of flea shampoo, Buddy's personalized towel (graciously made by Janna when he was a puppy), and a note that said 'Found a flea, give the dog a bath, love ya Tony.' Crap!

Stayed in my PJs until 2:00 and decided I might as well get the bath over with, and since I was going to be soaked anyway, I'd follow it up with a shower for myself. I bathed the dog and did not find a single flea (I think I was tricked!).  The wet dog disappeared under the bed, pouting, I put on my Packer jersey, and settled in to watch the Packer game. (We won, yay!). 

After the game, the rain had stopped and I decided to take Buddy out for a walk and put a few miles on my trip across the country. We are still parked in the Tuckahoe State park, walking through the woods and marshes. Along the way, I got passed by a turtle. This was not my fault! When you walk with Buddy, you must stop at every tree, mailbox, fire hydrant, pile of leaves, flower, .... well pretty much anything except grass... so that he can pee on it!

About a mile into the walk, it started to rain again. I actually thought it felt kinda good, and I'm sure that some of my acquaintences, who are not expecially impressed with my charming personality, are surprised I didn't melt. But Buddy was shocked! As I mentioned in an earlier post, this dog hates water!! He dug in his heels, spun around and headed for home, stretching the leash all the way.  He did not stop to pee on one single thing! So, short trek today, only 2.12 miles logged.
I am now 19.85 miles into Maryland, trudging toward the Chesapeake Bay. The dog is banished from my journey for a while. Such a wuss!!

10-22 Crossing the Tuckahoe Creek

The weather here in Green Bay took a wet turn on Wednesday and Thursday this week. I've decided that I am going to stick with the old saying 'the joy is in the journey' and wimped out. I theorized that if I walked at lunchtime in the rain, my hair might look bad all afternoon (ha, that is assuming it looked good in the morning....). Then, Wednesday night I subbed on daughter Aimee's bowling team, so didn't have time to walk (whew). Then Thursday night it was all dark, wet and gloomy when I got home. I gave myself permission to kick back in a quilt and watch Project Runway.

But, Indian Summer is making a last gasp and I walked 4 miles yesterday and 5.37 miles this afternoon.  In Maryland, I walked from Denton through the towns of Ridgely and Jumptown. I am walking along the trails of the Tuckahoe State Park and it is so beautiful.

Tuckahoe State Park trailway

.

The last couple of nights we have fallen asleep to the sound of rain on the camper roof. We curled up in our recliners with hot chocolate and watched TV. Even the dog didn't want to venture out to do his business, we had to hold an umbrella over him while he visited with mother nature. What a whimpy dog. But now, it is glorious out. We are camping in the Tuckahoe State Park, which has some marshy areas near the creek and it is full of migrating birds. Tonights sleep song will be screeching cranes and honking geese.

Marshlands of Tuckahoe Creek

Looking forward to the sounds of the sea again, 25 miles to go to the Chesapeake Bay.

I have now walked a little over 67 miles since I started my Journey on October 3rd. My feet have been a little achy, so today I decided to wear 2 pairs of socks. It felt pretty good until about mile 3, when I realized that my feet had swollen a little and now it felt like I was walking on a wrinkle. So, I sat down and took off the extra socks. But, by the time I got home I had big blisters on two of my tootsie's. My friend Kathy is here to sew again and she advised against my sticking a straight pin in them. But, as my husband can attest, I do not listen well and popped them anyway. Not helping...ow...ow...ow..

10-18 Crossing the Choptank River in Denton Maryland

Today I walked 4.36 miles which brought me through downtown Denton Maryland and over the Choptank River.

Aeriel view of my walk through Denton and over the Choptank River

 Tonight Tony, Andrew, Buddy and I will stay at the Martinak State Park. Our campsite is right on the banks of the river.

View from our campsite in Martinak State Park

  I decided to do a little canoeing with a couple of friends I met along the trail. That's me in the middle!

It's not all walking, I still have time for some water fun.

Oh, it just happened that the Caroline Summerfest was underway in Denton as we passed through, so Andrew whipped up a little sand schulpture, while he was waiting for me to show up from my walk.

Andrew playing sand castles

10-17 Hobbs Maryland

Kind of a windy chilly day in Green Bay. I'm still groggy with quilt retreat withdrawal, so I chose to keep my butt in my chair and eat lunch at my desk instead of walk. But, I managed to walk 3.6 miles after work, which takes me 5.02 miles into Maryland. Today I walked through the village of Hobbs Maryland. I'm lonely now that I don't have my quilting buddies with me, Andrew volunteered to ride his bike along side me on my journey. According to the American Discovery Trail it is 270 miles across Maryland so I'll be in this state for quite a while. It is 41.9 miles from the Delaware State Line to Chesapeake Bay, so I'll set my short term goal for the shores of the bay.

My son Andrew... may he accompany me on my journeys forever!

Today I'm listening to the 'Game of Thrones' by George R. R. Martin. This set of CD's is 33 hours of playing time so it should get me to the bay I think. I'm really liking this book. As soon as I get all the characters straight in my mind it will be even better. I guess this is just the first book in a series. I love it when I find a new series I like, then I don't have to keep looking for my next reading fix.

10-16 Crossed into Maryland with the help of my friends

 
One of my blog followers suggested that I reiterate what this trip is all about for my friends that are a little late to the party. So let me explain. One of my 'bucket list' items is to walk across the U.S.  I sent away for the 'American Discovery Trails' maps which guides hikers from coast to coast, using as many public trails as possible. It gives turn by turn direction, with gps coordinates and mileage between each points. The trail starts at Cape Henlopen state park in Lewes Delaware and ends at Limantour Beach near San Francisco.

My plan was to do this coast to coast walk after I retire. Well, I'm still about 5 years away from that, so I decided to walk in my own neighborhood here in Green Bay, Wi wearing my Garmin wrist unit. After each walk, I record the miles I walked and track it on the American Discovery maps.

My blog is a bit of a mixture of my real life and my imaginary trek. Some of my friends said they get a little confused about what is real and what is imaginary. So, going forward, I'll use regular font for real events and I'll dream in italics. Hope that helps.

Anyway on my last blog, I had to walk 1.26 miles to leave the state of Delaware and cross into Maryland. This weekend was my annual quilters retreat with my 5 best friends. This year we stayed in a log cabin near Mountain Wi, on the Oconto River. It was a beautiful fall weekend and one of my friends has recently gotten into geo-caching, so we all decided to spend Saturday afternoon caching. (We hunted for 4 and successfully found 2). We covered 2.66 miles in our adventure, which got me out of Delaware and 1.4 miles into Maryland. And, the best part is my 5 friends walked over the state line with me.

  So, since I started my imaginary trip, I have walked 47.31 miles. I am now on the outskirt of Hobbs Maryland  with 5 of my quiltinq friends. We're kicking back watching some Project Runway on the big screen TV in my super duper 5th wheel. This afternoon, I have to give my friends back to their families and I will continue my journey across the U.S,. on my own. Thank you my friends for the wonderful weekend. Love you guys!

10-12 I see Maryland

I walked 4.33 miles on Tuesday and 4.26 today for a trip total of 44.65. According to my American Discovery Trail maps, it is 45.91 miles from the beginning of the trail in Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes DE to the Maryland state line. Been mostly woods and farmland here in Delaware. I'll have to remember to put some carrots in my pocket to feed to my equine friends that greet me along the way. So here I am standing next to this fine stud, on the top of a little hill looking at the Maryland State line on the horizon. (Got another one back at the camper.....)

Tomorrow morning, I'll walk into Maryland and then go back to real life to join my 5 quilting friends for our Annual Quilt retreat. In addition to our normal sewing, eating walking and gabbing, I think we are going to do a little geocaching this year. We're gonna be in a cabin on a gurgling river in the beautiful fall colored north woods. Plus, on Friday we have a massuse coming to the cabin for massages. This is for real!! Not imaginary!!!

Four days with my best friends doing what I love most. OMG life is good!

10-10 Still in Delaware and really ticked off......

Okay, I am truely convinced that God is a man. Last week I walked almost 30 miles, I counted my weight watchers points and stayed within my range without using any of my activity points. Apparently God must have been only half listening to one of my earlier posts where he heard .....cruise....eat...pig.. and automatically blessed me with a two pound gain. What's up with that?

So, I'm going to my imaginary world where in my mind I must have lost at least 10 lbs. Today it is 67 degrees in Green bay and 78 degrees in Delaware. I walked 6.82 miles today which brings me to the outskirts of Greenwood Deleware. I've walked a total of 36.06 miles and have about 8 miles to the Maryland border.  I'm gonna hit the hot tub, and wait for a tall dark and handsome man to bring me a big chocolate shake, a gooey cheeseburger, and a order of fries. (God...pay attention....<clap>, <clap> ... this is my imaginary world....I didn't really eat that stuff...don't zap me with a weight gain!)

Oct 8 - Day 6, nearing Bridgeville De

I've discovered an unexpected benefit of this imaginary trip. When I started this walk I was tired of working and looking forward to retirement. I was worried that I was wishing away these next five years as I anticipated the freedom that comes with wrapping up my career.  I started my walks so that I could pretend I was experiencing my post retirement life right now. However, by going into my imaginary world, my real world has become a lot more fun. I'm out of the house, I'm eating better, I'm feeling better, and this beautiful week of Indian summer days has been fully enjoyed. When I make a sudden move, I feel a little twinge of muscle soreness. Just enough to know that I've used those babies and I'm better for it. I've also been walking at lunch time instead of eating at my desk and working a solid 8 to 10 hours without a break. No wonder I was tired of working....I was just tired. Now the job itself even seems more pleasant.

Today is Saturday. I put on my walking shoes and started early. My friend Kathy is coming over to quilt today, so I wanted to get my walk in before we got started. (another benefit of walking... once I'm done, I don't feel guilty about spending the day in my studio instead of enjoying the great outdoors... cause I already did). One of my neighbors mailboxes is entwined with a huge clump of morning glories. I never get to see them open, since by the time I usually walk, they are closed for the day. Glorious purples and blues...it's great to be alive!!

Anyway, I walked 5.10 miles today, which puts me at the corner of Chaplains Chapel Road and Deer Forest Road, outside the town of Brideville DE. (trip total 29.24 miles). Still listening to the same book on tape, which I should have ditched but am going to finish just because I've invested so much time in it already.

Morning Glories greet me today.

Oct 7- Day 5 Georgetown DE and beyond

My imaginary city (Georgetown, DE), and my actual city were both the same temperature this afternoon. In the high 70's. There was a slight breeze here in Green Bay which caused showers of golden leaves to swirl around me all along my route. I just can't imagine anywhere more beautiful than my real life today. I walked to my local library branch to pick up a couple new books on CD. Round trip was just short of 4 miles... pretty convenient, I can feed my reading habit and take a good walk at the same time...nice combo

I walked 3.91 miles across America, which moved my imaginary self through Georgetown, DE but today I'm staying in the splendor my real world. 

Autumn in Green Bay

Still started reading 'Family Album' by Penelope Lively, revisits the memories of the 6 kids and they are all kind of screwy in their own way. Kind of like me and my own siblings. I can relate....

Oct 6 - Day 4 Past Milton DE on my way to Bridgeville

Beautiful day, a little nip in the air, and the smell of steak on the grill somewhere. Managed 3 plus miles at lunch time and another 5 after supper, for a total of 8.28 for the day. Got me right through downtown Milton and now I"m somewhere in the middle of the Redden State Forest. I'm almost half way across the state of Delaware. Sure, its a small state, but still counts.

Redden State Forest

We're going to rough it camp tonight in the woods. Ya, like you can really rough it in this cushy 5th wheel of mine. We even have a washer and dryer in here. Home away from home. It doesn't get any better than this. Hmm think we'll have baked potatos and t-bone steaks on the grill. I'm kicked back in my lounge chair, with a glass of wine, watching Tony cook.

Finished, 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas' by John Boyne.. I'll have to give this book a B+. It was a short book, and managed to convey the sadness of the Holocast without describing one brutal or graphic scene. The end was a big surprise too.

I started reading 'Family Album' by Penelope Lively. It's kind of off to a slow start. It seems to be about an English family of 6 kids set in the 70's that keeps popping back and forth between the kids in the present, and then back to childhood memories. No idea if I'm liking it yet, but an hour into the book, so I'll hang in there before giving up on it.

Oct 5 - Day 3 Still in the same *#@!* town - Lewes Delaware

The sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean was so beautiful, that we just couldn't bear to leave our wonderful campsite on the ocean. (of course, I didn't actually 'see' the sunset, it was way over by the time I rolled out of bed at noon. I just 'heard' it was beautiful). Anyway, I decided today was going to be a short walk day, so it just didn't make sense to pack up the rig and move. No setting up a new campsite and yelling at Tony to back up... more left...more left...no no.. I meant right!

I started my walk today where I left off on the corner of Minos Conaway Rd (Rt 265) and Lewes-Georgetown Rd (US 9/DE 404) in Lewes De. I walked about a mile down Lewes-Georgetown Rd to Sweet Briar Rd. Took a right and walked to Caveneck Rd. Only walked 2.5 miles today on my lunch hour. Subbed on my daughters bowling team tonight which cut a big chunk out of my imaginary journey. Tomorrow if all goes well and I put in at least 3.5 miles I'll make it to the town of Milton, DE. So far on my journey, 12 miles down, a couple thousand more to go!

Sunrise of the Atlantic Ocean

Finished "E" is for Evidence by Sue Grafton. Ann's rating is a B. The Sue Grafton alphabet series always get a B. The story is too simple for an A, but the writing is fun.

Started a new book, 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas' by John Boyne. Description: Through the lens of an eight-year-old boy largely shielded from the reality of World War II, we witness a forbidden friendship that forms between Bruno, the son of Nazi commandant, and Schmuel, a Jewish boy held captive in a concentration camp. Though the two are separated physically by a barbed wire fence, their lives become inescapably intertwined. The imagined story of Bruno and Shmuel sheds light on the brutality, senselessness and devastating consequences of war from an unusual point of view. Together, their tragic journey helps recall the millions of innocent victims of the Holocaust.

Oct 4 Day 2 Lewes Delaware

Another beautiful day here at the beach. Today I decided to rest my tired muscles and not leave for my walk until after lunch. I'll do another segment later tonight. On my lunch hour in the real world of work in Green Bay, I left the GP parking log and walked 3.49 miles. It was 70 degrees in Green Bay, with the SW wind at 5mph, and a humidity of 51%. In Lewes Delaware at the same time, its 63 degrees, wind WNW at 16mph with a humidity of 56%. WTF, its nicer at home then on my vacation, doesn't that just figure!

In my dream world, I started at the corner of Savanna Rd and Henlopen Dr. The American Discovery Trail map tells me to turn onto Savannah Rd, but when I googled the route, I think I found a better way so, I'm veering off the map for about 3 or 4 miles. (so shoot me, I get to stay along the ocean for a little while longer, what's not to like about that!) I continued along Cape Henlopen Dr to E Savanna Rd and took a left. I walked a mile or so and crossed over the Lewes and Reboboth Canal. Admired all the beautiful boats docked in the harbor here as I crossed the bridge. I took a right onto Pilottown Road and continued to New Rd. I walked a ways down New road past a park and a couple of baseball diamonds. Called the boys on the cell phone and went back to the camper for my nap.

Last Stroll on the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Henlopen Park

After my real life work, I walked another 3.15 miles. Continuing down New road for a few more miles until I reached Nassau Rd. I turned right for another 1/4 mile to Highway U.S 1, continuing on another 1/4 mile to Minos Conaway Rd (Rt 265), where I hung a left. I went 1.49 miles to Lewes-Georgetown Rd (UW.9/DE 404). Time for the pickup boys to arrive and swoop me up for dinner. So far I have traveled 9.5 miles on my trip. We'll head back to the beach tonight, but time to look for a new campsite tomorrow. Time to stroll the beach and remember the beautiful Atlantic ocean before drifting off to sleep to the crash of the surf.

Today’s book is ‘ “E” is for Evidence’ by Sue Grafton. Description: When incriminating evidence planted by an unknown party indicates that private eye Kinsey Millhone is on the take, she desperately tries to exonerate herself. Ann’s comments: This is pretty light reading. I have read many of these Sue Grafton books, but not in alphabetical order. This one must be pretty old, since some of the incriminating evidence comes from a typewriter, and she is always searching for pay phones to make calls.

Oct 3 - Day 1 Walk along Delaware Bay

Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes Delaware

I woke up bright and early at 10:00 am. (hey, this is my retirement and after all these years of working, I'm gonna get out of bed when I am darn good and ready). It's 65 today here in Delaware (in Green Bay where I'm really walking its 5:30 pm and about 68). I walked 2.84 miles (geez, get off my case, I'm still working you know, my walking time is limited. I do the best I can). Anyway, back to my dream. I started at the Atlantic Ocean, just to the right of the bunker overlook. I left the overlook, passing the picnic pavilion and turned left onto Park road, then right onto the bike path. I left the park on Henlopen Drive and walked up to the corner of Savannah Rd (US 9 business), the main road in Lewes. Tony and Andrew graciously answered my phone call and raced to pick me up and treat me to lunch. On this trip, like on a cruise, I'm going to eat like a pig. But, unlike my cruise vacations of past, I am going to lose weight on this adventure (I hope!). After lunch, back to the camper. My cabana boy came over with a strawberry margarita, followed by the masseuse and my little pedicure lady. (I'm pretty sure my feet aren't too calloused yet, since I've only gone not quite 3 miles, but better to be safe then sorry. Got to keep those tootsies comfy, no feetsie no walkie).

Finished today’s Book on tape: “Secrets of Eden” by Christopher A Bohjalian. Description: A novel of complex emotions and marvelous twists and turns, Secrets of Eden begins with an apparent murder suicide, which rocks a small town and a family to its core.  Ann’s rating: C+

Oct 2 - Driving to the Destination Point

Our Imaginary Rig for the Trip

Tony and I have packed up our 5th wheel (I snapped my fingers and turned the motorhome into a 5th wheel, so that we don't have to tow a car and Tony can still drive around the area while I'm walking). We left Green Bay, Wi a couple of days ago on our way to Delaware to start the walk. We have our son Andrew (14) and our Miniature Schnauzer Buddy in the back seat. (Another advantage of doing this trip now. Andrew will be in college when I'm retired and Buddy will probably be in doggy heaven). We pulled into Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes Delaware at about noon on Sunday Oct 2. We set up camp here and this will be our base camp for a couple of days. We're right on the Delaware bay. It's 65 degrees here now with a light breeze off the ocean. We fell asleep with the smell of saltwater, the crashing of waves and the shrieking of seagulls.

Setting up the trip.

Tony, Andrew and Ann

I've always had on my 'bucket list' that I would someday Walk Across America when I retire. At age 57, I have a few years to go, but I have made some tentative plans. I decided my hubby and I will get a 5th wheel or motor home. I will walk about 5 miles in the morning and have my hubby meet me at the 5 mile mark to take me for lunch. If I'm up to it, I'll walk more in the afternoon. If not, sais la vie!! A few months back, I sent for the full set of maps from the American Discovery Trail, which maps you almost step by step from Delaware to California. I have been pouring over those maps, planning and dreaming. Well, yesterday, I decided retirement is too far away (especially with what the stock market is doing lately), and I am going to use my maps to Walk Across America in my own neighborhood. I'm going to use my trusty Garmin to track my mileage and then after each walk, I'll go to the my American Discovery Maps, and track my progress. I will gather weather stats, campground info and pictures of the area as I go. I also listen to Books on Tape while I walk, so I'll track what I'm listening to, and how I liked it. If I have any great brainstorms or deep thoughts while I'm walking, I might track those too. The best part about this trip is that everything will turn out perfectly as planned, I will most likely not get mugged, and I won't have to hear my hubby complain about how long it took me to get to the meeting point or what a stupid trip this is. (since this is my bucket list and as far as I know, he doesn't even 'have' a bucket list.)