Marching on

Feet of Memory Inc. marches on toward a successful Walk from Key West to Maine. As we hold public events and fundraisers, we also get the word about about Alzheimer's disease and its effects on lives...not just the one with the disease, but the family and community. Unlike many other diseases, Alzheimer's steals away one's life....past, present and future. Memories, self-awareness, and closest relationships are wiped away as the disease progresses. It may begin at an early age....such as 50s or 60s, but aging beyond 80 is the 'norm.' Researchers continuously seek the reasons why people develop this disease, as well as means to control and even end it.

Alzheimer's stole away Geoffrey's mother Pat...for more than 24 years, she slipped deeper and deeper into the thickening clouds of memory loss. Like many patients, her physical health was pretty good. She was a strong and fit Kiwi woman and to look at her - until the later stages of Alzheimer's disease, you might not know her memory and ability to speak coherently, to tell you her name, or recognize her family....had gone.

Our goal is to walk these 2,400 miles beginning on the anniversary of Pat's birthday 17 March, 2013 and tell her story...which is the story of many... as we journey historic U.S. Rt. 1. More than 32 millions people live within a 25 mile radius of this road, and we want to share her story while raising funds so others won't ever have a similar story to tell.

Thank you for your support.

Feet of Memory Inc is located in Canton, Ohio, with an international goal to present endurances walks to help end Alzheimer's disease...whether here in the US or in other global locations. Additionally, Geoffrey offers several solo theatrical performances to groups. His performances include "Tenacity" which is about his mother's journey with Alzheimer's disease, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," "The Gospel of St Mark," and "Sermon on the Mount." Rose offers Lessons in a Lunchbox to retirement homes, adult day centers and other organizations with people in early to mid-stage dementias.

Contact us at 330-819-8109 (Geoffrey)

or via email: feetmemory@ yahoo.com

on our website at www.feetofmemory.com

It's been a while since the blue writing appeared - code that it's Geoffrey writing and not Rose -business is no excuse and it's over a week since news of Feet of Memory's walk went coast to coast - literally.

The day the Canton Repository article appeared - the same day we woke to no electricity thanks to Superstorm Sandy - my namesake in Oregon, Geoffrey Darling also, contacted me - long story of finding each other on the 'net 15 years ago - and sharing lifestyle chats and jokes about people that make jokes about our name. He'd been shown the link and hoped we would call in when we do the next walk, the West Coast.

Then a phone call from a newspaper in Maine - really northern Maine and the last spot on the walk, the light at the end of the tunnel as it were. I told the editor how much I was looking forward to seeing her little town - on July 3 next year. She just wanted to confirm all the details of Gary Brown's article were correct and I assured her they were more accurate than if I had written them - ie they contained not even unintentional errors. It was fine work from Mr Brown (noticed any slips in punctuation? - that's me deliberately not using AP style).
Training continues in maintenance mode - that is about seven miles most days and at least two to four every day. I was on a harder surface than the towpath today and left a little soreness - we'll have to watch that. Race walkers tell me the shin soreness goes after a while. It certainly dissipates when I stop.

So now the countdown to the November 17 wine-tasting at Maize Valley - tickets $25/head for the wine-tasting and $18 for non-alcohol drinking attendees.

From time to time Rose and I try try to post a comment to see how hard it is - and find it is like drawing teeth while jumping through hoops. So rather than let it go, as we did, you can contact us on email: feetmemory@yahoo.com - love to hear from you

Lewy Body dementia

Yesterday, while attending a Rotary Club meeting, a gentleman approached Geoffrey to tell him of a type of dementia called Lewy Body dementia which is the second leading cause of dementia in elderly Americans. We are looking into this and will share information with you soon.

In the meantime, the Benefit Wine Tasting is coming up! November 17 is the day from 6-8:30 p.m. at Maize Valley Winery. Maize Valley was recently seen on CNN. The television crew interviewed visotors to the winery about their thoughts on the presidential election.

Benefit Wine Tasting

Saturday, November 17 from 6-8:30 p.m.

At Maize Valley Winery

On Rt 619 just east of Hartville

$25.00 per person includes:

4 wine tastings of your choice and finger foods, live music

Additional opportunities at your own cost include:

Wine tickets for additional tastings, food and beverages in the restaurant,

A Corn Hole Tournament, silent auction, 50/50 raffle

Tables of eight receive one free ticket…so bring friends!

Optional non-alcoholic ticket at $18.00 Includes finger foods, water and coffee

Proceeds to benefit the Feet of Memory Inc Walk from Key West, Florida to Maine to help end Alzheimer’s disease.

www.feetofmemory.com

Geoffrey 330-819-8109

Launch reception

Such a busy, busy time as we prepare and advertise for the launch tomorrow evening, October 24. If you can, please come along to Jackson Library on Fulton Road NW just across the street from Jackson High School. We'll be there from 5-7 p.m. with presentations by Geoffrey Darling, Rose Darling, and Alzheimer's Association representatives. Meet the Board of Directors, and hear details of the walk from Key West to Maine. Nibble on delicious London's Candies chocolates and Heggy's nuts.

Why are we doing this? Geoffrey's mother Pat lived in the dark shadows of Alzheimer's diesease for 24 years until she passed on five days after her 90th birthday this year in March. Not only did she suffer because of this disease, but the whole family and her friends suffered right along with her, then, when her memory was gone, theirs continued. Feet of Memory Inc was created to raise awareness and funds to help end Alzheimer's disease through research, education and support services.

MORE UPDATES

I apologize for my absense...my sister had a stroke last week, and my oldest son got married. Of such opposites is life.

Speaking of opposites, when I worked in a long term care health care home, it was often difficult to see residents begin the downhill descent into the darkness of memory loss. As activities diector, it was my job to devise programs to help keep minds stimulated, and to bring out hidden talents or interests. A very elderly Chinese resident had a wonderful gift of art and never knew it until he joined my watercolor class. In his first class, he painted a beautiful scene...in a delicate, Chinese style. He became a prolific painter! His English was not good, and his hearing was very bad so he could not communicate well with people. But he could paint, and paint he did! His verbal communication was not good, but his visual communication was beautiful....opposites in action.

Even people with memory loss may find such hidden or latent skills. In 2013, we will add to our Feet of Memory program a drama club for those with mild memory loss. It will be a club where they can learn lines, express themselves in drama and music, and stimulate portions of the brain.

But first, the extreme endurance Walk from Key West to Maine will be completed in 2013. Geoffrey continues to train so the walk will be successful. As you know, this walk will help raise Awareness and Funds for Alzheimer's research, education and support services.

We now have several events planned to help make this walk possible. Here is a list for the next few months:

October 24: 5-7 pm Launch reception at Jackson Library, Canton/Massilon, Ohio. Geoffrey will embark on a 24 mile walk at 9am. You are welcome to join him! Then at 5:30 Geoffrey will give a dramatic presentation followed by other presentations by Rose Darling, Loren Veigel, the Artistic Director of Canton's VOCI, and a research update from the Alzheimer's Association. The official launch is at 6:15 followed by a Balloons of Memory lift-off and updates on events, and raffle drawing.
Nuts 'n Chocolates to enjoy, raffle, and "Pat's Corner" jewelry by Lynn Marie Jewelry, and teeshirts.

November 17: 6-8:30pm Wine Tasting at Maize Valley Farms near Hartville, Ohio. Tickets are $25.00 each adult and include - Four wine tastings of your choice (you keep the glass)
Appetizers
Live music in the lounge
ADDITIONAL:
Raffle including a wine basket from Maize Valley
Corn Hole Tournament
50/50 drawing and more!
You may contact us at feetmemory@yahoo.com for tickets. A list of places where you may purchase tickets in the Canton area will soon be posted.

December:The Christmas Party Hop...Dance the evening away to the sounds of the 60s and 70s at our Christmas Party at Lake Cable Clubhouse!! Date and details to be announced soon.

Early Onset Dementia

Feet of Memory Inc. funds will go to help the Alzheimer's Association continue their research, education, advocacy and support services to help find an end to Alzheimer's disease. Many of the chapters offer education and support groups to help those with early-onset dementia and their care givers/partners.

Geoffrey's mother, Pat, developed early-onset dementia at around age 65, perhaps even earlier, and once told Geoffrey that "I will live to a great old age, but I won't remember any of it." Sadly,she was right. She lived five days past her 90th birthday 17 March, 2012 and did not remember anything for about a quarter of her years. Feet of Memory Inc. and Geoffrey's extreme endurance walks are in honor of her, and those like her....and to help end this disease.

Another friend has a rare form of early-onset dementia called frontal lobe dementia....he is about 70 years old...in a wheelchair. Unable to speak. Knowing and understanding almost nothing. And growing worse by the day.

Please help us help them. Ask how you can support Feet of Memory Inc. During Geoffrey's walk from Key West to the Canadian border in Maine, you will have opportunities to walk with him, attend special dramatic stage performances, and donate to Feet of Memory Inc. read more about us on www.feetofmemory.com. Contact us via email at feetmemory@yahoo.com.
Thank you.

Early-onset Alzheimer's

Yesterday, a friend shared with us that two of his sisters have early-onset Alzheimer's...one is in a nursing center at age 60.
This is why we established Feet of Memory Inc- to help END Alzheimer's disease: This robbing of human thought and mind - often while still rather young. Of course, we all know there are no guarantees of long, healthy lives for any of us, but the kind of drawn-out dying of memory, thought, personality and body brought about by Alzheimer's disease is especially agonizing for the individual, the family and the community.

Please help us help find an end to Alzheimer's disease by supporting Feet of Memory.

Geoffrey's 2,400 mile walk honors his own mother who had early-onset Alzheimer's disease that lasted 24 years...nearly a quarter of her life when she did not recognize her own children and family. She could no longer enjoy her special hobby of building little ponds with lily pads, nor respond to holidays and birthdays, and life in general.

As he walks from Key West to Maine, each step is to honor her and to help raise funds to help the Alzheimer's Association in its many research, education, advocacy and support services as they work to end Alzheimer's disease.

Event dates

We are busy, busy organizing the walk and fund and awareness raisers to make it possible. This weekend we will look at an RV that may be a donation for the duration. Our new Creative Team is helping us with the planning and implementtation of these events.
So if you are in the Canton, Ohio area, here are a few dates for your calendar.

Launch Reception: October 24 from 5-7 pm at the Jackson Library on Fulton Road. Meet our Board of Directors, enjoy guest presenters, Nuts 'n Chocolates, the official launch with Balloons of Memory at 6:30. Please join us!



We are tying up loose ends for a fun fund-raiser at Vinoteca. Dates to be verified but should be November 16 and/or 17. Meet a past "King of Olde England," enjoy wine and a cheese/bread board, and live entertainment by professional musicians and Shakespearean actors. Details and ticket prices to be announced soon.

In December, come to the "Christmas Party Hop"! Again, details are now being confirmed and will soon be posted.

January features a Winterfest....hope there's some snow this winter!

February has an extra-fun, special event for the whole family to enjoy....but it's a secret for now......shhhhhhh.

As you see, we are very busy....if you can volunteer or help us out in any way, please write to us at feetmemory@yahoo.com

Feet of MemoryInc is a nonprofit organization with the purpose of raising awareness and funds for research, education support services oto help end Alzheimer's disease. Through extreme walks, such as the walk planned from Key West to Maine on historic US Rt 1 in 2013, Geoffrey and Rose Darling, along with a support team will present programs and walkathons from town to town along the way. Visit www.feetofmemory.com for more information. FInd us on Facebook, too.

Where does all the money go?

When we give money, time and abilities to organizations, we always want to know it is going to help meet needs...we usually expect to see some results from our donations.
People who give to religious organizations expect certain results, while those who support health care organizations expect other results. Organizations that deal with teens must meet needs while services to the homebound need to meet their specific needs.
Here at Feet of Memory (FOM) we raise funds to help well-established organizations in the field of Alzheimer's research, education and services. Our Board established that 75% of funds raised in 2012 and 2013 will go to the Alzheimer's Association with the other 25% to Feet of Memory operations to help us plan and implement Geoffrey's walks and the events needed to raise awareness and funds. These numbers exceed a standard of 65% to services.
We chose to support the Alzheimer's Association in 2012/13 because they offer a tremendous number of services to families, caregivers and individuals dealing with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The human touch element of the Alzheimer's Association's services supports the many emotional as well as health needs that AD brings. These services alone are well worth Geoffrey's extreme endurance walk from Key West to Maine. But this organization also supports research and education...each of which requires a great deal of money.
As you support Feet of Memory you are supporting an organization that knows and appreciates the numerous services of the Alzheimer's Association .Through our walks, we help by raising greater awareness and funds on their behalf and that of the countless families served across America.

The other foot

In case you've ever wondered about who writes most of these blogs, it is I, Mrs Rose Darling. Geoffrey is out again in this 'stinkin' humidity, walking and keeping up his training. We have a board meeting tomorrow and the two of us have much to prepare.

Me in Dublin, Ireland,

October 2011



As Geoffrey pounds the pavement in his extreme walk from Key west to Maine, I plan to present a special program I co-wrote and presented numerous times for older adults with mild to mid-memory loss. It's a faith-based program, non-denominational, interactive and illustrative especially developed for small groups of about 12 people, but may be presented (successfully so) to much larger groups.

"Lessons in a Lunchbox" (c) 2002, packs illustrative items into an old-fashioned domed lunchbox for use in sharing the biblical story. A favorite 'lesson' is that of Ruth from the Old Testament. It is a story of family love and devotion, of strength in the midst of hard times, and faith. Songs and traditional hymns, psalms, and activities accompany the storytelling. Family photos, stalks of barley wheat and other tactile items also help stimulate the senses and memories.
When it was first introduced  to an Alzheimer's unit in 2002, a reporter from the Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, wrote how caregivers as well as those with memory loss were touched by the program. Several had tears in their eyes as they witnessed their loved one singing and even discussing some of the topics.

Anyway, while Geoffrey is walking, I will offer this program to retirement homes, adult day service centers, Alzheimer's support groups and others.

For many years I worked in retirement services as an activities director and in marketing/pr. It was while I was "Church Visitation Director" (a marketing position) for Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services Foundation that "Lessons in a Lunchbox" was written in response to a pastor's request to give church groups appropriate materials for use in services in retirement communities and nursing homes.

"Feet of Memory" is NOT a religious organization and "Lessons in a Luncbox" is NOT in any way an attempt to win people over to one way of religious thought. The two ("Feet of Memory" and "Lessons in a Lunchbox"are not inter-related. This is my interjection into the journey. I have to have something more than sight-seeing to do while he is walking! :-)
"Lessons" is a program based on traditional and historical songs, hymns, biblical verses and interactive discussions. I love presenting the program, and each time, I've been amazed at the response of people who rarely respond to anything! Family members and caregivers are invited to attend.

So, if you know a retirement community or other group similar to those mentioned above who would like to know more about this program, please contact me at feetmemory@yahoo.com. The program just costs $60.00 and I provide the leadership, all illustrative items, song sheets and take-home projects. The facility provides at least one helper, or more depending on group size, and refreshments, if desired. The program lists suggested snacks.

About Rose M Darling

EDUCATION
American Military University. MA in International Relations
Western Illinois University. BA in General Studies
Kent State University. Studies in music performance and journalism
Many courses in fundraising and development


SELECT EXPERIENCE
Music director/organist/choir director for several churches across Ohio and in New Zealand. Presently with First Church, Canton, Ohio
Freelance journalist/writer in Ohio, New Zealand.
Co-authored "The Elf Princess."
Playwright "Songs Sung Blues" and "Benders at 11"


THE HOME SIDE
Wife of Geoffrey (2005 to forever)
Mother of three sons Charlie, David and Jeffery
M-I-L to Brenda, Vikki and Lynn
Grandma to Dylan, Morgan and Peyton
Sister to Victoria and Faythe
Cancer survivor through the grace of God, modern medicine and the TLC of those around me.

About Geoffrey Darling

We've focused a lot of Geoffrey's 100 day walk in 2013, but I"ve not shared too much about his other "Feat" of memory. Geoffrey is an experienced, well-trained and awarded stage actor. In addition to his marathon-long walks each day, he offers solo performances of one of several plays. "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," "Ludwig Van The Ancient Mariner," and "Tenacity," an original play about a conversation he had with his mother prior to her journey into the deep clouds of memory loss and Alzheimer's disease which she had for 24 long years.

Geoffrey has performed in numerous plays from the heaviest of dramas such as "Macbeth" to light-hearted comedies like "My Favorite Year," and even musicals such as "Porgy and Bess." His New Zealand training under Dame Ngaio Marsh at Canterbury University in beautiful Christchurch, New Zealand allowed him to discover his powerful voice and stage presence. Geoffrey has performed throughout New Zealand, London, Australia, Ireland and in the United States.

He has a great deal of experience in walking all day and performing at night. In 2002, he walked the length of the South Island of New Zealand on a fundraiser for the Bible Society After a days' journey, sometimes in chilly wind, rain and even snow, he performed a 90-minute dramatic presentation of the Gospel of St Mark.

The Secret Garden at the Magical Theatre in Barberton, Ohio

Geoffrey Darling offers his stirring performances to churches, Alzheimer Association chapters, senior community groups and others as he walks this journey from Key West to Maine. For more information or to book Mr. Darling, contact him at feetmemory@yahoo.com.

Services you help provide

How do donations translate into literal help for those dealing with Alzheimer's Disease? There are numerous hospitals, research labs, service organizations and governmental agencies that work to find an end to Alzheimer's Disease. Monies raised by organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association go toward advancing research, on advocacy for greater emphasis on Alzheimer's disease by government agencies, on education, and services. Local chapters and groups offer group support meetings, conferences, libraries, and speakers who can share what's new in research as well as practical advice on dealing with the challenges brought on by memory loss. Of course, Alzheimer's disease knows no geographic boundaries as people around the world deal with the devastating effects of memory loss and dementia.

Some of the groups may or may not include people with the disease. Often, as they slip into deeper memory loss, social activities slip away. A few years ago, I co-wrote and offered a "Bible study" program for those with mild to moderate memory loss. Family members were invited to participate and we were thrilled to find many sons and daughters bringing their parents to these interactive gatherings where they sang old hymns and responded to biblical stories they had heard as children. Many tears were seen in the eyes of family members as they witnessed their loved one singing and reciting songs and verses learned long, long ago.


As Geoffrey walks the 2,400 miles from Key West to Maine, I will gladly present this program to older adult church groups, retirement communities, support groups and others that are located within driving distance of his walk on historic US Rt 1. Just write to Rose at feetmemory@yahoo.com asking for Lessons in a Lunchbox (c)

FACTS about Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease cannot be (yet) be controlled, stopped or slowed and is a leading cause of death in the United States.

So, who is this man and why is he walking 2,400 miles in 2013?

Geoffrey Darling, co-founder and co-executive director of Feet of Memory is determined to do as much as he can while he can to help END Alzheimer's disease. He watched his mother Pat walk deeper into the thickening clouds of memory loss for 24 years. Her journey ended in March 2012, but countless others around the world must face the dark clouds that blot out the light of memory.

By walking extreme, endurance walks such as the one planned from Key West to Maine, he aims to raise as much money and awareness to enable the Alzheimer's Association continue and expand its research, education, advocacy and support services to bring an end to this disease.

YOU can help by enabling Geoffrey and Feet of Memory with your support. Have your friends follow this blog and our Facebook page to read about specific ways you can help and to follow our progress as we work toward this mega-walk in March 2013.

This blog will soon be remodeled to better inform you of who we are and our progress, thanks to YOU, our readers and supporters.

Deer Hawk

You never know what you will see along the Towpath. While on a 30-mile training walk yesterday, Geoffrey came across this stately hawk and soon realized its wing was injured. Park ranger phone numbers are posted along the Towpath, but he could find none, but fortunately someone had, and as Geoffrey walked nearer, he heard the call about a distressed hawk. Hopefully help was swift and they were able to help it.
A large deer also bounded from the wooded areas across the path...a bit startling, but wonderful, to see!
During these last weeks of summer and early autumn here in northeast Ohio, color abounds. Already we notice spots of red and yellow on trees, and the bees are out full force doing what they do this time of the year.

If you have a loved one with mild to moderate dementia, why not take them on a walk or in a chair if needed, into a place of natural beauty? This may trigger memories of years gone by, and if not, they and you, will enjoy the beauty of the outdoors as well as the company of someone you love.

The Alzheimer's Association offers education and support services for families and friends of those with increasing memory loss. Visit www.alz.org for information about research and much more. Find a support group in your area. Support fundraising events for this important work.

Feet of Memory was created to support the Alzheimer's Association through endurance, extreme walks and theatrical performances. We will soon have a calendar of events you may attend...and we hope you will if you are in the area. We will skype these events as much as possible so you may be a part of it, too!

We have a wish list that you can help us with. They will soon be posted on our website which is under construction, but available to view now. These items such as gift cards to chain restaurants and gasoline stations will help Feet of Memory fulfill its goal to raise money....LOTS of money for the Alzheimer's Association and its research, education and support services. Geoffrey will walk the 2,400 miles from Key west to Maine along historic U.S. Rt 1, through "Americana" at its best as well as some of the largest cities in the USA. You can join him on portions of the walk near you! We will post a map on the website at www.feetofmemory.com. Gather some friends, and pledges, and walk 5, 10, 20 miles with him to help end Alzheimer's disease. You'll never know what wonders of nature YOU will discover along the way.

Contact feetmemory@yahoo.com for details.

Longest Day

Feet of Memory is a 'nonprofit organization' with the goal of raising money through extreme, endurance walks and theatrical performances in support of the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association's emphases on research, education and support services are helping find ways to end Alzheimer's disease. Feet of Memory will walk from Key West to Maine in 2013 to raise funds to help end Alzheimer's disease.

http://www.ohioeriecanal.org/trail.html

On this beautiful morning, Geoffrey is doing a 30-mile walk on the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath. If you are not familiar with this bit of history, follow the link above. This photo is of a lock along the Towpath trail.

Today, Geoffrey packed several containers of water and some granola bars and we'll meet up later for a little picnic lunch.

A few days ago he bought some socks (some very expensive socks, I must add) that are designed to absorb sweat and keep his feet dry...helping to keep down chances of rubbing blisters. They seem to work very well, so it's worth the cost.

A very inexpensive insect-repellent he uses with great success may sound silly, but it works for him. He tucks a dryer softener sheet into his back pocket....so far he has avoided insect bites! As you know, early morning is prime time for those pesky little critters to come out looking for their breakfast, but Geoffrey is not on the menu!

Loony!

Who is your favorite Looney Tunes character? Mine is Tweety Bird, but Bugs Bunny takes a close second. I especially enjoy the opera segments. Remember those? In fact, Bugs pretty well introduced many youngsters to the world of opera. Sure it was funny, but at least we heard another genre of music than what was heard on pop radio. I can't say that Bugs Bunny was a catalyst for me to study singing, but perhaps he was!



What's all this talk about Looney Tunes? Well.....Feet of Memory is planning a very special Operatoonity for a fun, family, fund-raiser.

So, as soon as we get our 'star' performer booked, we will post the information. This will be a show to remember!

In the meantime, keep on walkin'!


 Feet of Memory utilizes endurace, extreme walks and theatrical performances to raise awareness and fuds for the Alzheimer's Association and its goals to end Alzheimer's Disease. We support this organizations research, education and support services. Geoffrey Darling wil embark on a 2,400 mile walk from Key West to Maine on historic U.S. Rt 1 in March 2013 to raise money for the Association. Follow this blog to add your financial and volunteer support to help us help end Alzheimer's Disease.

Special jewelry designs

Geoffrey's mother Pat was born on St. Patrick's day, March 17, and the birthstone for that day is aquamarine, Lynn Marie Jewelry is creating handcrafted aquamarine jewelry especially for Feet of Memory. Each will have a little fairie charm at the clasp to commemorate Pat's enchantment with them. Some jewelry pieces will be available for purchase in the near future. Above is a little sample from her school colors line in pea pod and bird's nests designs. Check out her website at dmp.jewelry.webs.com.

We are establishing a Board of Remembrance where you may recognize your loved one(s) who walked through the thickening clouds of memory loss and Alzheimer's Disease. We will give you details on how you may honor them in the near future.

In the meantime, we hope it's a lovely day for you and that you will get out and take a walk! Geoffrey is out on the Towpath this morning keeping up his training for his extreme walk from Key West to Maine!

Please visit us at Facebook.

Official launch and longest walk yet

We are preparing to officially "launch" our Feet of Memory campaign - place and time to be announced.

Do you some someone who has walked across America from shore to shore? I met a woman years ago who did this, and heard of several others. That's quite a feat - quite an endurance walk. Geoffrey had considered doing that, but one morning I woke to the idea of Key West to Maine...this is a highly populated area of the States...more than 32 million people live in the counties through which Geoffrey will walk and his support personnel will drive.  So we are working toward fulfilling a real dream!

Geoffrey wants to share this with you about his 24 mile training walk yesterday, August 21

Kia Ora - the 24-mile walk is significant as the average distance I will have to travel every day from Key West to Fort Kent  - on the Canadian border of Maine. The 2400 miles has a break every ten days or so built in so there is no point in doing the maths, especially as the actual distance is 2376 miles, according to Wikipedia - the online source that thinks on its feet. But why spoil a good round distance with the actual length; until I am so tired I'd happily wipe  that extra  24 miles. 

Yesterday I finished full of running( walking) and knocked out the last mile in 15 minutes to prove there was more in the tank. Starting slowly helped, but I can't go too slowly; my muscles would get bored. I set off south on the Ohio and Erie Canal towpath from 40 Corners, planning to go 3 miles south and return to the car and take on more drink and it was quite deserted at 7.40am - first day back at school for many. The turnaround point in Massillon was the 11.5 mile peg and I planned to walk to the Stark County boundary and half a mile past that toward Clinton to make the 24 miles. I was back at the car in 1hr 45 and drank my fill and filled my drink (bottles) for the walk to Canal Fulton. It's invariably 55 minutes to Butterbridge but the main path was closed at Crystal Springs - for maintenance. An old ( well, young fella about my age) chap on his bike shared a moan with me about that and I considered walking on anyway - rather than take the alternative route on the Muskingum Trail on the other side of the Tuscarawas River. But I figured the workers would resent an interloper and harsh words might ensue  - so I took the detour and found that added an extra 0.2 miles -and that changed the extra distance past the county boundary (the 0 mile peg). When you have an hour of fast walking you have plenty of time to calculate all this - plus practice lines, do the Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Our board member Tom asked me what I think about and my glib self replied my head was full of Sousa marches - and they do come in readily with the rythmic feet hitting crushed limestone.

The detour forced me to miss my favourite spot - where a week or so back I was stunned by the beauty of one scene, for its sheer symmetry of greeness as much as anything, and a small inner voice asked if I had ever seen anything so beautiful - and in that epiphany moment I had to grab a tree to stop from falling as I answered the most humble and awefilled "No. It had always impressed me but this was "clouds opening and showing riches ready to drop upon me" moment. 

We (who's we) reached halfway in 3 hours 40 mins - 12 miles and lunch a long way off  - at Canal Fulton and the next 3.3 miles were north.  Twice I was walkers going quickly ahead of me. I wish they wouldn't because the competitor in me has to catch them. One I didn't but the other I caught easily. The only stop on the second leg was for a drink at Canal Fulton. I had meant to buy some more Powerade but the machine was not in a $1 note accepting mood - I should carry more quarters to obviate the need for them - but I found that Coke was just as stimulating (the Coke machine was working/ swallowing $1 bills).

So the second leg took 3 hours 30 mins - pauses to buy and ice-cream included and with 3.6 miles to go in one more hour I knew I had a solid time in the bag - the last leg took 55 minutes at close to 4mph - more than usually tired but happy that this feat is achievable - 48 of the 100 days we will walk the same or shorter distances; in eight month's time.  Ka Kite

Please visit us on Facebook...search for Feet of Memory.

Goals

Our Walker just got home feeling quite energetic after a 25-mile walk on the Towpath today. In just a few months, he'll walk that far nearly every day for 100 days as he journeys up historic US Rt 1 from Key West to Maine.
Have you set any new goals for yourself...improved fitness...education goals...better relationships? If you have no goals, you won't reach them. Set some small goals for your life and as you meet them what a sense of accomplishment you will have! That feeling will spur you on to more goals and new accomlishments. It's your choice.

You are never too old to dream new dreams...CS Lewis.

Itinerary looks dauntingly fun

St Paddy's Day minus 223 and all's well - with 450 training miles under the belt and 1950 to go - until I realise that, when translated to the actual walk from Key West to Fort Kent, Maine, that does not even get us out of Florida. Or even to the second scheduled rest day. At mile-peg 450 we will be a day's march from St Augustine Beach and still three days from reaching Georgia - so even though a gentle nine mile walk beckons today we know the time has come to put in some testing 25-miles plus walks. Question is, when can we spare the time for the all-day effort and the all-week recovery.  As summer threatens to close down temperatures in sunny Ohio and bring this Golden Weather to an End, I want to get the daily average required to below 8 miles per day by the beginning of December - because I want to have walked 2400 miles in training since May 23 ( when records began, as they say in the weather forecasts) - the  required average is still 8.71 daily miles and the completed average - well let's math the do. 450/ 82 is 5.48 per day! - that's a revelation. I thought things were better than that.  Too many days off, too much self-indulgence and not enough reality. Nevertheless the physical results are still good and the pulse rate is 46.
So take a quick look at the schedule and see if you agree that, even at eight months out, we need to get urgent -

Florida                                               miles

March 17:  Key West to Big Pine Key     30 

March 18: Big Pine Key to Marathon     18

March 19:  Marathon to Layton              20

March 20: Layton to Key Largo               31

March 21: Key Largo to Homestead       30

March 22: Homestead to Cutter Bay     12

March 23: Cutter Bay to Miami Beach   23

March 24: Miami Bch to Ft Lauderdale 24

March 25: Ft Lauderdale to Delray Bch  29

March 26: Delray to West Palm Beach  19

March 27: Day off walking

March 28: W.Palm Bch to Hobe Sound  27

Good Friday: Hobe to White City           24

March 30: White City to Vero Beach      27

Easter Sunday: Vero to Grant                 22

April 1: Grant to Palm Shores                                21

April 2: Palm Shores to Titusville           30

April 3: Titusville to Bethune Beach       24

April 4: Bethune to Daytona                   23

April 5: Daytona to Flagler                     20

April 6: Flagler to St Augustine Beach   28

April 7: Day off walking

April 8: St Augustine Bch to Bayard       25

April 9: Bayard to Jacksonville                17

April 10: Jacksonville to Callahan           20

Georgia

April 11: Callahan to Folkston                                22

April 12: Folkston to Waycross Forest   27

April 13: Waycross F. to Alma                                32

April 14: Alma to Baxley                         20

April 15: Baxley to Toombs Central        19

April 16: Toombs to Oak Park                 24

April 17: Day off walking

April 18: Day off walking

April 19: Oak Park to Swansboro            18

April 20: Swansboro to Louisville           30

April 21: Louisville to Blythe                   29

April 22: Blythe to North Augusta          21

April 23: North August to Ridge Spring  32

South Carolina

April 24: Ridge Spring to Lexington        28

April 25: Lexington to Dentsville            18

April 26: Dentsville to Camden               25

April 27: Camden to McBee                   27

April 28: McBee to Cheraw                    28

April 29: Cheraw to  Rockingham           20

North Carolina

April 30:  Rockingham to Aberdeen       26

May 1: Day off walking

May 2: Aberdeen to Sanford                  30

May 3: Sanford to Jordan Lake               21

May 4: Jordan Lake to Raleigh               25

May 5: Raleigh to Wake Forest              17

May 6: Wake Forest to Henderson        27

May 7: Henderson to Palmer Springs    24

May 8: Palmer Sp. to  Meredithville      26

Virginia

May 9: Meredithville to McKenny          18

May 10: McKenny to Petersburg            26

May 11: Petersburg to Richmond           22

May 12: Day of walking

May 13: Richmond to Ashland               16

May 14: Ashland to Co.606                     27

May 15: Co.606 to Aquila Park               24

May 16: Aquila Park to Springfield         27

May 17: Day off walking

May 18: Springfield to College Park       24

Maryland

May 19: College Park to Baltimore        26

May 20: Baltimore to Bel Air                 23

May 21: Bel Air to Rising Sun                 22

May 22: Rising Sun to Kennett Square   24

Pennsylvania

May 23: Kennett Sq. to Drexel Hill         24

May 24: Drexel  to Philadelphia East     24

May 25: Phil. East to  Princeton             25

New Jersey

May 26: Princeton to Woodbridge         26

May 27: Woodbridge to Newark            15

May 28: Newark to Pelham Manor        27

New York

May 29: Pelham Manor to Rye               9

May 30: Day off walking

May 31: Rye to Norwalk                         19

Connecticut

June 1: Norwalk to Milford                     21

June 2: Milford to Guilford                     24

June 3: Guilford to Old Lyme                  25

June 4: Old Lyme to Mystic                    23

June 5: Mystic to Kingston                      30

Rhode Island

June 6: Kingston to Cranston                  24

June 7: Cranston to South Walpole        24

Massachussets

June 8: South Walpole  to Quincy          22

June 9: Quincy to Revere                        15

June 10: Day off walking

June 11:  Revere to Newburyport           30

June 12: Newburport to Portsmouth      20

New Hampshire

June 13: Portsmouth to Kenneburk        26

Maine

June 14: Kenneburk to Portland              26

June 15: Portland to Brunswick              26

June 16: Brunswick to Damoriscotta      26

June 17: Damoriscotta to Rockland        27

June 18: Day off walking

June 19: Rockland to Belfast                  20

June 20: Belfast to East Orland              22

June 21: East Orland to Hancock            24

June 22: Hancock to Addison                  31

June 23: Addison to East Macha            22

June 24: East Macha to Pembroke         27

June 25: Pembroke to Calais                  26

June 26: Calais to Princeton                   20

June 27: Princeton to Houlton Road       26

June 28: Houlton Rd to Amity                                30

June 29: Amity to Monticello                 27

June 30: Monticello to Presque Isle       28

July 1: Presque Isle to Caribou                13

July 2: Caribou to Van Buren                  22

July 3: Van Buren to Madawaska           24

July 4: Madawaska to Fort Kent             20