Kilometers: 20.9
# of steps: 26,884 (give or take a few)
Blister Count: 0
# of swollen hands: 4
# of sore feet: 4
# of smelly socks: 4
Liquid consumed: 5 Liters (approximately)
Food consumed: 6 cheese sticks, 5 Pockys, 1 slurpee, 50 grapes, 2 muffins, 1/2lb dried mangoes, and 2 fruit bars
Roadkill Count: 3 (frog, bird and possum)
Wildlife Seen: crows, 2 hawks, magpie, goats, two cows, horses, squirrels, dead frog and possum, lion, bears, racoon, deer, fox, snow white (okay, the last 5 were statues!)
# of accidents witnessed: 0 (thankfully)
# of near accidents: 2
# of idiots on the road: 2
Approximately 65% were single occupant vehicles (based on 24 single occupant, 20 multiple occupant vehicles. Motorcycles, semi trucks and cube vans were excluded from count)
# of gas stations visited: 4
# of pee breaks: 5 Amanda, 2 Dan
Liquid consumption ratio: Amanda 69%, Dan 29.5%, Shirt 1.5%
# of times Amanda adjusted shoes: 5 (dang shoelace scratching my leg)
# of times Dan adusted shoes: 1
# of rocks extracted from shoes: 0
# of uphills climbed: 10-12
# of downhills decended: 3-5
# of "Why are we doing this?" moments: Start of every hill
# of times we wanted to quit: 2 (one each, same spot)
# of happy hikers: 2
Sunday, May 31, 2009
20km Walk to Langley Itinerary
7:55am Leave House to walk from Abbotsford to Langley
8:21am First pee break (yes, both of us!)
8:45am End of Sidewalk, beginning of shoulder
9:05am Second pee break
9:53am Third pee break at Aldergrove Shell Station
10:06am "Welcome to Aldergrove" Sign
10:36am Fourth pee break (ahh, give us a break, we drank a lot of water)
10:38am Slurpees and rest stop for about 15 minutes
10:54am Sign: 13km to Langley
11:07am First honk and wave from strange car; Dan is elated
11:31am Fifth pee break
11:34am Realize we have walked a long way, AND we have a long way to go!
12:29pm Found "end" sign. Feel sense of relief
12:33pm Sidewalk begins again. No more shoulders!
12:42pm Finish at Mom's house in Langley. Take photo.
Amanda makes a fool of herself in front of security guard.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Rootbeer Run
How far would you walk for a root beer? 1 block, 2 blocks, or how about 2 kilometers?
I guess when you lead the lifestyle that we do, walking 2 kilometers for a root beer doesn't seem that far. In fact, its almost invigorating! Not only that, but a rather out-of-the-way circuit on the return home, added another 4 kilometers to our journey. In essence, we walked an hour and a half for a bottle of Dad's root beer. Add another 2.5 km (thanks google maps and your walking directions feature) to McDonald's for good measure! Grand total walking distance for root beer and McDonald's: 8.5 kilometers. Yep, its true. We are crazy.
I guess when you lead the lifestyle that we do, walking 2 kilometers for a root beer doesn't seem that far. In fact, its almost invigorating! Not only that, but a rather out-of-the-way circuit on the return home, added another 4 kilometers to our journey. In essence, we walked an hour and a half for a bottle of Dad's root beer. Add another 2.5 km (thanks google maps and your walking directions feature) to McDonald's for good measure! Grand total walking distance for root beer and McDonald's: 8.5 kilometers. Yep, its true. We are crazy.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Big Feet, Little Feet
Hiking is a fun and rewarding experience, but after a while the same trails may become too familiar and routine. Taking along a couple children definitely changes the dynamics. A couple of days ago, we took the kids that Amanda nannies out to Cascade Falls. A hike that Amanda and I can easily accomplish on our own became a lot more interesting and challenging with the two little ones along. Stairs that we can easily climb come half way up the chest of the boy. And what we consider a bumpy, rocky road becomes a mini boulder field to their little feet. Add to that frequent juice brakes and a small melt-down and it makes for a fun morning.
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Socks and Shoes
Socks and Shoes and Shoes and Socks and BLISTERS!!!
The quest to find Amanda new shoes for the walk to Langley/Hope was finally accomplished today. The ugliest pair of bumblebee yellow shoes was the ONLY pair that Amanda's gigantor feet will fit. Yes, her odd sized feet fit only men's shoes and let's be honest, they only fit ugly shoes.
Combine this purchase with the craziest (and most expensive) pair of socks that we have ever bought in our entire lives and we are set for this journey. The socks are these special, odor repellent, water absorbing, extra padded socks, that are specially designed for walking long distances.
Practice Run: Abbotsford to Langley- 20.9km
20.9 km and approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes
That is the distance and time it SHOULD take us to walk from our house to my mother's house in Langley, all things going as planned. Knowing us (okay me) and my frequent need to pee, it will take a bit longer. Dan thinks about five hours with pee breaks....or did he say 5 hours OF pee breaks. Its a bit muddled.
The question on most of your minds is #1. WHY? and #2. Pracitice run???
We do have answers to both those questions.
#1. WHY? We need to find out if we can actually walk this distance in a day.
#2. Practise run? Yes, practise. For the big walk to Hope.
And now you have a third (and fourth) question....Why Hope and why walk?
Well, we can answer those too...we think.
As for Hope, well, its the only destination around here that seemed reasonable enough to walk to in a weekend and didn't run along killer highways the entire way (We plan on walking through Mission and down the backroads through Harrison Mills, Deroche, Dewdney, Agassiz etc. Its approximately 95-96 km)
And why walk you ask? Well, since we don't own a car, walking seems like a logical choice since no buses run there. All seriousness aside, Dan has always wanted an adventure of sorts and I, Amanda have felt bad that we have yet to have one (hahahaha! Our life is one big adventure!). Then, I started to read this book about a man who walked from Thunder Bay Ontario to New York (Walk to New York, Charles Wilkins). Consquently, I put two and two together and thus, "Walk to Hope" was born! (sponsorship, gratuities, donations, gear and places to stay are gratefully accepted!)
That is the distance and time it SHOULD take us to walk from our house to my mother's house in Langley, all things going as planned. Knowing us (okay me) and my frequent need to pee, it will take a bit longer. Dan thinks about five hours with pee breaks....or did he say 5 hours OF pee breaks. Its a bit muddled.
The question on most of your minds is #1. WHY? and #2. Pracitice run???
We do have answers to both those questions.
#1. WHY? We need to find out if we can actually walk this distance in a day.
#2. Practise run? Yes, practise. For the big walk to Hope.
And now you have a third (and fourth) question....Why Hope and why walk?
Well, we can answer those too...we think.
As for Hope, well, its the only destination around here that seemed reasonable enough to walk to in a weekend and didn't run along killer highways the entire way (We plan on walking through Mission and down the backroads through Harrison Mills, Deroche, Dewdney, Agassiz etc. Its approximately 95-96 km)
And why walk you ask? Well, since we don't own a car, walking seems like a logical choice since no buses run there. All seriousness aside, Dan has always wanted an adventure of sorts and I, Amanda have felt bad that we have yet to have one (hahahaha! Our life is one big adventure!). Then, I started to read this book about a man who walked from Thunder Bay Ontario to New York (Walk to New York, Charles Wilkins). Consquently, I put two and two together and thus, "Walk to Hope" was born! (sponsorship, gratuities, donations, gear and places to stay are gratefully accepted!)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Pedestrian Rage
What is it?
This is the rage that pedestrians get when run off the street, cut off at intersections, ignored and nearly trampled or otherwise harassed by drivers.
How Pedestrian rage manifests itself?
Shaking fists, choice words, flying fingers, and the sudden urge to throw objects at cars. Desire to walk in front of moving vehicle and throw one self on top as a form of protest may also occur in rare cases.
Where does Pedestrian rage occur?
Most often at intersections. Correction, at every intersection. On rare occasions at intersections. Has been observed at intersections. Driveways are also prime breading grounds. Please note that pedestrian rage usually occurs at places when car and pedestrian meet.
Pedestrian rage is extremely serious and should not be taken lightly.
Side-effects include: rage, fear, anger, frustration, headaches, increased heart rate and blood pressure, hoarse throat, clenched fist, heart attacks, soiled undergarments, looks of shock and awe, inferiority complexes, mental illness, psychosis, hallucinations, loss of personal belongings, depression, extreme negative emotions towards Canuck fans (in Abbotsford only), stubbed toes, shortness of breath, edginess, jitters and paranoia. In extreme cases, may cause death and/or dismemberment.
Please Note: Rage may be directed at vehicles other than target vehicle.
We sincerely apologize who are included in the above groupings of inconsiderate drivers. Please do not be offended or shocked when you are a victim of pedestrian rage. You earned it!
This is the rage that pedestrians get when run off the street, cut off at intersections, ignored and nearly trampled or otherwise harassed by drivers.
How Pedestrian rage manifests itself?
Shaking fists, choice words, flying fingers, and the sudden urge to throw objects at cars. Desire to walk in front of moving vehicle and throw one self on top as a form of protest may also occur in rare cases.
Where does Pedestrian rage occur?
Most often at intersections. Correction, at every intersection. On rare occasions at intersections. Has been observed at intersections. Driveways are also prime breading grounds. Please note that pedestrian rage usually occurs at places when car and pedestrian meet.
Pedestrian rage is extremely serious and should not be taken lightly.
Side-effects include: rage, fear, anger, frustration, headaches, increased heart rate and blood pressure, hoarse throat, clenched fist, heart attacks, soiled undergarments, looks of shock and awe, inferiority complexes, mental illness, psychosis, hallucinations, loss of personal belongings, depression, extreme negative emotions towards Canuck fans (in Abbotsford only), stubbed toes, shortness of breath, edginess, jitters and paranoia. In extreme cases, may cause death and/or dismemberment.
Please Note: Rage may be directed at vehicles other than target vehicle.
We sincerely apologize who are included in the above groupings of inconsiderate drivers. Please do not be offended or shocked when you are a victim of pedestrian rage. You earned it!
Observations from the Sidewalk
#1. There are no status symbols on the sidewalk
- I can't tell who is the SUV or who is the Ferrari or who drives the clunker. The most that you see is the homeless pushing the shopping cart or the business man in a suit carrying a Starbucks. Other than those two "people groups," there is only one other category, which is the average Joe. But really, aren't we all the same kind of people walking for our transportation, rather than to make ourselves look good (although, we are a healthy type, walking is said to be good for your heart!)
#2. 10 seconds to stop for a pedestrian is just that: 10 seconds
- 10 seconds may seem like forever to a person sitting in their air conditioned (or heated) car, sucking back on their Starbucks, waiting for a pedestrian to cross the road. But to someone who has been walking in the blazing heat, freezing cold or pouring rain, 10 seconds can seem like an eternity. It seems odd to me that those who travel at 50 km/h or more, are more impatient that than those who travel by foot/bike. Those who travel fast find it inconvenient to stop for the 10 seconds it takes me to cross the road. But really? 10 seconds when you travel that fast is nothing compared to the 30 minutes and 10 seconds it takes me to travel the same distance.
Please note: We are not against SUV driving, Starbuck ingesting drivers. On occasion, we are that ourselves.
- I can't tell who is the SUV or who is the Ferrari or who drives the clunker. The most that you see is the homeless pushing the shopping cart or the business man in a suit carrying a Starbucks. Other than those two "people groups," there is only one other category, which is the average Joe. But really, aren't we all the same kind of people walking for our transportation, rather than to make ourselves look good (although, we are a healthy type, walking is said to be good for your heart!)
#2. 10 seconds to stop for a pedestrian is just that: 10 seconds
- 10 seconds may seem like forever to a person sitting in their air conditioned (or heated) car, sucking back on their Starbucks, waiting for a pedestrian to cross the road. But to someone who has been walking in the blazing heat, freezing cold or pouring rain, 10 seconds can seem like an eternity. It seems odd to me that those who travel at 50 km/h or more, are more impatient that than those who travel by foot/bike. Those who travel fast find it inconvenient to stop for the 10 seconds it takes me to cross the road. But really? 10 seconds when you travel that fast is nothing compared to the 30 minutes and 10 seconds it takes me to travel the same distance.
Please note: We are not against SUV driving, Starbuck ingesting drivers. On occasion, we are that ourselves.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Take to the Streets
As hard as it might be to believe, there is a lot of literature about walking. The local library is a wonderful source of this reading and Amanda found this one book in particular where I found an interesting quote; "Walking is such an inversion of the travelling norm these days that to go any distance at all on foot comprises something of a political statement-or at the very least a spit in the eye to the dehumanizing effects of media and technology, and to the shrinkage and "virtualization" of the planet. Whereas jets and the Internet collapse the planet, walking expands and returns the to walker a sense of its proportions and the intimacy of its appeal to the senses." (Walk to New York, Charles Wilkins)
I'm not saying that our choice is a political one; it was brought on by necessity but I think now we wouldn't go back. Given a little while to adjust, perhaps more people would be willing to park the car and take to the streets again.
I'm not saying that our choice is a political one; it was brought on by necessity but I think now we wouldn't go back. Given a little while to adjust, perhaps more people would be willing to park the car and take to the streets again.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Baby Steps
June of 2006-it all began with a bang. Or was it a thump? Whatever the sound was, it resembled the death of Big Red, Amanda's car. Without funds to revive the car or purchase a new one, Big Red was put down and thus began the awakening of a long and interesting pedestrian journey. The beginning was painful and slow. I had been so dependant on a vehicle, that without one, I felt lost and housebound. Every part of my life had to change to accommodate a new lifestyle. Groceries had to be walked home in severely overloaded backpacks. Going for coffee with friends, meant a good half hour walk to the coffee shop. Trips to Langley to visit Mom, meant begging for her to come and pick us up. As months turned into years, we began to adjust to this slower lifestyle. We found that over time we began less consumeristic. I mean, who really wants to walk half an hour ONE WAY to get a Starbucks coffee??? We also found that we converse more. There is no radio or ipod, and our relationship has grown to reflect our never ending conversation.Here we stand, three years later, proponents of a lifestyle long gone after the invention of the automobile and the occasional envy of our friends for the pace of life we lead and the freedom we enjoy. Instead of thinking, "How can we live our lives without a car?", we wonder why we would ever want to own one.
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