Day 1: With Bloodshot Eyes, Soggy Feet, and 22 Miles of Open Road Ahead…We’re Off!

Well, I had bloodshot eyes, anyway.

Surely, I wasn’t the only walker who didn’t sleep a wink the night before! As invigorating as Opening Ceremonies was, I couldn’t deny my lack of sleep, and my somewhat uncertainty of being able to complete the journey before me.

Being in the midst of the massive crowd, getting caught up in a spirit of this magnitude, and being high-fived by hundreds of well-wishers was energizing, but I couldn’t help wonder if it would carry me through the approximately 22 miles that lie ahead our first day. 

I set out with my team, , and hundreds of other walkers. It was me, Kris, and Megan on the road at last! We were sad to say farewell to Denise, who
was not able to join us because of a back injury, but we were happy she was
able to see us off.

As for soggy feet, well, I think we all experienced that, and only about a mile into the walk. With the music from the ceremony at the Port Authority still faintly heard in the distance, the ominous clouds that hung over the festivities opened up and dumped on us!

At first, the rain was refreshing, and I must reluctantly admit, it did perk me up a bit… that is, until my shoes began to gush out water from the top like Old Faithful. 

The wind off Lake Erie whipped around the tall buildings of Downtown Cleveland, lifting and filling up our yellow rain ponchos so that we each looked like Big Bird in a holiday parade! After much prayer, the rain died down and finally came to a stop by the time we reached Pit Stop 1. Hurray!

Upon entering Cleveland’s beautiful Edgewater State Park, the Brownstone Day School students handed out homemade pink ribbons as a gesture of their support, and we were cheered on our way by volunteers who lined up to greet us as well…giving out candies, stickers, and high-fives. 

Now that the rain had let up, our welcome was that much more special. We quickly ditched our Big Bird costumes, as Mr. Sun had given us a wink, letting us know he’d soon be hanging out with us.

The troops refilled water bottles, loaded up on snacks, and prepared to head back out on the route…oh, not without stopping first at the stately row of blue potties, that would soon become a welcome attraction at pit stops to come!

Lakewood, here we come! I was in awe of the beautiful, majestic homes, lovely landscapes, and just the overall aura of sophistication in the community, which made it an enjoyable walk.

Although, I am afraid my day began to get a little punchy after that. I think I may have been getting delirious at that point, sleep deprived and even comatose perhaps.

I remember there were pirates at the crosswalks telling jokes… Elvis drove past a few times in a van. No, I was seeing double… there were two Elvises. I was clearly having an episode.

I never realized how much the,lack of sleep and long physical exertion can mess with your head! Was that a bra I just saw on the flagpole? I evidently was dehydrated or something… I looked forward to a rest.

Music playing, cheering, and all the blue potties standing neatly in a row, welcome us to another pit stop. 

We had lunch in a Metro Park, I think in Rocky River. It was nice to take off our shoes, which were dry by now, and powder our tootsies. It’s amazing how a clean, dry pair of socks, a nice meal, fresh water, and a potty break can perk you up for the long haul ahead.

I was ready for anything! My steps were lighter, my head was clear, and we were moving like nobody’s business…then…a HILL! The road out of the park was straight uphill!

One of the pirates warned us of this incline, but I never expected this! Oh my gosh, this was going to be my demise… I was certain of it.

Obviously I didn’t die, but it really slowed me down after that… big time.

We traveled through Fairview Park, where one of our team members, Kris, had to go home due to illness. Then, Megan and I continued on to Westlake, where we would camp for the next couple of nights.

The most I remember about the last leg of the journey that day was that I hurt, and I was running out of steam. I had to do a lot of praying. Megan, what a trooper, stopped when I stopped, and kept encouraging me. If it were not for her and the grace of God, I wouldn’t have made it. 

Those pirates were back again, helping us across the street… we were heading into camp! Oh, I could have kissed the ground! I could have kissed the pirates! Music was playing, people were cheering, and a lovely little old lady hugged us all and
welcomed us in.  Rosie was her name -- a breast cancer survivor who volunteers her time to greet and hug the walkers in thanks for her life!

I must have looked like the walking dead coming into camp… I sure felt like it. I picked up my pink tent and wandered aimlessly around the grounds, until someone came to my rescue. Megan headed in a different direction.

I was guided to my campsite, and two nice young fellows offered to put up my tent for me…I was so grateful…help the nice zombie lady put her tent together so she can go to bed. 

The camp crew fed us well that night. We dined on pasta and meatballs, salad, and a treat. Then, I was off to wait in line for a shower. There were chairs to sit in while waiting, and there was music playing. It was actually quite restful.

Finally, I was in my tent. I set my alarm, got my clothes ready for the morning, and…I think I passed out.

That’s all for now… talk more later.

Smiles to you,

Betty