Saturday's Walk

Today was a beautiful day. Sandy dropped us off at Stampede Park at 6:15 am. We had breakfast, stretched and then had an emotional opening ceremonies. By 7:15 am we were walking out into a sun-shiny day with no clouds. We walked and walked and walked and walked. It was really well organized and there were rest stops every 5 or so kilometers. We weaved up and down Calgary streets in the north until we arrived at our lunch spot right down the hill from the TOM BAKER. Like we haven't seen enough of that place!! The group I was walking with (my friend Karen and my two friends from my support group: Joanne and Michelle) grabbed our lunches and kept walking until we reached the second cheering station. That is where our families were. We had lunch with our loved ones, rested our feet and were off again.

I stopped walking at the next pit stop which was about after 22.5 km. I had blisters on both feet and knew that if I wanted to walk on Sunday that I had to stop. A shuttle bus took me to base camp were the nurses at triage drained my blisters and applied moleskin. They still hurt but wearing sandals rather than running shoes made a big difference. I also had the opportunity to have a 10 minute massage, visit the chiropractor and wait at the end of the walk for the rest of my friends to come into the finish area. They walked the whole 35 km and I'm so proud of them for toughing it out, tired feet and all. I wish I could have walked to whole way with them but it wasn't meant to be.

Tomorrow we start again. It is supposed to be about 22C but with 40% chance of showers. Maybe it will change by morning. I plan to do the best i can.

Well time for me to sign off. Put up my feet and hope that they heal some over night.

Thanks for ALL the well wishes. I certainly appreciate them.

Love Carolin