Countdown to Big Bend--Day 8

Today I was back in form. I walked to St. John hospital to have blood drawn for a physical next week. I should be in great shape. I've lost forty pounds since February 2010. My foot is nearly well and I am breaking my new boots for this hike.

My hiking partner and I have decided to do a South Rim hike rather than the Outer Mountain Loop this year. Rough plans are to leave Tulsa early Friday morning and get down to Big Bend in time to get campsites that evening. We will spend the night in the lodge and then take off at first light up the Pinnacles trail.

We are planning to stay at NE4 for two nights, with day hikes on Sunday to Emory Peak and Cattail Canyon. Water permitting we may stay for a third night, but we'll have to see when we get there.

Countdown to Big Bend--Day 31

I've missed a few days of blogging but Big Bend has not been far from my mind. My foot is almost completely well and this is encouraging. I have put on a few pounds since my walking time has slowed down, but I think I'm back on track to be at hiking weight by December 10.

The leaves in Tulsa are beautiful right now. Since we've rolled back to standard time, I get to walk at first light. I loved seeing the sunrise this morning, clouds reflecting a pinkish glow. The maples in Mapleridge are almost at peak and this is very enjoyable.

In the evenings, it is sundown as I walk back home. Again, the colors from a different angle provide a beautiful backdrop for the walk. Five miles a day is the goal, and I've accomplished this for the month of November.

Countdown to Big Bend--Day 37

This morning I met with Jim, my hiking buddy for WalkingMan Tour 2010. He had the "Hiking Big Bend" book and we discussed taking another day and camping the first night on the South Rim. The planning is exciting!

There was quite a discussion of pack weight. I'm of the opinion that ultra-light is best for me, especially my shoulders considering the water weight for hiking the Outer Mountain Loop. Jim is packing for comfort, so I advise a practice hike to check out his stamina.

More tomorrow.

Countdown to Big Bend--Day 38

I had a great walk to work this morning. A cold front blew in last night and the temps are in the high 30's. This is outstanding for walking however. I walked nearly 3 miles without breaking a sweat!

I have picked up a walking buddy...Leon. At first I was irritated since I value the solitude of walking before my day of intense conversation with clients. But I've learned to adjust to having Leon walk with me for a while and so I was actually pleased to see him this morning. I've informed him of my upcoming hike and we talked a bit about this before he hijacked things to the election.

My heel is well, no pain this morning and my mood is much better because of this!

OML here I come!

Big Bend Countdown Day 39

Today is November 2, and I'm continuing the project of a daily post. My walk yesterday was 5 miles, to work and back. Primarily I'm working out my sore heel. I made it fine, but my heel continues to be sore today. It helps to take ibuprofen, but I may have to have it looked at. I'll keep you posted. I'm off to vote!

Forty Day Countdown

Today is November 1st and I'm 40 days away from the WalkingMan Tour 2010. I'm planning to do the Outer Mountain Loop in Big Bend National Park with my friend Jim. Jim is a BiBe newbie and I'm looking forward to seeing the reactions he has to the sights!

I'll have a daily update to keep myself motivated and fully document the preparation time.

Big Bend 2010

I'm in preparation now for the WalkingMan Tour 2010. This is my 21st birthday for sobriety and I'm training for the Outer Mountain Loop again. I've picked up a disciple who wants to explore solitude and so we will be entering the wilderness together, but silently. We'll see how this works.

I've lost thirty pounds in preparation and will lose twenty more by December. The discipline is good and I feel better.

I'm anticipating a practice hike either to Arkansas and the Eagle Rock Loop, or another trip to the Winding Stair Mountains and Horsethief Springs-Billy Creek trails.

More later

Walkingman Update

It's been quite a while since I've blogged here, so here's an update.

I'm continuing to walk to work although summer makes for a warm time. The upside of this is that I'm getting in shape for the Big Bend Walkingman Tour 2010. Today I walked from home to Cafe Cubana to meet a friend for coffee and fellowship. I had a good stroll through Maple Ridge, past Woodward Park, then through the Swan Lake neighborhood before arriving at Cherry Street and the coffee shop.

After coffee, I walked down 15th Street and Maple Park, where you can find one of the best views of the downtown skyline. I completed this walk by going north on Boulder and on to work. I'm planning the return trip this afternoon, and yes...I'm drinking plenty of fluids. Thanks for asking.