Pilgrimage to Spain

I've clarified the fact that I am traveling to Spain in September of 2014 to hike the Camino de Santiago- The Way of Saint James as a pilgrimage to celebrate my sixtieth year on the planet as well as my present vocation as a writer and encourager. I am very excited by this prospect and will probably bore everyone with the planning and preparing. I hope to build a small community of fellow pilgrims to share the experience and have several book and blog ideas.

Today I begin the process of learning Spanish, giving me eight months to gain some fluency in the Castilian language. I have the lessons downloaded on the iPod shuffle for use while I hike the RiverParks trail this afternoon. Buen Camino!

Welcome to 2014

Here I am in January of 2014. It is an interesting year, one of many new opportunities for walking and hiking. I want to blog about these and will complete the update later this week. Happy New Year!

New and Revised WalkingMan Blog

I'm getting excited by the changes in my life and have decided to revitalize the WalkingMan blog. I realize that I have not walked as much this year as I would have liked, primarily because I no longer get to walk to the office and my new schedule requires me to be "cleaner" than I used to be. Coming to a meeting in walking gear and sweaty is not acceptable.

Now consider, what if the walking and writing about hiking is the new job?  I have an idea to capture a different hike each month, to be a travelogue of trips around Tulsa and Oklahoma that will combine the joy of walking and hiking along with my joy of travel. These are for my own interest but perhaps others will find it enjoyable to read and perhaps take on some of the travels themselves.

I like the idea and it may help prepare me for the Camino de Santiago in 2014.

Walking Man 2013

I love springtime. In our neighborhood the azalea's are blooming, trees are budding and allergies are full bore. I'm planning my year's hikes and will use this blog to keep updated and on track.

One area to explore this year is the McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreation Area near Atoka, OK.  I'm planning this hike in May.  We are also going to the city of Davis Oklahoma in June and will visit the Chickasaw National Recreation Area for short day hikes. Finally, I'm planning another Outer Mountain Loop hike at Big Bend National Park in October of this year.  It's been five years since I last did this hike and I'm planning it earlier in the year to have warmer weather.

2013 is shaping up to be a good hiking year. I'll keep the blog updated as I progress.

WalkingMan Tour 2011

I'm all set for this year's Big Bend adventure.  This year I'm going to focus on the desert of Big Bend, instead of hiking the Chisos.  I've been intrigued for some time with Elephant Tusk and the Fresno Creek area so I'm planning to set up camp at the backcountry campsite and dayhike around, with the focus on silence and solitude.

On Monday I'll go down the River Road past Big Bend Ranch, hiking Closed Canyon, and then on to the Getaway for the rest of my time.

I'll share more soon.

Getting Back in the Groove for 2011

This morning was the first one this summer where I could feel the cool of fall approaching.  I realize that it will still be hot for several days, but the process of fall has begun, and so must I.

I walked to work today in preparation for WalkingMan Tour 2011.  Big Bend has received rain, so I think it will be possible to have my annual getaway.  Last year I took a fellow hiker, but this year I will be seeking solitude again.

I plan to blog more as the days progress.

Stay tuned.

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.

 

 
 
 
 

I'm All Set

The plans for WalkingMan Tour 2009 are in place. I'm just waiting for December 10 to arrive so I can begin the journey. As I previously wrote, I'm planning to leave Tulsa on Thursday afternoon and get as far as I can that day. Hopefully I can get all the way to BiBe, even if that means car camping!

I want to get an early start on Friday, December 11 for my hike to the South Rim. I hope to do Emory Peak again on this trip, along with attempting to locate the sites of my past two years rituals. I'm planning right now to camp at SE2, but may choose NE4 just for the novelty.

Saturday December 12 is my 20th birthday in sobriety. I'd like to celebrate at the Rim, but may choose this morning to climb Emory Peak on my way back down the Pinnacles trail.

Saturday afternoon I'm planning to go to the Mule Ears overlook parking lot and hike to the Upper Smoky Creek backcountry camping zone for the night. I hope to get to the black canyon area, but since this will be new territory for me, I'm not sure where I'll camp.

Sunday December 13 will complete the Smoky Creek/Mule Ears portion of my hike. I would like to go to Big Bend Ranch to find the trailhead for Rancherias Canyon for a possible dayhike on Monday the 14.

I have a cabin rented in Terlingua Ranch for Monday and Tuesday. This will complete my week of solitude with time for reading and reflection for the blessings I've received in my life.

I'm very excited!

WalkingMan Tour 2009

Well, it's about that time again...time for my annual trek to Big Bend for my alone time with God and celebration of my recovery! This year marks 20 years, and so I have a special celebration planned.

I will be leaving Tulsa at noon on December 10 and going as far south as possible, perhaps all the way to BiBe, even though that may mean camping after midnight. We'll see. I may stop at Fort Stockton again, but I would like to get an early start on Friday.

Friday will be a hike to the South Rim. I'm thinking of staying at SE 2 campsite for ease of access to the Rim and to lower the miles needed to get there. I would like to spend Friday exploring the Rim, Emory Peak and perhaps Toll Mountain.

Saturday would be more South Rim adventures, then a trip back to the Basin and the vehicle to travel to Mule Ears outlook. From there I plan to go to the Upper Smoky Creek zone and spend Saturday night.

Sunday would be more Upper Smoky Creek, then that afternoon to a cabin I'v rented in Terlingua Ranch. The next three days are more solitude and work on my next inventory.

I may try to do Rancherias Canyon in Big Bend Ranch, but I'll wait to see how I feel on Monday before committing to this.

I am getting very excited about the prospects...just 29 days to go.

Time to get cracking for the WalkingMan Tour 2009

I have just realized how long it's been since I posted my plans for the next WalkingMan Tour. Again, I'm off for Big Bend in mid December, with a little different focus this year as I will be celebrating 20 years of sobriety this time.

I'm planning to do the Outer Mountain Loop counterclockwise this year with a side trip down the Elephant Tusk trail for an extended time of solitude.

More info as I work it out.

Slideshow of WalkingMan Tour 2008 Outer Mountain Loop