We made it! Holy crap this was a long time coming. Two weeks doesn't seem that long normally, but when every single day of it consists of walking twenty miles - roughly 8 hours a day - it seems like months.
The weather helped out today. Not too hot and not rainy. With only 10 miles to go we slept in a bit and started walking around 10:45 am. It was definitely a more relaxed day. The guys, Ben and Josh, from Red Sox Stories came out an interviewed us while we walked through Newton, MA on Comm Ave and we stopped again for a bit at our buddy Scott's place on Comm Ave for a quick lunch. With all this we still ended at about 3 o'clock.
One observation that I had today which I shared both with the interviewers and John was that being a Sox fan seems much more like a religion than does being a Yankees fan. Not to say that New York fans aren't any less dedicated, but belief and faith have been such an important part of being a Red Sox fan for so long that a championship almost seemed like a mythical figure that everyone was waiting for.
With about two miles to go our buddy Will came out and walked the rest of the way with us. Some people talked about walking with us, but he is the only one who actually did. Other people helped us out and we are thankful for that but it was nice to have a new member of our small crew.
As we walked up Brookline Ave we saw several exciting things. First, of course, was Fenway Park. This is what we've been walking towards for 14 days so it was hard to believe that we could actually see it. Second was the Red Sox Stories guys filming us walking up. We didn't intend this journey to be televised or publicized in the beginning but it has been cool getting some recognition. Lastly was John's girlfriend Liz with a tray of Dunkin Donuts iced coffee. Beautiful. The final count was 44-19 if anyone cares.
After arriving and touching the stadium in unison we were taken inside the park and interviewed once more sitting in the seats. It was all a very surreal experience. I can honestly say that a ballpark has never looked so glorious as the Fen did today. Besides what we went through to get there it really is a beautiful park, being the oldest as well.
After that we rested at Liz's for a bit before going to the game. It didn't start well with a home run by the Orioles on the first pitch. It didn't end well either. Nevertheless it was the best game I've ever been to because of all we did to get there.
Finally I'd like to thank Katie, Corey, Sean, Brian, the other Katie, Tim and fam, Aunt Debbie, Pat and mom, and Paul and Meg for putting us up and taking care of us. We had great support both from these people who housed us as well as from our friends and family who gave us tons of encouragement. There were times when I considered throwing in the towel, but we didn't. As I told the TV show guys, the only thing I would have changed would have been better rain gear.
It was a great trip and thanks for reading along. Check back occasionally over the next two weeks or so as John and I will still do a few more entries with thoughts on the show, baseball, and updates on our awesome feet deformations. Also we'll be putting pictures online soon so look forward to those.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
People to Thank
We made it!! I just got back from the game and I am totally exhausted. I am sorry but right now I just want to thank the people who hosted us along the way. These people opened up their homes to us. They gave us a place to sleep, drove us to and from our route, iced and gave us meds for our aches and pains, food and most importantly moral support. Taking in two sweaty and very smelly guys and making them feel at home.
So while Alex and I walked these people made it doable:
Night 1: Katie and Kevin. Katie told us that we were going to make it. After all the rain and the pains of walking finishing this thing seemed so far away. Thanks you guys
Night 2: Corey Brown. Corey you saved us when we were stranded and I love you so much for it. Thanks for helping Bea and I.
Night 3: Clarke. When I was on crew this guy was a Yankee fan who knew his stuff and was always their to talk about the Yanks. Thanks Clarke for housing us and driving us.
Night 4: Brian Former Housemate and current Marist employee. Brian your bed was amazingly comfortable thanks. You slept on the coach while Alex and I spoon..I mean slept.
Night 5: Tittie Nixon. Tittie the foot massage machine was amazing. Thanks for our first homecooked meal and entertaining us with your obese cat.
Night 7 and 8: Timy. Timy you drove us to and from our stops and housed us for two nights. Your mom was so supportive of the walk it was a big boost for me. Thank your sister for the cookie they were great.
Night 9 and 10. Debbie and Tom Napier. Aunt Deb and Uncle Tom thanks for so much. Deb contacted the local paper which put us on their cover this past monday. Debbie also contacted her friends and we interviewd them for our tape. Thanks so much.
Night 11 and 12: P. Ford and Mrs. Ford. Pat you suggested the marathon route which made the last two days of the walk amazing. Mrs.Ford you treated Alex and I so well we had a hard time leaving.
Night 13: Paul and Mego Bea. Paul thanks for picking us up on that day and cooking an amazing dinner. I wish you and Meg all the best. You made me feel so welcome and it was a perfect place to start our last day from.
These people made this all possible. It is good to know that I have all these nice caring individuals in my life.
So while Alex and I walked these people made it doable:
Night 1: Katie and Kevin. Katie told us that we were going to make it. After all the rain and the pains of walking finishing this thing seemed so far away. Thanks you guys
Night 2: Corey Brown. Corey you saved us when we were stranded and I love you so much for it. Thanks for helping Bea and I.
Night 3: Clarke. When I was on crew this guy was a Yankee fan who knew his stuff and was always their to talk about the Yanks. Thanks Clarke for housing us and driving us.
Night 4: Brian Former Housemate and current Marist employee. Brian your bed was amazingly comfortable thanks. You slept on the coach while Alex and I spoon..I mean slept.
Night 5: Tittie Nixon. Tittie the foot massage machine was amazing. Thanks for our first homecooked meal and entertaining us with your obese cat.
Night 7 and 8: Timy. Timy you drove us to and from our stops and housed us for two nights. Your mom was so supportive of the walk it was a big boost for me. Thank your sister for the cookie they were great.
Night 9 and 10. Debbie and Tom Napier. Aunt Deb and Uncle Tom thanks for so much. Deb contacted the local paper which put us on their cover this past monday. Debbie also contacted her friends and we interviewd them for our tape. Thanks so much.
Night 11 and 12: P. Ford and Mrs. Ford. Pat you suggested the marathon route which made the last two days of the walk amazing. Mrs.Ford you treated Alex and I so well we had a hard time leaving.
Night 13: Paul and Mego Bea. Paul thanks for picking us up on that day and cooking an amazing dinner. I wish you and Meg all the best. You made me feel so welcome and it was a perfect place to start our last day from.
These people made this all possible. It is good to know that I have all these nice caring individuals in my life.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Feels like I'm walking on Broken Glass
I will be honest it didn't but I enjoyed humming Annie Lennox when I walk.
It was raining very hard when I got up this morning, it was the rain that woke me up. It was still dark outside and you could hear the thunder. The bed was so comfortable at Pat's house I did not feel like getting up and spending the day soaked and miserable. However, Bea came in the room and I got up and got ready.
Pat's mom made us scrambled eggs and a big bowel of mixed fruit. It was nice to eat something other then granola for breakfast. We bagged our feet and drove out to Hopkinton to start our day. Mrs. Ford dropped us off under the overpass of the Mass Pike. She offered to drop us off further down the road but we just thanked her and got out of the car. As we adjusted out ponchos I asked Alex if we could just liver under the overpass as trolls..he said no.
The rain stopped after about a half hour and I was very happy to get my poncho off. It smelled so bad, a nice combo of damp plastic and B.O. We kept the plastic bags on our feet for almost two hours. The plastic fogged up with condensation and I felt my feet get very sweaty and I was relieved when Alex stopped and took his off.
I was dreading today so much because of the rain but the weather turned out to ber very nice. It was a real nice pleasent walk and I enjoyed it a great deal. Natick was a nice part of town. Apparantly the 20th Vice President was from there, and they were all about him. (I dont even remember his name.) To pass the time sometimes Alex and I will talk like Woody Allen. A man was walking a Bassett Hound that was struggling to cross the street in time. We gave the dog a good Woody inner monologue. "Og god please wait don't run. My legs are not in proportion to my body. I think I stepped on my ear!"
We stopped at a Dunkin Donuts, the 38th one of the trip. There an old man was sitting there with a hat and jacket. He was staring out the window ans whistling to the radio. He made some small talk and complained about the heat. Why was he wearing a sports jacket I have no idea. Eventually his friend Bob came and together they talked and looked out the window and occasionally talked about women that walked passed. I cant wait to be that old guy. When they heard about our walk they werent really impressed, if anything they were amused. They wished us luck and we went off to finish the last 5 and a half miles of the day.
We ended in Wellsely Hills, ten miles from Fenway. It poured shortly after we stopped and I would have to say this was probably my favorite day. Alex and I did some good Top 5's today and the day went by kind of fast. 10 more miles tomorrow then were done...kind of weird.
It was raining very hard when I got up this morning, it was the rain that woke me up. It was still dark outside and you could hear the thunder. The bed was so comfortable at Pat's house I did not feel like getting up and spending the day soaked and miserable. However, Bea came in the room and I got up and got ready.
Pat's mom made us scrambled eggs and a big bowel of mixed fruit. It was nice to eat something other then granola for breakfast. We bagged our feet and drove out to Hopkinton to start our day. Mrs. Ford dropped us off under the overpass of the Mass Pike. She offered to drop us off further down the road but we just thanked her and got out of the car. As we adjusted out ponchos I asked Alex if we could just liver under the overpass as trolls..he said no.
The rain stopped after about a half hour and I was very happy to get my poncho off. It smelled so bad, a nice combo of damp plastic and B.O. We kept the plastic bags on our feet for almost two hours. The plastic fogged up with condensation and I felt my feet get very sweaty and I was relieved when Alex stopped and took his off.
I was dreading today so much because of the rain but the weather turned out to ber very nice. It was a real nice pleasent walk and I enjoyed it a great deal. Natick was a nice part of town. Apparantly the 20th Vice President was from there, and they were all about him. (I dont even remember his name.) To pass the time sometimes Alex and I will talk like Woody Allen. A man was walking a Bassett Hound that was struggling to cross the street in time. We gave the dog a good Woody inner monologue. "Og god please wait don't run. My legs are not in proportion to my body. I think I stepped on my ear!"
We stopped at a Dunkin Donuts, the 38th one of the trip. There an old man was sitting there with a hat and jacket. He was staring out the window ans whistling to the radio. He made some small talk and complained about the heat. Why was he wearing a sports jacket I have no idea. Eventually his friend Bob came and together they talked and looked out the window and occasionally talked about women that walked passed. I cant wait to be that old guy. When they heard about our walk they werent really impressed, if anything they were amused. They wished us luck and we went off to finish the last 5 and a half miles of the day.
We ended in Wellsely Hills, ten miles from Fenway. It poured shortly after we stopped and I would have to say this was probably my favorite day. Alex and I did some good Top 5's today and the day went by kind of fast. 10 more miles tomorrow then were done...kind of weird.
Day 13 - where we start walking the marathon
This morning started a little rough. I awoke at 6am as usual to thunder and lightning along with the pouring rain. For a moment we considered altering our plans, but determination won out. We would go for it. After an amazing breakfast by Pat's mom she dropped us off on 135 under the Mass Pike.
Thankfully the rain lasted only for thirty minutes or so. After it was clear the rain was stopped for a while we shed the plastic bags protecting our precious feet. Walking was pretty steady going at that point. This marathon route is definitely better than Route 9 would have been. Instead of strip malls and traffic we had more small New England towns and nice sidewalks. We did get a few more Dunkin's though, bring it to 39-19 (I know that's why you're really reading this).
The biggest accomplishment of the day was completing our last 20 mile day. Tomorrow will be an easy 10 miles into Boston and up to the Fen. Tomorrow is also supposed to be nicer weather. Arriving at the stadium in the rain after two weeks of walking would have been a tad anti-climactic.
We're staying with my brother and sister-in-law's house tonight which is fun for me. It also means real beds again, which may not sound like a big deal to ya'll, but we're stoked. Speaking of my brother, he just got here with ice cream, so I'm done here.
This blog is brought to you by Paul and Meg. I can't think of anything clever here since the "Hunka-hunka PB fudge" is calling my name.
Thankfully the rain lasted only for thirty minutes or so. After it was clear the rain was stopped for a while we shed the plastic bags protecting our precious feet. Walking was pretty steady going at that point. This marathon route is definitely better than Route 9 would have been. Instead of strip malls and traffic we had more small New England towns and nice sidewalks. We did get a few more Dunkin's though, bring it to 39-19 (I know that's why you're really reading this).
The biggest accomplishment of the day was completing our last 20 mile day. Tomorrow will be an easy 10 miles into Boston and up to the Fen. Tomorrow is also supposed to be nicer weather. Arriving at the stadium in the rain after two weeks of walking would have been a tad anti-climactic.
We're staying with my brother and sister-in-law's house tonight which is fun for me. It also means real beds again, which may not sound like a big deal to ya'll, but we're stoked. Speaking of my brother, he just got here with ice cream, so I'm done here.
This blog is brought to you by Paul and Meg. I can't think of anything clever here since the "Hunka-hunka PB fudge" is calling my name.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Day 12 - where we enter the heart of capitalism
Another hot day today, though not too bad. We saw the last of the small New England towns at the beginning of the day but once we hit Worcester it is suburbs all the way to Boston. After the actual town of Worcester it was solid strip malls and chain stores all the way. On one hand this also meant there was not much shade from trees, but on the other hand the Dunkin' Donuts count got a "wicked" big boost. Currently we are 34-19.
Because it was such a consumer's wasteland there wasn't as much chance to talk to people, but we did get a really good interview with our buddy Pat who we're staying with. Upon his and his mother's recommendation we checked out a new route for the last two days. Our original route took us all the way into Boston on Route 9 and up Brookline. They noted that we would see no break from the tree-less and occasionally sidewalk-lessness of today and suggested the Boston Marathon route. I checked it out and it looks like a much nicer and more scenic.
We'll actually start before the marathon's starting point in order to still do about 30 miles as we would have otherwise but we'll end the same place, and that's what's important. Also it seems fitting that we end our super-marathon of walking with the path of one of the most famous long-distance races in the world.
So that's the new plan. I wasn't so much for deviating from our original route initially, but since our starting point for tomorrow isn't that far from what would have been our starting point I can get down with this. I'm just really stoked that tomorrow will be our last full 20 mile day of walking and I'll also be staying with my brother and his wife tomorrow night.
This blog was brought to you by Pat and mom once again, making them the third of the Great Two-night Hosts. Congrats to you.
Because it was such a consumer's wasteland there wasn't as much chance to talk to people, but we did get a really good interview with our buddy Pat who we're staying with. Upon his and his mother's recommendation we checked out a new route for the last two days. Our original route took us all the way into Boston on Route 9 and up Brookline. They noted that we would see no break from the tree-less and occasionally sidewalk-lessness of today and suggested the Boston Marathon route. I checked it out and it looks like a much nicer and more scenic.
We'll actually start before the marathon's starting point in order to still do about 30 miles as we would have otherwise but we'll end the same place, and that's what's important. Also it seems fitting that we end our super-marathon of walking with the path of one of the most famous long-distance races in the world.
So that's the new plan. I wasn't so much for deviating from our original route initially, but since our starting point for tomorrow isn't that far from what would have been our starting point I can get down with this. I'm just really stoked that tomorrow will be our last full 20 mile day of walking and I'll also be staying with my brother and his wife tomorrow night.
This blog was brought to you by Pat and mom once again, making them the third of the Great Two-night Hosts. Congrats to you.
Alternative Avenue
I got that title curtusdy of Alex Bea, and I probably spelled it wrong but I dont care.
Today we started in Spencer Mass and ended in Northborough, walking through Worcester and Leicester. The weather was a little warm but we had lighter packs so the walk was very doable.Big positive thing about today was that Alex and I talked alot so that passed the time. We did some good Top 5's including Top 5 Douchebags that we knew. I forgot to mention this when it happened but I will now.When we crossed the Ct. River I was singing that song "Come on Ride the Train", which was a staple at every 7th and 8th grade dance. When I finished the chorus Alex sung a whole verse and had some nice moves to go with it. That must have happened three days go and I am still laughing at it.
I do not like walking on this Route 9. It is busy and the views are not that great. I missed the small towns with their twon squares and parks and walking past dairies and farms. Today was pavement and concrete for most of it not very inspiring. I am sure those towns are very nice but I did not see the nicest parts.
A big advantage to being this late in the walk is that you kind of get used to it. The cars don't make you as nervous as they did in the begining. Your feet and knees still hurt but not as much. My favorite thing is that to me it is normal to just pee on the side of the road. Hey I gotta go and I don't know how long it will be to the next restroom so I just go. Today I did pee behind a bank because I knew it was closed, again to me it seemed perfectly fine.
When people hear that Alex and I asked for people to donate to Sloan Kettering, or the Jimmy Fund or St. Judes they ask us how much money we have raised. To be honest I have no idea, for all I know we raised a dollar. Before the walk I really wanted to contact the charities and let them know what I was doing. I even thought about raising money by asking busineses and people I knew, but I did not.
I was afraid that I wouldnt be able to finish or people would think I was full of it. Now, looking back I kind of regret not telling more people I was doing this. Maybe I could have raised alot of money, maybe people would have thought I was doing it for the attention..who knows.
Apparantly new blisters can form right where ones that you popped used to exist. It was nice to welcome back old familar pains to certain parts of my feet. Since
One final piece of news there will be a slight change to the Walk. Now dont get your Nomar shirt in a bunch hear me out. Pat tolds us that most of Route 9 is going to be an unpleasent walk, worse than today. He suggested that we take the route they use for the Boston Marathon. Alex checked it out online so that is what we are doing. Now since we have 30 miles left in the walk we are going to walk that distance starting on the Marathon route, so no miles will be lost and no shortcuts will be taken.
Tomorrow is our last 20 mile day and unfortunatly the weather is supposed to be lousy and rainy. I hate walking in the rain alot but I am trying to be positive.
Night
Today we started in Spencer Mass and ended in Northborough, walking through Worcester and Leicester. The weather was a little warm but we had lighter packs so the walk was very doable.Big positive thing about today was that Alex and I talked alot so that passed the time. We did some good Top 5's including Top 5 Douchebags that we knew. I forgot to mention this when it happened but I will now.When we crossed the Ct. River I was singing that song "Come on Ride the Train", which was a staple at every 7th and 8th grade dance. When I finished the chorus Alex sung a whole verse and had some nice moves to go with it. That must have happened three days go and I am still laughing at it.
I do not like walking on this Route 9. It is busy and the views are not that great. I missed the small towns with their twon squares and parks and walking past dairies and farms. Today was pavement and concrete for most of it not very inspiring. I am sure those towns are very nice but I did not see the nicest parts.
A big advantage to being this late in the walk is that you kind of get used to it. The cars don't make you as nervous as they did in the begining. Your feet and knees still hurt but not as much. My favorite thing is that to me it is normal to just pee on the side of the road. Hey I gotta go and I don't know how long it will be to the next restroom so I just go. Today I did pee behind a bank because I knew it was closed, again to me it seemed perfectly fine.
When people hear that Alex and I asked for people to donate to Sloan Kettering, or the Jimmy Fund or St. Judes they ask us how much money we have raised. To be honest I have no idea, for all I know we raised a dollar. Before the walk I really wanted to contact the charities and let them know what I was doing. I even thought about raising money by asking busineses and people I knew, but I did not.
I was afraid that I wouldnt be able to finish or people would think I was full of it. Now, looking back I kind of regret not telling more people I was doing this. Maybe I could have raised alot of money, maybe people would have thought I was doing it for the attention..who knows.
Apparantly new blisters can form right where ones that you popped used to exist. It was nice to welcome back old familar pains to certain parts of my feet. Since
One final piece of news there will be a slight change to the Walk. Now dont get your Nomar shirt in a bunch hear me out. Pat tolds us that most of Route 9 is going to be an unpleasent walk, worse than today. He suggested that we take the route they use for the Boston Marathon. Alex checked it out online so that is what we are doing. Now since we have 30 miles left in the walk we are going to walk that distance starting on the Marathon route, so no miles will be lost and no shortcuts will be taken.
Tomorrow is our last 20 mile day and unfortunatly the weather is supposed to be lousy and rainy. I hate walking in the rain alot but I am trying to be positive.
Night
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Day 11 - where we become media whores
Another day missed on the blog. How did you ever survive?
Our second full day in Massachusetts (Day 10) was hot, but went very well. We had two huge milestones. First, it was the day that we got on Route 9. This is different from New York's Route 9 of course, but no less pivotal to our quest. This is the road that we will take all the way into Boston before taking our last glorious turn up Brookline to Fenway.
The second milestone was finishing 200 miles. I have to say that this sounds like a much bigger accomplishment to me than 100 miles was. My feet agree. The stopping point was somewhere in Ware, MA but nowhere near the town. We collapsed by the side of the road to await John's girlfriend, Liz, and John did his 200 mile dance.
That night we did a number of interviews. Aunt Debbie invited a bunch of her friends over who happen to be big Sox fans and we got some interesting quotes including a little kid calling all Yankee fans both "drunks" and "retards" with John sitting right there in his Yankee cap. That was precious.
Another guest was a reporter from the Daily Hampshire Gazette who took pictures and interviewed us on this endeavor. It might be up Monday, so check that out. The interview went well and John and I resisted talking about our end of the day body odor, so that's good.
Then today (Day 11) the weather didn't cooperate quite as much. I would have gladly taken the heat again, but mother nature instead chose to pour rain on us for the first several hours of the day. There really is little more miserable than being wet and walking in the rain while knowing that you still have some fifteen miles to go. We ended up going to laundromats twice to dry our shoes.
At around noon we met up with Ben and Josh, two guys who work with the Red Sox and the Boston area show, Red Sox Stories. They too interviewed us on why we were doing this, how it was going, and what we were learning from people. I'm not going into too much detail here about our two media encounters, but that's just because it would take too long to give a good enough explanation of them.
After that the weather cleared up enough for us to finish and still have time to talk to some guys in a East Brookfield bar before meeting tonight's host.
This blog is brought to you by Pat and his mom who may be hating on John's Jeter t-shirt, but we have our own beds for the night and I can't be more stoked.
Our second full day in Massachusetts (Day 10) was hot, but went very well. We had two huge milestones. First, it was the day that we got on Route 9. This is different from New York's Route 9 of course, but no less pivotal to our quest. This is the road that we will take all the way into Boston before taking our last glorious turn up Brookline to Fenway.
The second milestone was finishing 200 miles. I have to say that this sounds like a much bigger accomplishment to me than 100 miles was. My feet agree. The stopping point was somewhere in Ware, MA but nowhere near the town. We collapsed by the side of the road to await John's girlfriend, Liz, and John did his 200 mile dance.
That night we did a number of interviews. Aunt Debbie invited a bunch of her friends over who happen to be big Sox fans and we got some interesting quotes including a little kid calling all Yankee fans both "drunks" and "retards" with John sitting right there in his Yankee cap. That was precious.
Another guest was a reporter from the Daily Hampshire Gazette who took pictures and interviewed us on this endeavor. It might be up Monday, so check that out. The interview went well and John and I resisted talking about our end of the day body odor, so that's good.
Then today (Day 11) the weather didn't cooperate quite as much. I would have gladly taken the heat again, but mother nature instead chose to pour rain on us for the first several hours of the day. There really is little more miserable than being wet and walking in the rain while knowing that you still have some fifteen miles to go. We ended up going to laundromats twice to dry our shoes.
At around noon we met up with Ben and Josh, two guys who work with the Red Sox and the Boston area show, Red Sox Stories. They too interviewed us on why we were doing this, how it was going, and what we were learning from people. I'm not going into too much detail here about our two media encounters, but that's just because it would take too long to give a good enough explanation of them.
After that the weather cleared up enough for us to finish and still have time to talk to some guys in a East Brookfield bar before meeting tonight's host.
This blog is brought to you by Pat and his mom who may be hating on John's Jeter t-shirt, but we have our own beds for the night and I can't be more stoked.
Welcome to Worcester A Dollar Twenty-Five!!
No, There was no toll booth Willy for us.
Last night was kind of busy so there was no blogging. Yesterday we finished 200 miles and Alex got to see my 200 mile dance. We started outside Holyoke and ended in the town of Ware.Where you ask? Ware is the answer. As much fun as Ware was my personal favorite was Belchertown...but mostly because I am immature and will laugh at bodily functions.
Our host for Friday and Thursday was Liz's Aunt Debbie and Uncle Tom and they were really great. Debbie is probably the most excited about this trip than anyone else. She contacted her local newspaper and early last night Alex and I had our photo taken and were interviewd. Thanks to them all for that.
The weather today was absolutly miserable. It started to pour about ten minutes into our walk and would not stop. The plastic bags on my feet did absolutly nothing and my feet were throbbing. We stopped at a Laundrymat and attempted to dry our socks and shoes. Walking around barefoot in one of those places cant be the best thing for my open wounds. One positive thing about this little holdover was talking to this man about hitchhiking. He asked us if that was our method of transportation and then proceded to tell us about his hitchhiking days. Apprantly him and his buddies got pulled over at the border of some town in Georgia and was told by the police to either cut their hair or find another way around.
In North Brookfield Alex and I walked into a dive bar, I think the name was Frank's. The bartender asked how our walk was going and laughed when he saw my Jeter shirt. A couple of guys there were busting my balls about the shirt. When they heard what we were doing they got excited and we interviewed one of them named Ron who had some interesting stuff to say.
Right now Pat Ford is making pasta and I am gunna enjoy some.
Last night was kind of busy so there was no blogging. Yesterday we finished 200 miles and Alex got to see my 200 mile dance. We started outside Holyoke and ended in the town of Ware.Where you ask? Ware is the answer. As much fun as Ware was my personal favorite was Belchertown...but mostly because I am immature and will laugh at bodily functions.
Our host for Friday and Thursday was Liz's Aunt Debbie and Uncle Tom and they were really great. Debbie is probably the most excited about this trip than anyone else. She contacted her local newspaper and early last night Alex and I had our photo taken and were interviewd. Thanks to them all for that.
The weather today was absolutly miserable. It started to pour about ten minutes into our walk and would not stop. The plastic bags on my feet did absolutly nothing and my feet were throbbing. We stopped at a Laundrymat and attempted to dry our socks and shoes. Walking around barefoot in one of those places cant be the best thing for my open wounds. One positive thing about this little holdover was talking to this man about hitchhiking. He asked us if that was our method of transportation and then proceded to tell us about his hitchhiking days. Apprantly him and his buddies got pulled over at the border of some town in Georgia and was told by the police to either cut their hair or find another way around.
In North Brookfield Alex and I walked into a dive bar, I think the name was Frank's. The bartender asked how our walk was going and laughed when he saw my Jeter shirt. A couple of guys there were busting my balls about the shirt. When they heard what we were doing they got excited and we interviewed one of them named Ron who had some interesting stuff to say.
Right now Pat Ford is making pasta and I am gunna enjoy some.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
flashback
Not going to talk about today, I hope Alex did in his blog. No, I'm going to do a quick flashback for you because that is what ran through my mind today.
Thanksgiving Break 2003
The Yankees had lost to the Marlins less than a month before. I was semi sulking about still when I left to go home a few days ahead of schedule. The ALCS against the Red Sox was a roller coaster and the way it ended was so perfect, it made the World Series loss a little easier.
Baseball was on my mind the whole drive back to Long Island because I was going to surprise my grandfather with a visit. He was living in an Assisted Living House and not in the best of health. I had not seen him since September and was looking forward to surprising him with a visit. He was the reason I was such a big Yankee fan.
When I got to the Home he was watching TV with his feet up. He was so surprised to see me he gave me a big hug and kiss. It was great to see him and I kissed the top of his head and he still smelled like vanilla and old spice just like I remembered. It was almost dinner time and he wasked me to stay, of course I would.
He asked a nurse if we could eat in the game room and it was arranged. When I asked why he didnt take his meals in the cafeteria he said he didnt want to make friends...they would probably die within the week.
We talked about school, about family members, but the Yankees dominated baseball. "You know Johnny, I have a feeling were gunna get A-Rod." He said it in November 2003.
If I knew that was the last time we would talk alone I never would have left that room. I wouldnt have gone back to school, just stayed there and wheeled him around as he would introduce me to nurses and orderlies. Or played cards with him or watch the game. But, I didnt know and kissed him goodbye, breathing in his vanilla smell. I would see him again, with the fam but I would never be alone with him and talk ever again.
2004
He died on February 6, 2004. When we got photos developed of pictures we took that summer with him he lookes so frail and so sick. I didnt see it then, I just saw him like I always did. White v-neck shirt, boxer shorts, and those piano legs of his.
2004 would be the hardest year of my life. That was the first baseball season without Pa. The first time I couldnt watch a game with him, or call him afterwards for his take on the game. When the playoffs began I was confident. My grandfather was in heaven and the Yankees were going to win. If this seems immature or unfathomable to you, take a minute and look at it this way. God took what I loved the most from me, everything I knew and valued told me that this was for the better. Why would I be put through more pain than I already had?
Up 3 games I felt like my grandfather was up there smiling. Then Game 4 and Game 5. Sitting there watching my little world turn upside down, everything I had taken for granted was about to be gone. Finally I told myself that God was not going to have me watch this disaster, that it would turn out ok. Well, we all know how it ended.
When the end came I was more in shock than anything else. It was numbing, and I had dreamless sleep for about 2 nights. No cursing, no yelling, no venting, just going about my life.
2005
Catharsis came at a movie theater in Poughkeepsie. Watching Fever Pitch...yes the Jimmy Fallon movie. I cried like you would not imagine. I cried in the theater, when the lights went on, and the car ride back. Looking back, the point I cried at was cheesy at best, nothing special. Thats not why I cried. I missed Pa, I was sorry to be mad at him for going. I was mad at myself for being mad. At one point I cried because it felt good to be able to miss someone so much that it still hurts long after they leave.
So here I am now, two years later doing this walk. Thats what went through my mind for most of today...I smiled though instead.
Thanksgiving Break 2003
The Yankees had lost to the Marlins less than a month before. I was semi sulking about still when I left to go home a few days ahead of schedule. The ALCS against the Red Sox was a roller coaster and the way it ended was so perfect, it made the World Series loss a little easier.
Baseball was on my mind the whole drive back to Long Island because I was going to surprise my grandfather with a visit. He was living in an Assisted Living House and not in the best of health. I had not seen him since September and was looking forward to surprising him with a visit. He was the reason I was such a big Yankee fan.
When I got to the Home he was watching TV with his feet up. He was so surprised to see me he gave me a big hug and kiss. It was great to see him and I kissed the top of his head and he still smelled like vanilla and old spice just like I remembered. It was almost dinner time and he wasked me to stay, of course I would.
He asked a nurse if we could eat in the game room and it was arranged. When I asked why he didnt take his meals in the cafeteria he said he didnt want to make friends...they would probably die within the week.
We talked about school, about family members, but the Yankees dominated baseball. "You know Johnny, I have a feeling were gunna get A-Rod." He said it in November 2003.
If I knew that was the last time we would talk alone I never would have left that room. I wouldnt have gone back to school, just stayed there and wheeled him around as he would introduce me to nurses and orderlies. Or played cards with him or watch the game. But, I didnt know and kissed him goodbye, breathing in his vanilla smell. I would see him again, with the fam but I would never be alone with him and talk ever again.
2004
He died on February 6, 2004. When we got photos developed of pictures we took that summer with him he lookes so frail and so sick. I didnt see it then, I just saw him like I always did. White v-neck shirt, boxer shorts, and those piano legs of his.
2004 would be the hardest year of my life. That was the first baseball season without Pa. The first time I couldnt watch a game with him, or call him afterwards for his take on the game. When the playoffs began I was confident. My grandfather was in heaven and the Yankees were going to win. If this seems immature or unfathomable to you, take a minute and look at it this way. God took what I loved the most from me, everything I knew and valued told me that this was for the better. Why would I be put through more pain than I already had?
Up 3 games I felt like my grandfather was up there smiling. Then Game 4 and Game 5. Sitting there watching my little world turn upside down, everything I had taken for granted was about to be gone. Finally I told myself that God was not going to have me watch this disaster, that it would turn out ok. Well, we all know how it ended.
When the end came I was more in shock than anything else. It was numbing, and I had dreamless sleep for about 2 nights. No cursing, no yelling, no venting, just going about my life.
2005
Catharsis came at a movie theater in Poughkeepsie. Watching Fever Pitch...yes the Jimmy Fallon movie. I cried like you would not imagine. I cried in the theater, when the lights went on, and the car ride back. Looking back, the point I cried at was cheesy at best, nothing special. Thats not why I cried. I missed Pa, I was sorry to be mad at him for going. I was mad at myself for being mad. At one point I cried because it felt good to be able to miss someone so much that it still hurts long after they leave.
So here I am now, two years later doing this walk. Thats what went through my mind for most of today...I smiled though instead.
Day 9 - where the tide turns
Today was hot. I don't know if I've complained about this yet, but it was today. Fortunately the other big change today was that it was much flatter than the last few days. Northern Connecticut was hilly as all get out, but I guess that's why they notched out a piece for Massachusetts when it got less so.
I'm still reading A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson and he is talking about himself and his obese friend hiking the Appalacian Trail. Walking the wide open roads is tough enough, though I do envy their lack of a strict schedule. It would be nice to be able to stop and hang out with people more often. Priority one is making the milage, so time talking to people takes a big hit. We will be talking to a bunch of people tomorrow night though since John's girlfriend Liz's aunt invited lots of Boston fans over to be interviewed. It sounds like they have some different stories so it'll be interesting.
John got a hydro-pack (the insert for a Camelbak) yesterday and it definitely helped him. He'll probably blog about it, but he was cruisin'. While the rule has been that I end up walking ahead a bit toward the end of the day, today was just the opposite. Now better hydrated and better energized (since I'm making him eat more) he was right with me. In the last few miles today I actually was struggling to keep up somewhat thanks to some ankle pains. It was a nicer walk for both of us because of this.
As I said, we're staying in Amherst tonight and will start back in Holyoke tomorrow. While one highlight of the walk today was adding a few more Dunkin's to the tally (currently 23-13, DD) tomorrows might be going through Belchertown. Why? Because it's called Belchertown.
The real highlight tomorrow will probably be talking to those people and a reporter who is doing a story on us for a local paper here. I'll write more about that tomorrow.
This blog is brought to you by Aunt Debbie and her fam who are added as another contestant to the "Best Oatmeal Cookies of The Walk" contest. So far we have four entrants.
I'm still reading A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson and he is talking about himself and his obese friend hiking the Appalacian Trail. Walking the wide open roads is tough enough, though I do envy their lack of a strict schedule. It would be nice to be able to stop and hang out with people more often. Priority one is making the milage, so time talking to people takes a big hit. We will be talking to a bunch of people tomorrow night though since John's girlfriend Liz's aunt invited lots of Boston fans over to be interviewed. It sounds like they have some different stories so it'll be interesting.
John got a hydro-pack (the insert for a Camelbak) yesterday and it definitely helped him. He'll probably blog about it, but he was cruisin'. While the rule has been that I end up walking ahead a bit toward the end of the day, today was just the opposite. Now better hydrated and better energized (since I'm making him eat more) he was right with me. In the last few miles today I actually was struggling to keep up somewhat thanks to some ankle pains. It was a nicer walk for both of us because of this.
As I said, we're staying in Amherst tonight and will start back in Holyoke tomorrow. While one highlight of the walk today was adding a few more Dunkin's to the tally (currently 23-13, DD) tomorrows might be going through Belchertown. Why? Because it's called Belchertown.
The real highlight tomorrow will probably be talking to those people and a reporter who is doing a story on us for a local paper here. I'll write more about that tomorrow.
This blog is brought to you by Aunt Debbie and her fam who are added as another contestant to the "Best Oatmeal Cookies of The Walk" contest. So far we have four entrants.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Don't Pee Uphill
Just some friendly advice that I picked up along the trip that I would like to pass along to you guys.
Today was a warm day and I did not feel that well during most of it. My biggest fear is running out of water and we are in pretty isolated places for most of the day.
I dont know if it was the heat, or the fact that we left most of our stuff at Timmy's allowing us to have a lighter bag, but whatever the reason we had some pretty light moments today.
Bea and I broke out in song a bunch of times...yes there is nothing straighter then two guys singing Disney tunes in the middle of the street. Personally I liked Bea's rendition of Colors of the Wind.
After we stopped Timmy took us to Stop and Shop and Eastern Mountain Sports. Alex and I both smelled glorious and were limping around the stores. Alex bought some Powerbars I had to settle for granola bars. Ths is when being allergic to nuts is a pain in the ass because all of those protein bars and cliff bars, and carboenergy whatever have nuts in them. When I was limping down the cereal aisle to get my Quaker Oats bars a woman almost bumped into me with her cart. I think she got a sniff of me and swerved suddenly knocking over some peppridge farms cookies.
It is a shame those milanos met an untimely end but war is hell.
So long for now
Today was a warm day and I did not feel that well during most of it. My biggest fear is running out of water and we are in pretty isolated places for most of the day.
I dont know if it was the heat, or the fact that we left most of our stuff at Timmy's allowing us to have a lighter bag, but whatever the reason we had some pretty light moments today.
Bea and I broke out in song a bunch of times...yes there is nothing straighter then two guys singing Disney tunes in the middle of the street. Personally I liked Bea's rendition of Colors of the Wind.
After we stopped Timmy took us to Stop and Shop and Eastern Mountain Sports. Alex and I both smelled glorious and were limping around the stores. Alex bought some Powerbars I had to settle for granola bars. Ths is when being allergic to nuts is a pain in the ass because all of those protein bars and cliff bars, and carboenergy whatever have nuts in them. When I was limping down the cereal aisle to get my Quaker Oats bars a woman almost bumped into me with her cart. I think she got a sniff of me and swerved suddenly knocking over some peppridge farms cookies.
It is a shame those milanos met an untimely end but war is hell.
So long for now
Day 8 - where we ALMOST hit Mass
Today was hot. We've been lucky with the weather for the most part but out of the last four or so two have not gone well. Tomorrow looks like another warm one as well. John got a new hydro-pack (like the insert from a Camelbak) so he'll be better prepared.
Otherwise today wasn't too interesting. It was a lot of woods and roads and woods. Not much else to say there. Actually today was pretty boring, except I started reading A Walk in the Woods which is good so far. The guy reminds me of Dave Barry, one of my favorite writers, but more into outdoorsiness.
Today's blog is brought to you again by Timmy because he just can't get enough of us.
Otherwise today wasn't too interesting. It was a lot of woods and roads and woods. Not much else to say there. Actually today was pretty boring, except I started reading A Walk in the Woods which is good so far. The guy reminds me of Dave Barry, one of my favorite writers, but more into outdoorsiness.
Today's blog is brought to you again by Timmy because he just can't get enough of us.
Day 7 - where we return to civilization
Day 6 sucked. I predicted that day 6 would suck, but for different reasons. When we drove our route it looked like that day would have very little shoulder on the road and thus would be more dangerous. This was still true, but we've become used to that part. No, this time it was the weather's fault. It rained steadily on us all day which is more upsetting than usual when you are supposed to walk 20-some miles that day. It also didn't help that we had no cell phone reception all day.
But we finished it. We stopped at a hotel for the first time and thus survived to walk again. The hotel, the Inn at Iron Masters, has a bitchin' name, yes, but I was not enthoused about the staff there. It consisted of one lady at the desk who was, in a word, smug. Of course this is Connecticut, so...
Day 7 brought us back to cell phone reception and into more frequent small towns here in Connecticut. It also brought us to a newly defined rule of the trip. As John wrote in his post, we got a ride for the last few miles. Two women pulled over to adjust things in their pick-up and as they were getting back in they came back out and offered us a ride to town (Winsted).
At that point in the very hilly day we were very ready for this so we accepted. While riding John and I came to an agreement. Yes, this blog is called "walking the rivalry", and no, getting rides isn't walking, so we would not hitchhike or ask for rides. It was okay, however, to accept rides if freely offered without provocation.
While the more cynical out there would argue that this is not legitimate in the spirit of our journey, I say this: We are definitely walking the VAST majority of this as rides are not offered often (we've been offered rides maybe three times out of seven days), and besides that, we are masters of our fate here. The idea of the walk was not brought to us by a third party, but a creation of our own and as such we are allowed to include or exclude any guidelines that we want. We will not go so far as to ask for rides, but taking rides we are okay with since it also gives us a chance to meet more people when we have the energy to talk to them.
So with that, we start day 8. We will end at the Connecticut/Massachusetts border today.
This blog is brought to you by Timmy, our host for two nights. Thus, he rocks.
But we finished it. We stopped at a hotel for the first time and thus survived to walk again. The hotel, the Inn at Iron Masters, has a bitchin' name, yes, but I was not enthoused about the staff there. It consisted of one lady at the desk who was, in a word, smug. Of course this is Connecticut, so...
Day 7 brought us back to cell phone reception and into more frequent small towns here in Connecticut. It also brought us to a newly defined rule of the trip. As John wrote in his post, we got a ride for the last few miles. Two women pulled over to adjust things in their pick-up and as they were getting back in they came back out and offered us a ride to town (Winsted).
At that point in the very hilly day we were very ready for this so we accepted. While riding John and I came to an agreement. Yes, this blog is called "walking the rivalry", and no, getting rides isn't walking, so we would not hitchhike or ask for rides. It was okay, however, to accept rides if freely offered without provocation.
While the more cynical out there would argue that this is not legitimate in the spirit of our journey, I say this: We are definitely walking the VAST majority of this as rides are not offered often (we've been offered rides maybe three times out of seven days), and besides that, we are masters of our fate here. The idea of the walk was not brought to us by a third party, but a creation of our own and as such we are allowed to include or exclude any guidelines that we want. We will not go so far as to ask for rides, but taking rides we are okay with since it also gives us a chance to meet more people when we have the energy to talk to them.
So with that, we start day 8. We will end at the Connecticut/Massachusetts border today.
This blog is brought to you by Timmy, our host for two nights. Thus, he rocks.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Ohhhh Were Halfway Thereee!!!
Ohhhhh Livin on a Prayerr
Man, I do love Bon Jovi
Sorry for not posting for a while. After day 5 I was too tired to post and after day 6 we were in a hotel with no phone service or computer. Glad to have both..even though I left my cell phone in Billy's car day one but you know what I mean.
Quick recap for Day 5.
We started in Staatsburg between Hyde Park and Rhinebeck and ended just a little west of Pine Plains. When we stopped we had not seen a house in two miles and Alex had no cell phone service. We waited on the side of the road for our ride for an hour before we started to walk back. We stopped at an Antique Store and sat under the sign for another hour or so. It was warm and sunny out there but kind of creepy because there was a deserted house across the street from us.
Eventually we got up and headed back some more to try and call our friend Katie from a house phone. We got to a house with a Yankee flag and Alex's phone rang...it was Katie crisis averted.
Day 6.
Lots of rain. Miserable weather and very slowe traveling for us. Dont worry the plastic bags on our feet were both fashionable and practical. We walked from Pine Plains and ended our day at an overpriced Inn in Lakeville Ct. You would think that when we crossed the border we would have been excited and high fived or had some sort of celebration. Alas, all that occurred was a quick photo and we moved on. At the Inn we did watch two episodes of Scrubs that made my evening. We were in bed by 8:30. Oh, we popped our blisters. Yellow stuff came out of one of mine. (i put neosporin on it later, no worries.)
Day 7..
We are currently resting in Simsbury Ct the home of our friend and former Q4 resident Tim aka Timy Letson. The walk today went much better than before but we were behind schedule so tried our best to keep things moving. In Canaan this spaniel puppy was tied to a tree on a very long leash. He ran through the hedge and started to lick us. It was probable the most adorable thing I have seen in a week (not counting Bea). I wanted to take it with us but I am sure the owners would not have approved. Bea named the dog Flopsie and when we walked away it made the sad pupy dog face that made me walk back for a bit. We passed several dairies and I was craving milk by 2:00. Walking buy a farm Bea took a deep breath, smelling the sweet manure and said, "Ahh the sweet counry air." You know what, it was great.
We stopped by a stream for a break and ate our pilfred english muffins and oatmeal cookie crumbs. 7 and a half miles left. We switched bags and started walking. About 20 mins into the walk a pickup truck pulled over the side of the road. Two women got out and examined the bed just as they were about to leave they saw us and asked if we needed a ride...we said yes.
Hey this walk began with us intending to do the whole thing. I dont feel as if I cheated, we were offered, we accepted. We sat in the bed of the truck and watched in 10 minutes what would have taken us over an hour to finish. Watching the road fly by with a cool breeze and my swollen feet up on the hub I felt mixed emotions. I didnt do the whole 277 miles, and I wont be able to now. I did hitchhike I guess, and have time to talk with people at a Dunkin Donuts about baseball and our video camera. Bea looked relieved too. This walk is not supposed to be a death march. Im sore, my ankles are cankles, my foot is covered in tape, and I need to apply Bengay to get going in the morning. Maybe Im not cut out for this thing after all or maybe I just needed a woman in a pickup truck to lend a helpful hand.
Man, I do love Bon Jovi
Sorry for not posting for a while. After day 5 I was too tired to post and after day 6 we were in a hotel with no phone service or computer. Glad to have both..even though I left my cell phone in Billy's car day one but you know what I mean.
Quick recap for Day 5.
We started in Staatsburg between Hyde Park and Rhinebeck and ended just a little west of Pine Plains. When we stopped we had not seen a house in two miles and Alex had no cell phone service. We waited on the side of the road for our ride for an hour before we started to walk back. We stopped at an Antique Store and sat under the sign for another hour or so. It was warm and sunny out there but kind of creepy because there was a deserted house across the street from us.
Eventually we got up and headed back some more to try and call our friend Katie from a house phone. We got to a house with a Yankee flag and Alex's phone rang...it was Katie crisis averted.
Day 6.
Lots of rain. Miserable weather and very slowe traveling for us. Dont worry the plastic bags on our feet were both fashionable and practical. We walked from Pine Plains and ended our day at an overpriced Inn in Lakeville Ct. You would think that when we crossed the border we would have been excited and high fived or had some sort of celebration. Alas, all that occurred was a quick photo and we moved on. At the Inn we did watch two episodes of Scrubs that made my evening. We were in bed by 8:30. Oh, we popped our blisters. Yellow stuff came out of one of mine. (i put neosporin on it later, no worries.)
Day 7..
We are currently resting in Simsbury Ct the home of our friend and former Q4 resident Tim aka Timy Letson. The walk today went much better than before but we were behind schedule so tried our best to keep things moving. In Canaan this spaniel puppy was tied to a tree on a very long leash. He ran through the hedge and started to lick us. It was probable the most adorable thing I have seen in a week (not counting Bea). I wanted to take it with us but I am sure the owners would not have approved. Bea named the dog Flopsie and when we walked away it made the sad pupy dog face that made me walk back for a bit. We passed several dairies and I was craving milk by 2:00. Walking buy a farm Bea took a deep breath, smelling the sweet manure and said, "Ahh the sweet counry air." You know what, it was great.
We stopped by a stream for a break and ate our pilfred english muffins and oatmeal cookie crumbs. 7 and a half miles left. We switched bags and started walking. About 20 mins into the walk a pickup truck pulled over the side of the road. Two women got out and examined the bed just as they were about to leave they saw us and asked if we needed a ride...we said yes.
Hey this walk began with us intending to do the whole thing. I dont feel as if I cheated, we were offered, we accepted. We sat in the bed of the truck and watched in 10 minutes what would have taken us over an hour to finish. Watching the road fly by with a cool breeze and my swollen feet up on the hub I felt mixed emotions. I didnt do the whole 277 miles, and I wont be able to now. I did hitchhike I guess, and have time to talk with people at a Dunkin Donuts about baseball and our video camera. Bea looked relieved too. This walk is not supposed to be a death march. Im sore, my ankles are cankles, my foot is covered in tape, and I need to apply Bengay to get going in the morning. Maybe Im not cut out for this thing after all or maybe I just needed a woman in a pickup truck to lend a helpful hand.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Day 5 - where I don't say much
We made another of our goals. It was a tiring day on more remote roads than yesterday after our first turn in days. We stopped near Pine Plains, NY. Tomorrow will be our last day in New York as we enter Connecticut fairly early on during the day.
Yesterday's "stranded" was put to shame today when we ended in the mountains with no phone service. We then had to walk back about a mile to get service and contact our host for the night. If you can imagine, walking back after covering 20 or so miles is not the first thing we want to do. We hardly like even looking backwards.
So that's it. We've done 100 miles - over a third of the way. And that's all I've got to say about that.
This blog is brought to you by our hostess with the mostest, Katie "Tittie" Nixon.
Yesterday's "stranded" was put to shame today when we ended in the mountains with no phone service. We then had to walk back about a mile to get service and contact our host for the night. If you can imagine, walking back after covering 20 or so miles is not the first thing we want to do. We hardly like even looking backwards.
So that's it. We've done 100 miles - over a third of the way. And that's all I've got to say about that.
This blog is brought to you by our hostess with the mostest, Katie "Tittie" Nixon.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Blogging Like a Rockstar
That title is dedicated to Jen, who allowed us to eat pasta and treated us to Brita water at the end of the day.
Day 4 is done, pretty crazy right. Admit it, some of you did not think we would make it this far. Hey, no worries. I am pleased with the way this whole thing is working out, almost as pleased as the only inbox messages I have are from a poker website and a porno site. Who do they think I am...Erik???
When we reached our destination our problem was not being sore or tired but where are we staying. Alex and I were sitting on the side of the road at the edge of a field for well over an hour. Honestly, it was as if it was staged out of a bad horror movie.
John: Well Alex I will walk up ahead and try and get to a gas station. You should stay here and try the cell and we will meet back up .
Alex: ok bud, sounds like a good idea.
Of course, I would be killed off camera after looking confused and frightened. Alex would have a couple of close ups before he was offed and asked the question, "John...is that you.."
No we live, (obvi) but we did stared at and honked at a couple of times. After the initial taxi fiasco our cabbie that got us was amazing.
We never got his name, and he would not allow us to film him. Here are some highlights of the convo as well as the questions we asked.
How did you become a Sox fan?
His family was originally all Mets fans. They were from Poughkeepsie and hated the Yankees and rooted for the Mets. He remembered watching the 1969 World Series and loving the Mets. Soon their hatred of the Yankees turned them into Red Sox fans. At first they would root for any team that was playing against the Yankees...that changed. When he was 14 he became a Sox fan. He has an older cousin who is also a big Sox fan.
His memories of `86.
Well, he did quote word for word the announcer calling the game. He told us where he was and how he felt that they (the Sox) were finally going to win. He thought he was witnessing history. While he spoke his voice was full of excitement and sadness it was incredible.
Did people jump on the Red Sox bandwagon after 2004? (I am gunna paraphrase him here)
"Why would they? They won what, 7 World Series over all? (I but in, no actually 6.) I mean you would have to be crazy to. The Rivalry is there, I mean the Yankees won 26 World Series, but you can also say they blew a 3 game lead in the pennant series. I suppose some people went on the bandwagon, it is easy to root for the Yankees though, they are from NY and won so many times. Two or three weeks after the Sox won in 2004 I was wearing my Sox shirt and some guy gave me a hard time. I told him Listen!..."
So. there it is folks. A great encounter and we could not even film it.
Happy Belated Birthday Qwstal!
Day 4 is done, pretty crazy right. Admit it, some of you did not think we would make it this far. Hey, no worries. I am pleased with the way this whole thing is working out, almost as pleased as the only inbox messages I have are from a poker website and a porno site. Who do they think I am...Erik???
When we reached our destination our problem was not being sore or tired but where are we staying. Alex and I were sitting on the side of the road at the edge of a field for well over an hour. Honestly, it was as if it was staged out of a bad horror movie.
John: Well Alex I will walk up ahead and try and get to a gas station. You should stay here and try the cell and we will meet back up .
Alex: ok bud, sounds like a good idea.
Of course, I would be killed off camera after looking confused and frightened. Alex would have a couple of close ups before he was offed and asked the question, "John...is that you.."
No we live, (obvi) but we did stared at and honked at a couple of times. After the initial taxi fiasco our cabbie that got us was amazing.
We never got his name, and he would not allow us to film him. Here are some highlights of the convo as well as the questions we asked.
How did you become a Sox fan?
His family was originally all Mets fans. They were from Poughkeepsie and hated the Yankees and rooted for the Mets. He remembered watching the 1969 World Series and loving the Mets. Soon their hatred of the Yankees turned them into Red Sox fans. At first they would root for any team that was playing against the Yankees...that changed. When he was 14 he became a Sox fan. He has an older cousin who is also a big Sox fan.
His memories of `86.
Well, he did quote word for word the announcer calling the game. He told us where he was and how he felt that they (the Sox) were finally going to win. He thought he was witnessing history. While he spoke his voice was full of excitement and sadness it was incredible.
Did people jump on the Red Sox bandwagon after 2004? (I am gunna paraphrase him here)
"Why would they? They won what, 7 World Series over all? (I but in, no actually 6.) I mean you would have to be crazy to. The Rivalry is there, I mean the Yankees won 26 World Series, but you can also say they blew a 3 game lead in the pennant series. I suppose some people went on the bandwagon, it is easy to root for the Yankees though, they are from NY and won so many times. Two or three weeks after the Sox won in 2004 I was wearing my Sox shirt and some guy gave me a hard time. I told him Listen!..."
So. there it is folks. A great encounter and we could not even film it.
Happy Belated Birthday Qwstal!
Day 4 - where it doesn't sucks so much
Over a quarter of the way done! Yes, we have hit our first major milestone. I also feel like we hit a pretty good groove now. We made great time for the first three hours - which is the 3 mph goal speed - and we talked a bit more than usual the second half which helped the time pass better.
Another personal milestone for both of us passed today. We walked past our alma mater, Marist College, half way through the day. We actually skipped our usual first break three-hours in and instead continued a bit further to stop at the Quizno's where we spent many of our college dollars. It was nice having things around that we recognized all day from Wappingers Falls up past Hyde Park.
The stopping point today was most of the way through Staatsburg. Unlike all of our other stopping points, this one was, for all intensive purposes, in the middle of nowhere. There were no gas stations, stores, or even many houses within view. What made this worse was that we still hadn't heard from our host for the night and the number I had was not working. We eventually decided to call a cab to get back to Poughkeepsie. The first company we called, AAA, gave me the price for the trip then, after a pause, told me no cabs would be available for a few hours. Really? One of the biggest cab companies in the area has no cabs for hours. Or is it that no one wants to come out that far maybe? Jackasses.
We did get another company to send one out (at a better price I might add). The cabbie turned out to be really cool for us. I'll leave that to John to talk about.
Overall, the best parts of today for me were both that we made good time and that I'm not nearly as sore as I have been the other days. Hopefully this trend will continue.
This blog is brought to you by Brian, our host, and his girlfriend Jen, who likes the song "Party Like a Rockstar, and I'm okay with that.
Another personal milestone for both of us passed today. We walked past our alma mater, Marist College, half way through the day. We actually skipped our usual first break three-hours in and instead continued a bit further to stop at the Quizno's where we spent many of our college dollars. It was nice having things around that we recognized all day from Wappingers Falls up past Hyde Park.
The stopping point today was most of the way through Staatsburg. Unlike all of our other stopping points, this one was, for all intensive purposes, in the middle of nowhere. There were no gas stations, stores, or even many houses within view. What made this worse was that we still hadn't heard from our host for the night and the number I had was not working. We eventually decided to call a cab to get back to Poughkeepsie. The first company we called, AAA, gave me the price for the trip then, after a pause, told me no cabs would be available for a few hours. Really? One of the biggest cab companies in the area has no cabs for hours. Or is it that no one wants to come out that far maybe? Jackasses.
We did get another company to send one out (at a better price I might add). The cabbie turned out to be really cool for us. I'll leave that to John to talk about.
Overall, the best parts of today for me were both that we made good time and that I'm not nearly as sore as I have been the other days. Hopefully this trend will continue.
This blog is brought to you by Brian, our host, and his girlfriend Jen, who likes the song "Party Like a Rockstar, and I'm okay with that.
Friday, July 20, 2007
A quick observation on Road Kill
I know it is early and may be to soon for this topic, but I promise I will refrain from talking about it.
It can be hard to imagine a guy like me not being the most athletic but it's true. I am trying though with this walk. The reason for me mentioning this is to let you know that most of the time I am walking behind Bea. A couple of steps at first and gradually the distance increases. Since Bea is in front of me he startles the moths and bugs that are in the bushes along the road.
These poor little guys hop, scurry, run or fly out of his way. We are not walking through the grass just next to it but they flip out. Most of the flying ones end up right in my face. It is a good thing to know that I yell when a moth hits my face as if I was being mugged. It is a shock to the system. The thing is, they friggen love me. In my hair, landing on my pack or my chest, they cant get enough. Constantly bugs were attacking me for a solid half hour. Yes, I could lead and try an walk ahead of Alex, however my cankles and blisters beg to differ.
Walking on the side of the road brings me to the next topic, the header, Road Kill. Mummified, leatherfied, innocent animals all along Route 9 D. I couldnt count, and won't either. They dont even look like animals half the time, just piles of leaves. The good thing is if I ever need to identity the spine of a racoon or you need to know if you hit a opossum or a woodchuck, I am your CSI man for the case.
Enough of that unpleasent topic, but there was a great deal of it and the first time I noticed so many upclose.
My personal highlight of the day occured right after we past Fiskill. A red pickup truck with Mass plates pulled over and asked us for directions. While Alex steered them in the right direction I peered in. The driver was a woman in her 60s or early 70s with long gray hair. She was trying to restrain her dog while listening to Alex. Her cab had a backseat and was filled with boxes, loose furniture, and bags. In the front seat sat an old, very pale man. He looked as if he had not been out in months. Imagine Boo Radley at 80, with a grizzled bear. He makes eye contact with me and smiles. He bends over and picks up a Yankee hat and has this big grin on his face. I smile and give him a thumbs up but he shakes his head. I look at the hat and see that it is a Yankee Hater hat, and I shake my head and say oh no. He starts laughing and then they drive away.
Amazing, this old man with one foot in the grave was having a laugh at my expense.
I love it.
It can be hard to imagine a guy like me not being the most athletic but it's true. I am trying though with this walk. The reason for me mentioning this is to let you know that most of the time I am walking behind Bea. A couple of steps at first and gradually the distance increases. Since Bea is in front of me he startles the moths and bugs that are in the bushes along the road.
These poor little guys hop, scurry, run or fly out of his way. We are not walking through the grass just next to it but they flip out. Most of the flying ones end up right in my face. It is a good thing to know that I yell when a moth hits my face as if I was being mugged. It is a shock to the system. The thing is, they friggen love me. In my hair, landing on my pack or my chest, they cant get enough. Constantly bugs were attacking me for a solid half hour. Yes, I could lead and try an walk ahead of Alex, however my cankles and blisters beg to differ.
Walking on the side of the road brings me to the next topic, the header, Road Kill. Mummified, leatherfied, innocent animals all along Route 9 D. I couldnt count, and won't either. They dont even look like animals half the time, just piles of leaves. The good thing is if I ever need to identity the spine of a racoon or you need to know if you hit a opossum or a woodchuck, I am your CSI man for the case.
Enough of that unpleasent topic, but there was a great deal of it and the first time I noticed so many upclose.
My personal highlight of the day occured right after we past Fiskill. A red pickup truck with Mass plates pulled over and asked us for directions. While Alex steered them in the right direction I peered in. The driver was a woman in her 60s or early 70s with long gray hair. She was trying to restrain her dog while listening to Alex. Her cab had a backseat and was filled with boxes, loose furniture, and bags. In the front seat sat an old, very pale man. He looked as if he had not been out in months. Imagine Boo Radley at 80, with a grizzled bear. He makes eye contact with me and smiles. He bends over and picks up a Yankee hat and has this big grin on his face. I smile and give him a thumbs up but he shakes his head. I look at the hat and see that it is a Yankee Hater hat, and I shake my head and say oh no. He starts laughing and then they drive away.
Amazing, this old man with one foot in the grave was having a laugh at my expense.
I love it.
Day 3 - where we get back to some filming
60 miles done. We ended today in Wappingers Falls, NY and were picked up by our friend, and Yankees fan, Sean. The beginning of the day was beautiful. We were on 9D which goes right along the Hudson for the most part. It wasn't too hot, but the breeze was much appreciated.
From now on we won't be walking in very urban or even very suburban until we get into Massachusetts. Poughkeepsie (tomorrow) will be a bit urban, but it is the home of our alma mater, Marist College, so that will be welcomed.
We did get more filming in today. We got a sick shot while walking across a bridge with a great view of the river and interviewed Seany this afternoon. I think the filming goal is changing. We still are talking to people along the way, but because of the amount we're walking most of our concentration goes to completing the day's walking goal.
The feet are still sore and the last five miles are always pretty tough to get through. So far it's working so we'll just hope for the best.
From now on we won't be walking in very urban or even very suburban until we get into Massachusetts. Poughkeepsie (tomorrow) will be a bit urban, but it is the home of our alma mater, Marist College, so that will be welcomed.
We did get more filming in today. We got a sick shot while walking across a bridge with a great view of the river and interviewed Seany this afternoon. I think the filming goal is changing. We still are talking to people along the way, but because of the amount we're walking most of our concentration goes to completing the day's walking goal.
The feet are still sore and the last five miles are always pretty tough to get through. So far it's working so we'll just hope for the best.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
I exfoilated today
I exfoliated today
Yes, it is true. We are staying at our friends apartment tonight and between her and her roomate they have no less than 11 bottle in their shower. Just when I thought I was clean I spotted the body wash with shay butter. Who want dry skin right? Then I saw the shampoo for hair with curls next to the coconut body wash...well it was a long night.
But, you are not here to see this. You want to know about the walk, or are looking for something else..then I cant help you.
To say the weather was cooperative is an understatement. The forcast called for rain and thunderstorms but we got lucky. It was relativly cool, and cloudy for most of the day.
I was not as sore as I thought I would be in the morning. Alex and I were both in pretty good moods when we began. We posed like the figure for the crosswalk. It must be hard for him to walk, with no feet and hus back arm always bent.
We walked through some very nice towns but my favorite was Sleepy Hollow. The Hudson was in the background and the Main Street looked like something out of a post caard. I began to immitate a kid doing his oral book report on Washington Irving and had a few laughs with Bea.
said with a good NY accent:
"Yea so there this guy, who like hates his wife. His name is Rip Van Winkle or some shit. Anyway, he goes drinking and bam wakes up like 30 years later. No friggen hangover or nuthen."
Oh the simple joys.
Unfortunatly we had to walk a good amount of the way on Route 9. I am very thankful that those drivers pulled over for us. We were walking in the left lane. Some truckers gave us a honk and a wave, people looked at us with pity and others with concern. Not the safest place to be and apparantly Ask.com found it suitbal for pedestrians. When you are two feet from a Truck the breeze is something else.
We got to Cortlandt, our destination and limped/shuffled to a repair shop to call a cab for a hotel. We were later told that the hotel was a 2 minute walk, I could have killed the woman who told us this, but we just walked. When Alex found out the bill was going to be $80, we took a cab to the train station and went to Poughkeepsie. I can believe I was back on the Metro North again.
I named my blister on my pinky toe Big Poppa..he pretty much owns the whole thing.
Tomorrow is a new day and some more blisters to get.
Sorry for the spelling and grammatical mistakes...actaully I am not it was just a formaility.
Yes, it is true. We are staying at our friends apartment tonight and between her and her roomate they have no less than 11 bottle in their shower. Just when I thought I was clean I spotted the body wash with shay butter. Who want dry skin right? Then I saw the shampoo for hair with curls next to the coconut body wash...well it was a long night.
But, you are not here to see this. You want to know about the walk, or are looking for something else..then I cant help you.
To say the weather was cooperative is an understatement. The forcast called for rain and thunderstorms but we got lucky. It was relativly cool, and cloudy for most of the day.
I was not as sore as I thought I would be in the morning. Alex and I were both in pretty good moods when we began. We posed like the figure for the crosswalk. It must be hard for him to walk, with no feet and hus back arm always bent.
We walked through some very nice towns but my favorite was Sleepy Hollow. The Hudson was in the background and the Main Street looked like something out of a post caard. I began to immitate a kid doing his oral book report on Washington Irving and had a few laughs with Bea.
said with a good NY accent:
"Yea so there this guy, who like hates his wife. His name is Rip Van Winkle or some shit. Anyway, he goes drinking and bam wakes up like 30 years later. No friggen hangover or nuthen."
Oh the simple joys.
Unfortunatly we had to walk a good amount of the way on Route 9. I am very thankful that those drivers pulled over for us. We were walking in the left lane. Some truckers gave us a honk and a wave, people looked at us with pity and others with concern. Not the safest place to be and apparantly Ask.com found it suitbal for pedestrians. When you are two feet from a Truck the breeze is something else.
We got to Cortlandt, our destination and limped/shuffled to a repair shop to call a cab for a hotel. We were later told that the hotel was a 2 minute walk, I could have killed the woman who told us this, but we just walked. When Alex found out the bill was going to be $80, we took a cab to the train station and went to Poughkeepsie. I can believe I was back on the Metro North again.
I named my blister on my pinky toe Big Poppa..he pretty much owns the whole thing.
Tomorrow is a new day and some more blisters to get.
Sorry for the spelling and grammatical mistakes...actaully I am not it was just a formaility.
Day two - where we actiually see how this is going to work
Day two done! Better yet, we're still on schedule. We started from our friend Katie's place around 7am after a delicious breakfast of some tasteless organic cereal John bought. Full of all-natural carbo-energy, things started well. The biggest difference between yesterday and today was that we were already sore. Honestly I had doubts last night, but once I got used to the constant pain it was all about looking forward.
The weather really came through today as well. The forecast was that we would get dumped on again starting around noon. We were walking in Ossining around then but since the skies still looked good we soldiered on. We got a few sprinkles but no heavy rain, thank crap.
The last stretch of the day was on route 9. Those of you familiar with the Hudson Valley know how 9 isn't exactly a pedestrian friendly road. While not an interstate by any means, there were trucks flying by us constantly. It was actually worse when the road was smaller around Sleepy Hollow (which John will discuss) and there was no shoulder. Initially cars speeding by a few feet away was disconcerting, but once the fatigue really set it I just took it for granted that they probably wouldn't hit me. And if they did... well it wouldn't really matter if I saw it coming or not, eh?
So far we haven't had extended conversations with too many people. I think we were still getting used to how this "insane amount of walking" thing works. Starting tomorrow we'll try to plan some in. We're still solidly in Yankee (or Mets) territory, though I did see one Sox hat so far besides my own.
That's all for me. John will blog a bit later. This blog is brought to you by our incredible friend Corey who is letting us crash tonight.
The weather really came through today as well. The forecast was that we would get dumped on again starting around noon. We were walking in Ossining around then but since the skies still looked good we soldiered on. We got a few sprinkles but no heavy rain, thank crap.
The last stretch of the day was on route 9. Those of you familiar with the Hudson Valley know how 9 isn't exactly a pedestrian friendly road. While not an interstate by any means, there were trucks flying by us constantly. It was actually worse when the road was smaller around Sleepy Hollow (which John will discuss) and there was no shoulder. Initially cars speeding by a few feet away was disconcerting, but once the fatigue really set it I just took it for granted that they probably wouldn't hit me. And if they did... well it wouldn't really matter if I saw it coming or not, eh?
So far we haven't had extended conversations with too many people. I think we were still getting used to how this "insane amount of walking" thing works. Starting tomorrow we'll try to plan some in. We're still solidly in Yankee (or Mets) territory, though I did see one Sox hat so far besides my own.
That's all for me. John will blog a bit later. This blog is brought to you by our incredible friend Corey who is letting us crash tonight.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Ladies and Gentleman the Bronx is Stormy
Yes, it is not catchy but it was true.
A Less than ideal start for the Walk, but Day One is over and it was a success.
I woke up late, packed the wrong shoes, and was without a poncho. As soon as we got to the Stadium it began to drizzle. By the time we got to the Grand Concourse it was pouring. Alex and I waited at Bronx Lebanon Hospital for a few minutes. I was already drenched and upset that I could not find my cell phone.
I manged to buy a Poncho on East Fordham Road and was completly soaked, and worse my feet began to hurt. The rain eventually led up for a bit and we changed our socks only to have to change them again 30 minutes later when it poured and began to thunder by the Arboritum.
We held up at a Dry Cleaners on Boston Post Road and it was only 10:30. When we got to New Rochelle there was a brief stop at Payless and I bought some shoes that were more fitted for walking.
Ill spare the details of the rest of the way, the rain, the blisters, and the stops for Gold Bond when needed.
However, my personal Highlights are as follows:
1. At a Dunken Donuts this old man came up to us and asked where we were hiking to. We told him about the walk, and he got very excited. He put his hand on my shoulder and told me how he saw Ted Williams play.
2. In Mamaornak, (no clue how to spell that town) this couple told us they saw us back in New Rochelle. They reccomened a Pizza Place, and told the staff how we were walking from the Stadium to Fenway.
3. Getting to White Plains. I just walked 20 miles through a thunderstorm and through some busy roads. I know there is still a long way to go, and the weather may not cooperate but I am feeling confident.
4. Walking home from the Resteraunt and looking like I just spent a night with Kobe Bryant.
Im tired, and my pinky toe is one blister. Goodnight
A Less than ideal start for the Walk, but Day One is over and it was a success.
I woke up late, packed the wrong shoes, and was without a poncho. As soon as we got to the Stadium it began to drizzle. By the time we got to the Grand Concourse it was pouring. Alex and I waited at Bronx Lebanon Hospital for a few minutes. I was already drenched and upset that I could not find my cell phone.
I manged to buy a Poncho on East Fordham Road and was completly soaked, and worse my feet began to hurt. The rain eventually led up for a bit and we changed our socks only to have to change them again 30 minutes later when it poured and began to thunder by the Arboritum.
We held up at a Dry Cleaners on Boston Post Road and it was only 10:30. When we got to New Rochelle there was a brief stop at Payless and I bought some shoes that were more fitted for walking.
Ill spare the details of the rest of the way, the rain, the blisters, and the stops for Gold Bond when needed.
However, my personal Highlights are as follows:
1. At a Dunken Donuts this old man came up to us and asked where we were hiking to. We told him about the walk, and he got very excited. He put his hand on my shoulder and told me how he saw Ted Williams play.
2. In Mamaornak, (no clue how to spell that town) this couple told us they saw us back in New Rochelle. They reccomened a Pizza Place, and told the staff how we were walking from the Stadium to Fenway.
3. Getting to White Plains. I just walked 20 miles through a thunderstorm and through some busy roads. I know there is still a long way to go, and the weather may not cooperate but I am feeling confident.
4. Walking home from the Resteraunt and looking like I just spent a night with Kobe Bryant.
Im tired, and my pinky toe is one blister. Goodnight
Day one in the bag
Day one is over and twenty miles are behind us. The day started out by leaving John's house at 5am and starting our walk around 6:30am. Things were going pretty well until about a mile in when the skies opened and crapped all over our plans. Did this stop us? Hell to the no.
But it did get us wet like all get out. The worst part was that our shoes got soaked, so we had to change socks a few times. We actually stopped a few miles later at a laundromat to dry our shoes and start a long day of Gold Bonding. We got the shoes a bit drier, took in some Walker: Texas Ranger and took off.
The physical end of it wasn't so bad until the last five miles. The sore feet really kicked in when we headed out of Mamaroneck. Our feet are about as beat as they've ever been and John has a blister as big as Jeter's head on his pinky. Fortunately moral is still high. We'll sleep at a friend's house in White Plains and get going early.
I would leave more color commentary, but it's time to eat, so I'll leave that to John if he writes later. My final message is this: there is hope for us - there have been more than twice as many Dunkin Donuts than McDonalds. High five for that.
But it did get us wet like all get out. The worst part was that our shoes got soaked, so we had to change socks a few times. We actually stopped a few miles later at a laundromat to dry our shoes and start a long day of Gold Bonding. We got the shoes a bit drier, took in some Walker: Texas Ranger and took off.
The physical end of it wasn't so bad until the last five miles. The sore feet really kicked in when we headed out of Mamaroneck. Our feet are about as beat as they've ever been and John has a blister as big as Jeter's head on his pinky. Fortunately moral is still high. We'll sleep at a friend's house in White Plains and get going early.
I would leave more color commentary, but it's time to eat, so I'll leave that to John if he writes later. My final message is this: there is hope for us - there have been more than twice as many Dunkin Donuts than McDonalds. High five for that.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
A defense with more meaning
Remember I can'y spell...
Tomorrow morning we are leaving for the walk and I may have failed to satisify the "logic" or reasons behind it.
Since I have most of today to myself I will present them as best as I can. To make it easier to follow, I will highlight 3 events that solidified my need for this. All will be posted before we set out and you can choose to read them or skip them. I am not hoping to win any converts on the issue, just look at it from my point of view.
Exhibit B: The 2001 World Series
By no means am I going to or will ever use the tragic events of 9/11 in a light manner. The only reason I am mentioning them is to remind you of how the media and the country reached out to New York City. Commericals featuring celebrities and politicans urged people to go and visit NYC. I have been given condolensces this year, 6 years after the attacks from people from Australia, St. Louis, Ohio, and San Francisco. It seemed that for a while the whole country was supporting New York. Ok now to the World Series...
Could a baseball game be that important? Recently Seth Meyers from Saturday Night Live did a commentary on the World Series. Meyers, a lifelong Red Sox fan, stated that no city deserved a championship this year then New York. Who could argue with that? New York was favored to win, expected to win, but it was more than that. The Yankees needed to win, or at least in my mind set. How could they not? This was more than a World Series; this was the national pastime being played at a time when the nation needed a few hours of normalcy. During the series against Oakland I went out and purchased a new Yankee hat. The hat has a small American flag sown on the side; to me it was a perfect match. The Yankees and America.
I called my friend Anthony and started to make plans to visit him for the Parade. His dad's office overlooked the parade route and I had gone there in 98 to watch the Yanks go through the Canyon of Heroes.
As were talking, I watched Mark Grace lead off with a single to center. All of a sudden my stomach turned and I didn't feel to well. I could tell by Anthony's voice that he wasn't watching the game at the point and was oblivious to the sense of doom that was entering my world. Rivera's throw to second didn't make it on time, allowing runners on first and second, suddenly a horrible thought entered my brain, "You jinxed them." "Ant, I will call you back." I hung up the phone and collapsed on the bed.
"Alright, they can get through this." I tried reassuring myself, and when Delucci got thrown out at third base things looked a little brighter. Tony Womack never did anything wrong to me, he never offended me in any way shape or form. Yet, I was cursing his existence as he stepped into the batters box. "We need this Womack, don't fuck this up for us!" Womack did not get my message and tied the game with a double down the right field line. Somewhere on my floor I thought I heard clapping. Not now, not for that hit, its gotta be for something else I told myself.
Craig Counsel got hit on a 1-1 pitch. My confidence was more then shaken, my faith was being questioned like I was some sort of Job. Louis Gonzalez stepped into the batters box, Rivera looked like crap. A feeling of malaise was settling into my body. 0-1, I think my asthma was flaring up. Somehow the 14 inch Sanyo television was showing the game in slow motion. A bloop single that barley cleared the infield landed in the outfield. My mouth dropped as I heard that the Arizona Diamondbacks were world champs. Suddenly, I heard shouting and yelling, both inside and outside my dorm. What the hell was going on here? We were in New York, about an hour and a half from New York City and they were cheering that the Yankees just lost. It was a shock to the system.
They were happy? Why? How they hell could someone be cheering at a moment like this!? Writing this now a few years later, I realize how ridiculous that sounds. With all the problems that are going on in the world, how could a game make one person so upset? I was not competing out there, I had invested no amount of money into the outcome of that game, but I was hurt.
It was then I realized that there were people out there who truly hated the Yankees. I knew people did not like them. I went to school with, was taught by, and was related to Mets fans. Yet when a World Series win would mean so much to people, it didnt matter to those that truly hated the Yankees.
Tomorrow morning we are leaving for the walk and I may have failed to satisify the "logic" or reasons behind it.
Since I have most of today to myself I will present them as best as I can. To make it easier to follow, I will highlight 3 events that solidified my need for this. All will be posted before we set out and you can choose to read them or skip them. I am not hoping to win any converts on the issue, just look at it from my point of view.
Exhibit B: The 2001 World Series
By no means am I going to or will ever use the tragic events of 9/11 in a light manner. The only reason I am mentioning them is to remind you of how the media and the country reached out to New York City. Commericals featuring celebrities and politicans urged people to go and visit NYC. I have been given condolensces this year, 6 years after the attacks from people from Australia, St. Louis, Ohio, and San Francisco. It seemed that for a while the whole country was supporting New York. Ok now to the World Series...
Could a baseball game be that important? Recently Seth Meyers from Saturday Night Live did a commentary on the World Series. Meyers, a lifelong Red Sox fan, stated that no city deserved a championship this year then New York. Who could argue with that? New York was favored to win, expected to win, but it was more than that. The Yankees needed to win, or at least in my mind set. How could they not? This was more than a World Series; this was the national pastime being played at a time when the nation needed a few hours of normalcy. During the series against Oakland I went out and purchased a new Yankee hat. The hat has a small American flag sown on the side; to me it was a perfect match. The Yankees and America.
I called my friend Anthony and started to make plans to visit him for the Parade. His dad's office overlooked the parade route and I had gone there in 98 to watch the Yanks go through the Canyon of Heroes.
As were talking, I watched Mark Grace lead off with a single to center. All of a sudden my stomach turned and I didn't feel to well. I could tell by Anthony's voice that he wasn't watching the game at the point and was oblivious to the sense of doom that was entering my world. Rivera's throw to second didn't make it on time, allowing runners on first and second, suddenly a horrible thought entered my brain, "You jinxed them." "Ant, I will call you back." I hung up the phone and collapsed on the bed.
"Alright, they can get through this." I tried reassuring myself, and when Delucci got thrown out at third base things looked a little brighter. Tony Womack never did anything wrong to me, he never offended me in any way shape or form. Yet, I was cursing his existence as he stepped into the batters box. "We need this Womack, don't fuck this up for us!" Womack did not get my message and tied the game with a double down the right field line. Somewhere on my floor I thought I heard clapping. Not now, not for that hit, its gotta be for something else I told myself.
Craig Counsel got hit on a 1-1 pitch. My confidence was more then shaken, my faith was being questioned like I was some sort of Job. Louis Gonzalez stepped into the batters box, Rivera looked like crap. A feeling of malaise was settling into my body. 0-1, I think my asthma was flaring up. Somehow the 14 inch Sanyo television was showing the game in slow motion. A bloop single that barley cleared the infield landed in the outfield. My mouth dropped as I heard that the Arizona Diamondbacks were world champs. Suddenly, I heard shouting and yelling, both inside and outside my dorm. What the hell was going on here? We were in New York, about an hour and a half from New York City and they were cheering that the Yankees just lost. It was a shock to the system.
They were happy? Why? How they hell could someone be cheering at a moment like this!? Writing this now a few years later, I realize how ridiculous that sounds. With all the problems that are going on in the world, how could a game make one person so upset? I was not competing out there, I had invested no amount of money into the outcome of that game, but I was hurt.
It was then I realized that there were people out there who truly hated the Yankees. I knew people did not like them. I went to school with, was taught by, and was related to Mets fans. Yet when a World Series win would mean so much to people, it didnt matter to those that truly hated the Yankees.
Monday, July 16, 2007
My take
Last fall when John came to me with this idea my first reaction was, "Okay." Ever since Freshman year of college when I met John and the rest of our friends I have almost always been up for seemingly crazy things like this. We drove three hours in the middle of the night to go to the nearest White Castle (before Harold & Kumar, thank you), bought six ducks on a whim, and built stadium seating in our on-campus house as well as many tamer, but no less spontaneous things. So it wasn't a ridiculous idea coming from John and since I didn't have any commitments at the time I was in.
John expressed below how he doesn't want to be one of those people who doesn't follow through with things, and I totally agree. It's why I moved to Austin last year when people said I wouldn't follow through and why I don't always tell people my plans until I'm actually going through with them. Call it caution. Call it spite. Call it having too many stupid ideas. Whatever you call it, it seems we're doing it again.
As for the actual reason for me doing this, it is slightly more academic than John's. I'm not a huge Yankees or Red Sox fan (although I would fall firmly with the Sox between the two) or even a big baseball fan. The rivalry though, that intrigues me. As an outsider it seems... silly I guess, that baseball teams should cause this much turmoil between cities that really aren't very far from each other. I know that they do though and admittedly I do get excited every time they play each other in the post-season. Even as an outsider.
I'll stop myself before I ramble on too much, but I just have to say that I really look forward to seeing people's reaction to this. These teams are a huge part of what their cities are and it'll be cool to see how the people think right in the middle.
Defense oof the Walk: Exhibit A
As I said before I am not the most articulate person and you have all ready gathered my spelling is on par with a grade school student. With that disclaimer said..
I was ready to write another defense of the walk today. Something a little deeper than the previous one. Fate however proved otherwise.
I thought it would be a good idea to walk to the library today. Why not? I put some work in a backpack and headed out. The total distance between my house and the library is a whopping 1.5 miles. (or so the good people at mapquest said.) Thats like 6 laps around a track, were not talking the Applachian Trail here.
At around the halfway point a suburban pulls up next to me. It was driven by the mom of a former camper I had. The family is one of the nicest I had ever met and her youngest particulary enjoyed shooting me with his gun when I dropped of his brother. She has two children and a car that could seat the offensive line of the New York Giants. But hey each of her kids do not have to see each other when they go for a drive..whatever.
She asks if I need a ride, the way someone would ask an accident victim if they needed an ambulance. Her concern was nice, but unnecceasary. I politely told her no thanks and that I was just going to the library. Which I could almost see if not for a large unnecceary flag of a garden blocking my view.
She goes are you sure?
(Hmm on second thought yes what was I thinking. A guy of my health and weight can afford not to walk a mile and a half. Sure lets go.)
Again, I appreciate the concern for me but the distance is nothing. She drove off wishing me a good summmer and left me puzzled. Is walking that strange to people? For her my short venture was unnecessary and could have easily been avoided if I chose to drive. I did a quick recap of how many destination I drove to when the distance was under two miles and it was alot.
I have nothing but walking to do for the next two weeks, which will puzzle plenty.
Go for a walk today, see if someone you know asks if you need a lift.
I was ready to write another defense of the walk today. Something a little deeper than the previous one. Fate however proved otherwise.
I thought it would be a good idea to walk to the library today. Why not? I put some work in a backpack and headed out. The total distance between my house and the library is a whopping 1.5 miles. (or so the good people at mapquest said.) Thats like 6 laps around a track, were not talking the Applachian Trail here.
At around the halfway point a suburban pulls up next to me. It was driven by the mom of a former camper I had. The family is one of the nicest I had ever met and her youngest particulary enjoyed shooting me with his gun when I dropped of his brother. She has two children and a car that could seat the offensive line of the New York Giants. But hey each of her kids do not have to see each other when they go for a drive..whatever.
She asks if I need a ride, the way someone would ask an accident victim if they needed an ambulance. Her concern was nice, but unnecceasary. I politely told her no thanks and that I was just going to the library. Which I could almost see if not for a large unnecceary flag of a garden blocking my view.
She goes are you sure?
(Hmm on second thought yes what was I thinking. A guy of my health and weight can afford not to walk a mile and a half. Sure lets go.)
Again, I appreciate the concern for me but the distance is nothing. She drove off wishing me a good summmer and left me puzzled. Is walking that strange to people? For her my short venture was unnecessary and could have easily been avoided if I chose to drive. I did a quick recap of how many destination I drove to when the distance was under two miles and it was alot.
I have nothing but walking to do for the next two weeks, which will puzzle plenty.
Go for a walk today, see if someone you know asks if you need a lift.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Defending the Walk
I am not the most articulate person, and my spelling is horrible. This, combined with my limited vocabulary will make these blogs on par with a middle school student.
When I told people about this planned walk I got many reactions. "You are crazy", "That is awesome!", amd "Why?" were the most popular. For the most part my friends were very supportive and my famiy had mixed reactions. The truth is, the reasons for the walk are complicated and I will try and explain them all, but not now.
I have needed to defend the walk from time to time, so here is one reason. I do not want to be the person that talks about doing things and never does them. In the words of Elvis "A little less conversation, a little more action please." You know those types of people. They went to school with you, or sit and talk at your lunch break at work. All talk, and no action. Excuses they have plenty of. I do not want that to be me. I have uncles that "could have" done this or "almost done that", it makes me feel that my family motto should be "Amost Had"...maybe it Latin it would sound cooler.
It has been more than 2 years since I had first thought about doing this. At first, I barely told anyone, out of fear that I could not accomplish anything. As time dragged on and I became more confident I slowley told my family, friends, and some co-workers. Now I have to do it. As people grew to like it I became a little relieved. When some rolled their eyes or gave me a look like "yeah right you'll finish", I became spiteful. To prove them wrong I will gladly do it. Spite can be a powerful thing even a motivator.
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