Sunday, March 18, 2012

More folks out walking

If it was not for dogs, some folk would never walk and exercise their legs. Walking is very important, like the other blessings in your life, you really do not appreciate it until some thing physical PREVENTS you from doing something you have taken for granted.  Everyone can associate with that if they have lived 40 years.  although temporary, something will hinder you from an activity you have always taken for granted.

Most everyone who knows us, knows Sherry developed a dream to walk the  Appalachian Trail. Being in pretty good health, we read up some, walked a lot more than usual, and started. the first year we could only hike 100 miles. We found out that if your heels hurt, you ain’t gonna make it about 2200 miles.

So back to the drawing board for better shoe wear etc. for all I went thru hundreds of dollars for boots, I found that tennis shoes with ‘super feet’ inserts was my best bet. I had to cut a slice in the toe to allow the shoe to breath and cool my feet.  also it keeps the toe nail on your toes.(LOL)  Sherry lost most of her toe nails until I cut the ends of her shoes also.

We are trying to walk at least a 2-4 miles a day now. The reason I started this is my heel has bothered me for about two months, it is finally feeling much better. Sometime this summer we want to get back to the NE and try to finish the trail. We have decided that some of the trail Sherry will by my support as I hike.  Meeting me at trail crossings with some crackers, p-nut butter and a KISS!  Or something like that. hahahaha.

Anyway I think the spring has brought more walkers out even down here in Florida.  Walking is a good healthy exercise, and at our age we need all the help we can get. LOL

In the ‘100 mile wilderness’ approaching the Final mountain of the AT, there is very little communications and no place for supplies or any help. Some of you know Fred Alton. He is considering hiking the 100 mile wilderness with me. That would be a treat. We became friends in the late 1950’s when he was in the Coast Guard and I was in the USAF. We were separated by life. He became a missionary, and I ended up with the military.

We have reconnected and are enjoying it. This trip is dependent on his health. He is one tough cookie, but right now he is in the roughest battle of his life. It would be a pleasure to have his wisdom, and walking a 100 miles together should give us many hours around a camp fire to talk about what we have been doing. Plans are made and plans are changed.

Thanks for coming this way.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

This sign in the Doctor's office, Rome :
SPECIALIST IN WOMEN AND OTHER DISEASES (What is he saying?)

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Scanoldphoto3 062We had two cars in Biloxi, Mississippi, the 1953 Plymouth

(Hey ladies remember the MATERNITY CLOTHES? That is Sherry carrying our first born son, Jack.)

Scanoldpic9 033

This is jack driving our next car a 1955 Ford.

Scanoldpic8 016

My bride and Jack on the hood of that ‘55 with fender skirts!

10 comments:

betty said...

I do hope you and Fred can do those 100 miles, Jack. What an adventure and a story that would be if it came to pass! I so agree with you; walking is wonderful exercise; something that is easy to do, can be done pretty much all times of the year, heck when we lived in Montana the malls would open early to let people walk around it (for exercise and not shopping of course). Good for you and Sherry trying to walk that much daily! Keep up the good work walking!

betty

Anonymous said...

I don't know what Fred's fighting, but I hope he wins so you and he can walk together!

Walking is the best exercise, can be done anywhere, no equipment needed. Except the right shoes!

Remember the maternity clothes, wore them, in '65, when pregnant with son!

Women are a disease? I've been called a lot of things but that's a new one! LOL

Anonymous said...

I don't know what Fred's fighting, but I hope he wins so you and he can walk together!

Walking is the best exercise, can be done anywhere, no equipment needed. Except the right shoes!

Remember the maternity clothes, wore them, in '65, when pregnant with son!

Women are a disease? I've been called a lot of things but that's a new one! LOL

TARYTERRE said...

Hope you and Fred get to do your thing. WALKING is GREAT. I used to walk 5-8 miles a day. That's how I wore my knees out. Now I can't walk at all. ENJOY your time on the trails. take care.

Jimmy's Journal said...

My parents had a car similar to the first one and I used to have a '55 Ford, as well. Small world.

My grandmother started walking 5 miles a day when she was 50. She's 90 now and we have no idea where she is.

Good luck in finishing the trek!

Jimmy

Fred Alton said...

Right now? Walking with Jack on that 100 mile trip is something I PLAN to do. I've been looking into Eagle's Nest, Coleman, Gander Mountain and other outdoors hiking and camping supply stores. I have the boots. Rockport walking shoes (with ankle high support). I've walked a few miles in the National Forest - but never that far on a trip. Just gotta get through 8 more chemo treatments - then the fun begins!!!

I loved both those cars, Jack! And you were so kind to allow me to borrow your's when I only had a bicycle. That's true folks!

shirl72 said...

I love walking you feel better
after a good brisk walk. I have
got to get started back. We were
walking 2 1/2 miles a day and the one that was walking had other things to do so stopped. LOL

Thank goodness I don't have any problems with my feet. These feet are made for walking.

Shirl

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Walking is great but now I stick to a mile or two and am thankful to be able to do that. Of course the more you do you get better at it but 100 miles and camping on the trail are not something I'd even begin to try. I think it is wonderful that you want to do it.

Chatty Crone said...

I'm hoping and praying that Fred will get well and be able to go on your walk with you. How cool that you and your wife walk together. Liked your older pictures too - what an interesting blog! sandie

Paula said...

Mel and I walked 45 minutes every night no matter how hot or cold after he had a stroke. Now my feet and legs hurt a lot so I can't walk far but I sure miss it. Hope you and your friend do get to walk that together.