Walk To Rivendell" aka "The Eowyn Challenge"

[Goldberry]

I am definitely going to keep walking. I think my new deadline will be March 25, the destruction of the One Ring.

You have walked 115 miles.
You have reached the House of Tom Bombadil (115).
It is 17 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 343 miles to Rivendell.


Yay! I'm in my own house. smilies/smile.gif

[Rosie-Posey Sandybanks]

Well, it's been awhile since I've been here, but I have been walking as faithfully as possible! The holidays are a very busy time for me, so I've walked less than I wanted to, but that's okay! I'm getting back to walking as much as possible as soon as Christmas is over.

You have walked 18 miles.
You have reached Green Hill Country (18).
It is 9 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 440 miles to Rivendell.

After some time they crossed the Water, west of Hobbiton, by a narrow plank-bridge. The stream was there no more than a winding black ribbon, bordered with leaning alder-trees. A mile or two further south they hastily crossed the great road from the Brandywine Bridge; they were now in the Tookland and bending south-eastwards they made for the Green Hill Country. As they began to climb its first slopes they looked back and saw the lamps in Hobbiton far off twinkling in the gentle valley of the Water. Soon it disappeared in the folds of the darkened land, and was followed by Bywater beside its grey pool. When the light of the last farm was far behind, peeping among the trees, Frodo turned and waved a hand in farewell.

[Naz]

You have walked 461.67 miles.
You have passed Rivendell (458).
It is 18.33 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 460.33 miles to Caras Galadon in Lothlórien.

Elrond booted us out! So we're on our way to Lothlorien now... and Legolas is already using up most of his Herbal Essences. - -;; Oh well...

[Naz]

You have walked 463.67 miles.
You have passed Rivendell (458).
It is 16.33 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 458.33 miles to Caras Galadhon in Lothlórien.

[Naz]

You have walked 467.34 miles.
You have passed Rivendell (458).
It is 12.66 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 454.66 miles to Caras Galadon in Lothlórien.

Pip: Welp, we're going nowhere fast.

Naz: Oh, shut it.

Pip: < < *glares*

Gandalf: Fool of Tooks or something! Both of you, shut up!

Ary: Look who's grumpy..

[Rosie-Posey Sandybanks]

Well, from now on, whenever I reach a landmark, I plan to post a message. So here I am, at another one!

You have walked 27 miles.
You have reached Black Rider Stopping Place (27).
It is 19 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 431 miles to Rivendell.

The other two ran quickly to the left and down into a little hollow not far from the road. There they lay flat. Frodo hesitated for a second: curiosity or some other feeling was struggling with his desire to hide. The sound of hoofs drew nearer. Just in time he threw himself down in a patch of long grass behind a tree that overshadowed the road. Then he lifted his head and peered cautiously above one of the great roots.

By the way, does anyone know if the mile/landmark count is going to go further eventually? I'd love to walk the entire journey if possible. I don't know who did the count, but whoever did, it's brilliant! I'd love to go all the way to the end with Frodo and Sam. It would be great!

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 10:51 PM December 26, 2003: Message edited by: Rosie-Posey Sandybanks ]

[Naz]

You have walked 469.78 miles.
You have passed Rivendell (458).
You are only 10.22 miles from Fords of Bruinen.
You still have 452.22 miles to Caras Galadon in Lothlórien.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

I'm going to carry on - how about the rest of you? How far do you think we'll get in the coming year?

Estelyn: I will continue. Frodo (and Sam) will not find it easy to leave me behind. I hope to reach Orodruin by Frodo's birthday in September, as I don't think I can make it by March.


By the way, does anyone know if the mile/landmark count is going to go further eventually? I'd love to walk the entire journey if possible. I don't know who did the count, but whoever did, it's brilliant! I'd love to go all the way to the end with Frodo and Sam. It would be great!

Rosie-Posey: We can thank the Barrow-Wight for the mileage/landmark counter. He is a Prince among Wights. It originally went only as far as Rivendell, and as people started reaching (and passing) that goal, he graciously extended it to Caras Galadhon. I am hopeful that he will soon find the time and be kind enough to extend it even further.

______________________________

We have spent the past 10 days relaxing amid the mallorns here in Lothlórien. The Galadhrim have been most gracious in granting us access to all amenities in the City. The hobbits have been able to eat their fill, Aragorn and Boromir have been working out in the gym, & Legolas and I have taken the dwarf to the spa for a complete...one might even call it extreme...makeover. This brief respite from our journey has allowed us to come to terms with the loss of Gandalf, though our grief cannot be wholly assuaged. But we must now leave this haven of peace and continue our Quest. Haldir returned to guide us to the shores of Silverlode, where we have been given boats. Galadriel and Celeborn arrived soon after and dined with us. The Lady had gifts for all of our Company, and gratefully did we receive them. Afterwards, we took our places in the boats, and the Galadhrim pushed us away from the shore. Then the current caught us and bore us away from Lórien.

--------------------

Now the Lady arose, and Celeborn led them back to the hythe. A yellow noon lay on the green land of the Tongue, and the water glittered with silver. All at last was made ready. The Company took their places in the boats as before. Crying farewell, the Elves of Lórien with long grey poles thrust them out into the flowing stream, and the rippling waters bore them slowly away. The travellers sat still without moving or speaking. On the green bank near to the very point of the Tongue the Lady Galadriel stood alone and silent. As they passed her they turned and their eyes watched her slowly floating away from them. For so it seemed to them: Lórien was slipping backward, like a bright ship masted with enchanted trees, sailing on to forgotten shores, while they sat helpless upon the margin of the grey and leafless world.

[Naz]

You have walked 472.08 miles.
You have passed Rivendell (458).
You are only 7.92000000000002 miles from Fords of Bruinen.
You still have 449.92 miles to Caras Galadon in Lothlórien.

Still going nowhere fast..

[Faenaduial]

You have walked 480 miles.
You have reached Fords of Bruinen (480).
It is 45 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 442 miles to Caras Galadon in Lothlórien.

***
At the Ford of Bruinen they left the Road and turning southwards went on by narrow paths among the folded lands. Their purpose was to hold this course west of the Mountains for many miles and days.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

It is pleasant to float down the Great River rather than trudging on our own feet. It reminds me of float trips down the Bruinen with Elladan and Elrohir in summers past. But being on the water all day makes me grateful for the gifts of Galadriel. The glare off the water was beginning to give me a headache, when Legolas thoughtfully reminded me about my new sunglasses. smilies/cool.gif And with our sensitive Elvish skin, the sunscreen with aloe has been most beneficial.

--------------------

Suddenly the River swept round a bend, and the banks rose upon either side, and the light of Lórien was hidden. To that fair land Frodo never came again.

The travellers now turned their faces to the journey; the sun was before them, and their eyes were dazzled, for all were filled with tears...

So the Company went on their long way, down the wide hurrying waters, borne ever southwards. Bare woods stalked along either bank...The breeze died away and the River flowed without a sound. No voice of bird broke the silence. The sun grew misty as the day grew old, until it gleamed in a pale sky like a high white pearl. Then it faded into the West, and dusk came early, followed by a grey and starless night. Far into the dark quiet hours they floated on...through the mist...It was dreary and cold. Frodo sat and listened to the faint lap and gurgle of the River...until his head nodded and he fell into an uneasy sleep.

[Naz]

You have walked 488.31 miles.
You have passed Fords of Bruinen (480).
It is 36.69 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 433.69 miles to Caras Galadon in Lothlórien.

At the Ford of Bruinen they left the Road and turning southwards went on by narrow paths among the folded lands. Their purpose was to hold this course west of the Mountains for many miles and days. *** Be brave, travelers. The distances between landmarks are great for the next 200 miles. ***

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 9:01 PM January 02, 2004: Message edited by: Naz ]

[The Barrow-Wight]

We need to keep posts on this thread to things other than what the Walk to Rivendell screen is showing you (though feel free to include the WtR text from the site if it is accompanied by some interesting text of your own). Do like it was originally intended and describe your walk and how it reminded you of Middle-earth. We don't need to see every mile marker you pass.

Thanks

[Eruantalon]

Hi everyone!

happy to start this. Now the winter over here is pretty harsh. I'm not shure if the Shire had Michagian winters ,but oh well. To be a hobbit in spring would have been worth a hard winter like this.

You have walked 2.5 miles.
You have passed Bywater (1).
It is 4.5 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 455.5 miles to Rivendell.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 11:42 AM January 03, 2004: Message edited by: Eruantalon ]

[Lyta_Underhill]

Hello, everyone! I'm checking in from the other side of Rivendell (492 miles, 12 mi. past the Ford of Bruinen). The landmarks are few and far between on this side of the journey, and despite the rest up at Rivendell, I am afflicted with a rather nasty cold that makes it difficult to breathe (thus my slower progress). I see I'm only a few miles ahead of Naz again! smilies/wink.gif

Another odd coincidence: I have just taken custody of Sting while I was at Rivendell (great timing!) and I have worn it every time I have gone on my walks so far! Strangely enough, no one I've passed on the road has commented on it at all, not even when I was done up in full Frodo-gear! I think they're used to me now...one neighbor asked me if I'd gotten to Mount Doom yet! (I don't even want to think that far ahead!)

Cheers!
Lyta

P.S. Welcome to the Walk, Eruantalon! smilies/smile.gif

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 12:16 PM January 03, 2004: Message edited by: Lyta_Underhill ]

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Floating down the river is pleasant in the summer sunshine...in the cold drizzle of a winter afternoon, it is distinctly disagreeable. The boats have covers to prevent them from filling with water, and our new cloaks keep us fairly dry, but even Legolas and I are uncomfortable. The Hobbits, particularly, are quite miserable. We can rarely risk a fire, and their shivers touch my heart.

--------------------

Frodo was roused by Sam. He found that he was lying, well wrapped, under tall grey-skinned trees in a quiet corner of the woodlands on the west bank of the Great River, Anduin. He had slept the night away, and the grey of morning was dim among the bare branches. Gimli was busy with a small fire near at hand.

[Faenaduial]

You have reached Wild Country Path (525 miles)

It's been easy to cover a lot of ground of late as we have been walking in New York City during the holidays.

We had a terrific time but unfortunately there was nothing remotely resembling Middle Earth on the paths we were walking. Time Square and Broadway would probably scare most hobbits and the lack of nature ie: trees, grass, flowers, etc. would have most elves desparing.

We will be heading up to the mountains this weekend and our hikes should feel much more in keeping with the fellowships journey.

[Neferchoirwen]

Went walking around Manila on January 1. It was fun. We were eating peanuts, petting dogs, and watching fire works over
the bay I expected Smaug to fly by, and Gandalf smiling at us little people. smilies/smile.gif

[Sapphire_Flame]

**You have walked 201 miles.
You have reached Neekerbreeker Pond (201).
It is 10 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 257 miles to Rivendell.**

They spent a miserable day in this lonely and unpleasant country. Their camping-place was damp, cold, and uncomfortable; and the biting insects would not let them sleep. There were also abominable creatures haunting the reeds and tussocks that from the sound of them were evil relatives of the cricket. There were thousands of them, and they squeaked all round, neek-breek, breek-neek, unceasingly all the night, until the hobbits were nearly frantic.

Saph, Merry, and Pippin: &gt;.&lt;;;; *running around in circles shrieking* MAKE'EMSTOPMAKE'EMSTOPMAKE'EMSTOP!!!...

Aragorn: -,-;;;

Abedithon le,

~*~Aranel~*~

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

We drift..and float..and drift..and float. I am seriously, SERIOUSLY bored! I would welcome an orc attack, a leak in the boat, or Pippin giving Gimli a wedgie...anything for some excitement!

--------------------

They started again before the day was broad. Not that most of the Company were eager to hurry southwards: they were content that the decision, which they must make at latest when they came to Rauros and the Tindrock Isle, still lay some days ahead; and they let the River bear them on at its own pace, having no desire to hasten towards the perils that lay beyond, whichever course they took in the end. Aragorn let them drift with the stream as they wished, husbanding their strength against weariness to come. But he insisted that at least they should start early each day and journey on far into the evening; for he felt in his heart that time was pressing, and he feared that the Dark Lord had not been idle while they lingered in Lórien.

[Eruantalon]

You have walked 17.5 miles.
You have passed Last View of Hobbiton (7).
You are only 0.5 miles from Green Hill Country.
You still have 440.5 miles to Rivendell.

Humm, I didn't know til tilday that I left hobbiton. I was walking through a really nice park today. Its vary beautifull right now. Snow every where in the thick woods. Yet still though it would be winter it wouldn't be anything like whats here.

So I would be losing view of hobbiton. I think I'd probaly get sad at that point. If I where a hobbit I wouldn't want to lose sight of it. But at least there would be pretty countryside comming up on the horizon.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Ok, guys! Legolas and I will start us out, then the Hobbits will join in on the second round, then the Humans on the next. Gimli, you just jump in anytime. Right, now...ready? Row row row your boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily merrily merrily merrily
Life is but a... Hey, come on now! ::dodges leftover cram thrown from the other boats:: I'm just trying to make this trip a bit more entertaining. Dang..what party-poopers!!

--------------------

The dull grey hours passed without event. As the third day of their voyage wore on the lands changed slowly: the trees thinned and then failed altogether. On the eastern bank to their left they saw long formless slopes stretching up and away toward the sky; brown and withered they looked, as if fire had passed over them, leaving no living blade of green: an unfriendly waste without even a broken tree or a bold stone to relieve the emptiness. They had come to the Brown Lands that lay, vast and desolate, between Southern Mirkwood and the hills of the Emyn Muil.

[Lyta_Underhill]

dodges leftover cram thrown from the other boats Maybe it is the uncomfortable reminiscences of Star Trek V smilies/tongue.gif It must be weird "walking" while you're boating down the Anduin! If only one could build a raft and take it down the Mississippi for that portion...oh yes..this ain't Huck Finn! smilies/wink.gif I've got a small stream where I live, but it is only about a foot deep--won't do! I don't have to worry about that for awhile though, since I'm at 531 miles, a bit past the Wild Country Path...I could not help but take myself back last night with a short read of the Old Forest portion of FOTR. How at odds the hobbits seemed with the trees then (well all except Merry!)...and how things change! smilies/wink.gif Best wishes to all!

Cheers!
Lyta

[Estelyn Telcontar]

We're not the only ones who want to keep walking - if you haven't checked out the Éowyn Challenge (http://home.insightbb.com/~eowynchallenge/Walk/walk.html) site lately, do. You'll find an assortment of possible (new) goals to set and the already familiar tool pages. Let's keep those black shields coming!

I'm approaching Redhorn Pass now - I hope no ice and snow come to stop me from walking!

PS - Oh my yes! "Row your boat" does bring memories of that most unmusical version in ST V!!!

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 3:21 AM January 13, 2004: Message edited by: Estelyn Telcontar ]

[Lalaith]

Oh, btw, sorry for abandoning you all at 230 miles. I lost count of my mileage when I was away this summer and now it seems too late to restart the journey... smilies/frown.gif
its great that so many are pressing on with the quest, anyway.

[Sapphire_Flame]

**You have walked 211 miles.
You have reached the eastern edge of the Midgewater Marshes (211).
It is 17 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 247 miles to Rivendell.**

Saph: No more marshes! Wheeeeeee! *skips around*

Strider: My, you're in a good mood.

Saph: Yep, because I met Gollum yesterday. smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

Frodo: Gollum? *squeak!*

Saph: Yep, he signed his book for me and everything! *proudly displays Gollum book, pointing out the signature on the first page* Yay! smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

Abedithon le,

~*~Aranel~*~

[Tefalathiel]

Still alive! I guess I should be called something like "Fadding ghost".... What can I say? It isn't my fault i don't have a net connection at home... Well, you don't want to hear it (read it actually)... I guess I am the closest thing to inexistent here...
Luckily I can still walk even if fadding!

[Sirithheruwen]

I completely forgot to post!!! I reached Rivendell on December 31!!! I'm so happy I reached Rivendell before the new year!!! I'm not sure that I will keep walking...I don't have all the time in the world anymore, but I think I will a little on the side. I might not record it though. Oh, who knows...only the future can tell!!!

**Your-ecstatic-friend-that-you-don't-really-know Siri**

[Eruantalon]

You have walked 35 miles.
You have passed Black Rider Stopping Place (27).
It is 11 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 423 miles to Rivendell.

The country side changes with every turn and bend in the road. Life seems to changed so easily here. Though I have a long way to go. I feel as if my journy has really started.

[Naz]

You have walked 550.49 miles.
You have passed Wild Country Path (525).
You are only 19.51 miles from Barren Hills.
You still have 371.51 miles to Caras Galadon in Lothlórien.

The country was much rougher and more barren than in the green vale of the Great River in Wilderland on the other side of the range, and their going would be slow; but they hoped in this way to escape the notice of unfriendly eyes.

Pip: *trips*

Naz: Izzit supposed to be this cold..?

Ary: *stops* Hey. *turns* Isn't this supposed to be a Fellowship of nine?

Gandalf: Um.. yeah. *hits Ary with his staff*

Ary: ! Ow!! Will you let me finish?! We don't have nine. We have ten.

*all look at Naz*

Naz: O___O;;; Um...

Ary: Whaddya say we chuck her once we get to Caradhras..?

Naz: O O HELP.

(my walk has been NOTHING like the Quest, by the way. We're not even at Caradhras yet & there's below freezing temperatures!)

[Goldberry]

You have walked 144 miles.
You have reached the Great East Road west of Bree (144).
It is 8 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 314 miles to Rivendell.

Well, maybe I'm not even quite to Bree yet, but it feels like I'm on Caradhras! Last week it was about negative 30-50º Farenheit here including the wind chill, which caused school to be cancelled on Friday. smilies/biggrin.gif But it's not the most pleasant walking conditions. So I got my miles by snowboarding (for the first time) and cross-country skiing! I wonder what the people of Middle-Earth would have thought of snowboarding...I can just imagine Gimli on a snowboard... smilies/smile.gif

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Ok, Legolas...you're last idea didn't work out so good. smilies/rolleyes.gif What shall we try for entertainment next? How about...let's french braid the hobbits' hair??? No, no!! On their heads, dude, not their feet...I'm not that bored! smilies/eek.gif

--------------------

Left a good job in the city,
Working for The Man every night and day,
And I never lost one minute of sleeping,
Worrying 'bout the way things might have been.

Big wheel keep on turning,
[turning]
Proud Mary keep on burning,
[burning]
And we're rolling
[rolling]
Rolling
[rolling]
Rolling on the river
[rolling on the river]

Yes we're rolling
[rolling]
Rolling
[rolling]
Rolling on the river
[rooolllinng on the riivveerr]

[Eruantalon]

You have walked 60 miles.
You have passed Stock (52).
You are only 6 miles from Buckleberry Ferry.
You still have 398 miles to Rivendell.

"Seeing greenlands and forrest is nice enough" he thought to himself. As he came along he realized that there where dark shapes on the horizon. The dusk was settling in like a grey mist on the land. Shadows grew long and the wearyness of day lengthened. All things seemed slow and murmured in this quickening grey.

Still the sound of hoffs that passed from time to time seemed in the distance. Knowing that the fairy wasn't far off he decided to make his way straight through the night. Though tighered and hungry he knew who those dark shapes drifting along the shadows were.

Heeding his own fear and danger at the growing cold. The shadows sliped into memory as he sat down to eat his meal for the evening. Not much more than sharp cheese and fresh bread. Good thing he stoped earlier. Nothing could have taken his strength more than a lack of good bread.

Not making any fire to warm the chill running more frequently though him. He got ready for the 6 miles ahead. Then hopefully he could find solice in a nook of the road. Lay himself down and and let dark shadows that slip through sight not bother him. Even if it was only for this night.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 11:22 PM January 27, 2004: Message edited by: Eruantalon ]

[Naz]

You have walked 587.41 miles.
You have passed Barren Hills (570).
It is 27.59 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 334.59 miles to Caras Galadon in Lothlórien.

&lt;i&gt;Gandalf walked in front, and with him went Aragorn, who knew this land even in the dark. The others were in file behind, and Legolas whose eyes were keen was the rearguard. The first part of their journey was hard and dreary, and Frodo remembered little of it, save the wind. For many sunless days an icy blast came from the Mountains in the east, and no garment seemed able to keep out its searching fingers. &lt;/i&gt;

Ary: Don't worry, I know this country even in the dark! *stubs toe* OWW~~!!

Naz: Anyways... We arn't even at Caradhras?? Even though it feels like it? I'm walking through snow & stuff because some people don't clean off their sidewalks! But there are "icy blasts"...

Ary: *trips*

Pip: *snickers*

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

We've got to find something else to do for entertainment. Everything that could possibly be braided, is (and I have to admit that Boromir is looking very attractive with corn-rows); everyone has had a manicure and a pedicure (which was quite a challenge with the hobbits); and we've got a myriad of balloon animals floating above our boats. And we're still over 200 miles from Rauros.

--------------------
Upon the west to their right the land was treeless also, but it was flat, and in many places green with wide plains of grass. On this side of the River they passed forests of great reeds, so tall that they shut out all view to the west, as the little boats went rustling by along their fluttering borders. Their dark withered plumes bent and tossed in the light cold airs, hissing softly and sadly. Here and there through openings Frodo could catch sudden glimpses of rolling meads, and far beyond them hills in the sunset, and away on the edge of sight a dark line, where marched the southernmost ranks of the Misty Mountains.

[Sapphire_Flame]

**You have walked 229 miles.
You have passed a small stream coming down from the Weather Hills (228).
It is 17 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 229 miles to Rivendell.**

Halfway! Woo-hoo!!! smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

Abedithon le,

~*~Aranel~*~

[Lyta_Underhill]

608 miles as of today...almost to the Misty Mountain Foothills. As I keyed in the entry in the (so helpful!) Barrowdowns Walk to Rivendell (and beyond!) page, I noticed part of the description that fit today's walk so well it is uncanny!
The first part of their journey was hard and dreary, and Frodo remembered little of it, save the wind. For many sunless days an icy blast came from the Mountains in the east, and no garment seemed able to keep out its searching fingers. No matter how tightly I wrapped my cloak about my face, I could not keep the icy wind out, and one thing about being so bundled is you cannot see around you very well without turning your entire body in the direction which you wish to look. No wonder Frodo didn't remember it so well! He was probably looking over a swath of fabric into a monocolored sky of gray thinking...got to stay warm...got to stay warm...too cold to reach for water bottle...got to stay warm....and the vistas around me all wrapped in the secondary mist that extreme cold and wet fog will bring...I think it is supposed to rain really hard tomorrow...ugh! About now, I'd rather be on the boats headed to Rauros with Alatariel! (I could use a pedicure AND a facial after all this windburn!) smilies/wink.gif

Cheers,
Lyta

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Alatáriël, you have walked an amazing distance already! If I see it correctly, you hold the record for mileage so far.

I survived the Warg attack and should arrive at Moria's West Gate tomorrow. I shall certainly hurry to get inside before any Watcher shows up in the water!

[Eruantalon]

You have walked 80 miles.
You have passed The Bonfire Glade (78).
It is 18 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 378 miles to Rivendell.

The glad was equaly challenging and enjoyable. Along the way the weary ranger found comfort in a friends house. But it could only be for one night. So he made his way on the next morning.

Nothing more disappointing than having to leave a good friend behind for the road. But he had to make his way on eastward. Or his errand would never be finish. The tall long haired man cloaked in a gray hood moved along the road. A speck to all that had keen eyes to see.

His sword pointing down straped to his back over his left shoulder. His axe slung on theright shoulder. His bow and arrow and arrows in the center of his back. He had swift strenth to carry him on his journy. Even with his heavy pack that swung at his knees.

Eruantlons journy was strenthened by his friends hospitalty. His sleep renewed him for the journy comming. He took every chance he could to make himself ready. He would need it to keep going on the errand.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

About now, I'd rather be on the boats headed to Rauros with Alatariel! (I could use a pedicure AND a facial after all this windburn!)

Lyta: Ask Gwaihir to give you a lift downriver. Legolas and I still have all the beauty supplies and plenty of time to spare--and I'm sure Merry and Pippin would be happy to give you a massage, as well! smilies/tongue.gif


Alatáriël, you have walked an amazing distance already! If I see it correctly, you hold the record for mileage so far.

Estelyn: Wow...I can remember when I first started the walk. It seemed I was so far behind everyone that I thought I'd never catch up. An unexpected (but nice) result has been losing 30 pounds, but the best part was spending time with the Fellowship and my fellow B-D'ers along the way. It's been fun...and it ain't over yet.

______________________________

The tedium of the journey, or something else, is beginning to wear on Frodo. He grows more and more silent and withdrawn. I know Sam has been watching him closely and his worry mirrors mine. There is not much we can do for Frodo other than care for his comfort and give him the support of our friendship. I hope it will be enough...

--------------------

Sam looked from bank to bank uneasily. The trees had seemed hostile before, as if they harboured secret eyes and lurking dangers; now he wished that the trees were still there. He felt that the Company was too naked, afloat in little open boats in the midst of shelterless lands, and on a river that was the frontier of war.

In the next day or two, as they went on, borne steadily southwards, this feeling of insecurity grew on all the Company. For a whole day they took to their paddles and hastened forward. The banks slid by. Soon the River broadened and grew more shallow; long stony beaches lay upon the east, and there were gravel-shoals in the water, so that careful steering was needed. The Brown Lands rose into bleak wolds, over which flowed a chill air from the East. On the other side the meads had become rolling downs of withered grass amidst a land of fen and tussock. Frodo shivered, thinking of the lawns and fountains, the clear sun and gentle rains of Lothlórien. There was little speech and no laughter in any of the boats. Each member of the Company was busy with his own thoughts.

[Sapphire_Flame]

You have walked 240 miles.
You have passed a small stream coming down from the Weather Hills (228).
You are only 6 miles from the Weather Hills.
You still have 218 miles to Rivendell.

*gasps* So close and yet so far! I'll never make it! *collapses dramatically*

Strider: *rolls eyes*

Abedithon le,

~*~Aranel~*~

[Faenaduial]

620 Miles

I've been walking in the mountains. Perfect winter weather lately but haven't covered as much ground as I had hoped due to work. (I haven't been posting for the same reason).

I have to check were I am out in the wilderness. I definetely feel like a lost hobbit!!;)

[Lyta_Underhill]

Lyta: Ask Gwaihir to give you a lift downriver. Legolas and I still have all the beauty supplies and plenty of time to spare--and I'm sure Merry and Pippin would be happy to give you a massage, as well! Ah...if only! A massage from Merry and Pippin! That would SO rule! I'd have to lie across Boromir, wouldn't I? :p Ah, to be there instead of trudging somewhere on the outskirts of Hollin...but I can daydream about the old days of Eregion, couldn't I? (just DON'T think of what they did to Celebrimbor!) :eek:

Alatariel, since you're so far on the road, have you decided which path to take at Rauros? I recall there being a whole lot of options noted on the Eowyn Challenge website. If I ever make it that far, it has to be Mount Doom for me...I've even got my own personal Emyn Muil and Dead Marshes somewhere around here! (Actually, much of So. Middle Tennessee is the Dead Marshes after the flooding lately!) Also, congrats on losing 30 lbs on the way! I eat like Merry and Pippin put together, so I haven't lost pound one!

Cheers!
Lyta (644 miles along on the road to Lothlorien)

P.S. You WILL make it, Sapphire Flame! I remember the Weathertop area being particularly a challenge for me as well, but part of that was the fact that I became ill right at the Weathertop mark (I really got a sense of Frodo's misery and the need to trudge on, although thankfully I didn't have a team of Ringwraiths chasing me...just Naz!) Just be thankful you made it through Neekerbreeker Pond!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Well, I am now in the middle of Moria, hearing Gandalf saying, 'I have no memory of this place at all! ' Come to think of it, that is a bit of what I felt like these days, adjusting to the new forum! ;) But now I have found the right passages, at least most of them, and can move ahead with some certainty.

[Eruantalon]

You have walked 100 miles.
You have passed the Bald Hill in the Old Forest (98).
It is 10 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 358 miles to Rivendell.

The old forest feels stiffening. The air seems thick and aged. But all around are tall thick old trees. So for him it’s not so much a burden. As long as he has his heavy pack of food and water he won’t need to stop long. Its growing later and later in the day. It’s taken so long to get only this far. But he’s still weary from the previous journey. Wandering isn’t as much fun as it used to be. Especially when he’s alone now.

The bald hill let him know that he has a couple days till the next landmark. And he should hurry to make his way to Rivendell. He didn’t have all the time in the world. He had just enough time to get to Rivendell. Still each day was wasting. He had would try and walk farther each day.

[Faenaduial]

645 miles.

Most of my walking has been recorded on the weekends, walking in and around the mountains (snowboarding rules)!. When I look up at some of the peaks I can just imagine how the hobbits felt trudging along, feeling they would never really reach them.

I haven't been posting regularly but I had to post today -- Happy Death Day to me -- it's one year since I joined! I don't want to remember what life was like before the Downs, with no one to talk to about LotR or when you did talk, people looking at you like you were strange!! Thanks BW for a terrific site. :cool:

[Naz]

I'm stuck. I have no clue where I am, & I'm not going anywhere. Why, you ask? My pedometer died. Yup. And I still haven't gotten a new battery.

So I'm stuck at 600something.something miles. I dunno how many miles, nor where I am. : p meh...

Good job/luck to everyone else, though^ ^

[Hildigard]

Ah...if only! A massage from Merry and Pippin! That would SO rule! I'd have to lie across Boromir, wouldn't I? Ah, to be there instead of trudging somewhere on the outskirts of Hollin...but I can daydream about the old days of Eregion, couldn't I? (just DON'T think of what they did to Celebrimbor!)

Lyta: Merry & Pippin have the oil all ready for you...and Boromir says he'll keep his lap empty till you show up!!

Alatariel, since you're so far on the road, have you decided which path to take at Rauros? I recall there being a whole lot of options noted on the Eowyn Challenge website. If I ever make it that far, it has to be Mount Doom for me...I've even got my own personal Emyn Muil and Dead Marshes somewhere around here!

Lyta: It will definately be Mount Doom for me. Frodo and Sam will not find it easy to leave me behind. Even if they take the boat, I will follow as, unlike Sam, I can swim!
______________________________

The further south we travel, the warmer the weather. I fear it will soon be too warm. Boromir is acting more and more strange, even for a human. He has taken to muttering to himself, and watching the Ringbearer at all times. Meanwhile, Frodo becomes more and more withdrawn. I suspect he plans to leave the Company on his own and is contemplating how and when to go. I have made it my task to watch him...not to prevent him from leaving to complete his mission, but to ensure that he does not go alone and friendless into the wild.

--------------------

That night they camped on a small eyot close to the western bank. Sam lay rolled in blankets beside Frodo. "I had a funny dream an hour or two before we stopped, Mr. Frodo," he said. "Or maybe it wasn't a dream...It was queer. All wrong, if it wasn't a dream...I saw a log with eyes!"

"The log's all right," said Frodo. "There are many in the River. But leave out the eyes!"

"That I won't," said Sam. " 'Twas the eyes as made me sit up, so to speak...two pale sort of points, shiny-like, on a hump at the near end of the log...I don't like my thoughts; but...I fancy I could put a name on the creature...A nasty name. Gollum, maybe?...No need to trouble Strider or the others tonight. I'll keep watch."

"You shall watch; but only if you promise to wake me half-way towards morning..." In the dead hours Frodo came out of a deep dark sleep to find Sam shaking him...Frodo sat up, huddled in his blankets, and fought off his sleep...two pale lamplike eyes shone coldly as they...lifted and gazed up at Frodo on the eyot...He stood up, drawing Sting from its sheath, and faced the eyes...Aragorn stirred in his sleep, turned over, and sat up.

..."You lie down now, and I will keep watch for what is left of the night..." The night passed without Gollum showing so much as a shadow again...At Aragorn's bidding they paddled now for long spells, and the banks went swiftly by...they journeyed mostly by night and twilight, resting by day, and lying as hidden as the land allowed.

[Pyroclastic]

Hey there Lyta and Naz!
Perhaps you remember me from way back at Hobbiton! My little sister (who is accompanying me) and I have hunkered down at Wethertop for the winter. Yeah we're wimps, but nobody enjoys walking in -25C! Rather than recreate the Fellowship's experience at Caradharas, we decided to take an extended break at Wethertop untill spring. For the record, I'm not exaggerating the tempature either, the Wisconsin Plains are fierce!

Once the skys clear and the temps improve, my sister and I will be back on the path! Clear trails to y'all!

Flamingly yours, ~Pyro~

[ArwenBaggins]

Finally, finally, finally I am back. I had taken an unexpected hiatus, but I am back and still walking!

I am at 700 miles. I have not been keeping up with where we are- somewhere in the woods. As usual.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

It's so good to be posting under my real identity again...

__________________________

Legolas and I had guard duty again today. You know, this Elvish ability to blend living night and deep dream has just about lost it's charm for me. It's ok when you're hanging with other Elves--you're able to party all night long. But these mortals seem to think, "Hey...Elves don't need to sleep. Let them do guard duty." So Legs and I took turns braiding each other's hair, trying out new styles and techniques, while the lazy mortals slept.

We also discussed the future of the Fellowship. Legolas favors going to Minas Tirith with Aragorn and Boromir, but I feel I must stay with the Hobbits. These small folk have captured my heart and I cannot bear the thought of being parted from them. The choice must be made when we reach Rauros, and that is still 23 leagues distant. But it is coming...

--------------------

The weather was still grey and overcast, with wind from the East, but as evening drew into night the sky away westward cleared, and pools of faint light, yellow and pale green, opened under the grey shores of cloud. There the white rind of the new Moon could be seen glimmering in the remote lakes. Sam looked at it and puckered his brows.

The next day the country on either side began to change rapidly. The banks began to rise and grow stony. Soon they were passing through a hilly rocky land, and on both shores there were steep slopes buried in deep brakes of thorn and sloe, tangled with brambles and creepers. Behind them stood low crumbling cliffs, and chimneys of grey weathered stone dark with ivy; and beyond these again there rose high ridges crowned with wind-writhen firs. They were drawing near to the grey hill-country of the Emyn Muil, the southern march of Wilderland.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

At 875 miles, I am now deep in Lórien! Only 47 miles to go till Caras Galadon! I don't remember the exact day I started the Walk last year, but I think it was late March. That means I will have made it to Lothlórien within one year. And I'm not about to stop here...

[mark12_30]

Esty, kudos!

Hello, everyone! It's good to be back. After a very slow winter, I am pondering a new battery for my pedometer. *cough* that is, I am looking at the white borders on the old maps, and wondering what lies beyond them...

[Lyta_Underhill]

Lyta: Merry & Pippin have the oil all ready for you...and Boromir says he'll keep his lap empty till you show up!! Woohoo! I'm walking as fast as I can! *trudges faster* I'm within spitting distance of the Redhorn Pass (746 miles), and it rather feels like the uphill trudge it is at that point. Spring storms have postponed my walks a lot and I've even spent some of the time in the storm cellar. I am lucky, though, in that I am *not* in a vastly cold area like Pyroclastic (welcome back to the melee, by the way, and we'll leave the Lamps of Fëanor on for ya! ;) ) And good to see you, too, Helen! And yea for Estelyn, who made it safely across the Nimrodel Rope Bridge! (I'll let Pippin hold my hand for that one when I get there!)

This undertaking is interesting and refreshing in a time-displaced, imaginative way when I think of everyone at different stages of the same journey, each having unique, yet thematically unified experiences! One amusing thing I've noticed now that the weather has warmed up in southern middle Tennessee--I no longer wear several layers of clothing--coat, cloak, etc., and now I walk with Sting exposed for all the rednecks on the mile and a half long road I walk to see. Not one of them has *ever* mentioned it or even looked cross-eyed at it. I never mention it, and I often stop and converse with them, all the while wearing my "One Ring" on a chain, Sting, my Frodo vest and often the knee breeches too...perhaps they're just used to having a "hobbit in the holler..." :D (or more likely, they just think I'm a harmless eccentric, which is true too, except for the harmless part! *snerk*)

Cheers, and see y'all on the road!
Lyta

[mark12_30]

Lyta, your sig is golden.

While I'm still on the same wild country paths, I passed 100 mi. out from Rivendell today. It's something to pipe about. "By the light of a peat-fire flame..."

(Lyta, you should post a pic of you-as-Sting-and-Ring-bearing-Frodo. ) (Maybe you could get one of those people you pass to take it.)

[Lyta_Underhill]

(Lyta, you should post a pic of you-as-Sting-and-Ring-bearing-Frodo. ) Oooh, I need to, don't I? Except I always look tired and dirty, especially after I pulled a Samwise today and decided to begin pre-season gardening for a couple hours by digging up stones from last year's beds before the walk even began...but I suppose that would be the right look, wouldn't it? (Got my dirt...I'm ready to go!) :D

I'm glad you like my sig, Helen! I went searching in the books for a short passage that captured just the mood I wanted and found it on Cerin Amroth...that place is haunting in the same manner that "The Sea Bell" is haunting, and I often feel a kinship with Arwen when I think of the place. In fact there is a place here I call "Arwen's Rock" that does funny things to me when I step upon it or gaze upon it, or even think about it . That reminds me that I need to take my next walk up there! (Rivendell is overgrown, though and would require a machete!) There is truly substance to Gimli's being wounded by that which is fairest and then having to part with it...a joy like knives, as Tolkien puts it at the Field of Cormallen...ah, but I digress.

The walk was most pleasant today. I reached the Redhorn Pass and was diverted by the contest of Legolas and Boromir--Legolas almost floating on the snowy surface and Boromir's strong channelling through it---it doesn't quite make me forget that snow is cold and higher than me! ;) If only I were farther on the path, I could liken my surroundings to the fresh, yet besieged beauty of Ithilien, with its secret ways...but I shall reach it by and by...

Cheers,
Lyta (Hobbit in the Holler)

[Lyta_Underhill]

OK, I know I had the last post in this thread and I usually don't string-post, but I had to add something else, as well as bracing myself for the Warg-infested areas that are very near--(767 miles along today!).

I must say that I've visited the Barrowdowns' main page exponentially more often, simply because I enjoy the Merry and Pippin theme so much! :D Hooray for Merry and Pippin! (I seem to check my mileage about 3X as often lately, and I'm thinking M & P have something to do with it!) Anyway, that's all for now!

Cheers!
Lyta (doesn't want to go to Moria...doesn't want to go to Moria...keep repeating ad infinitum...add-in: doesn't want to freeze...heh heh...what an adventure!)

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

the weather has warmed up in southern middle Tennessee

Lyta (doesn't want to go to Moria...doesn't want to go to Moria...keep repeating ad infinitum...add-in: doesn't want to freeze...heh heh...what an adventure!)

Lyta: Are you close to Pulaski? I have 2 grandchildren who live there. Since I'll be going to visit next weekend, I'm glad to hear that the weather has warmed up.

Don't worry--Moria isn't so bad. Just stay close to Legolas...

Lyta (Hobbit in the Holler) *SNORK*

_____________________________

Our Company spent the day yesterday carrying our boats and gear along the portage path past the Sarn Gebir. Aragorn (Mr. I-know-this-river-like-I-know-the-back-of-my-hand) had thought we had several more days travel before we reached the rapids. Incompetent twit! Not only were we almost capsized in the River, but we were attacked by orcs as well. However, the worst threat was the Winged Shadow that flew overhead. Luckily for these mortals, Legolas and I had our bows handy and he was able to shoot it from the sky.

Below the rapids, we relaunched the boats and continued our journey. Only 9 more leagues to Rauros...I must be ever vigilant in guarding against further enemy attacks, as well as any attempt by the Ringbearer to slip away on his own.

--------------------

Nothing happened that night worse than a brief drizzle of rain an hour before dawn. As soon as it was fully light they started. Already the fog was thinning. They kept as close as they could to the western side, and they could see the dim shapes of the low cliffs rising ever higher, shadowy walls with their feet in the hurrying river. In the mid-morning the clouds drew down lower, and it began to rain heavily. They drew the skin-covers over their boats to prevent them being flooded, and drifted on; little could be seen before them or about them through the grey falling curtains.

The rain, however, did not last long. Slowly the sky above grew lighter, and then suddenly the clouds broke, and their draggled fringes trailed away northward up the river. The fogs and mists were gone. Before the travellers lay a wide ravine, with great rocky sides to which clung, upon shelves and in narrow crevices, a few thrawn trees. The channel grew narrower and the River swifter. Now they were speeding along with little hope of stopping or turning, whatever they might meet ahead. Over them was a lane of pale-blue sky, around them the dark overshadowed River, and before them black, shutting out the sun, the hills of Emyn Muil, in which no opening could be seen.

[Lyta_Underhill]

Lyta: Are you close to Pulaski? I have 2 grandchildren who live there. Since I'll be going to visit next weekend, I'm glad to hear that the weather has warmed up. Indeed, Alatariël I am only 20 miles from there, so the weather here is the weather there! It was almost 70 degrees today, and no sign of it cooling off, either! Wore the sword and pseudo-Frodo outfit out today and made it a bit closer to the West Gate of Moria, surviving the Warg attack by huddling behind Legolas and staying close to the fire. Gandalf was amazing! I tried to take some pictures of myself in Frodo gear by shooting a pic in a mirror (one mirror was rather dirty, too!), but it didn't work too well. (I didn't trust the guy feeding the cows with my digicam...) The questionable results are here:
Lyta in Hobbit Gear (http://www.ardmore.net/~frodo/lytaindirtymirror.jpg)
A pic of Lyta in Frodo Gear with Barrowdowns hat! (http://www.ardmore.net/~frodo/lytafrodogear.jpg)

Cheers!
Lyta

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Indeed, Alatariël I am only 20 miles from there, so the weather here is the weather there! It was almost 70 degrees today, and no sign of it cooling off, either! Wore the sword and pseudo-Frodo outfit out today and made it a bit closer to the West Gate of Moria, surviving the Warg attack by huddling behind Legolas and staying close to the fire. Gandalf was amazing! I tried to take some pictures of myself in Frodo gear by shooting a pic in a mirror (one mirror was rather dirty, too!), but it didn't work too well. (I didn't trust the guy feeding the cows with my digicam...) The questionable results are here

Lyta: It's been in the mid-60's to mid-70's here in central Texas for the past week or two. I like those pics...you look so hobbity!! When I come to Tennessee, I'll revert into my hobbit persona and bring my Sting and Frodo outfit. Hopefully, we can meet up and at least take one another's picture... :p The locals will think it's a Hobbit invasion!!

______________________________

We passed through the Argonath today...very impressive. Aragorn said they were his ancestors, Isildur and Anárion, but I didn't see any family resemblance myself. We are less than 3 leagues from Rauros, which is at the other end of Nen Hithoel. We must then decide which direction we will journey--East or West. I will go whither the Ringbearer goes, whether it be Minas Tirith...or Mordor.

--------------------

"Behold the Argonath, the Pillars of the Kings!" cried Aragorn...Great power and majesty they still wore, the silent wardens of a long-vanished kingdom. Awe and fear fell upon Frodo, and he cowered down, shutting his eyes and not daring to look up as the boat drew near...So they passed into the dark chasm of the Gates...Frodo crouching over his knees heard Sam in front muttering and groaning: "What a place! What a horrible place! Just let me get out of this boat, and I'll never wet my toes in a puddle again, let alone a river!"

"Fear not!" said a strange voice behind him. Frodo turned and saw Strider, and yet not Strider; for the weatherworn Ranger was no longer there. In the stern sat Aragorn son of Arathorn, proud and erect...a king returning from exile to his own land.

"Fear not!" he said. "Long have I desired to look upon the likenesses of Isildur and Anárion, my sires of old. Under their shadow Elessar, the Elfstone son of Arathorn of the House of Valandil Isildur's son, heir of Elendil, has nought to dread!"

Then the light of his eyes faded, and he spoke to himself: "Would that Gandalf were here! How my heart yearns for Minas Anor and the walls of my own city! But whither now shall I go?"

[Estelyn Telcontar]

At 925 miles, I have reached Caras Galadon according to our site's mileage (the Éowyn Challenge has it a bit further away - 10 miles to go there). I made it within a year! Now, if our beloved Wight will continue charting the road, I can see where I am... I guess I'm joining you on the river, Alatáriël.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

I guess I'm joining you on the river, Alatáriël

Estelyn: Be sure you bring a large supply of Elvish sunscreen from Lothlórien...the glare from the water can get pretty intense!

[Sapphire_Flame]

You have walked 297 miles.
You are still south of the Road (286).
It is 3 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 161 miles to Rivendell.

Whew! Nearly there! Only....

Dangit! :mad: *sigh* This takes a long time...

Abedithon le,

~*~Aranel~*~

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

We reached Parth Galen late yesterday and camped in that fair place. After breakfast, Aragorn brought up the question of where we should now go, but no one was willing to choose. Frodo is the Ringbearer, and he alone can decide his path. He then left the Company for a while to think, and to make his decision. After a time, I noticed that Boromir was no longer among us. I feared treachery and went in search of them both. From a distance, I heard the shouts of Boromir, but when I reached him the Ringbearer had vanished. Although he denied it, it was plain to me that Boromir had tried to seize the Ring from Frodo. I searched, but could find no trace of the small halfling.

I knew that if Frodo had chosen to leave the Company on his own, he would have to have a boat to cross to the eastern shore. I returned to our camp, and saw a most curious sight. An empty boat was on the water, and Sam was wading out towards it. As the water rose over his head, the boat turned on its own and Sam was pulled to the side of the boat by...nothing! The paddle dipped in and out of the water by itself until the boat reached the shore, whereupon Frodo was revealed when he took off the Ring.

The Ringbearer was dismayed that he had not managed to escape from Sam and myself, and tried to convince us to stay. When it was plain that we would not allow him to leave on his own, he gave in with a laugh. "Come along! It is plain that we [three] were meant to go together. We will go, and may the others find a safe road!" And so we are now among the trackless hills of the Emyn Muil on the final part of our journey. Legolas knows my mind, and I trust him to apprise the others of my choice. Frodo's departure will be hard on the two younger halflings, but they will be safe in Aragorn's care. Meanwhile, we will seek a path through the hills and down into the Land of Shadow.

-------------------

No one was there...A boat was sliding down the bank all by itself...The boat slipped into the water.

"Coming, Mr. Frodo! Coming!" called Sam, and flung himself from the bank, clutching at the departing boat...Gurgling he went under, and the River closed over his curly head.

...A paddle swirlded and the boat put about..."get hold of the side, and let me use the paddle!"...Frodo brought the boat back to the bank...took off the Ring and stepped ashore again.

..."Now, Sam," said Frodo, "don't hinder me! The others will be coming back at any minute. If they catch me here, I shall have to argue and explain, and I shall never have the heart or the chance to get off. But I must go at once. It's the only way."

"Of course it is," answered Sam. "But not alone. I'm coming too, or neither of us isn't going. I'll knock holes in all the boats first."

Frodo actually laughed. A sudden warmth and gladness touched his heart. "Leave one!" he said. "We'll need it. But you can't come like this without your gear or food or anything."

"Just hold on a moment, and I'll get my stuff!" cried Sam eagerly. "It's all ready. I thought we should be off today..."

"So all my plan is spoilt!" said Frodo. "It is no good trying to escape you. But I'm glad, Sam. I cannot tell you how glad. Come along! It is plain that we were meant to go together. We will go, and may the others find a safe road! Strider will look after them. I don't suppose we shall see them again."

"Yet we may, Mr. Frodo. We may," said Sam.

So Frodo and Sam set off on the last stage of the Quest together...shouldering their burdens, they set off, seeking a path that would bring them over the grey hills of the Emyn Muil, and down into the Land of Shadow.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Dear Fellow Rivendell Walkers,

While thinking about a chapter of the 'LotR and Philosophy' book, I realized how much walking and happiness are connected for me. Have you experienced the same thing? I invite you to read my post on this thread: Tolkien's Six Keys to Happiness (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=10531) and share your experiences if you feel the same - or if you disagree!

[Anorial]

I'm new to this forum stuff so bear with me....I found this Walk to Rivendell idea just this past Friday April 2nd and it blew me away. I've been wanting to get in shape again and this is the perfect thing. I'm a HUGE LotR fan and I'm pretty excited about doing this. I did a lot of surfing and I was sorry to see on some forums that some people had stopped because they didn't make the release of RotK goal. As far as I'm concerned, ANY day is a GOOD day to go to Rivendell!!

Anyway, I've just started. Got my maps all photocopied on Saturday (I KNEW I bought that book for a reason!) and I walked yesterday and today. I've said my last farewell to Hobbiton (and even posted Ted Nasmith's beautiful painting called "Last Sight of Hobbiton" as my wallpaper). So I'm wondering, are there any other folks just starting out? Those of you already in Lothlorien, great work! You'll be in Morder throwing your "ring" (whatever addiction, negativity or whatever you choose) in no time!

Cheers and I hope to see you on the road! :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

ANY day is a GOOD day to go to Rivendell!! You're absolutely right, and welcome to the Walk, Anorial!!

[Anorial]

Well, upped my total to 16 miles today and realizing I need to pace myself. Actually, thought that yesterday but it was soooo sunny I couldn't resist. I feel so good when I walk. Nursing a bit of a dodgy hip so prudence is.....well, prudent!

Anyway, enjoying the trip. My delicious goal :D . I hope to see some new walkers join in too! Woo-hoo! Onwards to Rivendell and beyond!

And a Happy Easter to y'all in a few days.

[Anorial]

Why does it say I'm newly deceased? Is this a good thing? Does it mean I've been booted from the forum? Or is it a stopping place on the way to becoming a Ghosted Princess or whatnot? Clarification is appreciated!

Cheers

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Anorial, you'll find the answer to your questions and many others on the Barrow-Downs FAQ (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=6010) thread. If you have any that aren't answered there, you're welcome to send me a PM and I'll help in any way I can.

You've started off with a bang! Well done - glad you're enjoying it. :)

[Firefoot]

I've decided to start.

You have walked 6 miles.
You have passed Bywater (1).
You are only 1 miles from Last View of Hobbiton.
You still have 452 miles to Rivendell.

Congrats to all of you who have made it so far! :)

[Anorial]

Nice to see someone else still in the Shire I'm just down the road :)

I like your name...very appropriate for the journey ;)

[Anorial]

You have walked 24 miles.
You have passed Green Hill Country (18).
You are only 3 miles from Black Rider Stopping Place.
You still have 434 miles to Rivendell.

Such a gorgeous day....trucking along. So far so good with the hip. Very hard not to get Easter chocolate for the journey! All on sale. Instead, hearty Shire-food :)

Cheers, Anorial

[Thorongil]

Maybe I should start too. Does anybody know how many kilometers there is in a mile?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Thorongil, there are approximately 1.6 kilometers to a mile, so if you walk 16 kilometers, you have gone 10 miles (8 km = 5 miles for a shorter distance).

[Thorongil]

Thanks. I better start walking then.

[Anorial]

Hi Thorongil, Welcome to the walk!

My favorite site for the ol' kilometer/mile translation is: http://www.runnersweb.com/running/km_miles.html

I've recently acquired Excel so I've got it all auto-calculating now :D

To change kilometers to miles, multiply by 0.6214.

For myself:
You have walked 26 miles.
You have passed Green Hill Country (18).
You are only 1 miles from Black Rider Stopping Place.
You still have 432 miles to Rivendell.

It's going to be fun to get to the Black Rider Stopping Place....living in the big city, exactly one mile from my home is a 4-way stop and "get off the road!" is all too likely to become a reality lol.

Happy Easter y'all!

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

We have been trudging through these seemingly endless hills since we parted from the Company, unable to find a way down. The weather has been cold and damp and, since we dare not light a fire, my two small companions cannot seem to stay warm. At night, the two not on watch huddle together for warmth. I would take all of the watches, but they insist on sharing this task.

We have had to journey north and east along the Emyn Muil seeking a path to the lower ground. Late yesterday, we found a slope we could manage with the aid of the rope Sam brought from Lórien. But once down, the hobbits were too exhausted to travel further, and we sheltered next to a boulder not too far from where we descended.

I took first watch but before either Frodo or Sam could fall asleep, we discovered Gollum creeping down the cliff-face. We had seen no sign of him over the past few days, although I had at times fancied I could hear the sounds of someone following us. And there he was...

We were able to capture him, although the wretch gave Sam quite a nasty bite before it was over. We had three choices: to kill him outright; to tie him up and leave him to die in the wilderness; or to take him with us. Sam and I felt it was too dangerous to take him with us, and I would have slain him on the spot, but Frodo stayed my hand.

I continue to be amazed by the determination, the courage, and the integrity of these small folk and my admiration for the Ringbearer daily increases. That he can show pity and mercy to such a creature as Gollum--when I would not--shames me. Frodo has accepted Gollum as our guide, and made him swear by the Ring to help us and not betray us. I will abide by his decision, but I do not trust this creature--I will be watching him! If he betrays Frodo, even Sauron cannot save him from my vengence.

--------------------

"No," said Frodo. "If we kill him, we must kill him outright. But we can't do that, not as things are. Poor wretch! He has done us no harm."

"Oh hasn't he!" said Sam rubbing his shoulder. "Anyway he meant to, and he means to, I'll warrant. Throttle us in our sleep, that's his plan."

"I daresay," said Frodo. "But what he means to do is another matter." He paused for a while in thought. Gollum lay still, but stopped whimpering. Sam stood glowering over him.

It seemed to Frodo then that he heard, quite plainly but far off, voices out of the past:

What a pity Bilbo did not stab the vile creature, when he had a chance!

Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need.

I do not feel any pity for Gollum. He deserves death.

Deserves death! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some die that deserve life. Can you give that to them? Then be not too eager to deal out death in the name of justice, fearing for your own safety. Even the wise cannot see all ends.

"Very well," he answered aloud, lowering his sword. "But still I am afraid. And yet, as you see, I will not touch the creature. For now that I see him, I do pity him."

[Firefoot]

You have walked 27 miles.
You have reached Black Rider Stopping Place (27).
It is 19 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 431 miles to Rivendell.

We passed Anorial today, though she will probably soon pass us again, being that we are now resting and she is not far behind. The Black Rider gave us quite a scare; we decided not to go any farther today.

[Anorial]

Good work! Man, you're just motoring along! Nope, I'm sitting at 30 miles and though I'm dying to put on more mileage tonight, I think it would be prudent to not walk today. My hip joint is not doing very well at all and since I went from (on a guess) 10 miles in a week to 30 miles in a week (breaking the ol' increase by 10% rule).....well, I'm hoping I haven't screwed myself.

All that stuff they say about the unforgiving body when you're over 30 is so annoyingly true! :mad: Anyway, if you keep on trekking down the road, you might find me just in the Woody End Woods standing in the middle of the road or under a tree doing yoga. Probably under a tree....that Black Rider was scary so hopefully I learned that lesson well enough (stay off the road!). I can see the ashes from Frodo and Sam's supper fire....if you stop to say hi, I'll point it out to you. :)

Cheers!
Anorial

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I walked my 1000th mile today!! :)

[Anorial]

Good going, Estelyn!! :eek: Where does that place you on the map?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Well, if the Elves had given me a boat too, I could be leisurely floating down the Anduin; but no - I have to trudge alongside the river! ;) Oh, and like Rome, the Walk to Rivendell doesn't happen in one day - I've been counting my miles for a little over a year now.

[Lyta_Underhill]

Good day, all! I haven't checked in in awhile, mainly because I've had a bunch of orcs, er, relatives to deal with for awhile, and unfortunately, my walk has slowed down a bit. (They're not orcs, really! They're really very nice Uruk-Hai..oh! did I say that out loud?) ;) Anyway, I have been walking VERY slowly across the Nimrodel Rope Bridge and am now deep inside the realm of Lorien. Perhaps I just had to slow down to enjoy the view! I am not yet to Cerin Amroth and I have a feeling that place will haunt me in fact even more than in anticipation.

All that stuff they say about the unforgiving body when you're over 30 is so annoyingly true! I must second that assertion, Anorial and also welcome you to the Walk! You seem to be going about it in a much more intelligent and informed manner than I have (read: my preparations were to buy a new pair of shoes and stretch before walking, but fortunately, I have stretched thoroughly regularly (more or less) since I was 17--at 38, that's saying something!) Somehow, I think it has to do with all the "slings and arrows" that beset one by the time your 30's roll around. If it hadn't been for two car accidents and a lifting accident, all occuring after age 30, well...who knows?

Anyway, in unconscious or perhaps serendipitous celebration of my immersion in the faerie realm of Lorien, I got to play Galadriel yesterday! My husband's 10 year old cousin is obsessed with Lord of the Rings, mainly with action figures and other memorabilia/toys, though. I have been showing him my collection slowly since he arrived and he has coveted my Burger King Bilbo figure most of all (it is overnighting it with him as I write). He arrived wearing around his neck an oversized plastic, light-up One Ring, which I determined to be the Ring of Sauron, since he also had a huge armored finger to go with it at one time.

Yesterday, he sent the One Ring to me with a message that I should have it. I actually took it on my Walk and then returned to him and solemnly as I could, told him this was his duty, his task, and as much as I desired the One Ring, I couldn't accept it from him. I even said "This task is for you alone, Frodo Baggins." He looked at me earnestly and said, "OK. You mean it?" He looked kind of pleased though. I don't think he really meant to give me the One Ring. I think he had it in mind that I'd trade him Bilbo for it. But that was not to be! It was a real Galadriel moment, especially since he was about the right size proportionately to be Frodo to my Galadriel, if Galadriel was 5'6" and carried Sting! ;)

Checking in from 879 miles down the Road that goes Ever On...Lyta signs off for now!

Cheers!
Lyta

P.S. Happy 1000th, Estelyn! If I stand on a hill and use powerful binoculars, uh, Elvish glasses, I fancy I can almost see you braving the shorelines along the Anduin! I really hope there's a boat for me, as my poor back could use a rest! (And maybe that long anticipated foot rub from Boromir! )

[Faenaduial]

Estelyn, congratulations on your 1000th mile. That's a great accomplishment.

I haven't been walking (or posting) regularly since January but I've finally made it to 710 miles. Just past the Crabain attack.

BlingBling and I had a great experience which reminded us of the attack not long ago. We were out walking in the late evening and the set of trees across the road were filled with black birds. As we walked past they took off and wheeled around in the sky over us. It was just like a huge black cloud!

We both yelled crabain attack!! at the same time. I still smile about it when I think of it. ;)

We are going to walk again tonight. It's a perfect Spring day here and I can't wait to get outside.

[Firefoot]

Congrats, Estelyn!

We've walked 49 miles. Those Elves that were supposed to be leading us to Woodhall took a wrong turn somewhere. They assured us that they weren't lost but Sam, Pippin, and I didn't really believe that. We finally made it, which was assuring, but we were quite worn out when we got there.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

(They're not orcs, really! They're really very nice Uruk-Hai..oh! did I say that out loud?) Anyway, I have been walking VERY slowly across the Nimrodel Rope Bridge and am now deep inside the realm of Lorien.

Lyta: Glad to see you're walking again. I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one related to Uruk-Hai! Careful on that rope bridge...hold on to Legolas! (Boromir is planning on giving you that massage/foot rub when you reach Caras Galadhon. Merry & Pippin have volunteered their laps... :eek: )


All that stuff they say about the unforgiving body when you're over 30 is so annoyingly true!

Anorial: Welcome to the Walk! The body becomes even more unforgiving after 50. Like Lyta says, stretching and reallllly good shoes are crucial. But keep going...take care of that hip, though...and you'll be in Rivendell before you know it! :p


My husband's 10 year old cousin is obsessed with Lord of the Rings, mainly with action figures and other memorabilia/toys, though. I have been showing him my collection slowly since he arrived and he has coveted my Burger King Bilbo figure most of all.

Lyta: My grandchildren are also obsessed with LotR. They love my action figures and swords. I'll let them wear Sting in its scabbard around my house, and they think they're just too cool for color tv! :cool:


Congratulations on that 1000th mile, Estelyn!! Maybe Lyta can have Haldir meet you with a boat??

__________________________________

We have reached the Dead Marshes, and the stench is overwhelming. A perfect place for the wretch Sam calls "Stinker". I tried to persuade Frodo that we should attempt to pass around these fens, but he is convinced that this Gollum creature can lead us through quickly. I certainly hope so, as this place is much worse than the Midgewater Marshes...

--------------------

The hobbits were now wholly in the hands of Gollum...They could, if they had known the lands, with some delay have retraced their steps a little, and then turning east have come round over hard roads to the bare plain of Dagorlad: the field of the ancient battle before the gates of Mordor...

"How do we shape our course now, Sméagol?" asked Frodo. "Must we cross these evil-smelling fens?"

..."Follow Sméagol! He can take you through the marshes, through the mists, nice thick mists. Follow Sméagol very carefully, and you may go a long way, quite a long way, before He catches you, yes perhaps."

It was already day, a windless and sullen morning, and the marsh-reeks lay in heavy banks. No sun pierced the low clouded sky, and Gollum seemed anxious to continue the journey at once. So after a brief rest they set out again and were soon lost in a shadowy silent world, cut off from all view of the lands about, either the hills that they had left or the mountains that they sought. They went slowly in single file: Gollum, Sam, Frodo (& Alatáriël).

[ArwenBaggins]

Hello again everyone! I haven't checked in here for a while, because I've been caught up with other things.

Our party has finally reached Cerin Amroth! What a glorious sight in the evening. Haldir tells us it but ten miles to Caras Galadon!

You have walked 912 miles.
You have reached Cerin Amroth (912).
It is 10 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 10 miles to Caras Galadon in Lothlórien.

Oh, and congratulations Esty! Save a boat for me, will you? I'll meet you eventually. :)

~Fëa

[Anorial]

Estelyn: Well, you're helping beat a clear path for the rest of us along the Anduin. I thought I might swim some of mine but that's a ways from now. I love that this goal (I plan to walk to Mordor and back again) is such a large goal that it is a 1-2 or even 3 years long! Nothing in the past has provided me with such an exciting, reachable and long-term goal. Yay! lol

Lyta: Thank you for the welcome. I loved your "got to play Galadriel" story *claps hands in delight* What a treat! Re: a "foot rub from Boromir"...it's a good thing there appear to be many copies of Striders, Boromirs, Faramirs et al to go around! :D otherwise there might be brawling with a certain amount of hair-pulling!

Faen: Another great LotR-meets-"real"-life story. *claps hands again*

Ala...woo! many accents...may I call you Ala? Thank you for the welcome :) Always great to walk in such good and open-armed company.

Walking proceeds very slowly (in my opinion). Physio-man has forbidden me to walk beyond when my hip starts to fail which is just after 30 minutes. Most times I feel like someone has been punching me in the hip and butt areas which I totally could live with if I knew it meant I was getting better. I've no idea. Anyway, I continue to traipse along and am delighted that eventually I'll get out of the Shire :)

Cheers and wishes for sturdy boots for you all,
Anorial

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

I love that this goal (I plan to walk to Mordor and back again) is such a large goal that it is a 1-2 or even 3 years long! Nothing in the past has provided me with such an exciting, reachable and long-term goal. Yay! lol

Ala...woo! many accents...may I call you Ala? Thank you for the welcome Always great to walk in such good and open-armed company.

I continue to traipse along and am delighted that eventually I'll get out of the Shire.

Anorial: I started this walk just over a year ago, and for the longest time felt that I would never catch up. It seemed to take me weeks and weeks to make it out of the Shire. My current goal is to reach Mt. Doom by Frodo's birthday this September. Of course, then we'll have to travel back to Bag End... :p

Feel free to call me Ala...I go by many different names. Not so many as Aragorn or even Gandalf, but I'll answer to Ala, Alatáriël, Alcmenelwen, Hildigard, or even "über geek".
____________________________

We have passed through the Dead Marshes and traversed the barren Nomans-land. I fear the Dark Lord may sense our presence, as the winged terror has overtaken us several times over the past few days. We are now come to the Morannon, the gate into the Black Land, and possibly the end of our journey. It is impossible to enter Mordor here, unless it be as prisoners. Sméagol says there is another way over the mountains further south, and the Ringbearer has agreed to follow him once again. I dislike and mistrust this wretched creature--even though we would not have made it through the Marshes without him--and I will not abandon Frodo and Sam to his care. We will journey south with him, but I will be on my guard.

--------------------
"Is it not guarded?" Frodo repeated.

"Yes, yes, perhaps. No safe places in this country," said Gollum sulkily. "No safe places. But master must try it or go home. No other way." They could not get him to say more. The name of the perilous place and the high pass he could not tell, or would not.

Its name was Cirith Ungol, a name of dreadful rumour. Aragorn could perhaps have told them that name and its significance; Gandalf would have warned them. But they were alone, and Aragorn was far away, and Gandalf stood amid the ruin of Isengard and strove with Saruman, delayed by treason. Yet even as he spoke his last words to Saruman, and the palantír crashed in fire upon the steps of Orthanc, his thought was ever upon Frodo and Samwise, over the long leagues his mind sought for them in hope and pity.

Maybe Frodo felt it, not knowing it, as he had upon Amon Hen, even though he believed that Gandalf was gone, gone for ever into the shadow in Moria far away. He sat upon the ground for a long while, silent, his head bowed, striving to recall all that Gandalf had said to him. But for this choice he could recall no counsel. Indeed Gandalf's guidance had been taken from them too soon, too soon, while the Dark Land was still very far away. How they should enter it at the last Gandalf had not said. Perhaps he could not say. Into the stronghold of the Enemy in the North, into Dol Guldur, he had once ventured. But into Mordor, to the Mountain of Fire and to Barad-dûr, since the Dark Lord rose in power again, had he ever journeyed there? Frodo did not think so. And here he was a little halfling from the Shire, a simple hobbit of the quiet countryside, expected to find a way where the great ones could not go, or dared not go. It was an evil fate. But he had taken it on himself in his own sitting-room in the far-off spring of another year, so remote now that it was like a chapter in a story of the world's youth, when the Trees of Silver and Gold were still in bloom. This was an evil choice. Which way should he choose? And if both led to terror and death, what good lay in choice?

...Frodo stood up..."I wish we had a thousand oliphaunts with Gandalf on a white one at their head," he said. "Then we'd break a way into this evil land, perhaps. But we've not; just our own tired legs, that's all. Well, Sméagol, the third turn may turn the best. I will come with you."

[Lyta_Underhill]

Congratulations on that 1000th mile, Estelyn!! Maybe Lyta can have Haldir meet you with a boat?? I asked Haldir about the boats, and, well, he told me I wasn't supposed to know about them yet! ;) (but he winked at me, too, so that could be a good sign!)

Anyway, I've been crawling to Lothlorien, with barely enough time to make a frantically fast walk on some days, no walk at all on others. I gather a mile or so in my workday, but not much more. I think I've doubled my walking speed, just so I can get there sometime this century! At last, I have achieved the summit of Cerin Amroth! I lay down under the great central mallorn tree in my mind and gazed up through the painted leaves up to the gleaming flet and thought about nothing...

Physio-man has forbidden me to walk beyond when my hip starts to fail which is just after 30 minutes. Most times I feel like someone has been punching me in the hip and butt areas which I totally could live with if I knew it meant I was getting better. Ouch! That sounds a lot like my lower back and hip area after a couple of accidents and a long period of suffering! I have to wear what I call a 'squeezer' to support my back most of the time when walking. If only my husband, aka, the Witch King were in as good shape, I'd have a walking companion, but he's not quite up to my half-running pace, alas! (At least that means he won't catch THIS hobbit anytime soon!)

Feel free to call me Ala...I go by many different names. Not so many as Aragorn or even Gandalf, but I'll answer to Ala, Alatáriël, Alcmenelwen, Hildigard, or even "über geek". And don't forget, the Queen of the Geeks! :D

Cheers!
Lyta Wingfoot, more than ready for a Gondorian foot massage with hobbit pillows!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Hi, fellow Walkers! I'm away from home, vacationing and still walking, of course! Most of it is definitely hobbit-style, barefoot on the beach. Just imagine Frodo on the white shores of Valinor, then you get the idea! I'll be back in the humdrum of daily life soon enough...

[Lyta_Underhill]

At last I have made it and now look upon the great city of the Galadhrim... Caras Galadhon! (In fact, I've been running around the Caras Galadhon 'running track' for over a mile...and boy am I tired!) I think I'll rest in the green, gold and silver land for a little bit, as I've about ruined myself to get here! By the way, Estelyn, did Haldir find you with that boat yet? I know I can't go anywhere for awhile unless it is flat on my back in a boat! And I didn't think to ask you or Alatariel whether you had looked into the mirror of Galadriel whilst there! I'm not sure if I will or not; perhaps I'll just have a stretch in the trees...

The day was a perfect one for reaching this goal as well; gloomy but tinged with a golden light that made all things more beautiful than I'll probably remember them later! But, alas, I am weary and the evening is full of things to do, so I bid you farewell for now!

Cheers!
Lyta (whose wings fell off her feet)

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

If only my husband, aka, the Witch King were in as good shape, I'd have a walking companion, but he's not quite up to my half-running pace, alas! (At least that means he won't catch THIS hobbit anytime soon!)

Lyta: It's a shame we don't live closer together, then we'd both have a walking partner. I log most of my miles during the day, walking down in the Mines of Moria (aka the basement/file storage bays). I've convinced a friend to walk with me several afternoons a week, but she's definitely NOT a LotR fan, and won't let me carry Sting. :(

Lyta Wingfoot, more than ready for a Gondorian foot massage with hobbit pillows!

I know those boys have been waiting for you....

At last I have made it and now look upon the great city of the Galadhrim... Caras Galadhon! .... And I didn't think to ask you or Alatariel whether you had looked into the mirror of Galadriel whilst there!

I did not look into the Mirror, as the Galadhrim had scheduled that LotR marathon for our Company when we arrived in December, and I was much too busy watching the films and relaxing in the hot tub.

Lyta (whose wings fell off her feet)

Don't worry...your feet (and your back) will feel SOOOOOO much better when Boromir, Merry & Pippin get finished with you. But be sure to have Haldir get you that boat (and plenty of Elvish sunscreen)--it's muchmuchmuchmuch better than walking! :p
________________________________

Gollum has led us south of the Morannon towards this 'secret pass' he says he knows. Perhaps it is just the contrast from the desolation at the Gates, but this country seems almost an oasis. There are trees and all manner of plants that are coming into blossom, and the green smell is like a balm to the spirit. I would that we could travel this fair land under the sun, but it is too dangerous. This country is under the dominion of the Enemy, and we must remain on our guard.

--------------------

So they passed into the northern marches of that land that Men once called Ithilien, a fair country of climbing woods and swift-falling streams...The long journey from Rivendell had brought them far south of their own land, but not until now in this more sheltered region had the hobbits felt the change of clime. Here Spring was already busy about them: fronds pierced moss and mould, larches were green-fingered, small flowers were opening in the turf, birds were singing. Ithilien, the garden of Gondor now desolate kept still a dishevelled dryad loveliness.

...As they walked, brushing their way through bush and herb, sweet odours rose about them. Gollum goughed and retched; but the hobbits breathed deep, and suddenly Sam laughed, for heart's ease not for jest...Then they sought for a resting-place, and a hiding-place; for this land, fair-seeming still, was nonetheless now territory of the Enemy.

[Anorial]

Ala, I plan on walking to Mordor and back again too. "There and back again, Anorial's Journey". Your friend won't let you carry Sting!! :D

Lyta, yep hip and back injuries really make you appreciate when they work right! Too bad one isn't born with that knowledge and you have to learn it the hard way! I find it very funny what all the various walkers call their husbands. One of my favorites is Husband-who-is-not-Strider...makes me smile every time. Enjoy your stay in Caras Galadhon....I hear it's very beautiful there...good scenery too! ;)

Enjoy the VAC Estelyn! Tell us all about it when you return. Hobbit-style, barefoot on the beach is one of the best ways to do it....well, it may very well BE the best, I'm just leaving room for improvement :).

Well, I've made it out of the Shire. Kind of bittersweet now that the day has come. Definitely feel like I've entered the wider world.
Cheers, Anorial

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

We "encountered" a company of Gondorian Rangers in the woods of Ithilien a few days ago. Sam had cooked a bit of rabbit stew for Frodo, and the smoke from the fire attacted their attention. Their captain turned out to be none other than Faramir, Boromir's younger brother.

As the Hobbits spoke with the Captain, Sam inadvertently mentioned the "you-know-what", and I feared that we three would be unable to escape from so many men. But instead of trying to seize the Ring as his brother did, Faramir sheltered us for the night and sent us on our way with our packs full of food.

Sam and I had hoped that Gollum had departed for good, but we were not that fortunate. Frodo still follows him, although Faramir warned the Ringbearer against going to the Morgul Vale and the Pass of Cirith Ungol. I needed no such warning, and I will remain watchful.

--------------------

"But fear no more! I would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway...I do not wish for such triumphs, Frodo son of Drogo...I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend..."

"Now look here, sir!" [Sam] turned, facing up to Faramir with all the courage that he could muster. "Don't you go taking advantage of my master because his servant's no better than a fool. You've spoken very handsome all along...but handsome is as handsome does we say. Now's a chance to show your quality."

"So it seems," said Faramir..."And here in the wild I have you: two halflings, and a host of men at my call, and the Ring of Rings...A chance for Faramir, Captain of Gondor, to show his quality!...We are truth-speakers, we men of Gondor. We boast seldom, and then perform, or die in the attempt. Not if I found it on the highway would I take it I said...be comforted, Samwise. If you seem to have stumbled, think that it was fated to be so...It shall turn to his good, if it is in my power."

...Sam hesitated for a moment, then bowing very low: "Good night, Captain, my lord," he said. "You took the chance, sir."

"Did I so?" said Faramir.

"Yes sir, and showed your quality: the very highest."

Faramir smiled. "A pert servant, Master Samwise. But nay: the praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards..."

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I just got back from walking my 1,111th mile! That's a special number, though saying it the "normal" way doesn't sound particularly interesting. I'm trying to decide how the hobbits would say it - one-eleventy-one? Eleventy-eleven?? Or perhaps double elvensies???

[Nurumaiel]

I know I haven't posted for awhile, but we've still been walking, and Caras Galadon seems close yet far away at the same time. Strider (or Aragorn as he's often referred to now) doesn't seem as anxious to move quickly, and besides, we have Gandalf with us now. Gandalf has been so very generous and allowed us to walk only about three miles every day so my injured shoulder could heal. Nobody knows how it was injured, but it is the common opinion that it was all my fault for teaching the hobbits to play baseball. I don't remember being hit....

When I'm not playing such games with the hobbits I'm composing little songs and having Aragorn and Legolas give me advice on how to improve them. They both seem to know what they're talking about. It's been more difficult becoming friends with Boromir and Gimli though they seem likeable enough... It's just that Boromir is from Gondor which rouses up awe in me, and Gimli is just a Dwarf and I don't know how to talk to them. But I bestow friendly smiles on them whenever I can.

Now I must run, for Gandalf has suggested since I had the inspiration to actually come to this thread again I might as well update the walker's list on the first page... then we have to walk another mile or two before making camp.

Good to 'see' you all again! :)

[Anorial]

Hi Nurumaiel, nice to meet you! I'm at 110 miles right now.

Cheers,
Anorial

[Nurumaiel]

And pleased to meet you, Anorial. You really are cruising along! 110 miles, eh? Look out around Old Man Willow. When I was back there he nearly got Merry and Pippin.

(I have an odd feeling there are countless Merrys and Pippins running about right now. I see them here with me, but I know they're with Anorial too, and weren't they up at the Anduin giving foot massages? I guess so long as they don't meet each other and die of fright!!)

Obeying Gandalf's request I have updated the Walker's List, which can be found on the first page of the thread, second post. I do apologize if I miscalculated any mileages. Now I'm off for some late-night walking.

Happy walking!

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

it is the common opinion that it was all my fault for teaching the hobbits to play baseball. I don't remember being hit....

Nurumaiel: Welcome back!! Sorry to hear you've had shoulder problems--those hobbits can sure get carried away sometimes, can't they?

_______________________________

We have almost reached the Cross-roads, and we will then have to turn East to Minas Morgul. Just before dawn today we made camp on a great hog-back of land covered with gorse bushes. The bushes were quite tall, and Gollum and the halflings were able to walk upright under them, although I had to crouch to keep from being impaled on the thorns.

Instead of the sun, a dark cloud rose from the Nameless Land to spread westwards. The sun could not pierce this shadow, and the day continued to grow darker and darker. Gollum disappeared soon after we stopped, and when he returns we must continue our journey. I try to appear confident and unafraid in front of the hobbits, but my heart quails at the thought of the Dead City. Many dreadful tales have been told in Rivendell of the horrors that dwell in Minas Morgul. When my fears begin to overwhelm me, the determination and strength of will of my small companions give me the courage to persevere in spite of my dread.

--------------------

"Haven't you had no sleep, Mr. Frodo?" he said. "What's the time? Seems to be getting late!"

"No it isn't," said Frodo. "But the day is getting darker instead of lighter: darker and darker. As far as I can tell, it isn't midday yet, and you've only slept for about three hours."

...At that moment a rolling and rumbling noise was heard again, louder now and deeper. The ground seemed to quiver under their feet. "I think we are in for trouble anyhow," said Frodo. "I'm afraid our journey is drawing to an end."

"Maybe," said Sam; "but where there's life there's hope, as my Gaffer used to say; and need of vittles, as he mostways used to add. You have a bite, Mr. Frodo, and then a bit of sleep."

...Frodo gave no sign of what was passing in his mind. He sighed, hoisted his pack, and prepared to go out into the ever-gathering darkness...Without the crack of a twig or the rustle of a leaf they passed and vanished.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Yesterday, we journeyed from the Cross-roads into Morgul Vale, where Gollum led us to his 'secret' path over the Mountains of Shadow. While we watched from across the Valley, the Witch King led his army westward for the attack on Minas Tirith. I fear for the city, for the army was huge. I hope Faramir and his men were able to cross the Anduin in time.

We climbed up two sets of stairs: the Straight Stair was the most difficult for the halflings, although the Winding Stair was longer. I followed behind (and below) them so that I would be able to catch them if they slipped or fell. When we reached the top, we ate a little and then rested for a few hours before venturing into the lightless tunnel. As we travelled through the passages, we realized that Gollum had betrayed us and we were lost in the darkness and the stench. When it seemed that we were trapped by the horror of Shelob, the Ringbearer drew his sword and with the light of the star-glass we were able to make our escape.

After Frodo cut the web that covered the entrance of the tunnel, he suddenly ran shouting out into the open, heading for the pass. I heard a hiss behind me, and something hard hit my head. When I awoke, I saw the figure of Sam standing in the cleft of the pass, but there was no sign of Frodo. Suddenly, before my eyes, Sam vanished. When I reached the cleft myself, he reappeared just ahead of me. There was no time for us to exchange tales, as the knowledge that Frodo was a prisoner of the orcs spurred us into action.

When we entered the Tower, we found no live orcs and the place stank of death. We feared that Frodo had also been slain, but we found him in the highest chamber--alive, but naked. Since he had no other clothes, we dressed him in orc gear, and Sam and I wore helms with the sign of the red eye and cloaks to hide our clothes, so that we would match.

We have escaped from the Enemy, and must now make our way across Gorgoroth towards Mt. Doom. May Elbereth protect us!

--------------------

Sam gave no more thought to it. He ran to the figure huddled on the floor. It was Frodo.

He was naked, lying as if in a swoon on a heap of filthy rags: his arm was flung up, shielding his head, and across his side there ran an ugly whip-weal.

"Frodo! Mr. Frodo, my dear!" cried Sam, tears almost blinding him. "It's Sam, I've come!" He half lifted his master and hugged him to his breast. Frodo opened his eyes.

"Am I still dreaming?" he muttered. "But the other dreams were horrible."

"You're not dreaming at all, Master," said Sam. "It's real. It's me. I've come."

"I can hardly believe it," said Frodo, clutching him. "There was an orc with a whip, and then it turns into Sam! Then I wasn't dreaming after all when I heard that singing down below, and I tried to answer? Was it you?"

"It was indeed, Mr. Frodo. I'd given up hope, almost. I couldn't find you."

"Well, you have now, Sam, dear Sam," said Frodo, and he lay back in Sam's gentle arms, closing his eyes, like a child at rest when night-fears are driven away by some loved voice or hand.

Sam felt that he could sit like that in endless happiness; but it was not allowed. It was not enough for him to find his master, he had still to try and save him.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

We have journeyed north from the Tower for several days, following alongside the orc-road. Our food supplies now consist of lembas only, and a few wafers are all that remain. Water has been most difficult, as there are very few streams in these hills. I fear we may soon have to journey along the roadway, as scrambling among these hills is rapidly consuming the Ringbearer's dwindling strength.

The day after our escape, the wind changed to the West and the smokes of Mt. Doom began to roll back. How we long for word of our friends...it is plain that not all things are going the Enemy's way. Yesterday, we overheard orcs speaking of the destruction of the Witch-king. If true, this is good news beyond all hope. However, for the three of us here in Mordor, all we can do is try to elude capture for as long as possible, and continue our journey towards the Mountain.

--------------------
When Sam thought of water even his hopeful spirit quailed. Beyond the Morgai there was the dreadful plain of Gorgoroth to cross.

"Now you go to sleep first, Mr. Frodo," he said. "It's getting dark again. I reckon this day is nearly over."

Frodo sighed and was asleep almost before the words were spoken. Sam struggled with his own weariness, and he took Frodo's hand; and there he sat silent till deep night fell. Then at last, to keep himself awake, he crawled from the hiding-place and looked out. The land seemed full of creaking and cracking and sly noises, but there was no sound of voice or of foot. Far above the Ephel Dúath in the West the night-sky was still dim and pale. There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tor high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach. His song in the Tower had been defiance rather than hope; for then he was thinking of himself. Now, for a moment, his own fate, and even his master's, ceased to trouble him. He crawled back into the brambles and laid himself by Frodo's side, and putting away all fear he cast himself into a deep untroubled sleep.

[The Barrow-Wight]

The Barrow-Downs Walk to Rivendell (http://www.barrowdowns.com/walktorivendell.asp) has been extended to Parth Galen.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Wonderful, BW!! Now I finally know where I am again - approaching the Emyn Muil. Thanks!

*chants "Praise him with great praise!"*

[Saraphim]

Today, for the first time, I will log how far I have traveled. It has been a long two-hundred and fifty-eight miles, but I have reached Weathertop.

The heat has been oddly hot, seeing as how far to the north I am, but a mere tripe digit temperature does not hinder me, especially not with a good supply of water.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Nothing I have ever read—nothing I have ever heard—nothing I have ever imagined in my darkest hours—nothing—prepared me for the evil of this place…or this journey. The very air we breathe is bitter, and the growing malevolence of our Enemy as we approach his stronghold casts an ever-darkening shadow upon my heart. My spirit falters as my body stumbles… Did Lúthien feel this blackness of despair as she approached the presence of Morgoth? I have no Húan or Beren to aid me, but as I follow my companions on this cruel trek, I would not exchange these precious halflings for Húrin, or Finrod or even for Oromë himself. I do not know how they find the strength to endure, but each day we draw nearer to the Mountain.

We traveled much of the way on the orc road from Cirith Ungol towards Barad-Dûr, trying to conserve Frodo’s strength. The road also had a few cisterns which contain the only water available in this wasteland. Several nights ago we were almost captured when a troop of orcs came suddenly upon us. In the darkness, wearing our orc disguises, we were not revealed to them, but we were forced to travel with them for several miles. The pace was hard enough for me…but for the hobbits, it was torture. When we were finally able to slip away, Frodo was so exhausted that I feared for his life.

We must soon turn from this road and head towards the Mountain. Our supply of lembas runs low and our water is all but gone. I watch Sam watching Frodo and see that he now realizes what I have known for many days. We must reach the Mountain and destroy the Ring, but there will be no return to the living lands for us. His face is determined as he raises his eyes to meet mine…without a word being spoken a covenant is forged between us. We will do what we have to do to ensure that Frodo reaches Mt. Doom and the One Ring is cast into the Fire, no matter what the cost…the Quest must not fail!

--------------------

…as he worked things out, slowly a new dark thought grew in his mind. Never for long had hope died in his staunch heart, and always until now he had taken some thought for their return. But the bitter truth came home to him at last: at best their provision would take them to their goal; and when the task was done, there they would come to an end, alone, houseless, foodless in the midst of a terrible desert. There could be no return.

“So that was the job I felt I had to do when I started,” thought Sam: “to help Mr. Frodo to the last step and then die with him? Well, if that is the job then I must do it...”

But even as hope died in Sam, or seemed to die, it was turned to a new strength. Sam’s plain hobbit-face grew stern, almost grim, as the will hardened in him, and he felt through all his limbs a thrill, as if he was turning into some creature of stone and steel that neither despair nor weariness nor endless barren miles could subdue.

…“Well, Mr. Frodo,” said Sam, “I’ve been having a look round and thinking a bit. There’s nothing on the roads, and we’d best be getting away while there’s a chance. Can you manage it?”

“I can manage it,” said Frodo. “I must.”

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

“...The Ring is mine!” As I stumble into the doorway of the Sammath Naur, these words come echoing through the darkness and pierce my heart. We have come to the heart of the Enemy’s realm, and the end of our dark journey.

***************

The path across Gorgoroth Plain was a long and wearisome undertaking, with hunger and thirst our constant companions. I came to Mordor with Frodo and Sam, believing that I could help to lighten their burdens and keep them from harm…but now I can do nothing to diminish the suffering of my companions, and can only watch, helpless, as their strength wanes. Each day the Ring gains a greater hold over Frodo’s mind and will and like Sam, I am powerless to do anything to ease his torment.

It seemed that Frodo had spent the last of his stamina to reach the foot of the Mountain yesterday, and Sam and I had to carry him much of the way up today. Gollum attacked when we reached the roadway that wound around the Mountain, and Frodo went on ahead while Sam and I stayed to deal with the creature that had caused so much evil. This time, it was the pity of Sam that spared the wretch’s life, and we left him and hurried away to rejoin Frodo.

In the end, neither Sam nor I nor Frodo were able to destroy the Ring. It was Gollum who bit the Ring off of Frodo’s hand—finger and all—and fell with It into the fires and was destroyed. It was the pity and mercy of these two halflings towards Gollum that managed to counter the evil of the Ring and cause Its destruction.

We stand on a small hill of ash here at the foot of Mt. Doom and await the end. I am proud to have been a part of this adventure, and even prouder that these two valiant heroes name me as their friend. In death, their spirits will leave the confines of this world and go to a place known only to Ilúvatar, while I will dwell for a time in the Halls of Mandos. But—if it were permitted—I would choose to make the final journey with them; for I love them well and truly, and even in death I do not wish to be parted from them. We clasp hands, and their touch fills my heart with peace. The last thing my eyes see in this world are the two faces most dear to me—and I am content.

--------------------

“I am glad that you are here with me,” said Frodo. “Here at the end of all things, Sam.”

“Yes, I am with you, Master,” said Sam, laying Frodo’s wounded hand gently to his breast. “And you’re with me. And the journey’s finished. But after coming all that way I don’t want to give up yet. It’s not like me, somehow, if you understand.”

“Maybe not, Sam,” said Frodo; “but it’s like things are in the world. Hopes fail. An end comes. We have only a little time to wait now. We are lost in ruin and downfall, and there is no escape.”

…Frodo and Sam could go no further. Their last strength of mind and body was swiftly ebbing. They had reached a low ashen hill piled at the Mountain’s foot; but from it there was no more escape. It was an island now, not long to endure, amid the torment of Orodruin. All about it the earth gaped, and from deep rifts and pits smoke and fumes leaped up. Behind them the Mountain was convulsed. Great rents opened in its side. Slow rivers of fire came down the long slopes towards them. Soon they would be engulfed. A rain of hot ash was falling.

…And so it was that Gwaihir saw them with his keen far-seeing eyes, as down the wild wind he came, and daring the great peril of the skies he circled in the air: two [edit: three] small dark figures, forlorn, hand in hand upon a little hill, while the world shook under them, and gasped, and rivers of fire drew near. And even as he espied them and came swooping down, he saw them fall, worn out, or choked with fumes and heat, or stricken down by despair at last, hiding their eyes from death.

Side by side they lay; and down swept Gwaihir, and down came Landroval and Meneldor the swift; and in a dream, not knowing what fate had befallen them, the wanderers were lifted up and borne far away out of the darkness and the fire.

[Araréiel]

My boyfriend did 18 freaking miles today. It kind of sucks when you live 3 miles from the train, and your work is another 2 miles from the train on the other end. A mile to the other train to get to the town with your old post office box, 4 miles from that train to the post office, 4 back, another mile between trains, 3 miles from the other train home. This is because out car blew chunks last week and he has to get his paycheck for us to buy a new one. And, as luck would have it, the check wasn't there. It's 11:30pm and he just walked in the door not 10 minutes ago. He did another 5.5 yesterday (took the bus to the train, but had to go somewhere before home). This is what the challenge said for him for yesterday and today's walking for him:

You have walked 23.5 miles.
You have passed Green Hill Country (18).
You are only 3.5 miles from Black Rider Stopping Place.
You still have 434.5 miles to Rivendell.

After some time they crossed the Water, west of Hobbiton, by a narrow plank-bridge. The stream was there no more than a winding black ribbon, bordered with leaning alder-trees. A mile or two further south they hastily crossed the great road from the Brandywine Bridge; they were now in the Tookland and bending south-eastwards they made for the Green Hill Country. As they began to climb its first slopes they looked back and saw the lamps in Hobbiton far off twinkling in the gentle valley of the Water. Soon it disappeared in the folds of the darkened land, and was followed by Bywater beside its grey pool. When the light of the last farm was far behind, peeping among the trees, Frodo turned and waved a hand in farewell.

[Anorial]

Ala, that was beautiful....made me cry like the movie :) Congrats on reaching Mordor and finally "throwing in the ring"!

[Lyta_Underhill]

Many congratulations to Alatariel! Praise her with great praise! Now, let's have an Eagle in there to get her out before Orodruin blows! I've really enjoyed your closely written narratives, Alatariel; you must really have walked in two worlds down there in "Moria!" That's as Elvish as it gets, if you take my meaning!

I have been somewhat delayed by the wretchedly hot weather here and have made it 1113 miles, just past the Brown Lands (a thousand thanks to Mr. Barrow-Wight for the extended Walk to Parth Galen tool!) :D I was only estimating before! Strangely enough, I noticed Merry and Pippin looking for something on the Eastern shore...naaah! That can't be right! But they sure are interested in something!

The heat has been oddly hot, seeing as how far to the north I am, but a mere tripe digit temperature does not hinder me, especially not with a good supply of water.
Saraphim, you are hardier than I, and congratulations on making Weathertop! The heat has kept me from walking quite as much as I want to, and also the eternal Jokester in the Sky has seen fit to dump inches upon inches of rain in my area, usually at the precise time I schedule my walks (anywhere from 5-7 p.m. Central US time). As a rebellious act, I decided to walk at 10:30 a.m.! Mistake! The humidity here in Southern Middle Tennessee is about 1000%, AND it was 90 degrees plus! Translation...I was flattened before I could finish 4 miles! Luckily, my water bottle saved me, but only just barely!

The narrow strip of almost-pavement/gravel I walk down every day is a medium grey color, and I can imagine it to be like the winding course of the Anduin (or perhaps the Mississippi) ;) . On a few days, I haven't had to imagine. Water runs freely over the thin road and into the riverlike ditches on either side (where there are ditches, that is!). It has been a wet summer indeed, and a long, hot, humid road. I'm considering walking at night again, except for the fact that a VERY LARGE animal tore up part of a building that is about 250 yards from where I live, and I'm still not sure if it was a mad coyote or even a bear! (One can only hope it would be more Beorn-like... It had very large paws, not unlike a very large dog, and it must have very large teeth. Well, the upshot is, my knife, sword and stick are not enough for something like that, and perhaps I should carry a .44 magnum too! Can we say Dirty Harry in Middle Earth? "This is Anduril, the most powerful sword in the world..." OK, I'm getting silly now, so I'll stop!

I have not posted very much lately also because I've been playing Samwise, as I do every summer, but it has been a race to save the garden from rotting from all the rain! I'm sure I'll either be burned beyond recognition or "nut-brown" like Sam by August. I just hope I'll have some tomatoes and peppers to show for it!

Bye now, and happy trails to all!
Cheers!
Lyta

[Anorial]

Hi Nurumaiel, I noticed you were on and I checked the first page. I'm not on there anymore....how come? I'm at 234 miles. :)
Cheers!
Anorial

[Nurumaiel]

Hello there, Anorial. I lost track of where the list was when the three WtR pages were combined into one. I do believe I'll just post a new list instead of editting the old post... unless I can find the old post... *looks helplessly at the 34 pages to search through*

Ala, we really do need to find those Eagles to save you. That was truly a lovely post.

[Anorial]

Hi Nurumaiel, I was stubborn and kept searching....I found it on page 25 and lo and behold, I'm on that list! :)
Happy trails,
Anorial

[Nurumaiel]

The list is updated now. You can find it here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=154364&postcount=970). I'll probably be updating again next week.

Keep up the good work, everyone!

By the way, Anorial, I thank you for finding the old list.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Ala, that was beautiful....made me cry like the movie. Congrats on reaching Mordor and finally "throwing in the ring"!

Many congratulations to Alatariel! Praise her with great praise! Now, let's have an Eagle in there to get her out before Orodruin blows! I've really enjoyed your closely written narratives, Alatariel; you must really have walked in two worlds down there in "Moria!" That's as Elvish as it gets, if you take my meaning!

Ala, we really do need to find those Eagles to save you. That was truly a lovely post.

Anorial, Lyta & Nurumaiel: Many thanks for all your kind words (and especially for sending Gandalf with the Eagles to pick us up)!! Without the inspiration of all my fellow walkers (and Frodo and Sam), I would never even have made it out of the Shire, much less reached the end of the journey!

"End? The journey doesn't end here."

I still have to make sure that the hobbits return safely to the Shire (and that Frodo gets on that ship with me). Hopefully, there will be a bit more joy and less danger on the journey home. :cool:


I'm considering walking at night again, except for the fact that a VERY LARGE animal tore up part of a building that is about 250 yards from where I live, and I'm still not sure if it was a mad coyote or even a bear! (One can only hope it would be more Beorn-like... It had very large paws, not unlike a very large dog, and it must have very large teeth.

Lyta, be careful!! Sounds like you might have an orc there in your neck of the woods...or possibly even an Uruk-hai! :eek: Make sure you take Aragorn and Boromir out walking with you for protection. Those boys can whup anything!!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Congratulations, Alatáriël! I'm following you from an admiring distance, having reached Parth Galen now. On to the next goal...

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Congratulations, Alatáriël! I'm following you from an admiring distance, having reached Parth Galen now. On to the next goal...

Many thanks for your good wishes, Estelyn! Will you be off with Frodo and Sam, or will you journey with Aragorn & Company? Or perhaps accompany Merry & Pippin to Fangorn? If you go with F & S, watch out for that nassssty Gollum--he's mighty tricksssy...yessss, preciousss, yessss...very tricksssy indeed!!

______________________________

“Why, what a dream I’ve had!….But then I thought I was dead myself. Is everything sad going to come untrue? What’s happened to the world?”

I cannot help but smile at the look of bewilderment and incredulous joy on Sam’s face, as he looks from Frodo sleeping beside him, to me sitting on the edge of the next bed, to Gandalf sitting in a chair beside me, and then back again to Frodo. I had felt just the same when I had awoken two days previously. When I had seen that Frodo and Sam were still with me, as well as the wizard that I had long thought dead, it had seemed as if Ilúvatar had heard my wish and allowed me to travel the mortal path beyond the confines of this world. But I soon discovered that it was not so, for Aragorn was also there, as were Legolas and Gimli, and Merry and Pippin.

I heard the tale of our rescue by Gandalf and the great Eagles from the chaos in Mordor that followed the destruction of the Ring and Sauron’s fall. How we had been taken out of the fire and delivered to the edge of the battlefield before the Morannon. How King Aragorn Elessar had put forth all his healing power to call us back to the lands of the living. How we had slept for many days while others had fought the remnants of the Enemy’s army, and all had been removed into Ithilien. I had heard of all that had happened to our Fellowship after our parting on Amon Hen, and a wondrous tale it was…but to me less so than that of my two valiant companions.

In my turn, I told the others of the hardships endured by the halflings, of their courage, their endurance, their compassion, their indomitable spirits. I told how Sam had cared for and supported Frodo all during our journey, but especially during the last days. How Frodo was somehow able to summon his failing strength each day to carry him further towards the Mountain, although the Ring was consuming more and more of his mind and will. How even when all hope had faded, Sam did not falter in his purpose. And how, in the end, it was pity and compassion—the pity of Bilbo in the caves…the pity of Frodo in the Emyn Muil…the pity of Sam on the slopes of Mount Doom—not great armies, nor strength of arms, nor any power of wizards, that enabled the Quest to be fulfilled and the Ring destroyed.

I watch as my two precious friends dress once again in the stained and tattered clothing that they wore as they journeyed through the Black Land, and Gandalf takes their hands to lead them to the King. As they start to walk away, Frodo stops and turns to me, holding out his hand. “Come on, Alatáriël,” he smiles, “the King is waiting.”

I smile back. “I have already spoken to the King, my friend. He is waiting to greet the two of you now. I will join you later for the feasting, never fear.” When they had spoken to me yesterday of their intent, I had told both Aragorn and Gandalf that I did not wish to be included in the public acclaim that was planned. Aragorn had insisted, but I was adamant. This day should belong solely to the Halflings, for theirs was the chief sacrifice and triumph. I had received unexpected support in this from Gandalf, and Aragorn had reluctantly agreed.

I follow quietly behind them as they walk through the beech wood, and I remain under the trees, watching, as Gandalf leads them onto the green field among the host of men. My heart is full as I watch King Elessar kneel to them and then set them upon his throne, and my own voice is lost amid the shouts and cheers of those assembled. And I, like Sam, both laugh and weep as the minstral begins to sing of “Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom”.

The Quest is over, but our journey will continue. I will accompany my friends back to their home in the Shire, or wherever fate may take them in the future. I will not seek the Havens with Elrond and the other folk of Rivendell...not now…for as long as these companions of my heart live in Middle-earth, I shall remain.




“Praise them with great praise!”



--------------------


‘Long live the Halflings! Praise them with great praise!
Cuio i Pheriain anann! Aglar’ni Pheriannath!
Praise them with great praise, Frodo and Samwise!
Daur a Berhael, Conin en Annûn! Eglerio!
Praise them!
Eglerio!
A laita te, laita te! Andave laituvalmet!
Praise them!
Cormacolindor, a laita tárienna!
Praise them! The Ring-bearers, praise them with great praise!’

On the throne sat a mail-clad man, a great sword was laid across his knees, but he wore no helm. As they drew near he rose. And then they knew him, changed as he was, so high and glad of face, kingly, lord of Men, dark-haired with eyes of grey.

Frodo ran to meet him, and Sam followed close behind. “Well, if this isn’t the crown of all!” he said. “Strider, or I’m still asleep!”

“Yes, Sam, Strider,” said Aragorn. “It is a long way, is it not, from Bree, where you did not like the look of me? A long way for us all, but yours has been the darkest road."

And then to Sam’s surprise and utter confusion he bowed his knee before them; and taking them by the hand, Frodo upon his right and Sam upon his left, he led them to the throne, and setting them upon it, he turned to the men and captains who stood by and spoke, so that his voice rang over all the host, crying:

“Praise them with great praise!”

And when the glad shout had swelled up and died away again, to Sam’s final and complete satisfaction and pure joy, a minstral of Gondor stood forth, and knelt, and begged leave to sing. And behold! he said:

“Lo! Lords and knights and men of valour unashamed, kings and princes, and fair people of Gondor, and Riders of Rohan, and ye sons of Elrond, and Dúnedain of the North, and Elf and Dwarf, and greathearts of the Shire, and all free folk of the West, now listen to my lay. For I will sing to you of Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom.”

And when Sam heard that he laughed aloud for sheer delight, and he stood up and cried: “O great glory and splendour! And all of my wishes have come true!” And then he wept.

And all the host laughed and wept, and in the midst of their merriment and tears the clear voice of the minstrel rose like silver and gold, and all men were hushed. And he sang to them, now in the Elven-tongue, now in the speech of the West, until their hearts, wounded with sweet words, overflowed, and their joy was like swords, and they passed in thought out to regions where pain and delight flow together and tears are the very wine of blessedness.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

The weeks spent in Ithilien passed in a blur of feasting and celebration—the days full of talk and laughter and song—the nights filled with peace without fear. But although our Enemy was defeated and our camp filled with valiant soldiers, I discovered I could not rest easy in the tent appointed to me. So each night, after all were drowned in slumber, I found myself still standing watch over Frodo and Sam, unseen in the shadows of the trees surrounding their tent. For their protection no longer, but only for the comfort that their company brings to me. Watching unseen was more difficult in Minas Tirith, and even more unnecessary than in Ithilien, but I was compelled, nonetheless.

It has been balm to my spirit to watch my companions honored by the people that they sacrificed so much for, and to see our Fellowship re-united once more. The crowning of Aragorn Elessar, and his wedding to Arwen Undómiel on Midsummer Day seemed a fitting end to all our labors, but I saw the bitter disappointment on Frodo’s face when the one he had longed to see was not with the company from Rivendell. As the days passed one into another, it was plain to me that the halflings were becoming restless, and I knew they were longing for their own home.

Minas Tirith now lies several days behind us on our long journey, and we travel first to Rohan to return Théoden King to his home. It is a large and splendid company that escorts the fallen to their rest—King Elessar and Queen Undómiel, King Éomer, Prince Faramir of Ithilien, Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, my lord Elrond with Elladan and Elrohir, Gandalf, Legolas and Gimli, Merry and Pippin, many of the Firstborn from Rivendell and Lórien, as well as many knights of both Gondor and Rohan. And, of course, the Ringbearer and his devoted Sam. I watch them riding beside Aragorn and Gandalf from my place amidst the folk of Rivendell, and remember the closeness of days past that are now gone...

...but not forgotten.


--------------------

…and Aragorn said: “I know what you have come to say, Frodo; you wish to return to your own home. Well, dearest friend, the tree grows best in the land of its sires; but for you in all the lands of the West there will ever be a welcome…”

“It is true that I wish to go back to the Shire,” said Frodo. “But first I must go to Rivendell. For if there could be anything wanting in a time so blessed, I missed Bilbo; and I was grieved when among all the household of Elrond I saw that he was not come.”

“Do you wonder at that, Ring-bearer?” said Arwen…“He is ancient in years now, according to his kind; and he awaits you, for he will not again make any long journey save one…A gift I will give you. For I am the daughter of Elrond. I shall not go with him now when he departs to the Havens; for mine is the choice of Lúthien, and as she so have I chosen, both the sweet and the bitter. But in my stead you shall go, Ring-bearer, when the time comes, and if you then desire it. If your hurts grieve you still and the memory of your burden is heavy, then you may pass into the West, until all your wounds and weariness are healed. But wear this now in memory of Elfstone and Evenstar with whom your life has been woven!”

And she took a white gem like a star that lay upon her breast hanging upon a silver chain, and she set the chain about Frodo’s neck. “When the memory of the fear and the darkness troubles you,” she said, “this will bring you aid.”

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Good going, Alatáriël! I have now reached a proper 1420 mileage and have no idea where I am, since our BD tracker doesn't go beyond Parth Galen. I'll have to add up the Éowyn site's mileage. At any rate, I'm following Frodo's tracks to Mount Doom - I think I'll detour to Minas Tirith on the way back...

[Estelyn Telcontar]

OK, I added up the mileage on the Éowyn Challenge site and found out where I am - the Dead Marshes! :eek:

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Good going, Alatáriël! I have now reached a proper 1420 mileage and have no idea where I am, since our BD tracker doesn't go beyond Parth Galen. I'll have to add up the Éowyn site's mileage. At any rate, I'm following Frodo's tracks to Mount Doom - I think I'll detour to Minas Tirith on the way back...

OK, I added up the mileage on the Éowyn Challenge site and found out where I am - the Dead Marshes!


Estelyn, I see you've met up with that nassssty Gollum! You and Sam keep your eyes on that Stinker...he'll betray you if he gets the chance.

If you're at 1420 miles, you have indeed just entered the Marshes. I had to use my M-E atlas and make my own mileage chart once I had passed beyond the bounds of the BD tracker. The Marshes will end at 1435; then you will pass into the Nomans Lands at 1450; and the Black Gate at 1477. As Sam would say 'that's an eye-opener and no mistake'!! :eek:

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Are any Walkers still with us? I'm averaging only about 3 miles a day, but it adds up over time. I just checked my location, thinking I was somewhere between the Dead Marshes and the Black Gate, which seemed quite appropriate for this time of year. But I have moved past Ithilien and must check out the Éowyn site's road markers to see where I am now.

[Anorial]

Yup, I'm still walking with a little swimming thrown in. When the journey is done, I think it would be cool to have swum the equivalent of the Anduin as well as walk the rest. I made it to Rivendell on Oct 14th :D :). Now I'm nearly 50 miles past Rivendell, winding my way south towards Hollin Ridge. I'm averaging just over 2.5 miles a day. I'd like to do more but my hip still isn't 100% and I've sick family to take care of and stress over :rolleyes:. It's great to be on the journey though!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I've gotten a message from the Éowyn Challenge (http://home.insightbb.com/~eowynchallenge/index.html) site leaders about a new challenge. This is what it says: Here it is!

A challenge to all walkers -- to help the Milestones Celebration Page (ie, the shields page) reach 225,000 miles by the Walk's second anniversary on March 17, 2005. If every walker currently registered on the shields page walked 32 miles between now and then, we'd definitely reach that goal, but not all walkers are active at the moment. Because of that, we'd like to ask everyone still active to walk at least 100 miles between now and then. For some of us, this is a lot, for others it isn't much, but with all of our help, we can reach this amazing communal goal, and show just how far we've come in the past two years. Since the Fellowship set out to Rivendell on December 25th, we believe this will be an excellent start date for the 100 Mile challenge.

What say you?

We realize that many walkers have not logged their miles recently and the Milestone page may incur a surge of new miles, but the 100 Mile Challenge shall continue anyway. It would be a great way to start the New Year!

We hope you have a very happy holiday season!

Miradan and Kally

I will certainly participate and hope to accomplish more than 100 miles by then. For those of you who have not updated on the milestone page there, please do so - let's see lots of lovely black shields!

[Lyta_Underhill]

If every walker currently registered on the shields page walked 32 miles between now and then, we'd definitely reach that goal, but not all walkers are active at the moment. Because of that, we'd like to ask everyone still active to walk at least 100 miles between now and then.
Indeed I am still walking, although I have been absent from this site for a long time! With no knowledge of this new challenge, I finally made it over to the Eowyn Challenge site (I've got the update mileage page bookmarked directly, so I didn't see the challenge) and I added 285 miles to my previous total. I hope that will help! ;) I am now staring up at an endless expanse of ladder-like cuts in a steep hidden part of Cirith Ungol, having gotten there by trudging through some crunchy ice/snow, oddly! It is good to know there are walkers still walking, and my trip through Mordor won't be quite so lonely!

BTW, has anyone noticed a certain reluctance when making the approach into the territories of Mordor? Every now and then, I feel a hand pushing me back, trying to keep me from finishing, slowing me down...perhaps I've taken my identification with Frodo a little far? ;) I hope it doesn't get worse once I'm in Mordor Proper...

Cheers!
Lyta

[Lyta_Underhill]

This thread seems to be a bit slow, but I thought I'd add something commemorating my trip through (or at least TO!) Shelob's Lair. I am at 1616 miles, which is just about where Frodo finds the opening on the left side of the tunnel to the lair of the great nasty spider herself! This would be a routine event on a regular walk, marked only by a number representing a milestone along the road to Mount Doom.

However, it seems that life imitates Quest in odd and disturbing ways indeed! In a metaphorical and almost literal way, I have been stung by a giant spider! (Thus taking Frodo's role in this walk where paths must diverge, although I had not yet made up my mind which road to take. It seems to have been ordained for me...). About a month ago, my husband and I were interviewed for our habit of keeping black widow spiders. An offhand comment followed that his mother, who lived close by, was herself a giant spider. When he told her that we had said this, she said, plainly and seriously, "I AM a giant spider."

Yesterday, the giant spider stung me and my husband by summarily announcing that we had 2 months to get out of our house--no reason or explanation and not a hint of warning. This was completely out of the blue, but I indeed feel rather stung and the Tower of Cirith Ungol lies somewhere in the darkness that I cannot see, and well, Mount Doom is not as clear a path as I had once thought...

Not to be depressing, but I thought the whole "giant spider" coincidence made it relevant to this particular discussion...I suppose I'll have to wait to see what happens and where I might be glimpsing the rest of my path. Anyone who has had a similar experience feel free to commiserate, although I imagine I'll be packing and won't be able to post as much as I had hoped!

Cheers!
Lyta (in the dark tunnel)

[elfearz1]

I have a question. I have already walked to Rivendell some time ago and I don't want to start over so, first, we're walking to Lothlorien now right? If thats the case then how many miles is it from Rivendell to Lothlorien?

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Wow, I can't believe it's been over 4 months since I posted here. There have been so many things going on in RL that time has just flowed past like the Anduin. I have still been walking though, and I am currently journeying back to the Shire with the hobbits. We are still in Rohan, about 20 miles east of Helm's Deep. I wrote the following sometime in October, but never had a chance to post it.

____________________

2108 Miles -- The Beacon of Calenhad


We have journeyed slowly through Anórien, along the northern edge of the White Mountains, past the now dark and silent beacon hills. There is no longer any need of haste, and as we draw near to Edoras, our company follows the wain bearing Théoden King back to the land of his sires.

Several days ago we passed the edges of the wood under Amon Dîn, and King Elessar granted all of the Forest of Drúadan to the Wild Men of the Woods in payment for their help to the Rohirrim. After listening to Merry’s tale I had hoped for a glimpse of them, but we saw them not.

Most days, I find myself riding betwixt Elladan and Elrohir, playmates of my youth, and my brothers in spirit. As on many another journey, they have appointed themselves my escort and guardians. With them, I do not feel obligated to fill every moment with conversation. We speak and we are silent, and their familiar presence fills me with peace.

After the luncheon halt today, I was preparing to mount my horse when I felt a touch on my arm. Turning, I looked into the smiling faces of Frodo and Sam. “Can we ride with you this afternoon, Alatáriël?” asked Frodo. “It seems such a long time since we’ve talked to you. Sam and I are beginning to think you’re avoiding us.”

I was embarrassed…I had not realized that they might think that. “I would enjoy your company,” I replied with a smile of my own, “but surely the King would prefer that you remain with him.”

“King Strider’ll not mind,” put in Sam. “We thought as how you would come an’ ride with us sometime, but Gandalf said that you wanted t’ spend some time with th’ folk from Rivendell. But we’ve been travelin’ for a fortnight now, so we thought you wouldn’t mind spendin’ some time with us. Beggin’ your pardon, sirs” he added with a nod to Elrond’s sons.

And so we three journeyed together once again, and it was as if time had turned back, and we were companions once again. The pleasure of their company, but without the fear and danger of our quest, was so great that I did not even mind the smirk I caught on Gandalf’s face.

____________________

At last the day of departure came, and a great and fair company made ready to ride north from the City. Then the kings of Gondor and Rohan went to the Hallows and they came to the tombs in Rath Dínen, and they bore away King Théoden upon a golden bier, and passed through the City in silence. Then they laid the bier upon a great wain with Riders of Rohan all about it and his banner borne before; and Merry being Théoden’s esquire rode upon the wain and kept the arms of the king.

For the other Companions steeds were furnished according to their stature; and Frodo and Samwise rode at Aragorn’s side, and Gandalf rode upon Shadowfax, and Pippin rode with the knights of Gondor; and Legolas and Gimli as ever rode together upon Arod.

In that riding went also Queen Arwen, and Celeborn and Galadriel with their folk, and Elrond and his sons; and the princes of Dol Amroth and of Ithilien, and many captains and knights. Never had any king of the Mark such company upon the road as went with Théoden Thengel’s son to the land of his home.

Without haste and at peace they passed into Anórien, and they came to the Grey Wood under Amon Dîn; and there they heard a sound as of drums beating in the hills, though no living thing could be seen. Then Aragorn let the trumpets be blown; and heralds cried:

“Behold, the King Elessar is come! The Forest of Drúadan he gives to Ghân-buri-ghân and to his folk, to be their own forever; and hereafter let no man enter it without their leave!”

Then the drums rolled loudly, and were silent.

____________________


I have a question. I have already walked to Rivendell some time ago and I don't want to start over so, first, we're walking to Lothlorien now right? If thats the case then how many miles is it from Rivendell to Lothlorien?


elfearz1: I posted this quite a few pages back, so I thought I'd bring it forward. I hope it helps...
____________________

I spent several hours yesterday afternoon working on a timetable/mileage chart for the rest of the journey. I discovered that if I follow the Fellowship exactly, it is actually 465 miles from Rivendell to Caras Galadhon (396 to the banks of Nimrodel); 389 from Caras Galadhon to Rauros; & 468 miles from Rauros to Mt. Doom. A total of 1,780 miles from Bag End to Mt. Doom.
____________________


Lyta, my friend...I am sorry to read that you have run afoul of the spawn of Ungoliant. I hope everything works out for you and the Witch King. You are both very special people. And although you might feel trapped in the darkness of Shelob now, remember this: "...Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach." Like Frodo and Sam, you two will triumph over the darkness...and the spider!

[elfearz1]

elfearz1: I posted this quite a few pages back, so I thought I'd bring it forward. I hope it helps...
Yes, thank you! :D I will make note of it.



"If your hurts grieve you still and the memory of your burden is heavy, then you may pass into the West..."
Well since Lyta opened up discussion I hope you don't mind if I talk about my burdens here. It helps a lot to talk about them. I have a picture on my binder of one of the Elves boats that sail into the west and under it I wrote "Why can't I sail into the west?" Many people ask about it, but I never really explain. This year I have been weighed down with physical and emotional pains just like Frodo and I envy him a bit that he has a chance to pass out of this world and the hurts and leave behind the memories that haunt him. I feel a lot like Frodo at the end of ROTK (the movie) where he's talking about how he's not sure things can go back to the way they were before all that has happened to him. Deep down in my heart, though I feel as that even if I do flee this life, city and neighbourhood I grew up in I won't be rid of the memories and dreams that remind me of why I want to leave. I'm left feeling hopeless and I don't know which path to take. I'm not sure if this is relevent, but if you took the time to read it thank you.

On a lighter note I walked two miles today! :D I know some of you walk a lot more, but I haven't walked regularly in a long time so I need to ease myself back in. ;)

[Lyta_Underhill]

Just in case y'all might think I'm still languishing in the Lair of the giant spider, I want to add that my wonderful Sam has fought a fierce and surreal battle and saved me, at least for the short term. I lay as if dead (i.e., I hid in this house and pretended I was dead and felt dead for quite some time but that pain bade me think different), while my husband out-bluffed the giant spider and gained ground in ways I couldn't have hoped for. While the victory is still tentative, it is a move beyond our former state. I can tell you I scrambled out of the Tower of Cirith Ungol with all the speed of necessity, although I've still got a hangover from the experience (and probably a scar too--I haven't looked yet!) . I am at 1630 miles, making slow headway to the north. The Black Rider was screaming of the fall of the Witch King--one evil quenched among many, and here we are in the midst of shadows, one might say with hope, but was it just a charge of energy from a short term change of fortune? I can still see the spider from my window and the bite will never heal, but at least I have mobility and can go forward again.

I feel a lot like Frodo at the end of ROTK (the movie) where he's talking about how he's not sure things can go back to the way they were before all that has happened to him. Deep down in my heart, though I feel as that even if I do flee this life, city and neighbourhood I grew up in I won't be rid of the memories and dreams that remind me of why I want to leave. Ah, elfearz1 (still, after all this time, a great name!), you have hit upon a fundamental truth of those who feel this world keenly. And I would say that there are many paths from a point of uncertainty or crisis, as I have only begun to emerge from what could have been being turned out on the street but has tentatively turned into a possible brighter future. But the sting was administered and will never be "taken back." Indeed, this is how we grow (what a way to grow!), and it is incumbent upon us to mine our experiences for the best, to focus on the good rather than the evil aspects of everything if possible. When evil without even a logical basis besets you, all you can do is retreat, fight or stand under siege, and the siege, the waiting, is the hardest, for it allows you time with your inner self. That is the time when evil works upon us with its uncertainties and fears. That is the battle that must be endured and perhaps reflected upon with the space of time in the far future as part of what made you what you have become. If one faces trials and tests them for the good path, what I call the "hobbit test," I believe that one will ultimately come out on top. Perhaps leaving is inevitable, but it is important to leave without burning bridges or sowing evil thoughts, and that is the hardest part.

Forgive my rant, but now it is time to return to the practical tasks of today! An it is very good to see you back, Alatariel! (forgive my alt code handicap today!) ;) It is always pleasant to read stories of your journey!

Cheers!
Lyta (in the Land of Shadow and trudging on...)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I enjoy hearing from the Walkers! It's interesting to see which paths the various walks, both inner and outer, take. Lyta, my heart went out to you when I read your previous post, and I'm glad things are looking upwards now. elfearz, when I read your post, I thought: Keep walking! It heals both body and soul. Alatáriël, thanks for your enjoyable story!

I'm getting closer to Mt. Doom - about 50 miles to go, though I will have to add up my most recent miles to be sure.

[elfearz1]

(still, after all this time, a great name!)
Thank you! :D

and thank you very much for the encouragement Lyta and Estelyn :)

Well, I've walked 462 miles. It's been 4 miles since my long rest in Rivendell. I've forgotten how difficult it can be on the road. It's been raining heavily the past couple days which has kept us confined to whatever shelter we can find. When I have time I've kept myself busy with cooking for the group. When we do get the chance to walk outside of under hangs and the like it's not as muddy as I expected, so that's a blessing.

[Nurumaiel]

Having just recently begun the very interesting hobby of running, currently building myself up to speed at 1.5 miles a day, I've decided to go on with this... and start at the beginning. I drifted away in the first place because I lost track of how many miles I've gone, and while I estimate I'm somewhere in the range of 800, I think it would be exciting to start up all over again... very close to the date I started two years ago.

So... *cough cough* Under the persona of.... myself in another world

6 miles, just past Bywater (shamelessly copying you, my dear Alatáriël)
'Twas a bright and cheery morning that I set out, bound for Rivendell and perhaps beyond... and all alone. I had one companion, aside from the hobbit lads, for the first mile. He was a bright perky chap with rumpled dark hair and rosy cheeks. I enjoyed his company, but he was slightly annoyed that we were moving so swiftly, and soon turned homewards to Hobbiton.

Yes, indeed I was running, for the day was so bright and cheery. The snow still lingers on the ground, in some place far over five feet, and in some places just below three feet, but the skies are blue and the sunlight is streaming the boughs of the trees. It lights up the snow in a way that makes it nearly blinding. Every so often quick, light breezes will skip through, and then they'll flit away with the cry: "Follow me, follow me!" I follow. They're going right on to Rivendell and pulling me with them.

Occasionally the trails (for I chose not to go by the main road, but the little hidden trails that weave through the woods and over the fields) will be blocked by a fallen tree, the result of some of the bitter storms. It's no great difficulty for the feet to jump over them with lightness, but the heart becomes heavy and dragging to see one of those tall, stately, gloried lives ended.

Only one mile until I will have that last view of Hobbiton. Last? I daresay I'll return someday. I hope so. The Shire will be green in a few months, and I want to return to share in the bliss of its springs and summers.

______________

Lyta, I'm glad your Sam came just in time to save you from that giant spider! And hopefully no further difficulties will assail you on that road to Mordor.

Reflecting on the start to my adventure that I wrote above, I recall how, in childhood, I used to lie in bed and imagine I was accompanying Frodo in his quest. And now it's 'for real.' :)

elfearz, what more can I say to what Lyta has already said? But there is something that comforts me when those Nazgul step forward with their cruel knifes, and those giants spiders with their sharp stings: Frodo set sail for the West, but not until his work in Middle-Earth was finished. That thought has heartened me many a time.

EDIT:
P.S. About the list of walking members and their current mileage... I'm hesitant about whether to continue it or not. Many members don't keep their mileage in their location spaces anymore. Should I stop keeping the list or should I just put on members who have their mileage in their location spaces?

Bah humbug, you lazy little Nuru! I'll keep up the list, looking in the location spaces and (recent) posts that give hint.

EDIT 2:
P.P.S. The list is updated, and can be found here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=154364&postcount=970). You will notice that its size has greatly diminished. Anyone who hasn't posted after page 29 was assumed no longer participating, and therefore has magically disappeared. Anyone who has posted after page 29 is still on the list, regardless of what they posted (I didn't read what they wrote; I just saw their names). If you've been cut out of the list and are still walking, you can post of your adventures and your name will magically appear. :D

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I enjoyed reading your descriptive writing, Nuru, and thanks for your work in keeping up the list!

I'm now debating which path to take, for I reached Mt. Doom at the end of last week! Interestingly, some of those miles took place a long way from home, in an area that was a lot like the Emyn Muil - stony hills, or rather mountains, almost reaching canyon proportions, bare of plants except in the valley where some water came down from a spring. I didn't do the kind of climbing that needs a good Elven rope, just some hiking and scrambling up rough-cut steps and over rocks. The reward was seeing beautiful hidden waterfalls, trickling springs, and lovely pools of clear, fresh water. It was a wonderful experience!

I must say, I do prefer bubbling water to bubbling lava!

[Nurumaiel]

Thanks for the kind welcome back, Estelyn! I'm quite enthusiastic about 'Tolkien-ifying' my little strolls, and more enthusiastic about taking the little strolls in the first place. I'm still trying to decide whether I should follow Frodo and Sam, or get captured along with Merry and Pippin, or join the Three Hunters. But no dying alongside Boromir for me, thank you very much! :eek: :D
_________________

10.5 miles, on the way to the Green Hill Country
It was at twilight last night that we began to move upwards, and then for a moment we stopped to catch that last view of Hobbiton and Bywater. Standing there, in the dim cool of evening, atop the slopes with a breeze tickling my cheeks to a blush, I felt as if I was transported into some airy, magical land of faraway. The stars seemed to have descended to the ground, twinkling in their thousand diamonds as a reflection from the Pool. The faint sound of laughter drifted to our ears as hobbits bid each other farewell from their late night at the inn. We stood in silence for a little while, and then we moved on. We had only walked a few minutes more when Frodo turned and waved his hand farewell. I think the poor laddie takes the leaving much harder than anyone else. I'm just out for the adventure of going to Rivendell, and Pippin and Sam are quite content and cheerful to go to Crickhollow with Frodo and help him settle in? which means that not too far from now I'll be bidding farewell to the hobbits and going on without them.

But not by myself! As we set out this morning we were assailed on the road by the perky chap of before, who notified us that he wanted to come along. We questioned him, or, rather, I questioned him, and at first nothing very sensible could be got from him. He told us he was an Elf, and we gazed rather dubiously at his short stature. He eventually decided that he was a hobbit, and when asked his name, he would not give any further information, but said he should be called 'Hobbit.'

So with Hobbit we went on, and though we were delayed for a little while by a baby running out from his home and attacking us with ferocious cries, we got two miles done before our lunch, which Sam cooked marvelously. We ran a quarter of a mile at first, but my legs had begun to ache from the first six miles of running, and for the remainder of the morning we walked.

We were slowed, though not completely stopped as in the incident with the hobbit baby, by a rosy-cheeked boy who wanted to hold our hands and walk with us. He had a limp and could not move very swiftly, but nobody seemed to mind in the least. Sam, especially, took a liking to the little fellow. He had identified himself as AidanHobbit, and went along with us for a quarter of a mile.

It was blue out again today, but it was not so bright out, as a thin layer of clouds had dimmed the skies, leaving them a pale mixture of grey and blue. To the northeast the sky was free from any clouds, just visible above the treetops. The breeze was a constant thing, but very gentle and not too chilly... it was just enough of a breeze to put a light, airy feeling inside of you that sinks to your very bones and makes you feel as young and frisky as you ever could feel.

[Nurumaiel]

18 miles, in the Green Hill Country
We reached the Green Hill Country tonight, and speaking for myself, my legs were aching and I was quite willing to stop there. We had none of the scrumptious cinnamon bread that I had packed when we set out left, for we ate it all yesterday (the whole loaf!). That was a disappointment, for after the four miles we trekked yesterday, that cinnamon bread (homemade, of course) refreshed me greatly.

We passed over a bridge just a few miles before we reached the Green Hill Country. Though the snow was still crowding above most of the stream, forming a tunnel, there were gaps here and there about the bridge, and I paused for a moment to gaze into the water. It was running with gentle ripples, for it was a roaring stream of rapids, but rather a slow, meandering stream, quite content to mind its own business as long as we minded ours. Though its generally straight and level path made it so easy and slow, it was a little bit of a sorrow to have none of those delightful waterfalls slipping down the mossy rocks. The trees leaned over the water, forming a sort of bower, though their tops did not meet in the middle, and so the sun, or rather what was left of it as evening drew near, streamed through.

The last few hundred yards were particularly strenuous, as I had already been rather worn out, and going steeply uphill was not gratifying to my state. I don't know exactly what time it is, nor how far we're to travel tomorrow, but I do know this... I'm going to procure some of that comforting cinnamon bread as soon as we reach Crickhollow.

[Anorial]

Hi everybody! Hey Nurumaiel, I'm totally still walking and even posted on this page :p Please add me to your list. I'm nearly at Hollin Ridge depending if you are using Fonstad's reckoning or not. Currently standing at 675 miles though I haven't walked today yet.

Cheers!
Anorial

[Maeggaladiel]

Quick question: I read the first post on this thread, which said that this was meant to see how many people could make it from point A to point B before the movie was released. I see that people are still walking, but is it okay for someone, oh, say me, to start my journey now? Or are you closed to new adventurers? I am pretty late, I'll admit.

Already has a walking stick,
~Maeg

[Estelyn Telcontar]

It's never too late to join the walk, Maeggaladiel! New participants are always welcome; we're scattered all over Middle-earth by now anyway. Post here to let us know of your progress, and if you keep your mileage in your profile location, we'll be able to see how far you are!

By the way, I found out that not only did Karen Wynn Fonstad supply the mileage data for the Éowyn site, but she has also joined the Walk! How cool is that?!

[Maeggaladiel]

(Great! Thanks!)

Yesterday and the day before have brought me seven and a half miles into my journey. Sunday led me from the brightly-painted door of Bag End to Bywater, and by last night I found myself bidding Hobbiton farewell.

It is odd, but I feel I shall miss this land and its people greatly. I have been here for but a short time, yet the Shirefolk have made me feel at home.

Too much at home, I realized soon after leaving. I fear that the hobbit hospitality has made me a bit soft during my brief visit. I hadn't traveled a few hours before my stomach began rumbling. My companions found this most amusing, saying that my stomach was louder than the pack of wargs in Bilbo's story.

Our spirits are high as we leave the pleasant Hobbiton behind and take the first few steps into the wild. Of course, it's a very mild wilderness: the only wild animals this close to Hobbiton are a pack of hungry squirrels and some wicked crows that cawed at us as we drew closer to them.

It is another ten and a half miles before reaching our next landmark. I am in no hurry: the walk is almost as pleasant as the company of my friends. I shall miss them when we part ways.

[Nurumaiel]

Welcome to the Walk, Maeggaladiel! You seem to be walking very sure and steady, and making good time. It's a pleasure to have you. :)

48 miles, almost to Stock
For the past few miles we've had up and down roads, which can be quite annoying at times. At first it's delightful, for one is always trying to guess what will be over the next hill, and who will be over the next hill, and what will happen when one climbs the next hill... but after some time of such guessing, it grows dull and monotonous, and I begin to wish the road would make up its mind and go either up or down very steadily! As soon as I grow accustomed to walking up a hill, I'm going down one, and the other way around.

A few miles back we saw a frightening, crouching figure cloaked in black. It was no Hobbit, certainly, and none of the Elf-kind creep in that way. It seems most likely that it was a man, yet why he would go on in that way I don't understand. He crept along the road, stooped over, and he was sniffing, as if trying to catch some scent. I have never seen any man act that way, and nor have I gained such an impression of horror at the sight of any man... there was an atmosphere of dread as this cloaked figure passed by. Since I saw him, my heart hasn't been nearly as light. The bends in the road that used to give me a delightful expectation of what might lie around it now give me a chill of fear, wondering if perhaps that stooping black figure will be crouched down before me.

And furthermore, since I saw him, the weather has become more gloomy. Even as I write, a thick fog has descended and swirls about me. The feeling of light adventure had disappeared, and now where my feet once tripped and skipped, they drag now, as I glance apprehensively over my shoulder to make sure we are not being followed by that crouching figure.

It will be altogether comforting when we reach Crickhollow. To be surrounded by walls and covered by a roof will ease my mind, I am sure. I'm equally sure that my imagination has run away with me, and the fact that the man was shrouded in black excited my thoughts. It can't be something so frightful as it seems to be.

[Garen LiLorian]

What a delightful way to keep track of my various wanderings!

Let's see...
Day 1
The sky was cloudy today as I locked up the door of my beloved Bag End, placed the front-door key in my waistcoat and scurried to catch up with my companions, who were waiting at the entrance to Bagshot Row, eager to be off. We made good time for the first few miles, laughing and singing in time with our quick steps. We spoke of many things, (of Hobbit-lore and Númenor, and whether Balrogs have wings...:p) Still, too many second breakfasts began to tell on us, and our pace had slowed considerably by the time we reached Bywater, four and a half miles and nearly ninety minutes out. Only then did we realize that, like Bilbo, we had left our pocket-handkerchiefs back in our holes. Alas! Still, adventures must contain little adversities of this nature, so we were philosophic about the whole ordeal, and continued on. As I write this, the sky has begun to open, and it appears that much further perambulation will be impossible. So, with hearts still high our first day ends. We have not come quite so far as I had hoped; a mere six miles, and the lamps of Hobbiton are still quite visible in the twilight. Ah well. Tomorrow shall be better.
-Garen

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

We continue our homeward journey, and one-by-one our companions are left behind. At Edoras, we laid Théoden to rest and celebrated both the crowning of Éomer, and the betrothal of Éowyn and Faramir. They and Queen Arwen remained as the rest of our company continued to Helm's Deep and thence to Isengard.

At Isengard, we bade farewell to Legolas and Gimli, who were journeying to Fangorn Forest before returning to their own lands. Then at sunset 3 days past, we parted from Aragorn and his knights. The halflings were most grieved at this parting, particularly Frodo and Sam, even though the King has promised to return to his North Kingdom in the near future.

Our pace is still somewhat leisurely, for there is no need of haste, and we are enjoying the quiet arrival of Spring in the emptiness of Dunland. I spend a part of each day riding with the hobbits, and Elladan and Elrohir seem to enjoy their company as much as I do. In the evenings, we seven share tales and songs around the campfire, and the laughter of the small folk lighten the hearts of all our company.

_________________________

The travellers now rode with more speed, and they made their way towards the Gap of Rohan; and Aragorn took leave of them at last close to that very place where Pippin had looked into the Stone of Orthanc. The Hobbits were grieved at this parting, for Aragorn had never failed them and he had been their guide through many perils.

"...the Palatír of Orthanc the King will keep, to see what is passing in his realm, and what his servants are doing...remember, dear friends of the Shire, that my realm lies also in the North, and I shall come there one day."

...With that they parted, and it was then the time of sunset; and when after a while they turned and looked back, they saw the King of the West sitting upon his horse with his knights about him; and the falling Sun shone upon them and made all their harness to gleam like red gold, and the white mantle of Aragorn was turned to a flame. Then Aragorn took the green stone and held it up, and there came a green fire from his hand.

[Garen LiLorian]

And now I have been out on the open road for a whole week! Such a short time it seems!
Day 2
The rain continued today, albeit with furor somewhat abated. Despite protests from one or two of my younger companions, we decided to make the best of it and continued on. It was nearly midday before the clouds parted, but the sight of a gorgeous rainbow, leaping from the crest of a hill far to our right and spanning the whole length of the sky before disappearing behind the horizon, more than made up for our muddy feet and wet hair. The day was warm even during the rain and now the sun promised to turn the afternoon hot. We have not made very good time today; stopping several times for snacks and rests for the comfort of our younger friends. The afternoon had barely began to stretch towards evening when we halted our day's march. We have only made four miles today, but such is the price for traveling with children. Their laughter and gamboling play throughout the day makes such a price easy and looked forward to.
Day 3
I am alone today; My friends have opted to stay the day in camp and take a cart to catch me up in the afternoon. I shall miss their merry companionship, but it does mean that I shall be able to make better time. The day is fine and clear, a cool breeze out of the East caresses my brow from time to time. From time to time I can see small woods from the Road, and each time I want to leap from the stolid and dusty trail to go bounding through the forests. I am longing today for the more wild country, the 'pleasure in the pathless woods, the rapture on the lonely shore' and for the first time I am looking forward to leaving the Shire. I have set an end for today's march; I shall not rest until I reach the firwood some seven miles out.
Days 4 & 5
These days run together; there is not much to distinguish one from the other. I have been rejoined by my companions, and we have been walking easily along the road; only making a few miles a day. At the end of the second day we are treated to the view of Woody End, with the river looking small and faint in the distance. I always love looking out at the horizon, marking a point on it. It never ceases to amaze me when, a few hours or days later, I stand at that point I marked, looking out at an entirely new horizon, or back at (perhaps) the exact spot I stood at such a short time ago, making plans. It is perhaps the closest thing to time travel that I will ever know.
Day 6
A feeling of adventure overtakes me as I set out this morning. I do not know from where it comes, but the road ahead of me looks strange and exciting. Bilbo's words echo in my ears; It's a dangerous buisness, going out your door. You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to. Do you realize that this is the very path that goes through Mirkwood, and that if you let it, it might take you to the Lonely Mountain or even further and to worse places?
It is only three miles before I come to the spot of adventure; A large tree overhangs the road, and my feelings of excitement turn to apprehension. The sound of horse hooves can be heard around the bend, and I am barely off the trail when a large horse comes careening around the corner, passing within a foot of where I stand, shielded by the tree. I catch but the most fleeting glimpse of the beasts' rider; I cannot see his face. I do not think that he saw me, for he offered no apology for nearly ending my adventure tragically, but was soon out of sight along the trail.

-Garen

Note; This last part is true. I couldn't have been more than half a mile from where Frodo spotted his first Nazgul when I was nearly run down by a man on a gigantic horse. My first adventure!

[Nurumaiel]

61 miles, almost to Buckleberry Ferry
Our walking has been slowed much by bad weather. 'Twas snow at first, the pleasant kind of fluffy flakes. But later things became quite miserable, for the snow turned into rain and the thunder and lightning didn't spare us in the least. It was fascinating to crouch under the tree branches and watch the flashes that lit up the land. It was slightly frightening, as well, bearing in mind that cloaked figure we met earlier.

Despite the fears that still linger over our heads, there's no lack of time to sit and observe all of nature. I've always appreciated the Shire for being almost untouched, as the habitants are quite close to the land and have done hardly anything to mar it. We see all varieties of birds... jays, nuthatches, and chickadees. During mealtimes, in particular breakfast, we'll sit back and close our eyes and listen to the different bird notes, trying to identify the singer by his notes, and then search him out. We caught sight of the jays and the chickadees, but couldn't find the raven that called loudly overhead.

We're only a few short miles from Crickhollow now, and then it will be time to bid farewell to the hobbits and continue on to Rivendell.

[Maeggaladiel]

//I know I haven't posted in a while, but I have been keeping track of my miles. I've walked 21 miles now! Wow!//

It has been some time since leaving Hobbiton. 21 miles have passed since I stepped past the threshold of Bag End and began my adventure. It seems a great distance to me, yet looking forward I realize that I have many more miles to travel before I reach Rivendell. Somehow this fact comes as both a comfort and a pain.

The weather has been kind to me and my companions, although my less travel-seasoned friends sometimes complain about the colder night air and the dew that seems to get into everything. I have told them that they may face much fouler weather than this, to which I have recieved nothing but laughter. It seems hobbits are not the adventuring types.

We have crossed the road from Brandywine Bridge some time ago and are now in Green Hill Country. The Tookland has been kind to us. The sun shines warmly on us as we walk through tall grass and great alder trees, over trickling streams and great rolling hills. We still have plenty of food, although at the rate these hobbits eat I fear it may not last as long as I had planned. Perhaps we shall need to stop and resupply sooner than I had expected.

After some time they crossed the Water, west of Hobbiton, by a narrow plank-bridge. The stream was there no more than a winding black ribbon, bordered with leaning alder-trees. A mile or two further south they hastily crossed the great road from the Brandywine Bridge; they were now in the Tookland and bending south-eastwards they made for the Green Hill Country.

[Anorial]

Hi everyone! I'm still trucking along. I'd hoped to get to Caras Galadhon by my one year anniversary but I've still got 130-40 miles to go and I don't think I can do that in 3 weeks :( . Oh well, at least I'm still travelling! Hello to the new folks *waves*....such cool postings from y'all who are storyifying, I'm going to make a point to look for them from now on.

Cheers! Anorial

[Nurumaiel]

Anorial, good to hear from you again. I was wondering just today where you had gone off to. :)

Tomorrow is March 17, the day on which the Eowyn Challenge site had hoped to gain 225,000 miles in all on their database. Looks like they got that and more besides!
________________________________________

133 miles, just past the Barrow Downs
Many odd things have been happening since I learned of the real reason Frodo left the Shire. I had not been intending to pass through the Old Forest, but it it became necessary if I wanted to stay with the hobbits. Queer things happened there, but we had a brief rest at Tom Bombadil's House. It was a sorrowful thing to bid him farewell, but now we are once again in his company, as he has rescued us from the stranger things that happened.

The Barrow Downs were sheerly terrifying, the terror that comes not when you come face to face with some hideous creature, but when you have the overwhelming sense that there is something there, and you cannot see it. The fog was thick and seemed to wrap around me, trying to clutch me and smother me in its waving folds. I had not expected it to be as it was, for as we approached we were on green rolling hills, with a fair sky above us.

The terror of the thing that had us entrapped I cannot think to describe. The only other thing that has ever sent such a cold chill to my heart was the strange cry we heard in the woods when we were still in the Shire. If it had not been for good old Tom, I tremble to think what would have become of us.

Bree is not far off now. We have begun to move more swiftly as we feel danger pressing on us, going at an average of about five miles every day, and sometimes six or seven. Rivendell is now only a little over three hundred miles away... how glad I will be to get there!

[Garen LiLorian]

Though my journal entries have been few and far between, I have still been traveling a bit every day except when the weather precludes (all too often, I'm afraid)
We have reached Buckland! The fires of Crickhollow burn brightly, and the mushrooms gifted by the inestimable Madam Maggot are boiling as I try to bring my journal up to date. I can hear several companions snicker in the other room; I wonder if they have a surprise in store?
As thrilled as I am to be under a roof again (out of the rain that has been falling steadily for the last few days) I know that it cannot last. Tomorrow I shall have to brave the Old Forest, likely alone as I do not think my friends are up to such a challenge. But that will wait. Already I hear the clear voices of my friends as they call me to supper.
According to maps, I have gone 73 miles. It seems like such a small ways when placed against the entirety of my trip, and thus far I have only been walking through the tame little woods and rivers of my beloved Shire. The Wild still lies ahead. Tomorrow!

-Garen

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I just found out (on the Éowyn Challenge site) that Karen Wynn Fonstad passed away a week ago. For more about that, see this thread (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?p=381497#post381497). I am shocked and saddened; she was one of the Rivendell Walkers, and her Middle-Earth Atlas was an invaluable resource for determining our routes. She has now gone on ahead, charting the paths westwards over the Sea. May we meet her there some day.

[elfearz1]

Not much time to post but I thought I'd pop in to say hi and wish everyone who celebrates it a happy easter. :)


You have walked 550 miles.
You have passed Barren Hills.
It is 20 miles to the next landmark.
You have 372 miles to reach Caras Galadon.

Gandalf walked in front, and with him went Aragorn, who knew this land even in the dark. The others were in file behind, and Legolas whose eyes were keen was the rearguard. The first part of their journey was hard and dreary, and Frodo remembered little of it, save the wind. For many sunless days an icy blast came from the Mountains in the east, and no garment seemed able to keep out its searching fingers.


Also since I didnt join this thread or the eowynchallenge.net site until I had already started for Lorien I will tell you that I have walked 92 miles from Rivendell.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I have added something new to my customary walking - walking sticks! Not the traditional kind, not just one, but two modern, lightweight Nordic walking sticks. I don't know if that variation is as popular in the rest of the world as it is here, but I have heard so much about the added benefits that I decided to try it. At first I thought it looks rather silly, since it's a summer version of cross-country skiing to all appearances, but if I can get more benefits out of my walking time, and that with a reasonable investment, it's worth it!

As to my location, I suppose I'm on my way from Mt. Doom to Minas Tirith, but I'll have to look up the distance and figure it out backwards to know just where I am...

[Anorial]

Hi everybody *waves* it's been ages since I posted but I thought I'd pop in and let y'all know I'm still a-walking!

The Anduin has been very slow for me :) . Still nursing the hip. Working on bringing up my weekly mileage. Happy summer to you all and I hope all is well!

Cheers,
Anorial

[elfearz1]

I thought I'd pop in with an update! :D

It's been 117 miles since I left Rivendell.

You have walked 575 miles.
You have passed Misty Mountain Foothills.
It is 40 miles to the next landmark.
You have 347 miles to reach Caras Galadon.

[Anorial]

Hi everyone! I'm still paddling down the Anduin and had some time to stop in. Pretty quiet in here!

Estelyn, I clicked on your blog link....if books were drinks, what would they be? Interesting! I shall ponder it on my walk this afternoon but my first reaction would be coffee! I have a somewhat dramatic off and on again affair going on with coffee but I find it a celebration, bracing, and a boon companion, all of which books can be :) How are those walking sticks working out for you? Any difference noticed?

Anyway, I hope y'all are doing well.

Cheers, Anorial
1030 miles (does this darn river ever end?)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Hi, Anoriel and elfearz! It's nice to have you checking in and to hear that you're still walking! No, I can't say that I've really noticed any difference walking with the "ski poles", so I'll just have to take the experts' word on the additional benefits...

By the way, the current "Crazy Captions" picture inspired me to use a Rivendell walkers caption - you can see it here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?p=403516#post403516).

[Anorial]

Hi everyone, I'm still walkin'! Are you?! I wish you all the best of the season!

Anorial
1397 miles

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Hi again, Anorial! You're doing well! Yes, I'm still walking, though this thread has faded somewhat from its former glory, as has the original Éowyn Challenge site. I assume it's still functioning, though I haven't checked in for awhile. I should update my mileage and see how many shields I have now...

[elfearz1]

I havent been walking much lately, but next semester I am taking a power walking class for PE credit yay!

[Anorial]

Estelyn, yes the Eowyn site is still working. There's a new Milestones page and a new Visitors page that maps the last 500 visitors by ISP address. It's very cool. The TORC site has gotten quite quiet too but the Yahoo site is booming....almost too much for some people :) . Elfearz (hi!!) has migrated over there as well.

Cheers! Anorial

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Here's the link to the new Milestones Page (http://shieldmaidens.net/mileagedatabase/index.php); I had to register anew as my data was no longer on the new page. I recommend that as many as possible of you register and update your mileage - let's get those black shields up and showing! :cool:

For those who want the link to the site: Éowyn Challenge (http://home.insightbb.com/~eowynchallenge/)

[Nurumaiel]

Greetings to Estelyn, Anorial, and Elfearz! I'm beginning to get the impression that we're the only ones, but perhaps if we persist we'll inspire others.

In light of the new and improved database, I've decided simply to start over afresh. Consequently I'm at 2.70 miles. Seeing hardly a mile to my name will, I hope, inspire to walk and continue walking as I once again grow accustomed to setting aside that hour every day.

Continue on with your good walking, lassies!

[elfearz1]

yeah, it makes me sad to see so little black shields. I had my first powerwalking session today. +2 miles for me!

You have walked 631 miles.
You have passed High Vantage Point.
It is 29 miles to the next landmark.
You have 291 miles to reach Caras Galadon.

South of Rivendell they rose ever higher, and bent westwards; and about the feet of the main range there was tumbled an ever wider land of bleak hills, and deep valleys filled with turbulent waters. Paths were few and winding, and led them often only to the edge of some sheer fall, or down into treacherous swamps.

[Farael]

Given that I walk a mile most days to and from the Bus Stop (that is, half a mile there and half a mile back) I decided to sign up now even though it's far too cold to do some serious walking. When summer comes around that shall change. I hope. I'm far behind you all but we shall see!!! you have not seen the last of Farael.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

As I have no idea where in Middle-earth I'm wandering now, after having reached Rivendell, Lothlorien, and Mount Doom, we may just meet again somewhere! It's never too late to start, Farael. Elfearz, Nuru, nice to see you carrying on. Yes, it would be nice to have more black shields on the new page...

[HerenIstarion]

We may meet indeed, Esty, though I am a lazy walker - I've started a little bit more than an year ago, and haven't yet reached Rivendell. For the better, though - Sauron is no more, less (?) danger about, and my walk is a leasure, not a quest.

[Tuor of Gondolin]

997 miles. Averaging less then 2 miles
a day yet :( .
But this challenge is a really good way to motivate
and see progress in walking/biking. It's rather
difficult (and boring) now since I'm on the
Anduin and it's necessary to keep walking
back and forth on those little elf boats!
Still, with orcs on both banks it's probably
safer then walking there. :)

[Tuor in Gondolin]

Well, it took over a year and a half, but I've
finally passed 1,000 miles. Now I'm trying to
average 3 miles a day, but it's hard to do
so every day so 2 miles a day may be more
realistic.

[Farael]

I feel quite humbled by Tuor's recent achievement, but I have just made my first modest 3 miles. Not a marathon by a long shot, but given that it's winter over here (and Winters can be quite bad) it's not too bad. This summer it'll be fun to see exactly how much I walk/run/bike. I've promised myself to get in shape so if I do, it will be fun.

[elfearz1]

Welcome Farael! Just remember that every step brings you closer to your goal! :D


You have walked 640 miles.
You have passed High Vantage Point.
It is 20 miles to the next landmark.
You have 282 miles to reach Caras Galadon.

South of Rivendell they rose ever higher, and bent westwards; and about the feet of the main range there was tumbled an ever wider land of bleak hills, and deep valleys filled with turbulent waters. Paths were few and winding, and led them often only to the edge of some sheer fall, or down into treacherous swamps.


Now that I'm not sick we've been making good time so Aragorn was kind enough to let us stop by a lovely tree and eat some berries. It was a brief stop, but so refreshing. It slowly wore away the dirt and exhaustion of the day. Well, can't dawdle too long!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I walked my 3000th mile yesterday! And I'm still walking and still counting...

[Tuor in Gondolin]

E.T.: So what's your average per day? I'm finding it
difficult to get the time, etc. to do 2 miles a day
average.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I'm averaging about 4 miles a day now, though there are certainly times when I do less, especially when it's hot in the summer, icy in the winter - or when I'm lazy!

PS - It does help to have a dog - at least a mile or three daily are because of that duty...

[Anorial]

Hello everyone!!

Congrats to all on your achievements (and I see there have been many). I'm still on the Road. I reached Mt Doom on March 25th, the same day Frodo did (it was very cool though I had to push like mad for a couple of months to get there in time). I threw in my "ring" and starting walking out again. I didn't want to use the Eagle Emergency services since I wasn't in an emergency ;) . It's taken me AGES to walk the 100 miles out of Mordor. Over 2 months!! But finally I am out of that blasted land and heading to Minas Tirith for the coronation (thankfully they are waiting for me lol....maybe I"m the one getting crowned??). So far this leg I've been averaging just over a mile a day.....ah how the mighty have fallen!! (I was averaging a whopping (whopping to me!) 3.5 miles per day on the push to get to Mt Doom). And that's my story and I'm sticking to it! ;)

Nurumaiel, long time no see! Your new miles are really adding up, good job!

Welcome Farael! I hope it isn't the last we see of you! Keep adding up those half miles....you'll be surprised how well they do add up.

HerenIstarion, any walking is better than no walking. Congrats on passing Rivendell!!

Tuor, hang in there....the Anduin IS powerful boring but you'll really feel like you've achieved something when you're done. Congrats on your 1000th mile!!

Estelyn, congrats on your 3000th mile!! That's alot of miles :eek:

Elfearz, good job on trucking along! How's the Yahoo group doing? I haven't been there in months.

I'm glad to see some life on the board. Sparse though it may be, it's life! Happy trails everyone. Happy spring and upcoming summer too.

Good cheer, Anorial

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Hello there, Anorial! It's nice to hear from you, and good to know that you're still walking with us. Don't worry about slowing down; I find I also have times when my progress is slower. But every mile adds up, especially if you keep at it for a long time.

[Nurumaiel]

Anorial and Esty, I was so glad to see your posts up. I've been stalled for the past month... gardening, sewing, etc., but seeing the activity on the thread was just what I needed to get going again. I have been walking and running, but, shamefully, have not been keeping track of the mileage. I'll start keeping the Challenge in mind again.

I'm getting close to the Midgewater Marhses now. Not much inspiration there! :eek: But on the bright side, I have Strider now, so hopefully it will go by quickly.

Happy trails to all!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Nice to see you posting, Nuru! It's good to know that our little walking fellowship inspired you to continue again. However, even if you didn't keep track of your mileage for awhile, the actual walking and running is the most important thing. Though I must say, the simple fact of recording my mileage does often encourage me to keep going or to walk an extra mile, so the Rivendell walk has certainly inspired me again and again.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Will you welcome a "newcomer" who is only 3,000 miles behind everyone else? :D I've decided to get my behind off the chair and get in motion. (When I will find time for this is anyone's guess!)

Is the main website still active and working? Just curious, but are any of the other discussion groups still going....not that I am planning to migrate from the Downs.

[Nurumaiel]

Child, well, you're only two hundred miles behind me! Welcome, welcome! Will you be joining us in the persona of Hobbit or Elf? :D

The main website (http://home.insightbb.com/%7Eeowynchallenge/index.html) is still up... how active it is I couldn't say. I occasionally go and check how many of the Walker communities are still up, and the only one I've found to be active still is the group at Weight Watchers.... in other words the group that started it all up.

I think their Yahoo! Group is still active as well, though I'm not a part of it.

And, of course, there's us. :)

Again, hearty welcomes!

Esty, 'tis correct that the mileage is important even when I'm not keeping track of it, but like you, it's inspiring to advance my way on the trails of Middle-Earth.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

"Better late than never!" [Quiz question: Who says it?]

Welcome, Child - it's never too late to start. Slow and steady does it - when you've been at it for three years like I have, you will have collected many miles of your own!

Yes, the Éowyn Challenge site is still up and running, and there are still people updating their mileage on the shields page. The mixture of various groups is still visible, so I'm assuming that each group still has members involved, though the reprogramming of the shields page means some old names and mileages were lost.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Thanks for that information. Does anyone use a pedometer? Do the crazy things work, or is it just better to estimate miles? I've actually done a fair amount of walking in my life but never kept track of miles.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

What I did (since I don't trust my strides to be even enough for accuracy with a pedometer) was to drive along my usual walks, checking the mileage on the car's counter. (Is it called speedometer? That doesn't sound right - I've forgotten the English word!) Then I knew how much time I needed for that distance, approximately, and now I usually estimate on that basis. That's close enough for me. If in doubt, I give myself a bit less - after all, that doesn't mean I don't have the benefit of the exercise.

[Tuor in Gondolin]

Thanks for that information. Does anyone use a pedometer? Do the crazy things work, or is it just better to estimate miles? I've actually done a fair amount of walking in my life but never kept track of miles.

As the elves would say, both yes and no. It's almost impossible
to get one precisely right. I also tried using a car's speedometer, but
a better way, if available to you, is to use a trail marked out (there
are several in Southeast Pennsylvania- the Wissahickon and Pennypack
Creek walks- that have mileage by 1/2 and miles. You can get close
to accurate that way, but I also try to slightly understimate the
amount walked, rather then overestimate.

And has anyone had the courage to try to formulate a Walking
to (through?) Beleriand? It would, like the latter LOTR walk, be
broken up but, if possible to even generally calculate, would be
interesting, perhaps starting with the flight of the Noldor from
Aman through their initial encounters with Morgoth and the death
of that hothead Feanor.

[elfearz1]

You have walked 793 miles.
You have passed The West Door of Moria.
It is 2 miles to the next landmark.
You have 129 miles to reach Caras Galadon.

The Moon now shone upon the grey face of the rock; but they could see nothing else for a while. Then slowly on the surface, where the wizard's hands had passed, faint lines appeared, like slender veins of silver running in the stone. At first they were no more than pale gossamer-threads, so fine that they only twinkled fitfully where the Moon caught them, but steadily they grew broader and clearer, until their design could be guessed.


Hello everyone. I hope I am finding you all well. I have started slowly walking again after a long pause. Well, I haven't reached Lothlorien yet, even though I had hoped to much earlier this year. Oh well, I do feel much better since starting this challenge and when I added weight watchers to the mix I lost 40lbs. I don't know if any of you remember, but I posted a while back about some hardships I faced in my life. (You can find the thread here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?p=368246#post368246))

I think I really am ok now. I've fought many internal ringwraiths and won.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Good for you, elfearz! We may have setbacks (I had some pretty lazy days over the holiday season), but the important thing is never to give up. You'll outrun those ringwraiths someday...

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Hello there, Walkers! Are any of you still keeping track of your Middle-earth mileage? I passed the 4000 mile mark last week and will continue counting, even if it adds up slowly. After all, a tortoise may win where a rabbit fails! ;)

[Tuor in Gondolin]

I just got to 300 miles. Yea! :)

And things seem to be improving at present for
Frodo and Sam. (Perhaps Gollum's given up on following them
to get the Precious)?
He doesn't seem to be around.

[elfearz1]

You have walked 840.5 miles.
You have passed Lórien Eaves.
It is 12.5 miles to the next landmark.
You have 81.5 miles to reach Caras Galadon.

There lie the woods of Lothlórien! ' said Legolas. `That is the fairest of all the dwellings of my people. There are no trees like the trees of that land. For in the autumn their leaves fall not, but turn to gold. Not till the spring comes and the new green opens do they fall, and then the boughs are laden with yellow flowers; and the floor of the wood is golden, and golden is the roof, and its pillars are of silver, for the bark of the trees is smooth and grey. So still our songs in Mirkwood say. My heart would be glad if I were beneath the eaves of that wood, and it were springtime!'

[Anorial]

Welcome to the Road Child! Never too late to start....ever! Some of us have been on the Road for years because (are you ready?) the Road goes ever on!! I do use a pedometer though not so much any more. I tend to do the same routes and they don't get any longer or shorter ;)

Hello Nuru, Estelyn, Tuor and Elfearz! *waves*

Elfearz, congrats on fighting off your ringwraiths!

I'm still walking. I've been a little lax these past 5 weeks and my butt is growing so it's time to knuckle in! I was shopping for my first home which was very exciting. I move in August 19th! I'm doing well on the walking overall and I'm at 2869 miles. Woo-hoo! I've got about 368 miles before I reach Rivendell again. I wonder if Bilbo will still be there? He should be :).

It's good to see people continue posting here. I find I enjoy the smaller sites the most....the Yahoo group is so huge and active I get overwhelmed by all the messages. So it's good to see new posts here!

Big hugs all,
Anorial

[FeRaL sHaDoW]

would it count if i walked from Hobbition aka Waikato Matamata to rivendell aka upper hut ? It is about 372 miles.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Any walking counts, FeRaL, and welcome! Whether you keep track in Middle-earth terms or just count miles as I do now, the main idea is to get moving and keep moving. And walking from Matamata anywhere must be a most wonderful Middle-earth experience - I saw the Hobbiton movie site last year and loved it! Wouldn't I enjoy walking in NZ again...

Tuor, elfearz, Anorial, nice to see you on the road!

Which reminds me, I should update my mileage on the Éowyn site.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I'm going to start this challenge as soon as I get my little hands on a pedometer. I will be following the path of my dearest Peregrin, I decided!:D Because, following my dearest Samwise, would be quite boring. I can't believe, I have to walk all the way Shadowfax went. But my friend put up an interesting point, I could go in boats, ride on horses and ponies, and do whatever Pippin was doing!

EDIT: I have gotten hold of a pedometer, I have gone like 4 and a half miles since two days ago...

[elfearz1]

That's great TheGreatElvenWarrior. Nice to see you join us. :D


"You have walked 855 miles.
You have passed Nimrodel Rope Bridge.
It is 8 miles to the next landmark.
You have 67 miles to reach Caras Galadon.

`Celebrant is already a strong stream here, as you see,' said Haldir 'and it runs both swift and deep, and is very cold. We do not set foot in it so far north, unless we must. But in these days of watchfulness we do not make bridges. This is how we cross! Follow me!' He made his end of the rope fast about another tree, and then ran lightly along it, over the river and back again, as if he were on a road."

[goblynqueene]

I've been using the walktorivendell.php page for weeks (since 1/1) and it seems it's been down for the past 2 weeks. Does anyone know why?

:(

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I just checked my links to the Éowyn Challenge website, where the Walk to Rivendell originated, and it looks to me like the pages are working. Here is the link:

Éowyn Challenge main page (http://home.insightbb.com/~eowynchallenge/)

From there, the community and tools pages, including the mileage celebration shields, can be accessed. (For the latter, you must register.) While I was there, I added some mileage shields to my entry; the page is pretty colorful, yet there are some proudly black BD shields still visible in there!

It occurs to me that you may be referring to the Barrow-Downs main site's Rivendell pages. In that case, yes, we are having problems. The server updated its sites, and though the forum has been restored to normal, the main page with its features is still not working correctly. Please try again in the coming days - when things are back in working order, I will post a notice on this thread.

[The Barrow-Wight]

www.barrowdowns.com is working again, and the Walk to Rivendell page is now functioning as well.

I was surprised at the number of e-mails I recieved about missing the page. I had no idea it was being used as much as it is. I'm sorry for the time you were unable to access the page, and I do hope you continue to use and enjoy it in the future.

Have fun, and keep walking!

[elfearz1]

Thank you Barrow-Wight!


Oi! I haven't been tracking my walking in a long,long time. As you can see from the last date I posted here. I finally started tracking again and here is where I am at:
You have walked 915 miles.
You have passed Caras Galadon.
It is 7 miles to the next landmark.
You have 7 miles to reach Caras Galadon.

Suddenly they came out into the open again and found themselves under a pale evening sky pricked by a few early stars. There was a wide treeless space before them, running in a great circle and bending away on either hand. Beyond it was a deep fosse lost in soft shadow, but the grass upon its brink was green, as if it glowed still in memory of the sun that had gone. Upon the further side there rose to a great height a green wall encircling a green hill thronged with mallorn-trees taller than any they had yet seen in all the land. Their height could not be guessed, but they stood up in the twilight like living towers. In their, many-tiered branches and amid their ever-moving leaves countless lights were gleaming, green and gold and silver.

[Tuor in Gondolin]

Well, for a while I've been averaging over three
miles a day (in specific measured walking times,
not general getting about).

Btw, I believe if you add up the mileage on Walking
to Rivendell it's about 7,816 miles. I wonder what
the mileage is to go totally around the coasts of
England, Scotland and Wales.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

After losing my tracking papers years ago, I stopped walking along with the challenge. I can't remember well, but I think that I walked all the way to Bree before I left my folder filled with my documents on a plane. :(

As we went on a walk today, my mum and brother decided we needed to have some sort of walking regimen. I suggested the Eowyn Challenge, and here we go! I will print off the distances tonight and we will get a Middle-earth map that I don't mind marking on, so we can visualise our progress. I am afraid that we have become rather sedentary recently and it's about time that we fix that. We will decide whether or not we want to do a Hobbit themed journey to coincide with the second Hobbit movie release. Either way, I think that this year is a great year to resurrect this thread! Let's walk with Bilbo! :D

[Gil-Galad]

I suggested the Eowyn Challenge

I imagined the Eowyn challenge more as pretending you are a man to get in a group of guys and kill the witch king.

[HerenIstarion]

Let's walk with Bilbo! :D

I used to walk and IIRC I got past Rivendell but then lost track

I guess I will try to revive my measurement habits (unless I forget and if I manage to locate my old pedometer :D) to walk with Bilbo

[Galadriel55]

I would walk, but me and pedometers just don't agree with each other. :(

I mean I would walk anyways (try not to...), but without measuring. I suppose I can use google maps to measure out my long trips, but what about, you know, up and down the school hall?

[Aganzir]

Funnily enough, I thought of this just a few days ago. I am tempted to take part.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I used to walk and IIRC I got past Rivendell but then lost track

I guess I will try to revive my measurement habits (unless I forget and if I manage to locate my old pedometer :D) to walk with Bilbo

Oh, it would be great to see you walking again for this! My old pedometer has been lost to the mists of time, but my family will shortly be investing in new ones.

P.S. It's nice to see you again, Heren.

I would walk, but me and pedometers just don't agree with each other. :(

I mean I would walk anyways (try not to...), but without measuring. I suppose I can use google maps to measure out my long trips, but what about, you know, up and down the school hall?
I will have to Google Maps my walk today to measure how far I went. You should invest in a new pedometer. The last time I checked, they weren't very expensive.

Funnily enough, I thought of this just a few days ago. I am tempted to take part.

You should. Then you can be Fili, or was it Kili that you wanted to be? I always forget. I am going to be Bilbo in this party. Brother will probably be Bombur, because he thinks that Bombur is the most hilarious.

Anyone want to join our company of dwarves? I am only four or so miles in, and I would love some Downer company for this. :)

[Gil-Galad]

You should. Then you can be Fili, or was it Kili that you wanted to be? I always forget. I am going to be Bilbo in this party. Brother will probably be Bombur, because he thinks that Bombur is the most hilarious.

Anyone want to join our company of dwarves? I am only four or so miles in, and I would love some Downer company for this. :)

I feel like I should link my facebook posts with here, but as I stated on FB, I would be Gandalf so I would show up some times, but when I do I am saving your lives.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I'm still counting miles after all these years, though I've been to Mordor and back several times, I'm sure. I usually forget to update on the Éowyn Challenge site - I'll check to see if it's still working.

Yup! Just updated my miles (6250 now). Here's the site: Éowyn Challenge (http://home.insightbb.com/~eowynchallenge/)
Newcomers should be able to register to the Barrow-Downs group - we have lovely black shields!