Walk To Rivendell" aka "The Eowyn Challenge"

[mark12_30]

Several people have expressed interest in the "Walk To Rivendell", also known as "The Eowyn Challenge."

There is a link below. The idea: between now and the Dec. 17 release of ROTK, walk the equivalent distance that Frodo had to walk from Bag End to Rivendell.

For those who walk or might like to, check it out.
Walk (http://home.insightbb.com/~eowynchallenge/Walk/walk.html)
challenge (http://home.insightbb.com/~eowynchallenge/index.html)

This thread is for those who are walking on the Barrow-Downs, to encourage each other, and to track progress.

For example, Frodo walked 18 miles his first walk. Most of us have a life-- it'll take us days to catch him! But... off I go; 12.5 miles so far over the past five days. In a couple more days I'll have hit Frodo's first camping spot. (I may chart progress in Fonstadt's atlas...)

Speaking of the which here are some links to maps:

By Fonstadt: FrodoToRivendellAndBilboToo (http://lotrmaps.middle-earth.us/mea/HOBBIT/01ITINER.GIF) Frodo's trip is in Tan, Bilbo's trip is in black.

By Barbara Strachey: JourneysOfFrodo (http://www.jrrtolkien.org.uk/lotrmaps.htm) The trip to Rivendell is covered on the first five maps.

So-- this thread is for Tolkien-oriented, hobbit/elf/Middle-Earth related discussion, encouragement, and cameraderie "on the road to Rivendell"... a mere 458 miles = 738.7 km. For those starting around the end of March, that's about two miles a day or 3.2 km per day.

I'd also like to encourage posting Tolkien-oriented poetry especially walking songs. Personal anecdotes and progress reports must be voiced as a denizen of Middle Earth! RPG skills may come in handy. If you like handwriting, Nurumaiel has created a printable page to keep a journal of your adventures. Be Hobbit, Elf, Dwarf, Man!
Journal can be found here:
journal page (http://www.geocities.com/ctbsl/journal.html).


Also, see the The Barrow Wight's version of the mileage tracker, in Walking To Rivendell (http://www.barrowdowns.com/walktorivendell.asp)!

Who's in?

The list as of May 28:

MEMBER : MILES

alaklondewen : 139
Alatariel : 144
Annunfuiniel : 119
Arvedui III : 119
Arafangwen : 82
ArwenBaggins : 100
Aylwen Dreamsong : ?
bain_edhel : 12
Bulelainwen : 108
Durlossiel : 90
dragoneyes : 123
Eärendil : 77
Eruwen : 70
Estelyn Telcontar : 150
Faenaduial : 11
Firondoiel : 43
Gorwingel : 289
Hilde Bracegirdle : 237
Horsemaiden Of The Shire : 120
Ilsanie : 5.5
Joy : 14
Kalel : 32
Keowyn : ?
Lalaith : 128
Lindolirian : 170
Linzielf : 270
LotrMaster02 : ?
Lyra Greenleaf : 127
Maiden of the Dry Waterfall : ?
mark12_30 : 236
Naz : ?
Neferchoiren : ?
Niluial : "lots"?
Nurumaiel : 81
peony_foxburr : 166
Raefindel : 225
Ranger Jewel : 35?
red : 52.5
Rochelle : 59?
Salix : 11?
Schmendrick : 70
Sindafalathiel : 8?
Sophia the Thunder Mistress : 93
SwordMaiden of Rohan : ?
Tar-Palantir : ?
Tarvasa : 43
Tefalathiel : Tom's house
The Real Findorfin : ?
Tigerlily Gamgee : 18
Tinuviel of Denton : 100
Tira O Alata : ?
Vanwalossien : 71
Vardamar : 134

Pedometers are **not** required; distance may be estimated by time (est. 3 to 4 miles per hour) or by map or by the odometer on your car, or whaatever other reasonable estimation method you choose. However, several people have expressed interest in getting a pedometer so here is some information about them.

Before You Buy a Pedometer (http://walking.about.com/library/gg/aabybpedometer.htm) at about.com.

How to Measure Your Stride - Step Length (http://walking.about.com/library/weekly/aapedometerset.htm)

Enjoy following Frodo!

Still round the corner there may wait
A new road or a secret gate,
And though we pass them by today,
Tomorrow we may come this way,
And take the hidden paths that run
Towards the moon or to the sun.

(LOTR, Fellowship, p. 76 in the Omnibus paperback.)

[ April 23, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

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[alaklondewen]

All I need is a walking stick. I will be with you all 458 miles! This is a wonderful idea. I've been looking to start a fitness program, but have been lacking the encouragement from others. With your support, I'm sure I can do it with you all.

Now, are there any online sources that give the miles Frodo walked, so we can keep track where we are in ME, or do I need to invest in a book?

*walks away humming to herself..'The road goes ever on and on...'*

[ April 02, 2003: Message edited by: alaklondewen ]

[Arvedui III]

Really cool idea, but 458 miles smilies/frown.gif
Neh, it will be good to get off my lazy but for once. I'm in.

[mark12_30]

458 miles sounds scarier than it really is-- it averages out to a little under two miles a day from now til Dec. 17. Vaguely 12 miles a week, I think.

(edit) boots calculator: 458 / 264 = 1.73 mi/day. Call it 1.75 mi/day.

1.75 mi/day * 7 days = 12.25 mi/week. Call it 12.5 or 13 for good measure and to give you some future leeway, room for sick days, etc.

Not bad. And if perchance we get there a little late, fortunately the doom of the world isn't hinging on our timely arrival!

(That Frodo was one tough cookie...)

[ March 27, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Cool. I walk to school everyday, and I walk through the school hallways...does that count? Or does soccer and track count? I hope so.

Regardless, I'll grab my walking stick, grab a buddy, and get walking! It's about time I start enjoying the spring weather!

Aylwen

[Rochelle]

*takes a deep breath*

458 miles...I think I can do it smilies/wink.gif I am going to join with the advice of my dear Bilbo Baggins:

"It's a dangerous business...Frodo, going out your door. You step out onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."

I guess it's off to go download a map!!

[Raefindel]

Yes, this will be fun!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Helen, thanks for the link to an interesting site and project! I walk quite a bit normally; probably 2 miles fast, alone, early on an average of four mornings a week, and another mile or so with the dog, slower, during the day. It's my favorite way of compensating for all the sitting I do at the computer! smilies/wink.gif I like the direct contact with nature and the fact that walking gives me time to enjoy it.

This project will give an interesting additional dimension to my favorite exercise! Count me in - without a stick, though. Now for a map...

[Telchar]

Just to put some of you down a little: The hobbits were of course about 60% of your height which means you should add at least 50% to the distance = 687 miles. Then remember that they carried their gear along with them. There is also the positive fact that they rode a good part of the distance - you should find a horse and do some riding. Most of you will notice that riding for the unexperienced is pretty good exersice smilies/smile.gif Maybe if you took 10 riding lessons and then cut it down to say 500 miles? - Then of course you must remember that the hobbits did the journey between 22 sept. and 20 oct. if you leave out the three days on horseback and the rainy day in Toms house you get 25 days of walking to do the job... thats 20 miles a day (the hobbits did app. 14 m/day) or just alittle above 32 kilometers. Enjoy!!! smilies/biggrin.gif

T smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Yay! this sounds grand... although my campus is pretty small so it'll likely get real boring by the end smilies/wink.gif wish me luck in dragging my roommate out on the road with me smilies/biggrin.gif
-Sophia

[mark12_30]

Just to put some of you down a little...

Sweetie, that's not a big requirement on this thread. Most of us really don't need any more of that. If we work up a little enthusiasm, please cut us some slack. smilies/wink.gif

Interesting idea about doing some of it on horseback, if possible; but the trip from Crickhollow to Bree was only a small portion of the overall miles (135 - 73 = ... uh... 62? somebody check me), and for some, horses are hard to find and expensive to hire. I suppose, if one really wanted to, one could substitute a bicycle, if that sounded like a fun idea.

I don't think anyone should get bogged down or discouraged about a detail like that. smilies/rolleyes.gif

Indeed, the folks who put the idea together allow for any self-propelled mode of travel (yikes! Swimming 458 miles???) smilies/eek.gif smilies/eek.gif

This is meant to be fun. Fun! Playing with maps and following Frodo's wild and wooly hike-- yep, FUN! smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

I wish I could do it barefoot. smilies/rolleyes.gif Not likely.

I'm hoping to scan some of Fonstadt's map pages for Frodo's trip (she shows milage rather nicely) and put them on my website; if I have room... I had to delete some stuff to put up the Bag End layout! Could be tight.

[ March 27, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[mark12_30]

So far 8 people are walking. Cheers!! Who has already started? Who's got a map? Where are you all walking? I found a great trail today close to my house; it goes by a pond, & through lots of woods.

Rae, thanks for suggesting this thread!

[Lalaith]

This is an excellent idea and just what I need. I'm in.
I was thinking of getting a pedometer...is pedometer in fact the word I am looking for?

Oh, and as I cycled to the dentist today rather than drive, I'm already five miles into the journey! smilies/smile.gif

[ March 27, 2003: Message edited by: Lalaith ]

[mark12_30]

Hey, here it is!!
From Fonstadt's atlas, THE MAP:

FrodoToRivendellAndBilboToo (http://lotrmaps.middle-earth.us/mea/HOBBIT/01ITINER.GIF)

Frodo's trip is in Tan, Bilbo's trip is in black. Check it out!

This is the map used by the folks who came up with this whole idea. Fonstadt's atlas is pretty readily available if you want to buy it. Or, you can save the picture, open it in Paint, and print off a fullsized version.

[ March 27, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[mark12_30]

Here are Barbara Strachey's maps... sadly out of print, but luckily online! smilies/biggrin.gif

JourneysOfFrodo (http://www.jrrtolkien.org.uk/lotrmaps.htm)

Scroll down to the bottom and enjoy. The trip to Rivendell is covered on the first five maps.

Strachey's book is older than Fonstadt's atlas and out of print, but she also does a nice job on the maps. I was very relieved to find them online.

[ March 27, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Rochelle]

Which map is everyone using? I haven't yet downloaded mine smilies/smile.gif

I ride horses about once a week, and am actually going today! *lol* I guess this means my journey begins in about an hour smilies/wink.gif

[ArwenBaggins]

I'm in! Yay! I'm going for a walk down my road, aprox. 2.2 miles. So I'm ahead for the day!

[mark12_30]

Which Map? Why, all of them, of course. Being (like Bilbo) very fond of maps, and having a hard time resisting their lure, I am using both the Fonstadt map and the Strachey map; as well as using a map of my neighborhood, and a map of the reserve I walk in with my friend.

I plan to put them all up (in addition to the other M-E maps on my walls) and (like Bilbo, and Frodo) trace the routes I take.

Now... to come up with elvish names for all these paths...

[Tar-Palantir]

Do you get to count just walking about town/school/work? People can get a couple miles or more just from going shopping at the mall! smilies/smile.gif

I'll do it - always looking for another energy outlet. I used to run 120 miles or more a month, on hiking trails! But since the accident... smilies/frown.gif Anyway, I'm with you - do we need to sign up somewhere?

[mark12_30]

As far as this thread goes you just did. If you want to you can also sign up at the site (link on opening post.) The site does have some fun and/or handy things and is worth checking out. For instance I like Frodo's (http://home.insightbb.com/~eowynchallenge/Milestones.htm) itinerary. It's under milestones.

[ March 28, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Eruwen]

This is very cool! Of course I am going to do it. Whoever thought up something like this, is very cool. I always wanted a way I could interact my life into Middle Earth. I guess this is one of the best ways possible. This is going to be fun.

[alaklondewen]

I started today by taking advantage of the short breaks between by classes and walking a bit on campus. I covered approximately 1.5 miles. Not bad considering I have classes from 9am to 9 pm. I'm looking forward to my coming days off when my daughter will be joining me in a stroller. Ah, to be a toddler.

[The Saucepan Man]

Erm ... think I'll just sit here on my nice comfy sofa in my nice warm hobbit hole and lend you all some moral support ... smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Eärendil]

I´m in. I go walking (especially in the woods) and bike-riding quite often, and I guess this is an excuse for doing it more often. smilies/wink.gif
And anything connected to Middle-Earth is interesting to me.
I will start right away, after finding out how many miles (or, as I am from Sweden, kilometers) I walk every time I go out.
What a great idea! smilies/biggrin.gif

[mark12_30]

I think I've counted thirteen walkers. (somebody check me)

Today I got to Frodo's (http://home.insightbb.com/~eowynchallenge/Milestones.htm) first campsite. Whee!

(We went to the "top" of "Mount" Tom, all of four hundred feet in altitude... Good Old Rhode Island.) Oh, and we made walking sticks today. They came in REALLY handy going over rocks and through brush. I'm convinced! It's in my car now, very awkward (small car!) I think I'll put a rawhide loop on it, after I whittle off the bits that stick out and catch clothing.

Rae, it reminds me of you.

(edit) for the list of walkers, check the opening post.

[ April 22, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[alaklondewen]

Thank you for the links to the maps. I have just printed them, and they are wonderful. Ooh, this is fun. smilies/smile.gif

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Hmm, well I think I may have a go at this! (Just need to get a whats-it to keep track of the miles.) No reason why I shouldn't make it to Bree at least!

Erm ... think I'll just sit here on my nice comfy sofa in my nice warm hobbit hole and lend you all some moral support ...

I think some us will need as much support as we can get come November & December (Brr... smilies/biggrin.gif), So please do stick around Saucepan-man!

[mark12_30]

I wasn't going to get one of those "whatsit-thingies" to keep track of mileage: til I got curious, and gee, they look kinda cool. I might get one after all.

I found this interesting and helpful, and there was some good advice about how to set the thing up. I especially liked the stride measurement ideas:

Before You Buy a Pedometer (http://walking.about.com/library/gg/aabybpedometer.htm) at about.com.

How to Measure Your Stride - Step Length (http://walking.about.com/library/weekly/aapedometerset.htm)

[ March 28, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Salix]

I'd love to do the walk. Today, to get to a friend's house to do homework smilies/rolleyes.gif I had to bike 1.5 km. Er, how many miles is that? I kinda am not to good at conversions. Later in the summer, I will be doing a 16 km hike, so that will help my goal.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Well, I starting walking but haven’t a clue how far it was. I’ll have to drive it later to measure it. A guy at work said the average person walks about 2 miles per hour. I only had a half an hour, so hopefully it was at least a mile! Finding time is definitely going to be a factor. Heavens it may even cut into my time on the Downs! smilies/eek.gif

If one can figure out how far one walks in a given time period, maybe one could get a reasonable estimate of how far one goes by how long one has walked. Or would that be cheating? Please say it’s not.

Oh boy, counting steps is way beyond me…especially after work! I’d have to get one of those thingy-mah-bobs to click off the steps! (Was that 5,486 or 4,568?!) smilies/frown.gif

Salix, 1 km is equal to .62 miles so 1.5 km x 0.62 = 0.93 miles. Just multiply by .62

Ooo…say… is a imperial mile different than a U.S. mile? smilies/biggrin.gif

[Arvedui III]

Did four miles today! yay! smilies/smile.gif Sorry, just had to say that. Anyway, where are y'all getting your maps? I can't find one that will work for me.

[ March 28, 2003: Message edited by: Arvedui III ]

[mark12_30]

Arvedui, You tried the links to TOlkien's maps and they didn't work? PM me, and tell me what went wrong. There are tricks, if the problem is printing them.

Hilda- estimating by the time is OK according to the Eowyn Challenge website. It's what I've been doing most of the week. I went to Walmart today, though, and got a pedometer for about eight bucks (I was going to get a "serious" one, but the sports store I tried didn't carry them... anyway...) Since it was the only one available, I settled for the Walmart digital edition despite the fact that the reviews warned me about its shortfalls. I did the settings, rather bummed that it wouldn't let me set my stride length in anything bit 6-inch increments (cheesy!!)

My stride length averaged at 28.7 inches. I had to choose between 24 and 30. smilies/mad.gif So I chose 30 since it was closer, and went once around my neighborhood which I know is 0.9 miles. (Did it in the car once.) The pedometer read 1.07 mi. So I set it to 24 inches and tried again, and it read 0.8 mi. Grumble. (edit: But then I realised I hadn't reset it at the bottom of the driveway. So I set it back to 30 inches and tried again, and it read 0.96 mi. That's better.)

So, option 1 is to leave it at 24 and add 11 percent; option 2 is to put it back at 30 and subtract 5%. Being closer, the 30 setting wins, and I'll have to subtract about 5%. I use an XL spreadsheet to track the distance anyway so it's no biggie.

Extra features included a clock, stopwatch, and alarm. Not bad for eight bucks. If only they'd given better granularity on the stride!!

Well, now I've calibrated it, it'll be useful enough. On the plus side I did log an extra 1.8 (edit: 2.7) miles tonight testing the silly thing. smilies/biggrin.gif If I overestimated my arrival at Frodo's first campsite (which is possible since I was estimating by elapsed time) then I should have gotten there by now.

[ March 28, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[mark12_30]

Before I crash for the evening I just want to let out a rousing cheer. It's fun to hike, fun to see folks pulling together on this thread, and fun to be playing with maps and walking sticks and such. I've done more exploring int he past week than I have in quite a while.

Thanks to Rae for the idea of starting this thread; thanks to Child of the Seventh Age for giving me a "little push out the door", Bilbo-style. And thanks to all who've signed up.

"I don't think you need go alone. Not if you know anyone you can trust, and who would be willing to go by your side..."

Home is behind, the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadows to the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.

[Raefindel]

Wow Everyone You're all doing so great!

I swam for an hour yesterday -how do you count that in miles? and I walked 3 miles at work today.

Hilde I don't agree with what your friend told you. I believe the average is closer to 15-20 min = 1 mile.

Wow! Great links Helen! Great maps!

[mark12_30]

...and a fine foggy barrow-downs morning it is... here in NE, anyway.

Rae, good for you! Swimming... I dunno! How many laps or lengths did you do? You can figure it out that way...

I went through the woods this morning on paths I didn't know were there. I had a wonderful time.

I've discovered the main danger of buying a pedometer: it's so much fun to see the thing count up, you just keep going, and keep detouring to log more distance... after dragging m'dawg three times around the nieghborhood last night, I dragged her three miles thru the woods this morning and another mile on the road. The poor thing was very ready to come home.

She's napping now. "The road goes on forever, " said The Little Yaller Dawg, "but I can't without a rest. It is high time for lunch." Or breakfast, anyway.

[Legolas]

Running or cycling would take you no time at all.

[Niluial]

Hey Guys I might be a little late but can I still join?
I do Ice-Skating everyday (4 hours). Don’t even ask me where I find time for home-work, boyfriend, friends and of course myself! I am a professional Ice-Skater I have won 6 first place positions and sev… no eight second place positions (I won my eighth, second position this weekend, last night smilies/biggrin.gif) enough showing of, sorry about that I am just proud smilies/smile.gif! I am sure I can join because I do speed ice-skating and Ballet on ice. And on Saturdays I do ballroom dancing on ice (its like the tango and you know dancing… smilies/wink.gif. My only free day is Sundays and then I have to go to church smilies/frown.gif!

[Annunfuiniel]

Oh, I'm absolutely in for this walk! Great idea! smilies/smile.gif
Ok, I counted that I've so far walked about 8 miles so where does that take me? I haven't checked the maps yet so I've most likely got lost already. smilies/biggrin.gif
Now it's time to rest a while but I'll continue my journey later today. If you hear someone singing or calling "Seda!" somewhere en route, it's just me! (Seda is my black German shepherd)
I wish everyone a very merry trip and hope you won't meet any Ringwraiths during your journey! smilies/wink.gif

[ March 29, 2003: Message edited by: Annunfuiniel ]

[mark12_30]

Niluial, of course you can join. Welcome, and welcome Salix and Hilde since the last list was made; here's the current list:

(edit: for the list of walkers, check the opening post.)

[ April 22, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ArwenBaggins]

I've walked 5 miles today. I am bout 2 or so miles short of Frodo's campsite, so I need to get going!

[mark12_30]

Bravo Arwen, and Annie too! And all you hobbits... Okay, I have to ask, which hobbit do you each identify with most on this trip and why?

Also-- please remember Frodo was in not-too-bad shape BEFORE he started, since he'd been saying goodbye to all his favorite haunts for months before hand. And he didn't have school, or a job, or kids to take up most of his day; or to put it another way, the journey WAS his job. So pace yourselves; don't anybody keel over from exhaustion.

I should talk! I had to take a long nap today-- that pedometer was such a motivator, I had to take it off and get some rest! I was as sleepy as a hobbit sitting under Old Man Willow.

[The Barrow-Wight]

For your walking enjoyments: The Barrow-Downs "Walk to Rivendell" progress tracker (http://www.barrowdowns.com/walktorivendell.asp).

[Raefindel]

Wow, Barrow Wight! That's really cool! Thank You!

[Niluial]

Ok I just got back from speed ice-skating. I had to skate as fast as I could around the ice-ring for an hour. I believe I did well! My instructor said I went about 3-4 miles! Oh and I did have breaks! Well I think I did well! Oh I just got back from speed ice-skating just to relax for an hour, I have to go back to the ice-ring to do another two hours of speed ice-skating! And I am cold….. smilies/wink.gif

[mark12_30]

Barrow-Wight, that tracker is cool. You rock! I love the quotes section. (edit) Hey, we even have a link on the main page! Go, Rivendell Walkers!

Niluial, cold seems to be the order of the day! I spent this morning out in the rain (drenching, pouring rain) cheering for my hobbit-hiking-buddy while she accumulated distance rowing in her first regatta! (Four-seat, women's novice eight... She must have Brandybuck blood.) It was pouring so hard I was looking for Noah's ark to float by, or for a cavilcade of drenched and grumpy Erebor-questers to trot by...

"To think it will soon be June, " grumbled Bilbo as he splashed along behind the others in a very muddy track. It was after tea-time; it was pouring with rain, and had been all day; his hood was dripping into his eyes, his cloak was full of water....

... meanwhile on the river, these rowers were all wearing spandex and cotton. No sweats?? There wasn't a rower on the water that wasn't drenched to the skin and shivering, some of them violently. I've never seen so many freezing-cold women.

(When I was in crew, we dressed sensibly on days like this-- what the heck were those coaches THINKING? How can you row at your best when you're shivering so hard at the starting line you can hardly hold your form?)

"And I'm sure the rain has got into the dry clothes and the food bags, " thought Bilbo. "Bother burgling and everything to do with it! I wish I was at home in my nice hole by the fire with the kettle just beginning to sing!"

My hobbit-hiking-buddy was grateful for the lembas and cranberry juice I brought. But next time, I'll bring tea (or chai) in a thermos. The local coffee shop got the business this time.

Anyway-- I wonder how far she rowed today. It was probably a 2000 meter race (most sprints are.) So "there and back again", 4000 meters or so including warm-up. Gutsy hobbit-lass!

[ March 30, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Raefindel]

We finally got some nice weather! It's beautiful out today and I can't wait to get out there and do some hiking! Spring break this week, I'll have to take the little elf-lets hiking. The girls love to wear their cloaks and carry their walking sticks. I'll have to make some more Lembas for the trip.

[ March 30, 2003: Message edited by: Raefindel ]

[Nurumaiel]

Count me in. smilies/smile.gif Of course giving up LotR for Lent complicates matters, but if I only see where I am on the ME map on Sundays, I'm okay. I'll just have pretend I'm on some other journey. Got to feed the cat.....

[Niluial]

Ok so my legs are VERY saw! I am practising for a competition which takes place on Wednesday! I can’t wait but still it is complicated! And I had to do warm ups! So I worked it out I ice-skated 5-6 miles today, cool hey? Well at least the weather doesn’t effect ice-skating because if it is hot or cold outside it is always cold inside! Well I got to train AGAIN tomorrow! I am scared of what my coach might make me do, I might come back tomorrow saying well I’ve done 25 miles today smilies/smile.gif I wish smilies/wink.gif!!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Raefindel you were right on the mark! After driving my “mile” it turned into 2! What a pleasant surprise I can walk 2 miles in ½ hr. I feel a lot more comfortable with that.

Wow, BW now that site is a motivator! Many thanks. Here I thought I had just walked down the hill to Hobbiton and really I’m already at Bywater. This is great fun!

Friday, felt a bit like Midgewater marsh. Was glad I had a road to walk on. Yesterday was colder and rainy in the morning. I was looking out the window trying to decide how realistic I wanted to be when it stopped. Yippie! Little Puff the Orc and I struck out and did 6 miles, stopping half way for some coffee and raisin toast and celebrating with chips & popcorn when we returned. OK, I got to work on that part!

Today it has been snow flurries, and I’ve had to put off walking; hopefully I’ll get 2 miles in this evening.

Mark, thanks for the info. on the pedometer. I will have to make a run to get one, so many places “off road” to see and I feel constrained to what I can measure. Thinking about you up in cold NE. Have a cup of chia for me!

So far not identifying with any hobbit but Hilde Bracegirdle, but she’s having a blast!
smilies/biggrin.gif

[Schmendrick]

Great idea!! I'd love to join!
But before I commit myself to this, I have to make sure I have the right information: 1 km = 1,6 miles, right?
And so, 458 miles would be...approximately 733km? Annunfiuniel or Salix, am I right?
That's really quite a lot, but luckily the summer's coming and it'll be fun to walk! Also, I could start riding again, haven't done that for years!(That is accepted, too, right? smilies/smile.gif )

[mark12_30]

Welcome Schmendrick and Nurumaiel!

Oboy, metric... Quoting Hilda Bracegirdle here (counting on ya, girl) :
1 km is equal to .62 miles
so 1.5 km x 0.62 = 0.93 miles. Just multiply by .62.

So 458 miles = 738.7 km. I guess I should add that to the first post.

[The Barrow-Wight]

And now that everyone has a middle-earthish walking progress monitor, lets turn this topic towards Middle-earth (if possible) and away from everyone's personal fitness accomplishments.

(Sorry, gotta do this or I'd have to let everyone talk about non-Tolkien subjects)

[Nurumaiel]

To keep everyone going, especially the young children, we played characters today. All tales of adventure will be spoken of from a Middle-Earth point of view. Enjoy the tale-telling. smilies/smile.gif

=========
March 30th
Four is Company

Today we walked only 2 miles. Our company was Frodo, Pippin, Merry (myself), and Aragorn. Aragorn dropped his sword on the way so we had to go back and look for it. Being that he's very young, he soon got tired so we couldn't walk as long as we would have wished. According to the BW's progress monitor, we've now reached Bywater. Unfortunately we left our maps of the Shire to Rivendell behind.

Today's walking was uneventful. We passed a few hobbits on the road, and enjoyed watching Frodo and Aragorn running from the bumblebees. It was a challenge to keep patient when Aragorn said he needed a walk every few minutes.

[Gorwingel]

Congradulations to everyone, great job smilies/biggrin.gif

I am doing track right now, so I have been running and walking so much that I think I should be trying for Sam and Frodo's journey instead of Eowyn's smilies/wink.gif

Hey Raefindel, you should do Bloomsday in Spokane this May! Have you done it before? It would be a great way to add to your total.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Wow, what a great new thread! Can I still join the trip, or am I too late? My computer's been down & I haven't been to the Downs for a couple of weeks. I'll be leaving Bag End with Frodo, Sam & Pippin tomorrow. Hopefully, I can make it to Bucklebury Ferry by the end of the week. smilies/smile.gif

[alaklondewen]

After a fun (and cold) adventure today, my hobbit lass and I have made it past the road that goes to Waymeet. We saw many rabbits along the way, but none good enough for Sam's stew as they were all plastic. We are looking forward to tomorrow's journey, because the temperature is suppose to be on the rise.

Happy walking to all!!

[Annunfuiniel]

Hello Schemdrick, nice to see you join this fun adventure! smilies/smile.gif
And to inform anyone pondering about these miles and kilometres: 1 mile= 1.609kms (yes, multiplying with 0.62 takes you close enough) >>458miles=736,9kms> 737km
smilies/eek.gif Yep, looks quite bad, but WE ARE GOING TO MAKE IT, no question about that! smilies/biggrin.gif
I've reached Bywater too with my 15,5 miles and today I hope to drag my sister and cousin for a really long walk. They don't know about my plans yet... smilies/evil.gif

[mark12_30]

Alatáriël, hello and welcome! And happy tramping through the Shire and Lands Beyond!

[LINZIELF]

smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif CAN I WALK AS WELL?? GREAT BIG MOUNTAINS(WELL LARGE HILLS!) HERE IN DORSET. WALKED 11 MILES YESTERDAY - GOOD START?

[Raefindel]

Welcome to the Downs,LINZIELF!
smilies/smile.gif

Yes, do join us in our walk.

A tip for those of you who are just buying new pedometers: to measure your stride length run in the mud. It is much easier to measure your footprints that your feet.

[mark12_30]

Welcome, LINZIELF! Thanks for joining us on the walk. Sounds like you've got great country for it!

It was snowing this morning in Green Hill Country. I enjoyed it thoroughly! It'll be warm soon enough. I was just glad to be out. Let's see, the names of the landmarks and trails so far: Turkey Trail, Duck Bridge, Tom Trail, Fairy Ridge, Troll Hill and Troll Trail. And let's not forget the orc-pits... geugh. smilies/biggrin.gif

[mark12_30]

Thanks to Esty for this suggestion: in order to streamline things a bit and avoid a jangle of milage reports, how about at the end of the week everybody who wants to can send me their weekly tally, and I'll make an alphabetized list and post 'em.

That way we can reserve the bulk of the thread for inspirational Tolkien quotes, Hobbitty walking songs, Middle-Earthen anecdotes, elvish ponderings, Ranger's observations, and the occasional draft of good ale (Maggot's farm isn't far away, nor is Crickhollow, nor Bombadil's house, nor Bree.)

After Bree, it's a bit dry 'til the big bash awaits ar Rivendell!

Seen any Black Riders? After tracking them across The Last Bridge in the snow, we sprinted this morning after an elusive mysterious and fast-moving group of black... well... wild black turkeys. smilies/rolleyes.gif Eh, nevermind.

But that big rock formation is DEFINITELY an old Troll hangout.

Nurumaiel, your stories are fun!

[ March 31, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[dragoneyes]

I would like to start. Who know whether I'll make or not but I'll be well on my way if cycling and horseriding count.

[mark12_30]

Good to have you, Dragoneyes, welcome! You'll definitely make me think of Pippin. And I'm sure you'll do fine!

[dragoneyes]

Thankyou Helen!

The hobbits were of course about 60% of your height which means you should add at least 50% to the distance = 687 miles.

But then again, Hobbits are lighter overall and therefore do not have to carry as much body weight.

[red]

I'm in as a runner - as soon as I buy shoes, that is. smilies/smile.gif

UPDATE: Shoes = purchased!! However, winter has come back for another visit and it'll be a while before the outdoors are tolerable again.

[ April 04, 2003: Message edited by: red ]

[alaklondewen]

After today's grand adventure, I have made it to Frodo's first supper on the road.
When they had walked for about three hours they rested. The night was clear, cool, starry, but smoke-like wisps of mist were creeping up the hill-sides from the streams and deep meadows. Thin-clad birches, swaying in a light wind above their heads, made a black net against the pale sky. They ate a very frugal supper (for hobbits), and then went on again.

[mark12_30]

Welcome, red! Happy running! And may the shoes appear quickly. Likewise, I just purchased wool hiking socks. I'm afraid that makes the both of us terribly un-hobbit-like? (I figure the wool socks substitute for the glaring lack of natural foot-fur.)

alaklondewen, that was a lovely quote. Thanks!

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

My intentions were good, but it was almost dark by the time I reached home, so I wasn't able to walk outside. However, being an elf of many resources, I dug out my treadmill from all the clutter that it's been buried under, put in my FotR dvd, and walked indoors.

On the con side, there was no breeze, no fresh air or any change in scenery. On the pro side, I didn't have to worry about keeping track of the distance (the treadmill kept track) and I got to watch my favorite movie at the same time. Distance-wise, I reached Bywater (think I'll spend the night at the Dragon and have a pint or two). Time-wise, the hobbits and Aragorn reached Rivendell safely and the rest of the fellowship showed up. I just hope I can reach Rivendell before Frodo & Sam reach Mt. Doom.

[Schmendrick]

I just wanted to announce that I have now officially left the Shire smilies/smile.gif! I've only walked a couple of miles(very busy with my studies&part-time job), but that's a start! So, here comes my quote:

" ' Well, now we're off at last' said Frodo. They shouldered their packs and took up their sticks, and walked round the corner to the west side of Bag End. 'Good-bye* said Frodo, looking at the blank windows. He waved his hand and then turned and (following Bilbo, if he had known it) hurried after Peregrin down the garden-path. They jumped over the low place in the hedge at the bottom and took to the fields, passing into the darkness like a rustle in the grasses."

That is a very accurate quote, too, since I "crossed" a hedge (hm, not sure if one can say that? I mean: ran through the bushes... smilies/smile.gif) and walked on the fields today...

[Lalaith]

Alas, a heavy cold has kept me in Green Hill Country for a couple of days now. Not even in sight of an inn...*sniff*

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Seen any Black Riders? After tracking them across The Last Bridge in the snow, we sprinted this morning after an elusive mysterious and fast-moving group of black... well... wild black turkeys. Eh, nevermind.

I saw some too, but there were many more than nine so I figure it was OK. If and when I run into the Nazgul I think my pace will pick up a bit! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Faenaduial]

What a great idea. I just signed up for the challenge even though I'm an elf and not a shieldmaiden (I'm a weight wathcers member anyway). I love to hike and this will just make it more enjoyable.

I look forward to mapping my progress to Rivendell. I plan recording just my extra walks and hikes, not my regular walking to and from work and errands.

It's great to see everyone sharing their progress. I can't wait to get started. smilies/smile.gif

[dragoneyes]

Being the madwoman that I am, I wanted to start this off in the most hobbity way I could think of. I decided that I would do my first walk bare-footed. I stuck to the paths that I knew had the least stones on them though in the end that didn't matter because my feet were so cold. Overall I walked two miles. I won't try it again until it's warm and dry, I would start on the one day that it rained wouldn't I?

[mark12_30]

dragoneyes, you fool of a Took! smilies/wink.gif smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

(sounds like a stunt I'd pull, just like wearing sandals in the snow all winter.)

I was playing in the stream this morning. NO, really, I was trying to get the water to drain off of the path and into the Marish where it belongs. The beaver dam is filling the path faster than it is running off.

[ April 01, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[LINZIELF]

smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/biggrin.gif Have waved goodbye to Hobbiton and it was raining. Walked 5 miles on treadmill at gym - few funny looks, have they never seen a hobbit with cloak and stick walking on a treadmill before?? Going to make my teen-age daughter dress as an elf and go hiking at the weekend!!
Ho!Ho!Ho! to the bottle I go To heal my heart and drown my woe. Rain may fall and wind may blow, And many miles be still to go, But under a tall tree Iwill lie, And let the clouds go sailing by.
Knowing the British weather it probably will rain and blow a lot!!

[Ranger Jewel]

Hi all-

My kids were messing around finding LOTR sites and suddenly yelled, "MOM! Get IN here!" They'd found The Barrow-Downs and saw the Walk to Rivendell. They were very excited! Makes them think that Mom might not be quite so out-of-it afterall...

Anyway, I'm not at all familiar with this place, but had to register and see if you'd mind if I joined the group. I have 35 miles in as of this morning. Not to the elves yet...

Jewel

[mark12_30]

Ranger Jewel, welcome. Enjoy the walking and the cameraderie!

There's a FAQ (look at the righthand upper corner of the screen) and most of the forums have forum-specific guidelines that are very helpful. They usually show up at the top of the forum contents.

And welcome to the Downs!

[mark12_30]

Here's an "All about You" quiz, sort of like Lush would put up.


1. Which of the four hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) do you identify with the most?
2. Why?
3. Is there another hobbit besides those four that you identify with more?
4. Where did that hobbit come from? (Fanfic? RPG? Tolkien?)
5. What's your favorite walking song?
6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song?
7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it?
8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? (Walking, running, biking... etc.)
9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? (walking running etc.)
10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her?
11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why?
12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos?
13. Many of you have or will post quotes from the book about walking-- but for this quiz, pick one that stands out the most in your mind, and then tell us why you like it or what it means to you.
14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not?
What you can/cannot tolerate/enjoy about the Shire that we're leaving behind:
15. Pipes: yes or no?
16. Ale: yes or no?
17. Gardens: Yes or no? If yes, would you rather walk through, or weed & dig?
18. Living below ground: yes or no?
19. Dancing the Sprinkle Ring: yes or no?
20. Huge parties: yes or no?
21. What you like the least about The Shire?
22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)?
23. Where you would settle in for the winter?
24. What would your hobbittish proffession be?
25. This one is for Dragoneyes: Will you try walking barefoot at some point, and what is your plan for doing it safely? smilies/biggrin.gif

I'll post again and answer.

[mark12_30]

1. Which hobbit: Frodo
2. Why? His interest in elves, his studies, and his night-ramblings and eccentricity
3. Is there another hobbit: Lindo, or Bolco... hard to decide.
4. Where did that hobbit come from? Bolco from a fanfic, Lindo from The Lonely Star RPG. Lindo is a poet/singer, Bolco goes through a mystical journey.
5. What's your favorite walking song?
6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song? "The Road goes ever on and On" (but see next question.)
7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it? --Waly Waly, or "The Water is Wide". It gives it a very melancholy and wistful sound which actually makes it too slow to walk to.
8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? --Walking
9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? --None yet! But probably swimming, come warmer weather.
10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her? -- Stormy. (Dark dapple grey)
11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why? A Tinwhistle! (Dragoneyes!) Because they are indestructible, and they sound nice, and they're easy to play. And they would also serve as an emergency signal (like Boromir's Horn, sort of.)
12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos? --I have a walking companion three times a week. She is also most like Frodo. (She and I are long-lost twins mysteriously separated by twenty years of age. We don't know why.)
13. quotes that stands out the most in your mind: From The Council of Elrond: 'I feel ready for anything, ' answered Frodo. 'But most of all I should like to go walking today and explore the valley. I should like to get into those pine-woods over there.' He pointed away up the far side of Rivendell to the North.
14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not? --Yes.
What you can/cannot tolerate/enjoy about the Shire that we're leaving behind:
15. Pipes: yes or no? --No thanks!
16. Ale: yes or no? --No, thanks...
17. Gardens: Yes or no? If yes, would you rather walk through, or weed & dig? --Yes; but I have gotten lazy, and walk through without weeding or working.
18. Living below ground: yes or no? ---Maybe. If the windows were on the south side and REALLY big and the ventilation was excellent and there was a fireplace in every room and...
19. Dancing the Sprinkle Ring: yes or no? --you betcha.
20. Huge parties: yes or no? --No thanks. I'll dance the sprinkle-ring and then hide.
21. What you like the least about The Shire? Smoky rooms...
22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)? Up by Evendim or near one of the rivers.
23. Where you would settle in for the winter?
--Maybe Tuckborough or Overhill... Or Long Cleeve.
24. What would your hobbittish proffession be? --potter.
25. This one is for Dragoneyes: Will you try walking barefoot at some point, and what is your plan for doing it safely? --Yes. I wear birkenstock sandals anyway, so I will take them off for a little bit longer each day-- that is, once it gets warm outside!

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Walked 5 miles on treadmill at gym - few funny looks, have they never seen a hobbit with cloak and stick walking on a treadmill before??


Linzielf: One of the advantages of having the treadmill at home...my dog doesn't think I look strange in my cloak carrying my bow & quiver. As I continued watching FotR, the Fellowship was formed & continued as far as the Argonath. Tomorrow, I may have to watch the movie again with one of the commentaries or perhaps some of the special features.

[mark12_30]

How about this: Rather than sending me miles at the endof the week (you can if you want) why not put your miles in either your sig or (even better) your location, where it says "From:" in your profile? You'll have to edit your profile when you want your miles updated-- but the benefit of putting it in "from" is, they'll be in all your posts (including rpg's... ) "Road to Rivendell: 40 miles." If you want to save space or add it to what you already have, abbreviate it to "RtR: 40mi"

Heh. Now all we need is a secret online handshake... smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/wink.gif

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Great idea to put the miles in the location - that's what I've done. (20 miles within my first week isn't too bad...)

I love my solitary walks; they clear my head for the day. However, I have decided that walking is a good time to learn some of the poems by heart. I'm going to write them on cards, put them in my pocket, and see how many I can memorize by the time I get to Rivendell!

[Keowyn]

I did a quick three miles yesterday - my first - and was all excited to get started today until I got out of bed! smilies/eek.gif But a handfull of aspirin and a desire to get back on the road to adventure got me out the door for my next three. Anybody else sore?

[vanwalossien]

I'm on my way! Started gently today with one mile (I think, is a mile about 1.6km?)Me being lazy might be one of the reason why I didn't walk any longer, but the main reason is that this is not the 'Walk to the Dead Marshes'-challenge. The snow has finally started melting properly up here in the cold north, and Norway has been transformed into a swamp. Yes, it's April. No, it's not really spring yet. We've had snow since October... *sulks* smilies/frown.gif
I'll probably have to walk tomorrow, looks like the bus drivers are going on strike. That'll be at least eight miles, carrying my books from school. Through the dead marshes. smilies/smile.gif

[Niluial]

Well I just got back from ice-skating, the competition. I came first! I would have hoped so for all that hard work I put into it! I actually gave up two whole days on BD! It was hard smilies/biggrin.gif, seeing that I am a BarrowDwsaolic, which I believe we all are smilies/wink.gif! Sadly I can not do any excises this whole week do to the facts that this training has made me crippled. But it is hard to get first place you know! So that is my story of the week!

[mark12_30]

Welcome vanwalossien to the Road, and welcome Keowyn to the Road and to the Downs!

And yes, I've had some sore moments. Stretching and the occasional hot soak helps a great deal (Sing Hey! for the bath at close of day!) Alternating footwear also helps.

[ April 02, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[dragoneyes]

My feet were tender this morning (I was informed by my father that there was glass on the bridge, I encountered none thankfully) but my muscles are fine.

1. Which of the four hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) do you identify with the most? Pippin
2. Why? He always seems the most cheerful and has a small tendancy to blabber and is juat bouncy like me. (I am aware that only barely made sense)
3. Is there another hobbit besides those four that you identify with more? Gaddy Boffin
4. Where did that hobbit come from? (Fanfic? RPG? Tolkien?) The Long Winter RPG, he's very dreamy and in his own little world an awful lot.
5. What's your favorite walking song? I prefer to sing oe of the various marching tunes I know
6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song? "Ho! Ho! Ho! To the bottle I go..."
7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it? I fitted it to the tune of the movie adaptation.
8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? (Walking, running, biking... etc.) Biking do far
9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? (walking running etc.) Walking
10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her? Bumble
11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why? Until I get my hands on a tinwhistle, a recorder. Because it's something interesting to do when you're not singing.
12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos? Just my dog as of yet, but I'm working on it.
13. Many of you have or will post quotes from the book about walking-- but for this quiz, pick one that stands out the most in your mind, and then tell us why you like it or what it means to you. I'll get back to you on that one.
14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not? No
What you can/cannot tolerate/enjoy about the Shire that we're leaving behind:
15. Pipes: yes or no? No!
16. Ale: yes or no? No.
17. Gardens: Yes or no? If yes, would you rather walk through, or weed & dig? Yes, to walk though but my own is rather overgrown and come summer you can be sure that the stinging nettles will be all around
18. Living below ground: yes or no? If it was all built probably then yes.
19. Dancing the Sprinkle Ring: yes or no? Yes!
20. Huge parties: yes or no? Yes.
21. What you like the least about The Shire? Get back to you, this requires real thought.
22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)? Bywater
23. Where you would settle in for the winter? Tuckborough sounds good to me.
24. What would your hobbittish proffession be? Stablehand
25. This one is for Dragoneyes: Will you try walking barefoot at some point, and what is your plan for doing it safely? I shall try again, this time I will be completely sure there is no glass and next time it will be warmer and less wet and all round less messy.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Oh what a lovely day in our corner of ME! Got up in the 70’s, hard to believe after snow on Sunday! The peepers are out and making a deafening noise and flowers are just starting to bloom.

Never fear vanwalossien, spring is coming and the Dead Marshes will come alive, (egads what a thought). Let me rephrase that. They will be green once more!

My young hobbit walking companion almost did a Frodo falls head first into the bog the other day. It was a reenactment I vigorously discouraged, especially on blustery wet mornings! She likes to startle Mom.

Tonight we were out past nightfall walking. She was kicking a rock along until it was lost in the gloom and she almost kicked a frog by mistake! We walked rather carefully after that, glad to be wearing shoes….

Feet and muscles are doing surprisingly well, but shins are another matter. I had thought it was the cold weather but after today that theory has been discarded.

Wow, the list of “All About You” stuff will take a chunk of time to figure out. Some I don’t have to think about, but so many entail difficult decisions. I’ll have to save it for a rainy day or take it out with me to ponder. Hmm…where would I settle for winter? Tough one…..Pipes… I don’t suppose you mean plumbing? I do love plumbing, particularly the indoor variety. Profession...I would say cobbler but I imagine I'd starve to death!

Yikes, Helen your going to be in Rivendell before summer! Forty Miles? Keep up the good work. smilies/smile.gif

Be safe, rest up and have a good day tomorrow folks!

[ April 02, 2003: Message edited by: Hilde Bracegirdle ]

[vanwalossien]

No strike. I walked anyway. Well, not all the way, but I need two buses to get home from school, I just took one, and walked the rest of the way. I'm so proud of myself! smilies/smile.gif
Helen, you might end up being accused of turning me into a healthy kind of person... smilies/wink.gif

[mark12_30]

vanwalossien, that kind of accusation I can handle!

Hilde, Esty will catch me; she did her 20 miles in one week! I had a head start. But I am finding this a bit addicting. The woods in the morning, fields and a water view at noon (I work near the bay)-- and then of course, my dogs need a trip around the block before bedtime.

I used to think I would have nowhere to take a hobbit rambling if one showed up in my neighborhood. I've changed my mind! I "found" an absolutely gorgeous "nature trail" (marked and everything) one mile from my house. It overlooks a slow swampy river. I hope there are no bears, but I had to step over a deer skeleton! Coyotes! The dogs stay on leashes.

In terms of hobbits showing up in my neighborhood: so far all the hobbits who've showed up are rather tall. But tall hobbits are better than none. Maybe Raefindel will visit someday (HINT) and I'll be graced with a short elf, and that'll make up for the tall hobbits.

[ April 03, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Salix]

Unfortunately, my progress has been stalled. On Monday, it was lovely, plus 20 Celcius, and sunny. On Tuesday though, it grew cloudy, and started to snow. Today, it was -12 and there is about 5-10 cm of snow on the ground. I walked about a kilometre yesterday, but that's all I have been able to do.

[mark12_30]

"When Winter first begins to bite
And trees crack in the frosty night,
When pools are black and trees are bare,
'Tis evil in the wild to fare."

Hang in there, Salix! Spring can't be that far away. How far north are you?

[Salix]

I live in Canada, but nearish to US border. I don't consider myself very far north. The funny thing is, at my school, the student bulletin had a note that said "Blizzard in the afternoon" as an April Fools day note, and it started snowing in the afternoon. smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Raefindel]

Good Morrow Hobbits, Elves and others. I have updated My "From" section below my signature and you can see I'm not very far on this walk of ours. No, I'm not doing well for an elf; though I must say I do not agree with Gildor and his fellows Elves who said But we have no need of other company and Hobbits are so dull.

I would be glad of company on my trek; even the company of a Hobbit.

Welcome Ranger Jewel to the Downs and to our little expedition. Do feel free to entertain us with your favorite quotes and walking songs.

An here is my compelted survey and my thanks to Mark12:30 for her time spent on compiling it.


1. Which of the four hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) do you identify with the most? Definately Merry.

2. Why? I tend to see as Merry as the most practical. He Thought ahead to arrange the baths and all the ponies and provisions and averted many an argument and disaster before it ever could occur.

3. Is there another hobbit besides those four that you identify with more? Bilbo & Frodo

5. What's your favorite walking song? I'm not sure I have a favorite, but I do always sing when I'm walking.

6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song? I'm glad you asked! Here's the first stanza:

Upon the hearth the fire is red,
Beneath the roof the is a bed;
But not yet weary are our feet,
Still round the corner we may meet
A sudden tree or standing stone
That none have seen but we alone.
Tree and flower leaf and grass,
Let them pass! Let them pass!
Hill and water under sky,
Pass them by! Pass them by!

7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it? Yes, but it never seems to be the same tune every time.


8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? (Walking, running, biking... etc.)

Walking

9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? (walking running etc.)

Swimming

10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her? Raven

11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why? Either a cup of coffee or a favorite book for those rest-stops.


12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos? Only you on-line companions.


13. Many of you have or will post quotes from the book about walking-- but for this quiz, pick one that stands out the most in your mind, and then tell us why you like it or what it means to you.
I seem to elicit the same interest as the fox had for the sleeping Hobbits;

" 'Hobbits!' he thought. 'Well what next? I have heard of strange doings in this land, but I have seldom heard of a hobbit sleeping out of doors under a tree. Three of them! There's something mighty queer behind this' He was quite right but never found out any more about it."


14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not? Yes, but I'm an Elf and have therefore not yet come of age. As you know, Elves come of age to 50.

What you can/cannot tolerate/enjoy about the Shire that we're leaving behind: The way others tend to pry and gossip.

15. Pipes: yes or no? If you nean pipes to smoke, NO! If you mean pipes to play, YES!

16. Ale: yes or no? Not until I get home, lest I should snap my fingers at the black riders like you hobbits did after drinking the liquor Gildor left you. I will occasionally have some Irish cream (Or should I call it "Elven Cream") in my coffee.
And YES! ELVES DO DRINK COFFEE!

17. Gardens: Yes or no? If yes, would you rather walk through, or weed & dig?
Gardens? ABSOLUTELY! Weed, dig or walk through, It doesn't matter to me, I enjoy all three.

18. Living below ground: yes or no? I'd prefer a tree, but will manage underground if I must.

19. Dancing the Sprinkle Ring: yes or no?
Yes!

20. Huge parties: yes or no? Small parties are more fun.

21. What you like the least about The Shire?
Not sure I could answer that one. It seems a lovely place to me.

22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)? In a nice sunny spot near the Baranduin. I love water.

23. Where you would settle in for the winter?
Where is it warmest in the Shire?

24. What would your hobbittish proffession be? I'm a cobbler by trade, but I guess you hobbits are in little need of shoes... I always have gardening to fall back on...

[ April 03, 2003: Message edited by: Raefindel ]

[Niluial]

Remind me to NEVER go hiking again. My boyfriend grabbed me and said come lets go picnicking. So I thought oh how much fun. So he takes me to the place and asks “Why have you got such a big picnic basket? You never going to make it up there with that are you”. I was scared by what he meant…what did he mean? Six hours later I was on top of the mountain tired and saw. So now I am saw and I never want to walk again. I wonder how many miles I walked…

[Raefindel]

Time for a new boyfriend!

[Niluial]

Of Topic
You got that right lol… shame! Well he is a really good boyfriend you know! Who do you think gets me to do my homework when I really don’t want to, who makes me have fun when I don’t want to… Kyle does!

[mark12_30]

***Six hours*** from the base of the mountain to the top? And then six back down again?

So you're saying 12 hours total walking??? Yeow! Niluial you footweary traveller you! (Take a nice hot bubble-bath! Sing hey for the bath at close of day...)

Well, how far is that? Going up the mountain I'll guess 12 x 2. Do you think you were walking 2 miles/ hour or 3 miles/ hour? 3 is awfully fast for mountain climbing, I'd guess two.

So twenty-four miles. If it's a little over, I'd say so what!

Niluial zooms past the rest of us, hair streaming in the wind...

[ April 03, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Now Helen, here I went and walked 7 mi. today to try to catch up with you but found you apparently got 7 mi. in too. Go figure! Now I’m no closer to you and further from Estelyn. Unless Estelyn had good weather too! Ah, here we go…Niluial & Raefindel appear to be in the vicinity. Hallo there!

I also have a nice trail precisely 1 mile from home, basically a high road through swampy woods right now. Saw signs of horses… or maybe they were ponies. So glad to be able to go off road now.

Raefindel, are you a cobbler in real life? I was seriously considering going to a school for it when I lived near such a school in Baltimore, (about 20 years ago). Seems like good honest work. And being an elf you probably could make a fine living!

[Raefindel]

No Hilde, I'm a floral designer. Just making Hobbit jokes. smilies/wink.gif

7 miles? wow! I haven't done that is a while (not since I started working again)

[ April 03, 2003: Message edited by: Raefindel ]

[mark12_30]

Hilde, you're a peach! I'm glad you've got a nice trail near you. You'll probably gain on me today. I'm under the weather temprarily, and the weather is something to be under: raw and misty and windy, a regular seaside "spring". (But I love it; it reminds me of Scotland an Scotland reminds me of hobbiton and The Wild.) I did not walk this morning, and although I'll walk tonight, it probably won't be seven miles...

If I remember correctly:

Rain may fall and wind may blow,
and many a mile be still to go,
but under a tall tree I will lie
and watch the clouds go sailing by.

[ April 04, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Floral design, now that is something I admire, (another honest job). It seems all I can do to put the flowers right side up in the vase! And thanks for expounding on Merry’s virtues! Did my heart good!

Helen, don’t know if I will gain much today. Very cold rain out, maybe snow tonight. Did get in a couple miles this morning, though. Got to see the first light of dawn!

I have a confession; I think I’m probably walking on the flattest section of ME of anybody. I greatly applaud those of you with more hilly terrain, more power to you! And to your legs!

Still working on that rainny day project!

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

Ai! I would love to give it a shot, but it seems that everyone already has a huge head start on me! Guess I have a lot of work to do smilies/smile.gif

[ April 04, 2003: Message edited by: Tigerlily Gamgee ]

[Salix]

I'm way behind everyone else, cause it's been snowing for three days straight. smilies/mad.gif I can't catch up on the weekend either, because I'm probably going to be taking my wilderness first aid.

[Rochelle]

Have no fear, I'm at the rear as well *Lol*

I've covered a wonderful three miles and then the skies opened up and it's been nothing but rain and hail since (Raefindel, you're from WA too right?) I really need a treadmill if I'm ever going to catch up!

<<edit>> The sun! The sun! Green Hill Country here I come!

[ April 04, 2003: Message edited by: Rochelle ]

[alaklondewen]

1. Which of the four hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) do you identify with the most?

Frodo

2. Why?

He was a bit of a wanderer, as far as hobbits go.

3. Is there another hobbit besides those four that you identify with more?

Dearest Bilbo

4. Where did that hobbit come from? (Fanfic? RPG? Tolkien?)

I believe we all know who Bilbo is smilies/wink.gif

5. What's your favorite walking song?

I don't think this is considered a walking song, but it's what I sing while I walk.
God is good, all the time.
He put this song of praise
In this heart of mine.
God is good, all the time.
Through the darkest night,
his light will shine.
God is good, God is good ,
all the time.

6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song?

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with weary feet,
Until it joins some larger way,
Where many paths and errands meet.
Any whither then? I cannot say.

7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it?

I do sing it, but to a tune I made up.

8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? (Walking, running, biking... etc.)

Walking

9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? (walking running etc.)

My elliptical trainer.

10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her?

Cambell

11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why?

I'd have a book (whatever I'm reading at the time) just in case I found a good spot.

12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos?

My daughter is accompanying me on my walks, although she is enjoying them from her seat in her stroller.

13. Many of you have or will post quotes from the book about walking-- but for this quiz, pick one that stands out the most in your mind, and then tell us why you like it or what it means to you.

I'll post this later.

14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not? Not yet.

What you can/cannot tolerate/enjoy about the Shire that we're leaving behind:

The hobbit simplicity. If only the world could be like the Shire. Oh, and my garden of course, and getting presents on everyone's birthdays. There is so much...

15. Pipes: yes or no? only if they can blow bubbles.

16. Ale: yes or no? Maybe a little.
17. Gardens: Yes or no? If yes, would you rather walk through, or weed & dig?

Yes! Anything to do with my garden sounds good to me.

18. Living below ground: yes or no?

If my hole was airy and had a lot a sunlight, then maybe. But like Raefindel, I would prefer a tree.

19. Dancing the Sprinkle Ring: yes or no? Yes

20. Huge parties: yes or no? Yes!

21. What you like the least about The Shire?

Nosy neighbors?

22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)?

Woodhall

23. Where you would settle in for the winter?

I don't know. Somewhere in the South Farthing, maybe?

24. What would your hobbittish proffession be?

Exactly what I want to do in this world...be a hobbit psychologist. smilies/wink.gif

25. This one is for Dragoneyes: Will you try walking barefoot at some point, and what is your plan for doing it safely?

I might try if we can get to a park with trails, but not on the streets where I live.

[mark12_30]

Well, I'm not getting rain here, but there's plenty of raw wind and cold mist! Not exactly inviting.

I don't think this is considered a walking song, but it's what I sing while I walk.
God is good, all the time.

That works, alaklondewen! We sing that too sometimes; it never occurred to me as a walking song but it will now.

Tigerlily, enjoy! The idea is motivation & encouragement, not guilt or pressure. For me, it has been a huge blessing to just get outdoors, and see trees, and rivers, and rocks, and large areas of blue sky.

There's even the occasional deer skeleton (gah!) That was Thursday morning... quite an eye-opener. I had to step over it, too. I'm betting it was coyotes.

Another source of motivation has been this silly pedometer gadget, not bad for eight bucks.

Another neat motivation is going to be the growing collection of "walking" songs!

[ April 04, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Rochelle]

**Well I went bike riding today...the sun was shining and it was great! However, my legs now feel like jelly after going only 4.5 miles *lol* What can I say? We should get "extra credit" for hills, that's all thats around western Washington smilies/smile.gif The trail I rode on has a lot of marshlands surrounding it, and my white sweatshirt looked like the front of a van when I was done! All those dead bugs...ew! Well I guess I'm still in Hobbiton after 7.5 miles *lol* **

Now for my survey thingy!

1. Which of the four hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) do you identify with the most? I'm going to say Frodo.

2. Why? He was very responsible, and knew when to have a good time, and when it was time to settle down to business. He didn't necessarily want to be in a leadership role, but he was able to get a job done when it needed to be done (ie getting the ring to Mt. Doom!) smilies/smile.gif

3. Is there another hobbit besides those four that you identify with more? I think all of the hobbits have something I can relate to.

5. What's your favorite walking song?
I love to go awandering (http://wolves.dsc.k12.ar.us/cyberace/sbgone/trips/valderi.htm)

6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song? Let's see here....it would have to be an Old Walking Song smilies/smile.gif


Still round the corner there may wait
A new road or a secret gate;
And though I oft have passed them by,
A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run
West of the Moon, East of the Sun.

7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it? Usually I can't remember all the words *lol* so I sing random lines to random tunes.


8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? (Walking, running, biking... etc.)

walking

9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? (walking running etc.)

biking/horseback riding

10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her? *lol* Well I guess you could say I ride a few horses from Rohan smilies/smile.gif But if I had a nice stout shire pony I would have to call him Tubby

11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why? *lol* defibrilator...just in case my heart stops from overexertion!

12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos? I'm the lonely wanderer...with y'all to talk to after the fact!

13. Many of you have or will post quotes from the book about walking-- but for this quiz, pick one that stands out the most in your mind, and then tell us why you like it or what it means to you.

"It's a dangerous business...Frodo, going out your door. You step out onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."

That was more of a movie quote than anything, but it stuck with me! When you're walking, you have time to think and your imagination can explore new worlds. So make sure you have your wits about you or you'll walk to far and have to call someone to bring you back!

14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not? Nope, I guess you could consider me in my hobbit middle teenage years smilies/smile.gif

What you can/cannot tolerate/enjoy about the Shire that we're leaving behind: The lack of privacy

15. Pipes: yes or no? No pipes for me, that's one thing I could never understand. We all know that smoking does bad things to your lungs...how could they walk 458 miles and more with the amount they puffed away? Especially Gandalf *lol*

16. Ale: yes or no? No ale for me!

17. Gardens: Yes or no? If yes, would you rather walk through, or weed & dig?
I love the beauty of nature, and gardens are definatly the most colorful form! I'm more of a walk and see kinda hobbit...I'll let sam do the diggin!

18. Living below ground: yes or no? I suppose if it had adequate lighting I could manage!

19. Dancing the Sprinkle Ring: yes or no?
sure why not?

20. Huge parties: yes or no? if they all bring gifts I say go right on ahead and have a big party! smilies/biggrin.gif

21. What you like the least about The Shire?
No horses...I'd definatly prefer Rohan over any other land.

22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)? Well it would take me all summer to get there, but I think Rohan would be just delightful!

23. Where you would settle in for the winter?
My nice cozy hobbit hole smilies/biggrin.gif

24. What would your hobbittish profession be? Well your shire ponies will need shire shoes, so I think I'd take up responsibility as the shire farrier *loL*

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Tigerlily, don't let your heart be troubled, the miles go quickly, (especially on sunny days)!

And Salix, sounds like you will be a good travel companion knowing wilderness first aid!
Do you know where to look for athelas?

1. Which of the four hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) do you identify with the most?

A bit with all I suppose

2. Why?

A diverse personality?

3. Is there another hobbit besides those four that you identify with more?

Absolutely! Fredegar Bolger (low-profile, helpful, practical and loves to sleep!)

4. Where did that hobbit come from? (Fanfic? RPG? Tolkien?)

the good professor

5. What's your favorite walking song?

Old YES tunes keep springing to mind and hymns

6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song?

Today its...

"To Rivendell, where Elves yet dwell,
In glades beneath the misty fell,
Though moor and waste we ride in haste,
And whither then we cannot tell."

Suits the weather.

7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it?

not really, just spoken word

8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? (Walking, running, biking... etc.)

walking

9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? (walking running etc.)

walking, being a bit of a purist

10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her?

Boots (the poor thing)

11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why?

Paper and pencil might come in handy!

12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos?

With my daughter or solo so far

13. Many of you have or will post quotes from the book about walking-- but for this quiz, pick one that stands out the most in your mind, and then tell us why you like it or what it means to you.

Eek! If a find one I will be sure to post it, but at the moment I'm reading HoME vol 1 and it will be awhile before I come around to LoTR again.

14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not?

Most assuredly

15. Pipes: yes or no?

Don't smoke, so wouldn't miss it. But I will miss my cookies!

16. Ale: yes or no?

Give me water and I'm good to go.

17. Gardens: Yes or no? If yes, would you rather walk through, or weed & dig?

Oh yes! The woods are just one big unkempt garden,though I don't think I'd like to weed them.

18. Living below ground: yes or no?

Sniff, oh now I'm getting homesick. Underground is perfect.

19. Dancing the Sprinkle Ring: yes or no?

Plan to teach the elves the Sprinkle Ring in Rivendell. Care to join in?

20. Huge parties: yes or no?

Not really

21. What you like the least about The Shire?

the gossip

22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)?

Woody End or Crickhollow sound good

23. Where you would settle in for the winter?

Ithilien

24. What would your hobbittish profession be?

Metalworker or Hawker. "Get your bread here! Fresh baked bread!"

25. This one is for Dragoneyes: Will you try walking barefoot at some point, and what is your plan for doing it safely? Yes, preferably walking on grass or in a creek with both my eyes open!


[ April 04, 2003: Message edited by: Hilde Bracegirdle ]

[ April 06, 2003: Message edited by: Hilde Bracegirdle ]

[ April 06, 2003: Message edited by: Hilde Bracegirdle ]

[Tarvasa]

Hi! I'm Tarvasa! New to the boards and I found your walking to Rivendell program! It looks like so much fun and seeing that, I, erm, have a little weight problem, this might be a good idea! I hope it is not to late for me to join? I am on a swim team in the summer and I bike for an hour every day. I'm still gonna try and walk, though.

[mark12_30]

Tarvasa, no it's not too late! Welcome to the Downs, and welcome to the Road to Rivendell!

[Tarvasa]

Thanks! I don't think the winter will bother me this time, just the summer. I live way too far down south smilies/frown.gif ah well.

[Faenaduial]

Well it has been weather for hiking but I will be out and about both Saturday and Sunday and hope to log a few miles come rain or snow. Here are my answers to the survey.

1. Which of the four hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) do you identify with the most?
Frodo

2. Why? He has some very elvish tendencies.

3. Is there another hobbit besides those four that you identify with more? Bilbo, I love his stories, poems and songs.

4. Where did that hobbit come from? (Fanfic? RPG? Tolkien?) I think we all know.

5. What's your favorite walking song? I don't have a favorite song. What I sing depends on my mood and the area I'm hiking through.

6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song?

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can ...

7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it? I sing it to a tune I made up which seems to fit pretty well.

8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? (Walking, running, biking... etc.)
Hiking

9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? (walking running etc.) Walking.

10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her? Starlight.

11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why? A sketch pad and pencils.

12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos? My daughter and best friend, one elf and one hobbit, walk with me often and are thinking of joining the challenge.

13. Many of you have or will post quotes from the book about walking-- but for this quiz, pick one that stands out the most in your mind, and then tell us why you like it or what it means to you. I don't have my books with me to look up the quote but it is about walking out the front door. I will look it up and post later.

14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not? Yes, however since I'm an elf I have not come of age (50) yet (thank goodness)!

What you can/cannot tolerate/enjoy about the Shire that we're leaving behind: I love the way hobbits enjoy the little every day things.

15. Pipes: yes or no? Not for me but I don't mind if you wish to light up.

16. Ale: yes or no? No thank you. Wine please.

17. Gardens: Yes or no? If yes, would you rather walk through, or weed & dig?

Yes and yes. I enjoy gardening and walking through them.

18. Living below ground: yes or no? I prefer above ground but underground is okay if necessary.

19. Dancing the Sprinkle Ring: yes or no? Yes to any and all dancing.

20. Huge parties: yes or no? Oh, yeh parties. The more the better.

21. What you like the least about The Shire?
Nosy neighbors.

22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)? On the banks of the Brandywine.

23. Where you would settle in for the winter?
I would want to stay with the Tooks. I think we would have a jolly time.

24. What would your hobbittish proffession be? I would want to have one of the most noble professions in the Shire, cook!

25. This one is for Dragoneyes: Will you try walking barefoot at some point, and what is your plan for doing it safely? Once the weather is warmer I will take to walking on the beach!

[Raefindel]

Mae Govannen, Tarvasa! Welcome to the Downs. Yes, Join us on our walk to Rivendell.

alaklondewen, We sang "God is Good" in my church in Calif. I really miss that worship team.

Rochelle, Yes, I live in Port Orchard. I'm a florist on Bay St. And Yes, it was beautiful this morning.

Faenaduial are you an artist?


I went walking after work and Farmer Maggot's dogs chased me. "GRIP, FANG, WOLF!"

[ April 04, 2003: Message edited by: Raefindel ]

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

Hello...do you mind if i join? i've done but one mile, and i cant do more at the moment--jogging in place and around the house gets quite dull, as it is 12:30 AM--but i am bound and determined to get myself a walking-stick and do at least two miles tomorrow.

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

Thanks everyone! smilies/smile.gif I am eager to get started... the weather lately here has been appauling! Anywho...


* 1. Which of the four hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) do you identify with the most?

Sam

* 2. Why?

Because I have a strong connection to people and I don't like to be alone in certain cirumstances... and, uh, because I love Frodo smilies/smile.gif (especially Frodo my cat!)

* 3. Is there another hobbit besides those four that you identify with more?

Mmmm... not that I can think of right now.

* 4. Where did that hobbit come from? (Fanfic? RPG? Tolkien?)

*

* 5. What's your favorite walking song?

Haven't really thought about that... last time I took a long walk I listened to a lot of Irish jigs smilies/smile.gif

* 6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song?

The Road Goes Ever On and On


* 7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it?

The one from the movie, and the one from the old sheet music I have

* 8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? (Walking, running, biking... etc.)

walking

* 9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? (walking running etc.)

bike or roller blades

* 10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her?

Applejack (My Little Pony name smilies/smile.gif ).

* 11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why?

camera... pictures are fun!

* 12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos?

I am a loner, I guess

* 13. Many of you have or will post quotes from the book about walking-- but for this quiz, pick one that stands out the most in your mind, and then tell us why you like it or what it means to you.

"Few foresee whither their road will lead them till they come to its end"

* 14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not?

Oh yes, yes I have

* 15. Pipes: yes or no?

Pipes no

* 16. Ale: yes or no?

Don't know if that would help with the walkin too much

* 17. Gardens: Yes or no? If yes, would you rather walk through, or weed & dig?

Love to walk through gardens as long as there aren't too many bees (I hate bees!)

* 18. Living below ground: yes or no?

I like windows

* 19. Dancing the Sprinkle Ring: yes or no?

Oh yes smilies/smile.gif

* 20. Huge parties: yes or no?

depends on where they are

* 21. What you like the least about The Shire?

the lack of true adventure

* 22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)?

I get a summer cottage? smilies/smile.gif

* 23. Where you would settle in for the winter?

Somewhere that's warm, but not too warm

* 24. What would your hobbittish profession be?

Perhaps some sort of craft... jewelry making?

[mark12_30]

Welcome Horse-Maiden of the Shire!

Tigerlily, your comment about the ale made me smile.

This morning my hounds and I got rained on a little... but it wasn't too bad. The risky thing was that the ground was frozen and the fallen leaves had an ice-coat on them! I thought I was skating in some places instead of hiking.

Alaklondewen, guess what this morning's tune was? God is good... smilies/wink.gif

'All right!' said Pippin. 'I will follow you into every bog and ditch. But it is hard! I had counted on passing the Golden Perch at Stock before sundown. The best beer in the Eastfarthing, or used to be: it is a long time since I tasted it.'

[ April 05, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[vanwalossien]

1. Which of the four hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) do you identify with the most?
Pippin
2. Why? He is more adventurous than most( being a Took), and does a lot of silly things even though he not really that stupid.

3. Is there another hobbit besides those four that you identify with more?

4. Where did that hobbit come from? (Fanfic? RPG? Tolkien?)

5. What's your favorite walking song? If I sang I'd destroy someone's ears. I'll stick to listening to music...
6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song? The Road goes ever on


7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it? I don't sing it at all, due to the already mentioned lack of musical talent

8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? (Walking, running, biking... etc.)
Walking

9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? (walking running etc.) Biking

10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her? Sunrise

11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why? My MD, so I can listen to music

12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos? Alone. I like my solitude

13. Many of you have or will post quotes from the book about walking-- but for this quiz, pick one that stands out the most in your mind

14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not? Nope. I haven't come of age in Norway either.


15. Pipes: yes or no? Definetly not. Smoking kills.

16. Ale: yes or no? Nope. I'm too underage and too fond of Fanta smilies/wink.gif
17. Gardens: Yes or no? If yes, would you rather walk through, or weed & dig?
Yes. Both. I love gardens, I just got home from Paris two weeks ago, I loved the parks!

18. Living below ground: yes or no? I live under the ground, my room is in the basement. Cozy.
19. Dancing the Sprinkle Ring: yes or no? Er, no..

20. Huge parties: yes or no? Parties, yes, huge, no thanks.
21. What you like the least about The Shire?
Nosy neighbors, and everybody knows each other.

22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)? In Hobbiton

23. Where you would settle in for the winter?
Bree, or Buckland

24. What would your hobbittish proffession be? Innkeeper..?

25. This one is for Dragoneyes: Will you try walking barefoot at some point, and what is your plan for doing it safely? Sure. I'm used to walking barefoot, but the snow's gotta melt first...

[Niluial]

Well I've done lots of working out this week! I think I'll be finished with this in no time ... smilies/wink.gif! I feel healthy and happy! I actually just got back from a nice healthy jog! Here is a tip 'Eat Healthy Foods' it makes you go faster! I have always been a vegetarian. Last night I sunk my teeth into a juicy (light) veggie burger. My sisters the unhealthy brat didnt eat it and went to bed with out anything. She had toast for breakfast (I had fruit) and she came jogging with me, the first ten minutes she was flat out. So eat healthy light foods! I know you probably know that but I am just reminding you … smilies/wink.gif!

[alaklondewen]

Alaklondewen, guess what this mormimng's tune was? God is good...

That does my heart good to know others are singing this song. Singing it really makes me appreciate the blue skies, green grasses, and fragrant flowers I see on my walks.

I bought a pedometer yesterday! I've never done so much aimless walking aroung my house. I'm a waitress, and I'm looking forward to trying it out today.

This quote accurately depicts how I felt yesterday. Not to worry though, I ready to hit the road today.

The day's march promised to be warm and tiring work. After some miles, however, the road ceased to roll up and down: it climbed to the top of a steep bank in a weary zig-zagging sort of way, and then prepared to go down for the last time. in front of them they saw the lower lands dotted with small clumps of trees than melted away in the distance to a brown woodland haze. They were lookin away before them like a piece of string.
'The road goes on for ever,' said Pippin;

[Neferchoirwen]

My family left for the province and so I am left at home with my mom's half-sister, bored to death.

I was at school today, dreading the thought of going home to nothing, thinking that my "aunt" might not be home when I do; and so I decided to look for this book store.

Manila is a tough place, with smooth edges, and so I braved what is called "Remedios Circle" to look for "The Filipino Bookstore," which is supposed to be along the road leadig to that "Circle." I was wearing black capris, a red shirt with my sister's fuscia JanSport hanging on my back (which had 2 novels, a notebook, my wallet and cellphone and all of my readings for my Internation Studies class), and all I had on were a pair of Doc Martens maryjanes.

From school to Remedios, I took a jeep, not knowing where my feet will take me, so when I got down, I decided to look for that book store. So cross Taft and walked into Remedios. I walked past about 8 blocks, thankfully without hearing cat calls and whistles, and not to mention the occassional beggar. I finally got to the circle, and was surprised to see it full of people. Kids were running around barefoot on the concrete, students enjoying the beginning od summer break with a cigarette, and a few people from more affluent classes waiting for the cafes and restaurants to open. I walked around the circle, thinking about where to take my family out, and encountered a 5 year old boy, screaming the Filipino equivalent to SOB to playmates who wouldn't come near him (gee...wonder why).

So I went around the circle, and found no bookstore. Probably it's on a backroad somewhere, but I know it's somewhere around the area. I went around, and went back to where my jeep dropped me, suddenly becoming aware of the skin peeling off the back of my foot where the maryjanes stop and hit skin.

It was a humbling experiece...walking is always a humbling experience. You never the streets until your feet have spanned its paths. The experience was humbling because I now know what a hobbit feels like carrying all that weight while walking and at the same time wondering whether or not you will get to where you want to be.

[The Barrow-Wight]

As I mentioned before, as long as the discussions on this thread remain Middle-earth oriented, it can remain on the forum. But if it becomes simply a talk of walking tips and anecdotes, the topic will have to be closed.

Overall, the posts have been somewhat Tolkienish, but you can do better. Discussion must relate to our theme.

Thanks,

[Tarvasa]

Does posting that I walked my first two miles count? "cause I did. It was just around the neighborhood. too bad it wasn't in a wood or anything, like Frodo went through, but there are always more chances. Almost an entire year to walk.

My day schedule,
Read The Two Towers
Walk for RtR
Read the Two Towers
Bike for RtR
Read The Return of the King
Swim For RTR
Read The Return of the King

lol, with posting messages and eating in there, too.

[Rochelle]

The day dawned a miserable one, but that is alright. I'm cuddled up in my little hobbit bed, nursing my aching hobbit muscles. I don't know how I did it, but while biking on my hobbit trail (we'll say that hobbits had bikes) I managed to aggrivate my hobbit neck *lol*

Anyone ever stop to think how aching and sore the four hobbits were on their way to Bree? I'm pretty sure Strider never got sore, as he was an aimless wanderer...but those poor hobbits!

[Schmendrick]

This is not fair!!! smilies/frown.gif
I was so excited about this "project" and now the weather in Finland has turned terrible!!It has been snowing for two days already, there's snow up to knees and an icy wind (officially a "storm wind")! So no long walks really... I hope the weather turns better soon; after all, it's APRIL!
But now for the questions:


1. Which of the four hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) do you identify with the most? Frodo
2. Why? Well, he's just most like me, in every possible way (although I might be just flattering myself...).
3. Is there another hobbit besides those four that you identify with more? No.
4. Where did that hobbit come from? (Fanfic? RPG? Tolkien?)
5. What's your favorite walking song? I don't really have one...
6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song? " The road goes ever on and on..."
7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it? The tune from the movie.
8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? (Walking, running, biking... etc.) Walking
9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? (walking running etc.) Running, biking, hopefully riding...
10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her? Hmmm...Thowra.(Has anybody read that book?)
11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why? a (CD-)walkman
12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos? Alone...but I'm trying to "recruit" some friends smilies/smile.gif.
13. Many of you have or will post quotes from the book about walking-- but for this quiz, pick one that stands out the most in your mind, and then tell us why you like it or what it means to you.
I have to think about this...there are so many great quotes!
14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not? No
What you can/cannot tolerate/enjoy about the Shire that we're leaving behind:
15. Pipes: yes or no? No.
16. Ale: yes or no? No.
17. Gardens: Yes or no? If yes, would you rather walk through, or weed & dig? Yes! Just for walking through, though. (Or taking a nap under a tree... smilies/smile.gif)
18. Living below ground: yes or no? No. I need to see the sky!
19. Dancing the Sprinkle Ring: yes or no? Yes!
20. Huge parties: yes or no? Yes.
21. What you like the least about The Shire?
22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)?
23. Where you would settle in for the winter?
24. What would your hobbittish proffession be?
25. This one is for Dragoneyes: Will you try walking barefoot at some point, and what is your plan for doing it safely? I might try it, when it gets ( A LOT!) warmer...
--------------------

I'll answer later to some of the questions; they require some thought!
By the way, what do you think we should do to keep this thread more "Tolkien-related"? I don't want to see it closing down...

[Tarvasa]

ooo, i am only just getting on my bike for my extra mile! its 7 pm now. I reached Bywater, i need a pint at the green dragon.

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

Hey, Tarvasa. I am also in Bywater, shall we meet for a pint at the Dragon?

1. Which of the four hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) do you identify with the most?
Pippin
2. Why?
Pippin is the one that is most like me. We are both loud, annoying sometimes, funloving, and dimwitted at times.
3. Is there another hobbit besides those four that you identify with more?
Aleia, she is basically myself if I was a hobbit. What are you talking about, I am a hobbit!
4. Where did that hobbit come from? (Fanfic? RPG? Tolkien?)
Aleia is my RPG character for everything.
5. What's your favorite walking song?
Um, whatever song is stuck in my head
6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song?
"The Road goes ever on and on" and "Hey, ho! to the bottle I go!"
7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it?
The tunes from the movie.
8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? (Walking, running, biking... etc.)
Walking/jogging so far.
9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? (walking running etc.)
Biking and horseback riding.
10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her?
Skeet! (My RPG pony...heh heh)
11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why?
A book, because although walking is fun, walking in another world is funner.
12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos?
With one other. She doesn't have a hobbit-alter-ego, but she has a ranger-alter-ego.
13. Many of you have or will post quotes from the book about walking-- but for this quiz, pick one that stands out the most in your mind, and then tell us why you like it or what it means to you.
No idea. There are too many!
14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not?
Nope.
What you can/cannot tolerate/enjoy about the Shire that we're leaving behind:
15. Pipes: yes or no?
Yes!
16. Ale: yes or no?
Yes!
17. Gardens: Yes or no? If yes, would you rather walk through, or weed & dig?
Yes--but for walking through.
18. Living below ground: yes or no?
In a hobbit-hole? Sure, if it's that kind of below ground.
19. Dancing the Sprinkle Ring: yes or no?
Yes!
20. Huge parties: yes or no?
Hell yes!
21. What you like the least about The Shire?
Nothing!
22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)?
Um...probably Buckland/Tookland.
23. Where you would settle in for the winter?
Probably Bywater.
24. What would your hobbittish proffession be?
Stable-person. Oh yes. Stable-person.
25. Are you going to try walking barefoot?
Of course! What real hobbit wouldn't? smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Raefindel]

Not far from the road-meeting they came on the huge hulk of a tree: it was still alive and had leaves on the small branches that it had put out around the broken stumps of the long-fallen limbs; but it was hollow, and could be entered by a great crack on the side away from the road. The hobbits crept inside, and sat there upon a floor of old leaves and decayed wood. They rested and had a light meal, talking quietly and listening from time to time.

I would love such a place. Does anyone have one? Do you use it as the Hobbits did? Is it on your walking-route?

[Tarvasa]

That would be most enjoyable! Three miles on my first day! not bad...i don't normally excercise so three miles is big. lol.

[Faenaduial]

Raefindel,

In answer to your question I am a very amature artist and writer. I love doing both in my spare time.

Now if I had just a little more time and a lot more talent...

But truthfully I get great joy out of sketching and enjoy doing landscapes and animals, especially birds.

Do you have an interest in art?

[Raefindel]

I'm not an artist myself but I enjoy and appriciate art. My Daughter is an artist. I often visit the online Tolkien art sites.

[Niluial]

* Gasps for breath, looking tired, exhausted and miserable * Remind me to NEVER go swimming again! We went to this lake today for a picnic to have fun and of course my boyfriend went with. We were having fun and he said “Come lets go swim”. So I put on my costume and we went swimming, we decided we were going to swim to the island on the other side. It didn’t look far but boy was it far! About an hour later we actually made it to the island, I was in pain! So it started to get dark so we had to swim back, half way there I felt like I was dying! I couldn’t go on I was about to just stop swimming but ‘Super dad to the rescue’ came speeding down the river to fetch us. I was so happy! But now it feels like I have been hit by a train!

[mark12_30]

Before this thread gets closed: if you can't think of anything else Tolkien-related to put in your post (and we really should be able to, since we're tracking Frodo's journey) then (RPG-like) at least write as af you are an elf or a hobbit (or dwarf or...) I'd hate to see this thread closed, but the Barrow-Wight has given us two warnings already. That can't be good, folks. So:-- hobbits, elves, or closure. Our choice.

The Road Goes ever ever on
But this thread might not.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I think Tolkien must have been a person who liked to walk. Has anybody read anything to support this?

Kept thinking yesterday how awful it would be to be out in the wilderness in the cold pouring rain. I expect it happened to Strider quite often! Builds character I suppose! smilies/wink.gif

Can't deny the fellowship were a heathly lot! The only cold I can remember reading about belonged to Bilbo!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I finally took the time to fill out the walking questionnaire:

1. Which of the four hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) do you identify with the most? Frodo
2. Why? His tendency to give up hope while carrying a burden and his wish to escape his earthly bonds to heal…
5. What's your favorite walking song? Hmm, I don’t sing much while walking, but whatever song is on my mind – probably not related to walking at all.
6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song? The Road goes ever on and on…
7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it? No tune as yet, though the movie tune might come to mind, since it’s the only one I know. (I’d like to get the Swann/Tolkien song cycle of that name to try out those melodies.)
8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? walking
9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? biking
10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her? Falafel (name of Merisu’s horse from my RPG… smilies/wink.gif )
11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why? Notebook and pencil – I get my best ideas while walking and don’t want to forget them before I get home!
12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos? I usually walk alone or with my dog, who is not hobbity at all.
13. Many of you have or will post quotes from the book about walking-- but for this quiz, pick one that stands out the most in your mind, and then tell us why you like it or what it means to you. Frodo says to Gildor and the Elves: “We seem to be going the same way as you are. I like walking under the stars. But I would welcome your company.” I also like walking under the stars…
14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not? Yes; as a matter of fact, I'm hoping for a wizard and some dwarves to knock on my door any day now...
What you can/cannot tolerate/enjoy about the Shire that we're leaving behind:
15. Pipes: only for soap-bubbles!
16. Ale: I’d prefer a nice Dorwinion wine – or do they make champagne too?!
17. Gardens: Yes, the kind that give maximal enjoyment with minimal work…
18. Living below ground: only if there’s lots of light
19. Dancing the Springle-ring: yes!
20. Huge parties: Depends on my mood and the kind of people that would be there; I’d usually prefer a smaller, comfortable group.
21. What you like the least about The Shire? The restricted, rather small-minded view of life
22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)? At the seaside
23. Where you would settle in for the winter? Minas Tirith, because of the nice big library!
24. What would your hobbitish profession be? Seamstress – I love handling and working with fabrics and am always interested in clothes and style.
25. Will you try walking barefoot at some point, and what is your plan for doing it safely? I absolutely love to walk barefoot in the sand at the seaside in the summertime, and I hope I get there this summer to be able to do it.

[ April 06, 2003: Message edited by: Estelyn Telcontar ]

[Tarvasa]

Ooo, I think I shall be a hobbit, Taravsa is my elven name, but my hobbit name is Amarantha Roper! I am from Bree. (not yet there in walking, lol) I only have time for three miles today on my hobbit bike. Still in Bywater.

[Lyra Greenleaf]

I'm gonna do it! I know it's mad, and I've left it late, but I will. I WILL! here's my questionnaire:

1. Which of the four hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) do you identify with the most? Pippin
2. Why? He is so young and silly and I feel like that some (OK most) of the time, despite being an ancient 18 now! 18 and 2 days, to be precise
3. Is there another hobbit besides those four that you identify with more? Ellie Took
4. Where did that hobbit come from? (Fanfic? RPG? Tolkien?) She is my Hobbit from the Green Dragon, and because that is free playing she is completely me!
5. What's your favorite walking song? Don’t know- I haven’t started yet
6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song? To Rivendell, Where Elves yet dwell…
7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it? From the BBCs Lord of the Rings radio
8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? (Walking, running, biking... etc.) Walking
9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? (walking running etc.) Cycling
10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her? Elanor
11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why? A book, for breaks
12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos? Alone, unfortunately. People think I’m nuts!
13. Many of you have or will post quotes from the book about walking-- but for this quiz, pick one that stands out the most in your mind, and then tell us why you like it or what it means to you.
14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not? Nope
What you can/cannot tolerate/enjoy about the Shire that we're leaving behind:
15. Pipes: yes or no? Don’t smoke
16. Ale: yes or no? Don’t drink
17. Gardens: Yes or no? If yes, would you rather walk through, or weed & dig? Like gardens, not so keen on gardening!
18. Living below ground: yes or no? Not too keen…
19. Dancing the Sprinkle Ring: yes or no? It’s fantastic!
20. Huge parties: yes or no? Brilliant!!!!!
21. What you like the least about The Shire? Nothing, I love it all
22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)? Ithilien
23. Where you would settle in for the winter? The Great Smials, I love the adventurous Tooks
24. What would your hobbittish proffession be? I want to be a teacher
25. This one is for Dragoneyes: Will you try walking barefoot at some point, and what is your plan for doing it safely? No, sorry. Not in London!

[Tarvasa]

Ooo, fun questions!

1. Which of the four hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) do you identify with the most? Pippin
2. Why? He is hilarious and so funny!!
3. Is there another hobbit besides those four that you identify with more? The Bullroarer
4. Where did that hobbit come from? (Fanfic? RPG? Tolkien?) Tolkien
5. What's your favorite walking song? Don’t know
6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song? dunno
7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it? If I had one, it would be to the tune of something in the movie.
8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? (Walking, running, biking... etc.) Walking
9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? (walking running etc.) Spinning(does that count?) also some swimming
10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her? Elanor(I named a white calf that)
11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why? A chocolate bar
12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos? Sometimes my parents, sister, brother, friends. I'm the only one so far walking to Rivendell, they just walk.
13. Many of you have or will post quotes from the book about walking-- but for this quiz, pick one that stands out the most in your mind, and then tell us why you like it or what it means to you.
can't think of one.
14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not? Nu huh
What you can/cannot tolerate/enjoy about the Shire that we're leaving behind: mmmm, love the scenery. its still good, but nothing beats the shire.
15. Pipes: yes or no? noooooo
16. Ale: yes or no? Cola
17. Gardens: Yes or no? If yes, would you rather walk through, or weed & dig?
Forced to garden for school, would rather walk through.
18. Living below ground: yes or no?
Maybe....
19. Dancing the Sprinkle Ring: yes or no? Never tried
20. Huge parties: yes or no? Oo, yes!
21. What you like the least about The Shire? Love it
22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)? The shire
23. Where you would settle in for the winter? Gondor
24. What would your hobbittish proffession be? stable hand
25. This one is for Dragoneyes: Will you try walking barefoot at some point, and what is your plan for doing it safely?
I'll answer this anyway, in a wood or by a stream I would, i'm sure i'll do that some time soon, and I'll pick a path that's glass shard-free.

[Nurumaiel]

Walking was going well until Tuesday night, when it began to snow. I was thinking of trudging through the snow, but the road was covered, not to speak of the wilderness! It snowed hard for a couple days and then I was amazed at how much time I had to spend on Friday and Saturday! Now the weather is nice and sunny, and though the snow lingers on the ground, the road is clear.

1. Which of the four hobbits (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin) do you identify with the most? All of them, at some times
2. Why? Frodo, because there are just times where I can relate to him entirely. Sam, mainly because of a pony I'm completely in love with. Merry and Pippin, because I can be just like them sometimes.
3. Is there another hobbit besides those four that you identify with more? Robin Brandybuck and Donnamira 4. Where did that hobbit come from? (Fanfic? RPG? Tolkien?) Robin is from the Long Winter, I can identify with her greatly, and Don, because, even though she's just a child, her personality is much like mine.
5. What's your favorite walking song? Any old Irish song
6. What's your favorite Middle-Earth walking song? Upon the hearth the fire is red...
7. Do you sing it to a tune? Which one/where did you get it? From the BBC Lord of the Rings radio... show... thing
8. What's your primary method of getting to Rivendell? (Walking, running, biking... etc.) Walking
9. Secondary method of getting to Rivendell? (walking running etc.) Biking
10. If you had a Shire-pony what would you name him or her? I already have (well, not own) one... little Tinker!
11. Besides the usual camping & travel stuff, what single special item is in your hobbit-knapsack and why? A map of the road from Hobbiton to Rivendell
12. Are you travelling alone or with other Rivendell walkers, and do they have hobbit-alter-egos? About three others
14. In hobbit-society, have you come of age yet (33) or not? Not yet...
What you can/cannot tolerate/enjoy about the Shire that we're leaving behind:
15. Pipes: yes or no? Don't smoke
16. Ale: yes or no? Don’t drink
17. Gardens: Yes or no? I find little gardens of wild flowers everywhere I go.
18. Living below ground: yes or no? I think it would be an interesting experiment.
19. Dancing the Sprinkle Ring: yes or no? I admit I've never done it before.
20. Huge parties: yes or no? I prefer small parties with the family
21. What you like the least about The Shire? The Sackville-Bagginses! Am I ever glad to say goodbye to them!
22. Where you would want your summer cottage (or smial)? Tuckborough
23. Where you would settle in for the winter? Tuckborough again
24. What would your hobbittish proffession be? A stablemaster or a groom
25. This one is for Dragoneyes: Will you try walking barefoot at some point, and what is your plan for doing it safely? It wouldn't be safe here.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Happy belated birthday Miss Lyra Greenleaf!

[LINZIELF]

smilies/cool.gif smilies/smile.gif walked barefoot for 1 mile today - how did the Hobbits get their feet clean? walked along reading poems from TLOTR but kept walking into the sea!!Glad to report that the south coast of uk is free from black riders but also lacking in the likes of the Green Dragon. tomorrow I will be walking over Nine Barrow Down and shall eat second breakfast on top of Long Barrow. Glad I bought pedometer but very adictive to keep walking and racking up miles!

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Happy belated birthday Miss Lyra Greenleaf!
Thank you! I still can't believe I'm an adult...

Anyway, I just walked 3 miles, and so have officially started my Walk to Rivendell. I'm quite impressed with myself!

Can we have another list of participants please? I want to see who else is doing this thing and I hope seeing my name on the list will give me even more motivation!

[ April 06, 2003: Message edited by: Lyra Greenleaf ]

[dragoneyes]

Just out of interest, but where would the hobbits be about now if they started the same time as we had? We've been going a week or so now?

It amazes me that I've done in a week what they did in a day.

[mark12_30]

It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door!

Here is the (rather impressive) list of hobbits.

I am reminded of a custom we have in my old town: teeming hordes, some dressed as minutemen and some playing fifes and drums, retrace the 7-mile route of a certain revolutionary hero who died first in the war.

But here, instead of The Isaac Davis Trail, we (playing Pennywhistles to the tune of Concerning Hobbits, and humming The Road Goes Ever On and On) march our furryfooted progress along The Frodo Baggins ReMarch. Our re-enactment spans not hours but months-- and timezones, too.

It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door! We are, indeed, being swept off to we know not-quite-where.

(edit: for the list of walkers please check the opening post.)

[ April 22, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Lalaith]

I make that 33. We've come of age, hobbit-wise...

[Tarvasa]

OOo, I am so disapointed in myself! I didn't walk or bike at all today! I can't walk any where without an adult, and everyone I knew slept the afternoon away...what lazy hobbits. smilies/confused.gif

[Raefindel]

Gift of the Elves


When they came to make their meal, they found that the Elves had filled their bottles with a clear drink, pale golden is colour: it had the scent of a honey made of many flowers, and was wonderfully refreshing. Very soon they were laughing, and snapping their fingers at the rain, and at Black Riders. The last few miles,they felt, would soon be behind them.

This passage always made me laugh, and yet it also made me wonder...Why would the Elves give to the Hobbits such spirits that would lessen their fear and release their inhibitions? It's like they intentionally put them in danger.

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

I slept until 1:00. Then I walked along the path around my village in the Shire and got myself a suitable walking-stick. I conquered three miles today. I did five yesterday! It was my first day, and I was on a roll! But i start school tomorrow, so it shall become more difficult. Hobbits shouldn't have to go to school!

[Faenaduial]

Well I finally walked out my door and started the walk to Rivendell. This elf didn't make much progress on Saturday (2 miles) as the weather was cold and rainy but today finished a four mile hike.

It is supposed to snow tomorrow. If it does we will see if this elf can tread atop the snow.

This passage always made me laugh, and yet it also made me wonder...Why would the Elves give to the Hobbits such spirits that would lessen their fear and release their inhibitions? It's like they intentionally put them in danger.

I don't believe the elves would intentionally put the hobbits in danger. Rather they may not have know the affect their drink would have on the hobbits.

[Maiden of the Dry Waterfall]

Um...First of all, I would LOVE to join in on this...but could I perhaps BIKE instead of WALK? I mean, as long as everyone's ok with that, you know. It's just that I bike alot, so it would be good for me to have a REASON so I bike with a PURPOSE you know? smilies/cool.gif

Anywho, that's my ?.

Perlanthiriel (aka Rosie)

[mark12_30]

Hi, Perlanthiriel (aka Rosie)-- sure, bikes are fine-- as long as you give your bike a Shire-pony name, refer to yourself by your hobbit (or elf) name, and tell all your progress stories in terms of Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin's journey! That, by the way, is the idea for all of us at this point.

Speaking of the which: I am, indeed, most like Frodo out of all the hobbits; I went on my morning journey, and apparently lost a treasure: a diamond earring. (I thought those threaded posts were supposed to be secure??) I retraced my four-mile-walk looking for it, so it turned into an eight-mile walk, but "treasure"-wise no luck. For all I can locate the thing, it may as well have fallen into the Sammath Naur.

So if I am found next year in delirium holding a white gem (the other earring!) and groaning, "It is gone forever and now all is dark and empty", you'll just have to send me west.

[Raefindel]

Oh my goodness, Helen! How many carats? Bet you're crying crocadile tears!

[mark12_30]

Rae, RedhairedElf, you are the best companion. Thank you. I thought of you this morning when I was feverishly hunting through Bag-End for Something Precious (what was it again?...) and I found the envelope you sent me that LOTR videotape in! Did I ever ask you to thank your honey for doing that?

Carats-- oh, it wasn't the Arkenstone or anything like that. The pair totals 1/3 carat. But they are pure and white, high-q, and most importantly a Christmas present from my honey.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Actually, it was a bit of a lesson...

he who cannot cast away a treasure at need, is in fetters.

Perhaps she who searches ALL DAY LONG for a lost treasure is also in fetters...

[Raefindel]

He was happy to dub those off for you. I did tell him you thanked him.

Hey, am I the only Elf on this walk?

[alaklondewen]

Don't forget me, Raefindel!

During today's journey, we stopped and had a small meal when we reached Frodo's first campsite. My pack was heavy, so I was glad for the rest.

I have entered Green Hill Country, and it's beautiful. But I can't stay here long, my eyes are now fixed on Woody End. Who knows I may run into a Black Rider tomorrow.

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

My goodness! It is taking me forever to get out of Bywater! I walked four more miles today--hopefully I will be somewhere else by the end of the week. Maybe I should stop going back to visit the Dragon... smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Raefindel]

That's right alaklondewen. I can't forget about you. smilies/biggrin.gif

[Joy]

This sounds cool! I was just about to begin my walking program again, as I am now out of work and just got over a sprained ankle (torn ligiment).

I can do that. I will be walking 5 miles a day 3 times a week. I hope I can complete the challenge by then.

[Schmendrick]

"Frodo felt a soft touch on his face. He put out his arm and saw the dim white flakes of snow settling on his sleeve. ---
They went on. But before long the snow was falling fast, filling all the air, and swirling into Frodo's eyes."

Well, with this quote I just want to say that the weather has not changed here in Fin...I mean, Bywater smilies/wink.gif! I hope there will be a change soon - I'm getting discouraged! I have so much catching up to do, now...
p.s. I hope you'll find your Precious, Helen! smilies/smile.gif

[mark12_30]

Joy.... Joy??? Kingdom Warrior, Is that you? I haven't bumped into you "in, like, forever"; wow, it's good to see you? I'm so glad you found this thread! At fifteen miles a week you should do fine. But after what you've been thru if you get to Bree you'll be a champ in my eyes. Weathertop, and I'll celebrate! You go, girl!

Thank you, Schmendrick ! Much appreciated... It'll either show up or not, at this point. And Spring will come, hang in there; we just got a thick layer of snow, too (thick for us anyway, looks like 4 or 6 inches to me). But it's not Caradhras, and it'll melt.

Rae and alaklondewen, I can occasionally morph into LinGalad as necessary. He's m'new alter-ego. I need to get used to him anyway.

Y'know, it occurs to me that some of us are likely to arrive at Rivendell at about the same season that Frodo did. How many of you have rivers you can ford? smilies/tongue.gif

On horseback? smilies/wink.gif

With nine creepy people chasing you? smilies/frown.gif

On black horses? smilies/eek.gif

The worst part is falling off and fainting at just the right time. smilies/rolleyes.gif

[ April 08, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Rochelle]

Watch out Mark12_30! Bucklebury Ferry is crawling with black riders! *lol* (Or if you're looking at this from the actors perspective...be careful of splinters!)

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Walking Guidelines for Hobbits:
For those of us more used to the leafy lanes and green hills of the Shire, here is some advice for coping with twenty-first century city walking. If you want to sing rousing songs (for example, the road goes ever on...) be prepared for funny looks Walking over tarmac and concrete is never as fun as through grass. It also takes longer! Bare feet: not a good idea! (trainers are quite useful) Watch out for black riders...#

I have to report a black riders sighting. Walking to the library I found three odd people standing staring at nothing among the gorse bushes. They were all seperate, and all looking in the same direction. On my way back I found two different. Where the other four are, I do not know... I know they were black riders as they took no notice of anyone passing. I had to take a detour as one would not get out of my way. They are obviously looking for something. They also all had their heads covered with hats and hoods. You think fake burberry fools me? No way!

[Joy]

Yeah, it's me Helen - still a living-dead smilies/tongue.gif

That's what I felt like for a while earlier this year! I had to disappear for a while as work was hetic (I was doing tech support for Bellsouth's DSL Internet access).

Because of that job (and the sprain which happened at work), I wound up in a Crohn's flare and had to quit work. Now I have to take the Remicade treatments every 2 months, just had my last one on March 25. The treatment is similar to chemo, but doesn't have as many side effects.

One plus though - I now weight almost 40 lbs lighter than I did last summer when I started walking (and Weight Watchers). I feel good! I can do this! Going to buy a pedometer today! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Schmendrick]

Lyra, your description of the "black riders" was hilarious!!"Where the other four are, I do not know..." it made me laugh aloud! smilies/biggrin.gif
People are so strange...

[Bulelainwen]

I'm defintly going to join! I was planning already to go walk a little bit in about 20 minutes or so. Now all i need is a walking stick. All that walking around school and during track really does add up. Good Luck everyone!

[dragoneyes]

Well, if we are to do our stories in the style of the hobbits, lets see if you can translate this.

On this particular journey, we had two hobbit children (a lad and a lass) of three and five years of age and a dog. Two ponies came down the road so we got the dog under control and out of their way. The ponies went happily by when all of a sudden the five year old lad rushed out in front of the leading pony, who slowed down, but the one behind didn't see and came to such an abrupt halt that its rider ended up on the floor with broken glasses and a nasty cut eye.

We called for help and took care of their ponies while they dealt with the injuries. And the young lad's mother, well, let's just say she was not best pleased. Needless to sat, I didn't do all the walking I had planned to that day.

[Salix]

Well, the snow in this part of the world is finally going down. I can ride my bike by now. If my library card wasn't lost, I'd have a reason to go on a bike ride. smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Rochelle]

The weather was cooperating today, and although the sun was hiding, it was rather warm. I had a companion with me, and together we set off down the road. We left Bywater behind, and we are now in the Green Hill Country. Such a beautiful land...I have never been in it before. Remembering the tale of Frodo and the Lord of the Rings, we stopped when the last light of the farms were gone, and raised our hand in remembrance.

Rivendell here I come!

[mark12_30]

Despite the snow, and the wild turkey and the fox, I am at Crickhollow at last. Merry? Didn't you say there were hot baths waiting???

[Lalaith]

Well done mark12_30! (sorry to hear about the earrings - mine are my pride and joy and I would do a Gollum if I lost one...)
My poor hobbits were stranded in Green Hill country for over a week while I had flu. I greatly feared that they would be assailed by Black Riders and all would be lost. But fortunately they kept their wits about them and stayed hidden. If only I had got them a little further before I succumbed, they would have been under the safe care of Gildor and his people.
But now to push on and make up for lost time...

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Today my walking took me to the open day at the London School of Economics, which leads me to enquire: What of education in the books? I can't imagine the Elves are ignorant, at least! Sam was taught his letters by Bilbo, so- education system or home schooling? Any references anywhere in the letters or something?

[Raefindel]

Yes, the Elves are the masters of language, both written and spoken. However, the Numenoreans are the ones credited with bringing written language to the Shire. Hobbits, it seems, learned to write from Numanoreans.

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Can i join in? I walk about half a mile at school every day. if i walk to my rehearsals for "The Hobbit" (which is a terrible mutilation, by the way smilies/frown.gif) that's about six miles a week. i don't know what i'll do about the other seven or so miles. Too bad i can't really get to Rivendell this way smilies/wink.gif

[Raefindel]

welcome to the Downs, Tinuviel of Denton. Do join us on our walk. If you have a pedometer and wear it to school and at home, you'd be surprised how many miles you'll rack up in a day.

[Tarvasa]

Due to being ill, I only did 3 miles yesterday. Still in Bywater.... a change of scenery would be great! Just three more miles to my first campsite!

My best friend has decided not to join the walk....boo-hoo!! She loves lotr and hobbits so I thought she would join, but she doesn't want to sign up for anything. I told her you don't have to sign up, ya just walk, but she decided against it anyway.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Snow in the Shire! When I went out for my early walk this morning, the trees, bushes, and roofs were powdered white, though fortunately, the streets were free of it, so that walking was safe. A few flakes fell this afternoon as well while I walked the last mile to Woody End with my dog. At this rate, it will take me another 10 days or so to reach Crickhollow, but I must say, just counting the miles makes me do a bit more than I would otherwise. smilies/smile.gif

[mark12_30]

Yes, normally having walked in the morning I would not also feel compelled to walk at lunchtime or in the evening. But Frodo and companions marched and marched, an average of seventeen and a half miles a day (full time, obviously) with packs on. Barefoot. So I end up striving for as many walks as I can!

[Firondoiel]

Well, I only walked 16 miles my first week. I will walk more this week! I've got my whole family walking with me every other day. They won't do it everyday with me. smilies/frown.gif

[Vardamar]

Wohoo! after eating Farmer Maggots mushrooms, I made my way to the Buckle Berry Ferry (66mi) so far I have not gotten any splinters,but I still have 7 miles to go smilies/biggrin.gif

Boy whoever thought over this, thank you. Most fun I had in ages.

[Schmendrick]

"Home is behind, the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadows to the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Then world behind and home ahead,
We'll wander back to home and bed."

Well, the weather was finally tolerable (except for the freezing wind - I thought my ears were going to fall off!), so I took an hour's brisk walk. I did not see any black riders, but instead I met Gollum*, who was very interested about my precious!I told I didn't have it with me...don't know whether he believed...
I was also surprised to see that the Brandywine was still partly frozen!!In April! I think I'm going to make it to the Green Hill Country tomorrow, finally! smilies/smile.gif

p.s. I really can't estimate distances (and I have no pedometer) - how many miles do you think a hobbit (=me) can walk in one hour? I walked very briskly!

* To reveal the mystery: actually it was a teenage girl, who asked if I could lend her 50 cents! smilies/smile.gif

[ April 16, 2003: Message edited by: Schmendrick ]

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Schmendrick, I can walk 3 1/2 miles at least in an hour, and though I walk very briskly, my stride length is certainly closer to hobbit-sized than to Elven! What I did though, to check the distance, is drive my favorite stretch once by car and watch the counter. If I put a new battery in my bike's counter, I could use it to double-check distances as well.

[Sindafalathiel]

I'm in! In fact, I've already walked 3 1/2 miles barefoot. unfortunately, it's to cold to do so today. smilies/frown.gif

[vanwalossien]

Poor Pippin (that would be me) has caught a cold. He has been stuck at the Green Dragon, laying in bed with fever. *drowns in self-pity* He'll be up and about this weekend though. smilies/smile.gif

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

O happy day for Aleia Took (moi, this is who I am going to be referring to as myself)! She missed out on her miles yesterday, but today she made four more and got out of Bywater! Aleia is now in Green Hill Country and hoping to do at least another four tomorrow. And of course, she will watch for Black Riders. smilies/wink.gif smilies/biggrin.gif Poor lass, she's forgotten her cloak but perhaps she can get one on the way to Rivendell. In Bree perhaps?

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

After spending almost a week at the Green Dragon in Bywater coughing up a lung or two, I was finally able to hobble out the door and on down the road. I'm almost to Green Hill Country and the view is beautiful.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------"Courage is found in unlikely places," said Gildor. "Be of good hope! Sleep now! In the morning we shall have gone; but we will send our messages through the lands. The Wandering Companies shall know of your journey, and those that have power for good shall be on the watch. I name you Elf-friend; and may the stars shine upon the end of your road!"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Annunfuiniel]

Hmm, can we be absolutely certain that Saruman is dead? I mean I could swear he is messing with the weather again! smilies/wink.gif It's snowing and snowing and... Oh well, luckily I'm an elf so let it snow, I don't mind! My footsteps are as light as Legolas' (I wish!). But I knew I shouldn't have packed a book in my backpack... I started reading it a few days ago and got so enchanted by it that I've now spent the past two days around the one and same camp fire near the Stock Road. But later today I shall continue my journey and that's a promise! smilies/smile.gif
Travel safe you fellow elves and hobbits (and men/dwarves?)! I haven't encountered any Black Riders yet but I believe we should all be wary just in case...

[Raefindel]

I keep having run-ins with farmer maggots dogs. smilies/mad.gif

[peony_foxburr]

I did intend to set out for Rivendell sooner than this--if I take extra long strides will I catch up with the other hobbits? I have 2 small ponies of Rohan to help today (I understand they used them to help in herding their sheep) but then will have to leave them behind. The Eagles have promised to help if I can get past the Black Riders on Monday morning. Then I should have a month of mostly free time to rack up the miles! Ill edit my profile to reflect miles walked when I have some to report smilies/smile.gif!
(Those of you whom I met in the Coming of Age thread will probably understand the references; for others, think "Boeing 737" and "airport security!")

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Recently my walks have been of a rather depressing nature- yesterday through Whitechapel (Home of Jack the Ripper), Bethnal Green and Mile End. There are lots of black riders in Whitechapel, mostly gangs of boys who either think they're tough, or gorgeous or both. Urgh! Give me the Shire anyday!

[Faenaduial]

Unfortunately this elf has been hunkered down waiting for the weather to brake. The beginning of the week we had snow and the rest of the week rain. I did walk one more mile through the rain on Wednesday and may brave another today.

[Tarvasa]

Woo Whoo!!! I reached Green Hill Country, and Frodo's first campsite! Very beautiful here!

[Raefindel]

Good for You! You are all making good progress!

And those who are caught in bad weather, don't worry, You'll catch up! (I can't believe it's snowing in April! ...grumble grumble!)

[mark12_30]

I have updated the list on the first page (first post.) I put mileage in for whoever I could find it for. It took a lot of time and I didn't have data for everybody; I made a few guesses, but if the number I've got for you is way off, feel free to PM me and I'll update it.

In the meanwhile, I have another idea for those whou would like to see a table of miles. (I really don't know if you hobbits and elves really want this or not.) Anyway, what I could do is create a new user account (for instance, WalkToRivendell) and if you are in the walk and want to post your miles, you could PM me and I would send you the password. I would start a new thread with ***ONE*** post (owned by "WalkToRivendell") with the statistics in it, that everybody returns to (using the WalkToRivendell username and password) and edits their miles ***and*** their milestones (remember, this must be Tolkien-related, so exactly where you are on Frodo's journey is critical!).

We would continue this thread for discussion, quotes, and Tolkien-related anecdotes of course. The other thread would only have the table of miles and milestones in it. We would all have to bookmark it because it would not show up on the Active Topics list.

Using a single post to do this the member's milage table would save on bandwidth (which I am sure the Barrow-Wight would appreciate) and everybody could keep their statistics as up-to-date as they want to.
The only danger with that is, sometimes if you cross-post using someone else's user-ID, the previous person's post gets whapped over and disappears. (I've seen posts disappear this way in RPGs. Very unsettling.) If this happens, stay calm, and either patiently re-open the post and re-edit it, or PM me with your data.

Does this sound like a good idea, or would anybody bother? Do we want the motivational factor of having the results on line? Are we willing to work with each other (calmly) enough to use one account and not get annoyed when it gets awkward? Feel free to PM me with suggestions.

[LINZIELF]

smilies/biggrin.gif
Made it past Stock and didn't visit Golden Perch much to disgust of travelling companion. Back walking Barrowdowns tomorrow and will be able to see Blackriders coming in enough time to hide. Feel I will wear elven cloak cos think unseasonal sunny weather is not going to last, will drink my pale golden elven liquid but will not sing quite so louldly as the hobbits in case i frighten the sheep.Will hopefully make it to the Bucklebury Ferry by monday but will run for it with my shoes on!
Legolas Greenleaf long under tree
In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the sea!
If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,
Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more.
Good job he didn't live in Poole cos he'd never get away from the cry of the gulls or the sound of the sea!

[ April 12, 2003: Message edited by: LINZIELF ]

[the real findorfin]

Whats a Pedometer? I think I can guess, but how does it work? And how much are they?

donlammenion and I do quite a bit of walking when hes down, so we could do this.

[dragoneyes]

A pedometer measures how many steps you take, it measures one step when you jog it up and down. The cheapest I could find in my local town was £10 though you could probably do better.

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

dragoneyes, i love your avatar. smilies/biggrin.gif

Well, Aleia acquired a friend on one of today's miles. She met a large dog and walked with it for a mile. It went off on its merry way after a bit, though. Four today! smilies/smile.gif

[mark12_30]

Findorfin, welcome to the Road to Rivendell! We try to stay Tolkien-focused, or at least hobbit-and-elf focused. There are plenty of tools and themes avaiable to help us along in that direction.

There's a link about pedometers on this thread. I can move it to the firt post so it will be more accessable. But you don't necesarily need one; Frodo didn't have one! You can estimate based on time, or drive the route or use your local maps; there's lots of options. (That said, my ilttle blue gadget cost ten bucks at Walmart, but I'd recommend getting a better one at a sports shop.)

The important thing is to get out and start "tramping" (as Frodo would say.) Enjoy, and welcome to the road!

--mark12_30

[Nurumaiel]

*stumbles into the thread with a loud groan*

Still in Bywater. Only 8.75 miles! I managed to make another mile while waiting outside the doctor's office: walking back and forth. Now, hopefully, I'll be able to continue going to Rivendell, whether I walk or bike (aka riding my Shire-pony smilies/wink.gif).

Name... name... Well, if I were an Elf I'd be Nurumaiel, but I'm a Hobbit, so I'd better be Robin Brandybuck.

=========
The Green Dragon, Bywater, 22 Astron
We haven't even left Bywater yet. Desolating, really, to still be here. Nobody looks forward to walking, because we have to stay on the road. The wilderness has no landmarks (aka pedometers) to tell how many miles we've gone (still desperately searching the stores). Sometimes we walk, sometimes we ride. Gil-Galad is mostly used as our pack pony so we just lead him along behind us, though I did ride him once. Now to pack up and continue to Rivendell! Home is behind, the world ahead...

[Firondoiel]

I'm having trouble! I'm sick and so I've only walked three and 1/2 miles my 2nd. week so far! smilies/frown.gif I wonder if the hobbits ever got sick when they were walking to Rivendell. Not counting when Frodo got stabbed at Weathertop.

[ April 13, 2003: Message edited by: Firondoiel ]

[Joy]

I have 8 miles done! I don't know where I am at though. smilies/redface.gif

I can't wait till tomorrow!! Hitting the Mall again - it is almost 2 miles around the perimeter. Plus Walking fromw my car to the entrance and back - and then any shopping that I do!!

[Raefindel]

Oooo! You bad girl! smilies/wink.gif

It's good to see you again! smilies/smile.gif

[mark12_30]

Frodo, Grip, and Fang had a full weekend. Grip and Fang hardly wanted to get out of bed this morning, and went straight back to bed at their first opportunity. Good thing they get a rest today.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Didn't walk much this weekend. I'm in process of selling my hobbit-hole (hopefully to Sackville-Baggins'). In between trimming the verge and moving some boxes to a storage facility, I only racked up a few miles. Still wandering through Green Hill country. Might be here awhile. smilies/frown.gif

***
'If you don't come back, sir, then I shan't, that's certain,' said Sam. 'Don't you leave him!' they said to me. 'Leave him!' I said. 'I never mean to. I am going with him, if he climbs to the moon, and if any of those Black Riders try to stop him, they'll have Sam Gamgee to reckon with,' I said. They laughed."

[Joy]

I have 3 more miles done today - that makes 11 so far.

[mark12_30]

Attagirl, Joy! put it into the "From:" part of your profile.

Alatariel, that was a great post. I keep rereading it trying to decide whether or not you are really seeling your house or just getting into the "departure" theme!!

[ April 14, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Raefindel]

Well, this little elf could use dinner a bath and a massage when she gets to Rivendell. There were far too few Inns along the road.

[ April 14, 2003: Message edited by: Raefindel ]

[mark12_30]

Rivendell!?!? I'm just focused on getting past Old Man Willow, to Bombadil's place. Goldberry can sing to her herat's content and mine, and I'll take that hot bath, please. Here's to tubs of lilies.

Hey Derry dol... Hop along, my hearties!

[Raefindel]

Awww, gee! do I haveta? Can't I skip that part?

*Rae throws pebbles into the Baranduin & kicks at the dock *

Derry-Dol indeed! The annoying FOP! I don't even like YELLOW!

[ April 15, 2003: Message edited by: Raefindel ]

[Joy]

At 11 miles, Have I even made it to Crikkethollow?? I hope to get 3 more tomorrow.

[mark12_30]

Joy, the Barrow-Wight has provided an easy way to check, here (http://www.barrowdowns.com/walktorivendell.asp); I've also linked to some maps-- middle of first page of this thread-- and you can get an idea from those. For eleven miles, there are still seven miles to go, to get to Frodo's first campsite-- those hobbits put some miles on that first night. They averaged seventeen and a half miles a day! Fortunately we are not trying to do this in just one month!

Hang in there; lots of walkers have been waylaid by weather and other obstacles, so you are not the only one fighting to get to that campsite. You'll do fine. One furry foot in front of th' other...

smilies/wink.gif Love ya!

Rae, you kill me. Bombadil used to annoy me, too, and Goldberry-- til I realised what an impact they had on Frodo. Now when I reread it, it's one of the most fascinating parts of the whole epic.

[ April 15, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Schmendrick]

Well, I am progressing slowly, but steadily! smilies/smile.gif Now it seems that spring has finally come here in Green Hill Country and I can start making longer walks...

Just today I also (finally) started reading "Unfinished Tales" and I loved the first story, about Tuor!He seems like such an interesting character...and the story was very "biblical" in many ways. Very impressive!
Well, just wanted to share that with someone, really! Anyone else a "Tuor-fan" here? smilies/smile.gif

[Tarvasa]

I was chased by a black rider last night ( a pug) it kept hissing at me, yeesh! Luckily some elves scared him off (his owners, lol).

[Joy]

I love Tuor also - My liking of him improved greatly after reading UT. And yes, it does almost seem Biblical - like Abraham on his journey from Ur.

Haven't got my walking done yet today - have dr appointment. Will get to the mall after that - plan two laps around today. That will be almost 6 miles today. I can do this!!

[mark12_30]

Tarvasa, I seem to encounter the same two black riders every day. I see one at the second house on the left, and another at the third. There's a big fluffy one with a sagacious nose and lousy vision (almost blind! And sniffing!) He comes right out and does his "black rider's cry" all along his yard. He's got weapons but never uses them, just wails a lot.

Then there's another sleek black one that snarls and jumps and races along as we pass by. He's got a wraith-fence. Good thing. That one I think would use the weaponry.

Oh, and how could I forget the loud scruffy one that lives right next door? smilies/rolleyes.gif Good thing he's got an elf-rope on him...

One other thing; not that I'm trying to be pushy, or bossy, or manipulative (YUCK! Shoot me if I do!) However, I also don't want anybody to feel that they've been forgotten-- you're not. There are some folks who I haven't heard from since you signed up, and I don't want you to feel left out or give up. Others have been chatty enough smilies/wink.gif but haven't been posting your totals. If you don't want to post your totals that's perfectly OK-- let me know & I'll quit bugging you! But if you do, I'd love to see them. Personally, it encourages me a great deal to see everybody's progress. You may have noticed that I updated the list in the first post again-- I like to see people's progress, be it ever so modest! So don't be shy. Remember to keep your post Tolkien-related, and tell us where you are... Hobbiton? Bywater? Green Hill Country? Woody End? Ithilien already? (ooops, that's another challenge...) Let us know. I don't want anybody lost in the shuffle.

So-- are you still out there? Still walking? Drop me a line, or post here, and please don't be shy about putting your mileage into your "From: " part of your profile.

[ May 09, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Raefindel]

I have reached Crickhollow and am enjoying my dinner and bath.

*Rae joins hobbits in hobbit-bath song*

I don't happen to know any elven-bath songs. smilies/wink.gif

[Firondoiel]

Yahoo! I'm better now and have reached the Green Hill Country. Thank you mark12_30 for PM me. I really appreciated that! smilies/smile.gif

[Raefindel]

I'm glad you're feeling better. I was thinking of you.

[Sindafalathiel]

I feel so slow...I've only made 8 miles. Unfortunately, I think it's because it's rarely warm enough to walk barefoot as I am prone to do. As I was walking with a friend yesterday, we were followed by a black rider, with two more keeping us from going anywhere but forwards. They all kept hissing at us, and although we tried to outrun them, they did not let up until we were witin a few blocks of the nearest inn.

[dragoneyes]

I was a little too hobbit-like for my liking yesterday. I had breakfast around about 8, then a little more at 9,then some more at 9:30, and it went on like that until I went to my friends at midday. At my friends we had dinner and then snacks until we had to go home at 7. I walked off all my food on the way home so that when I got there I had plenty of room for more!

[Joy]

I got 3 miles down today. That leaves me still in Bywater though. I have 14 total in a week and a half.

[Faenaduial]

Unfortunately I didn't get any hiking in this weekend as I normally would. This elf was working at a dance studio both days. (At least we elves love to dance!)

Maybe while we are recording our travels we can share some thoughts on Frodo & friend's adventures. What is your favorite scarey moment during the trip from Bag End to Rivendell?

The first time I read of Frodo and Sam's first encounter the Black Rider on the road on the way to Crickhollow it gave me the chills. At that point I knew so little about the Black Riders that my imagination just ran wild.

[Raefindel]

I think that was my favorite one too, Faenaduial . And as for your dancing, I see no reason you can't dance your way to Rivendell. Hey, whatever gets you there and floats your boat (or twinkles your toes), right?

[Tarvasa]

oooo, I lost track of my miles!!! Let me think here a minute....27! Need to update it. I have some great news from my parents. this summer we are staying at my uncle's girlfriend's parent's cabin in the woods, lol. It will be all nice and hobbitish, since I live in the city and my evening walks aren't like walking through the shire. it even has a creek!

[alaklondewen]

I have finally come to Woody End and the second campsite. I have talked much with Gildor and his company, and I have asked their advice on the best way to get to Rivendell. Alas, they told me to go whichever way my heart was lead. I should have known better than to go to Elves for council. smilies/wink.gif

Sam could never describe in words, nor picture clearly to himself, what he felt or thought that night, though it remained in his memory as one of the chief events of his life. 'Well, sir, if I could grow apples like that, I would call myself a gardener. But it was the singing that went to my heart, if you know what I mean.'

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Still wandering in Green Hill country. Maybe I'll make it to Crickhollow by the end of next week. Since it's so late by the time I get home in the evenings, I still haven't been walking outside, only on the treadmill. I alternate between watching my favorite movie (FotR) again, and listening to the audio cd's of The Silmarillion. Black Riders have tried to come up on my porch, but Worf (my Klingon schnauser) manages to chase them off.

Helen: Yes, I actually am trying to sell my hobbit-hole. It's only been on the market for 10 days, but I'm ready to move now.

Rivendell!?!? I'm just focused on getting past Old Man Willow, to Bombadil's place. Goldberry can sing to her heart's content and mine, and I'll take that hot bath, please. Here's to tubs of lilies.

I'll settle for the hot bath in Crickhollow right now.

[Lalaith]

Five days of sightseeing around the Eternal City IRL has really taken my mileage forward...I suppose Rome could be Gondor/Osgiliath but that would really be a bit precipitate at this stage...anyway my young hobbits have eschewed the best beer in East Farthing but instead taken a good swig of elven draught with their lunch, and are now approaching the Buckland Ferry. Can't wait to meet Merry, he always was my favourite hobbit...

[dragoneyes]

It was such a beautiful day today, I couldn't help but go barefoot. I made a good four miles, across fields mostly and my dislike for the farmer who owns those fields has increased considerably. He keeps plowing up the public footpath across his land and that would be fine if I were wearing shoes, but I wasn't. I don't know how hobbits dealt with stinging nettles either, though their skin was probably too thick to be bothered with them.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Hi Helen, just wanted to let you know I'm still walking. And no I haven't been waylaid by blackriders, just challanged to stay off BD and not read any Tolkien for 2 weeks. Almost made it, Sigh.....

[red]

I just started two days ago. I put in two 3.5 mile jogs so far. I usually run every other day. *does the math...* Hmmm... at this pace I won't make it to Rivendell by RotK. But as I train, I'm sure to increase my mileage. I used to do 8 miles every other day. That should do it! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Vardamar]

Well, I had walked all the way the Ferry, when I realized that I had left my walking stick over at Farmer Maggot. So back I went. When I came to the field, I couldn’t find it, so I went over and knocked on the good farmers door. When it opened I smelled all kinds of wonderful foods, Mrs Maggot had been very busy. Anyway, he invited me to dinner, and said he would pay me sixty gold pieces if I would do some landscaping. I agreed. Well I am done with the landscaping, and am now at 71 miles. I can already see Crickhollow, only 2 miles to go!

[Joy]

Can't walk today - I feel sick. I have a fever and a bad headache. Hope I will be better tomorrow.

[Firondoiel]

I'm glad you're feeling better. I was thinking of you.

Thank you Raefindel. smilies/smile.gif

Can't walk today - I feel sick. I have a fever and a bad headache. Hope I will be better tomorrow.

I know what you're going through. I was sick a few days ago. I hope you're better soon.

[Raefindel]

Don't worry, It's not a race, You'll all get there!

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Hey, does an hour-and-a-half dance class count? How 'bout chasing my seven-year-old brother? If it doesn't, I may scream.
I enlisted my sister. Together, we've covered about 14 miles each. Wish us luck!

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

I am a slow hobbit... my upcoming finals at the shire college have left me little time for walking like I would like.
I will make it out of the Shire eventually... keep a place at the table for me in Rivendell smilies/wink.gif

I must say, though, that this is actually great motivation for me. It's sad that I had to LOTR theme my workouts in order to give me more motivation. When in doubt, look to the power of the ring!

[Lyra Greenleaf]

To Rivendell, where Elves yet dwell...
Lyra is making good progress largely because she climbed up (and down)a real, honest to goodness MOUNTAIN!
I doubt if it has a patch on the Misty Mountains but still...

I'm still in Green Hill country, but nearly to Crickhollow. What I wouldn't give for a bath! I'd make my water go up like a fountain, just like Pippin. Aah, I can almost imagine the bubbles...

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Getting depressed. I don't think I'll ever make it out of Green Hill country.Z

Aaagghh!!! What happened to the rest of my post. I can't remember now what I wrote, but I know it was longer that this. I had a quote from the book too. I think it was this:


Farewell we call to hearth and hall!
Though wind may blow and rain may fall,
We must away ere break of day
Far over wood and mountain tall.

To Rivendell, where Elves yet dwell
In glades beneath the misty fell,
Through moor and waste we ride in haste,
And whither then we cannot tell.

With foes ahead, behind us dread,
Beneath the sky shall be our bed,
Until at last our toil be passed,
Our journey done, our errand sped.

We must away! We must away!
We ride before the break of day!

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Getting depressed. I don't think I'll ever make it out of Green Hill country.Z

Aaagghh!!! What happened to the rest of my post. I can't remember now what I wrote, but I know it was longer that this. I had a quote from the book too. I think it was this:


Farewell we call to hearth and hall!Though wind may blow and rain may fall,
We must away ere break of day
Far over wood and mountain tall.

To Rivendell, where Elves yet dwell
In glades beneath the misty fell,
Through moor and waste we ride in haste,
And whither then we cannot tell.

With foes ahead, behind us dread,
Beneath the sky shall be our bed,
Until at last our toil be passed,
Our journey done, our errand sped.

We must away! We must away!
We ride before the break of day!

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Oops, not sure what happened. Looks like my last post managed to post twice. Sorry... smilies/frown.gif

[peony_foxburr]

Posting from the Gaffer's computer--had to adjust settings a bit to enable cookies for the Forum before I could post smilies/smile.gif. Made it past the Watchers on Monday and caught a ride from the Eagles to this portion of my journey. I see I've been given credit for 20 miles already, but in honesty must confess I'm only up to 10.5 so far (in 4 days, though, and did 4 yesterday). My pack was so heavy, owing to the cast iron cookery Sam insisted on packing for me, that my back is a little strained, so I've had to take it easy at first. This particular Green Hill country is quite lovely--very bright even when the sun is behind clouds---and nearby is a trail built where an Earthbound Dragon used to run, long ago. It's now used by walkers, riders, and Elves who go by so quickly their feet don't seem to touch the ground! Hope to reach the first campsite in the next couple of days smilies/smile.gif.

[Nurumaiel]

*sighs*

Well, no need to tell how far I've gotten, you can see below where I'm 'From.' It is truly amazing how much time life takes up, and I'm just beginning to realize it. Now that life calms down, I start walking more.

Bywater, Astron 28
===========================
We managed to walk 1.75 miles today, giving us a total of 12 miles. When we reached the Dragon most of the company just disappeared. Now it's just me and Frodo(1). There was still some snow on the ground but it wasn't so deep that it was hard to walk through. The weather was cloudy and chilly but still enjoyable. My sturdy walking stick was of great assistance when Frodo and I decided to climb a large rock(2). We looked forward to tomorrow's trip.

(1) Frodo is the name of the family dog.
(2) The rock was covered with moss that had, in the snow, rain, and hail, grown quite slippery and hard to walk upon.

[vanwalossien]

When in doubt, look to the power of the ring! Yes, its power is overwhelming. I fear that poor Eglantine Banks (if I'm Pippin, she'll be my mum, right?) will suffer from a heart attack one of these days. Seeing me outdoors, dragging my lazy dog behind me on long walks seems to shock her..
EDIT: Would you look at that, I've become a Shade!

[ April 20, 2003: Message edited by: vanwalossien ]

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Hurray, I've reached Crickhollow! Not much time for a bath and rest, though; like Frodo and his companions, I must hurry on. I am leaving my comfortable hobbit hole in real life, taking a journey that will lead me away from communication with my friends here. I will keep on walking to Rivendell, but I won't be able to share my progress with all of you until I get back in several weeks. I will miss you all! smilies/smile.gif

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Thank you for the full text of that song, Alatariel. It's my favourite but I always forget the first verse, I keep thinking it starts with "To Rivendell..."

[mark12_30]

Alatáriël,

Great walking song ;D Nice way to celebrate the arrival at Crickhollow! Do you have a tune you use for it?

You can delete a post by using the edit function and checking the Delete Post box.

Cheers, mark12_30

[Lyra Greenleaf]

I have a tune from the BBC radio version of FOTR- Ian Holm as Frodo!- for the song, if anyone has heard it?

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Great walking song ;D Nice way to celebrate the arrival at Crickhollow! Do you have a tune you use for it?

No, no specific tune. Just a kind of monotone chant.

I have a tune from the BBC radio version of FOTR- Ian Holm as Frodo!- for the song, if anyone has heard it?

I haven't heard the BBC, but I have the Ron Inglis' Hobbit & LotR. I've only listened to part of the Hobbit, and he does sing the songs there, so maybe I'll hear it when I listen to LotR.

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

Oh my! Aleia has certainly been held up! She has reached Stock--58 miles--and is wiped out. Sometimes that rogue dog walks with her--the one from a few posts back--and it might just be following along. In case it coes back, she's decided to name it Rogue.