Walk To Rivendell" aka "The Eowyn Challenge"

[Raefindel]

Congratulations, LINZIELF! Rest up and relax before the next phase.

I have 80 miles to go. I'll see you in a few weeks.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

The rain continued throughout the day, but we finally made it back onto the Road. All this mud makes for extremely difficult traveling conditions, but at least we don't have to worry about leaving tracks for the Black Riders to follow. We made camp about 300 yards south of the Road in a little hollow. Strider says 'no fire' tonight for fear of attracting the Riders. And of course...cram again!

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

They were suddenly aware of great hunger, for they had not eaten anything since breakfast; but they dared not make more than a frugal supper. The lands ahead were empty of all save birds and beasts, unfriendly places deserted by all the races of the world. Rangers passed at times beyond the hills, but they were few and did not stay. Other wanderers were rare, and of evil sort: trolls might stray down at times out of the northern valleys of the Misty Mountains. Only on the Road would travellers be found, most often dwarves, hurrying along on business of their own, and with no help and few words to spare for strangers.

[ July 28, 2003: Message edited by: Alatáriël ]

[Gorwingel]

Only 13 miles to go, so close yet so far away!

I should make it to Rivendell in a couple of days. But later this week I am going to have a wisdom tooth removed that may slow me down [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]

[Neferchoirwen]

*Neferchoriwen approaches Nurumaiel and pats her on the back*

I wouldn't mind company at all!

And I'd like to thank everyone for cheering me on...you have all acted like a cloud of witnesses for my success...even I'm stuck at 203.8 miles!

*yay* I moved a couple of miles!

Went back to doing yoga, recently. I feel sorry for myself for not doing yoga for almost 5 weeks...my posture's back, I'm getting frequent headaches....but I'm getting better.

The Asian weather's really REALLY freaky...hot and humid, and it's making me sick...

...But a happy walker I be 'till I reach Rivendell (would've sounded better if I hadn't reached Bree [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img])

[Neferchoirwen]

erm...

Neferchoiren : 200 (27 m.)

I'm on mileage, and so there's no need to convert anymore. Thanks for updating, anyway!

[img]smilies/cool.gif[/img]

[ArwenBaggins]

The weather has been nice the last couple of days, although it poured rain in buckets yesterday. Strider found a small bird with a broken leg, and decided to put it out of its misery. I felt sorry for the poor thing, put the little meat we got off of it was better than cram!
We reached the Last Bridge today, suprised that we saw no Riders. Strider made us sit in the bushes beside the bridge for what seemed forever, while he scouted ahead.
***
We have walked 348 miles.
We have reached The Last Bridge (348).
It is 6 miles to the next landmark.
We still have 110 miles to Rivendell.
***
They hurried along with all the speed they could make, and after a mile or two they saw the Last Bridge ahead, at the bottom of a short steep slope. They dreaded to see black figures waiting there, but they saw none. Strider made them take cover in a thicket at the side of the Road, while he went forward to explore.

[Nurumaiel]

A lot of people have been confused about the (## m.) next to their name on the update page. I was PMed about it, which gave me the chance to explain in full, and I'm going to paste that here, too, so no one will get confused.

This is the original, which I thought might explain well enough

Next to a walker's name you will see something looking like this: (## m.) That shows how many miles they have walked since our last update.

but it doesn't, so I've explained in more detail.

Both of them are miles.

The one immediately after your name is the total amount of miles you have walked (as found in the FROM: space).

The one in parantheses is how many miles you have walked since our last mileage update.

If I updated the list on July 11th and I had walked 160 miles then, and then on July 26th updated it again and had walked 200 miles by that time, it would have (40 m.) next to my name because that was how far I had walked since July 11th, our last update.

I don't know about everyone else, but having that next to my name really gives me a boost in walking. If I've gone quite awhile since our last update, I can feel encouraged and know I'm making it. If I've only gone a short way, I can wake up and say, "Oops, I need to get moving!"

But does that make sense now?

[Linnamalle]

Makes sense to me! I'm so glad you keep updating that nice list! You're very sweet to do that for us.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Next to a walker's name you will see something looking like this: (## m.) That shows how many miles they have walked since our last update.

Nurumaiel: Thanks for keeping our list updated. I like having my additional mileage shown next to my total.

______________________________

What a cold, miserable night! No fire, no decent food, wet blankets...whose idea was this, anyway? The rain stopped just before dawn, but it remained very foggy and misty for most of the day. Strider kept stopping to listen for hoofbeats on the road (a very muddy procedure as he puts his ear to the ground each time), but there was neither sight nor sound of the Riders. We'll cross the Last Bridge tomorrow, and then it's back into the hills. I'm really getting hungry! I sure hope Elrond is planning a feast for us.

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

"I don't see how our food can be made to last," said Frodo. "We have been careful enough in the last few days, and this supper is no feast; but we have used more than we ought, if we have two weeks still to go, and perhaps more."

"There is food in the wild," said Strider; "berry, root, and herb; and I have some skill as a hunter at need. You need not be afraid of starving before winter comes. But gathering and catching food is long and weary work, and we need haste. So tighten your belts, and think with hope of the tables of Elrond's house!"

[ArwenBaggins]

It's quite pleasant outside, and we're getting in more miles that originally thought. Strider tells us to jump into the bushes every five minutes to check for Riders, but he never hears anything. I really think that they've given up following us....
We reached the eerie Trollshaws early this morning, and we camped for anout an hour before moving on.
***
We have walked 354 miles.
We have reached the first camp in the Trollshaws (354).
It is 5 miles to the next landmark.
We still have 104 miles to Rivendell.
***
At once they went on again. They crossed the Bridge in safety, hearing no sound but the water swirling against its three great arches. A mile further on they came to a narrow ravine that led away northwards through the steep lands on the left of the Road. Here Strider turned aside, and soon they were lost in a sombre country of dark trees winding among the feet of sullen hills.

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

More walking, more south, more worsening Frodo, more paranoia. This is turning out to be a lovely journey! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

EDIT: *does the Wave for double numbers*

[ July 30, 2003: Message edited by: Horse-Maiden of the Shire ]

[peony_foxburr]

"At the end of the fifth day the ground began once more to rise slowly out of the wide shallow valley into which they had descended."

Peony could scarcely believe they had come so far in so short a time. But then, less than two months before, she had been helping to pack up Bag End and hatching her own plans. She would never have believed she would now be making her way to Rivendell on foot, pursued by the Enemy.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

We crossed the Last Bridge this morning. With all the rain lately, the river was so high that the water was almost to the surface of the Bridge. No sign of the Black Riders, but Strider doesn't think that they have stopped searching for us. Someone dropped a beautiful green beryl in the middle of the Bridge...I put it in my pocket with that gold ring I found several weeks ago. (Elves love jewelry, you know!) After crossing the Bridge, we headed back into the Hills. Although we're still eating cram, at least we can have a fire tonight.

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

They hurried along with all the speed they could make, and after a mile or two they saw the Last Bridge ahead, at the bottom of a short steep slope. They dreaded to see black figures waiting there, but they saw none. Strider made them take cover in a thicket at the side of the Road, while he went forward to explore.

Before long he came hurrying back. "I can see no sign of the enemy," he said, "and I wonder very much what that means. But I have found something very strange."

He held out his hand, and showed a single pale-green jewel. "I found it in the mud in the middle of the Bridge," he said. "It is a beryl, an elf-stone. Whether it was set there, or let fall by chance, I cannot say; but it brings hope to me. I will take it as a sign that we may pass the Bridge; but beyond that I dare not keep to the Road, without some clearer token."

[Linnamalle]

Oh, Glorfindel, it's so good to see you! I feel much safer now. Nice horse!

I didn't find a beryl in the mud on that bridge. But I did stumble across the pedometer I lost this spring! And it was still showing 2.6 miles! LOL! I was on a little side path thinking "I wonder if I have been here before." I guess the answer was yes! LOL!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Congratulations from me too, LINZIELF!! If you've been reporting your mileage to the Éowyn Challenge site, do let them know you've arrived. (Details in one of my above posts.)

I've passed 400 miles, have also reached the great East Road and am happy to see Glorfindel. Where were you when the movie came out, guy?? Linnamalle is close behind me, maybe even catching up now...

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

But I did stumble across the pedometer I lost this spring! And it was still showing 2.6 miles!

Linnamalle: Wow! You've sure walked a few miles since then. I'm going to have to invest in one pretty soon. I'll be hiking in the Misty Mountains at the end of September with some friends (a hobbit married to a dwarf...rather an odd couple but old, old friends), and I want to keep track of my mileage. I just hope we don't have to take a detour into Moria... [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img]

______________________________

The skies remained overcast here in the Trollshaws, and a chill wind was blowing. The terrain became quite difficult, and our progress was much slower today. We are hoping to make it to Rivendell by the video release date in August (Elrond has a great mini-theatre, and the twins promised me a private viewing..wooohooo!! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] ). We only have 103 miles left and just under 4 weeks to go...we can make it!!

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

At once they went on again. They crossed the Bridge in safety, hearing no sound but the water swirling against its three great arches. A mile further on they came to a narrow ravine that led away northwards through the steep lands on the left of the Road. Here Strider turned aside, and soon they were lost in a sombre country of dark trees winding among the feet of sullen hills.

[Sirithheruwen]

I'm not very far at all. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img] Hey, but I just started last week!!! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

_____________________________________________


I have walked 12 miles.
I have passed Last View of Hobbiton (7).
It is 6 miles to the next landmark.
I still have 446 miles to Rivendell.

As they began to climb its first slopes they looked back and saw the lamps in Hobbiton far off twinkling in the gentle valley of the Water. Soon it disappeared in the folds of the darkened land, and was followed by Bywater beside its grey pool. When the light of the last farm was far behind, peeping among the trees, Frodo turned and waved a hand in farewell.

[ August 01, 2003: Message edited by: Sirithheruwen ]

[ August 07, 2003: Message edited by: Sirithheruwen ]

[Raefindel]

Is that the Great East Road I see? Yes! What a welcome sight that is after all these swamps and mountains!

Great Iluvitar, I hear something! I think I'm being persued, a horse is approaching! I'll just hide behind this tree.

That's no Black Rider I hear, there are bells on the harness. And I feel a sudden lightness of heart. Anticipation fills the air. As the rider approaches I recognize him-It's Glorfindel! Good to see you! Glad to have you join me on the final leg of this journey.

Tell me, my friend, are they planning a great feast to celebrate the arrival of all these valiant and dedicated walkers?

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

What an dreary and depressing land this is! Strider led us along paths that went constantly up and down hill, through forests of dark trees. There were ruins on some of the hilltops, and I found myself constantly looking over my shoulder. It felt as if unfriendly eyes were watching us. We made camp this afternoon in a sheltered dell with a small stream, and although we tried all evening, we caught no fish. I believe this constant diet of cram is becoming detrimental to my luminous Elvish complexion.

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

The hobbits were glad to leave the cheerless lands and the perilous Road behind them; but this new country seemed threatening and unfriendly. As they went forward the hills about them steadily rose. Here and there upon heights and ridges they caught glimpses of ancient walls of stone, and the ruins of towers: they had an ominous look.

[Arathiriel]

I've only started this recently and I have 450.31 miles left to walk before I reach Rivendell...

*sighs*

I will keep going though as best I can!

[Raefindel]

Estelyn, Linnamalle , I'm finally catching up to you. What a relief to finally have traviling companions! It has been a long and lonely road for me! Anyone care for a break for tea?

[peony_foxburr]

"Strider now turned their course again north-eastwards, and on the sixth day they reached the top of a long slow-climbing slope, and saw far ahead a huddle of wooded hills."

Peony didn't even ask Strider this time if Rivendell lay somewhere amongst those hills they could glimpse. He always answered patiently, but she didn't really want to know how far they still had to go.

But Sam whispered to her: "Only a bit over a hundred miles now, and we've come over three hundred already from Hobbiton."

"How is Frodo hanging on?" she asked.

"He's hanging on," Sam answered, sounding sure but looking less so.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

I've only started this recently and I have 450.31 miles left to walk before I reach Rivendell...

Arathiriel: Welcome to our journey! Don't be discouraged..the miles will soon add up!! [img]smilies/cool.gif[/img]
______________________________

The sun finally showed her face today, and we were mighty glad to see her at first. But it quickly grew so hot that by the afternoon we started longing for some cloud cover. Strider says that no one lives in these lands any longer, and it appears empty and forsaken. We have seen no sign of Black Riders, but the feeling of being watched continues to grow.

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

Frodo, who was not walking, had time to gaze ahead and to think. He recalled Bilbo's account of his journey and the threatening towers on the hills north of the Road, in the country near the Troll's wood where his first serious adventure had happened. Frodo guessed that they were now in the same region, and wondered if by chance they would pass near the spot.

"Who lives in this land?" he asked. "And who built these towers? Is this troll-country?"

"No!" said Strider. "Trolls do not build. No one lives in this land. Men once dwelt here, ages ago; but none remain now. They became an evil people, as legends tell, for they fell under the shadow of Angmar. But all were destroyed in the war that brought the North Kingdom to its end. But that is now so long ago that the hills have forgotten them, though a shadow still lies on the land."

[Linnamalle]

Raefindel,

Tea sounds great to me! I take sugar, and... er... soymilk. It's hard to find in Middle-Earth. Perhaps I should have peppermint tea instead and then I won't need anything to lighten it...

Glorfindel, I don't suppose you could tell me a good place to find soymilk around here? No? I was afraid not. Well, on second thought, how about just telling me where to get those silver bells on Asfaloth's headstall? They sound so cheerful. Perhaps a pair of earrings...

Ah, thanks, Raefindel. (Takes cup of peppermint tea with contented sigh, peers at Frodo) Hmmm, looks like he needs more than peppermint.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Why thank you, Rae! I'd love some tea, green tea, if possible. Linnamalle's peppermint tea reminds me of a restaurant in which I once ordered green tea and was brought peppermint. Apparently, they thought that peppermint is green, so that must have been what I wanted!! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

I've slowed down my walking pace a bit during these hot summer days; neither the dog nor I feel like walking at noon, so we skip that one and stay in the shade of the back yard during the hottest time of the day. Nevertheless, it should be no problem to reach Rivendell within this month. After that - does anyone know how far it is to Lothlorien?? Maybe I can reach it by the end of the year...

[Tefalathiel]

I'm back... Well, you probably wouldn't notice if I totally dissapeared. I trully am a loner, aren't I? I suppose my subconcious likes like this... a shadow among the Barrowdowns.
Raindrop tears on the leaves... Summerevening's air... They say the road is more important than the destination and it is true. I'm no longer upset to be left behind. Summer is my world, my birthday is approaching and I don't want my journey through Middle Earth to end... never ever end!
It seems the landscape alaways gets the best of me... I'm lost... Can anyone tell me where I am at 233 miles?

[ August 03, 2003: Message edited by: Tefalathiel ]

[Linnamalle]

Tefalathiel, go here and type in your miles, and you will see! No need to be lonely-- with this many people on the trail, somebodys bound to be near you. Check that lovely milage listing that Nurumaiel keeps updating so faithfully! And then scan the horizon!

[Nurumaiel]

Once again I'll be going through the 9 pages (:eek [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] of this thread and updating the mileage list. And guess who's only going to have 7 miles next to their total mileage? [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

If you don't have your mileage in your FROM: space, please put it there if you don't wish to be overlooked in our list. You can do this by hitting the 'My Profile' link near the top of the screen. You'll got to your profile where you list of private messages etc. are, and you'll find a link that says 'View/Update Profile.' Click on it, and then you can put your mileage in your FROM: space.

I'll try to get the newest walkers who don't have their mileage in their FROM: space, but I won't guarantee anything.

Thanks!

[Raefindel]

The tea was delicious; the company even better. I'm taking advantage of the cooling trend and getting in a few extra miles.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

After that - does anyone know how far it is to Lothlorien?? Maybe I can reach it by the end of the year...

Estelyn: Well, if I added the mileage from my Atlas correctly, it's 285 miles from Rivendell to Lórien; 393 miles from Lórien to Rauros; and 470 miles from Rauros to Mt. Doom. It's a total of 1,606 miles from Bag End to Mt. Doom. I think I can make it to Lórien by the time RotK opens. [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]

______________________________

It was quite hot again today. The heat and humidity made us long for the rain and cooler weather to return. The silence of the land and the increasing feeling of watchfulness is beginning to affect the spirits of our company. By day, we walk without speaking, and at night are too weary for tales or songs. I have always enjoyed solitude and the quiet of nature, but I find myself longing for Rivendell, and the singing and storytelling (and the feasting) that is so much a part of Elrond's House.

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

"Where did you learn such tales, if all the land is empty and forgetful?" asked Peregrin. "The birds and beasts do not tell tales of that sort."

"The heirs of Elendil do not forget all things past," said Strider; "and many more things than I can tell are remembered in Rivendell."

"Have you often been to Rivendell?" said Frodo.

"I have," said Strider. "I dwelt there once, and still I return when I may. There my heart is; but it is not my fate to sit in peace, even in the fair house of Elrond."

[Gorwingel]

After a long journey I have finally made it to the last homely house. I am now in sitting with Elrond in the Hall of Fire. I have finally made it to Rivendell [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[Raefindel]

A walk to Lothlorien would be good. One leg of the Journey at a time.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Gorwingel, congratulations! Don't forget to update your mileage on the Éowyn site and drop them a note to let them know of your arrival. (The link to the page for those who have arrived in Rivendell is in one of my above posts.)

Alatáriël, thanks for that information! I will gladly stretch the challenge to include a walk to Lothlórien; that should be doable before the RotK movie release date.

Edit: I see here that Vardamar has also reached Rivendell, without telling us about it! Congratulations to you too!

[ August 04, 2003: Message edited by: Estelyn Telcontar ]

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

It looks like four Barrow-Downers are currently relaxing in Rivendell: Aerowen, Linzielf, Vardamar & Gorwingel. Congratulations to all of you!

When you reach Rivendell, if you've reported regularly to the Éowyn Challenge milestones page, you can have that accomplishment listed here. Please send an E-mail to kallycarey@insightbb.com to let them know about it.

I thought I'd bring Estelyn's post forward for all those who are getting close. [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]

______________________________

Strider is pushing us to travel as fast as we can. We still have 85 miles to go in the next 22 days. If I didn't trust his Ranger skills so much, I would think that we were traveling in circles. The countryside today looks the same as it did yesterday, and the day before, and the day before that...

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

The hills now began to shut them in. The Road behind held on its way to the River Bruinen, but both were now hidden from view. The travellers came into a long valley; narrow, deeply cloven, dark and silent. Trees with old and twisted roots hung over cliffs, and piled up behind into mounting slopes of pine-wood.

The hobbits grew very weary. They advanced slowly, for they had to pick their way through a pathless country, encumbered by fallen trees and tumbled rocks. As long as they could they avoided climbing for Frodo's sake, and because it was in fact difficult to find any way up out of the narrow dales.

[Faenaduial]

Finally, I've reached Bree and appropriately I have reached it in the rain. Time to sit by the fire, hoist a pint and rest up before the next phase of the trek. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

[elfearz1]

Mind if I join? I know it is pretty late, but I would still like to try. I figured that if I walk three miles a day I can make it in time. ( [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img] ) so, is it still ok if I join?

[Nurumaiel]

Welcome, elfearz1! Of course you can join, no matter how late you are. I was also late, though only by about 10 - 15 days. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

How glad I was to say goodbye to the Midgewater Marshes! And how exciting it is to find I've only 240 miles left to go. I was able to ride today without feeling very ahead of myself now that I've passed Bree. Only I wasn't riding a pony, I was riding a Quarter Horse... oopsies. But I used my imagination, and she was similiar to Bill, even if she wasn't as short.

You have walked 218 miles.
You have passed the eastern edge of the Midgewater Marshes (211).
It is 10 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 240 miles to Rivendell.

They had not gone far on the fifth day when they left the last straggling pools and reed-beds of the marshes behind them. The land before them began steadily to rise again. Away in the distance eastward they could now see a line of hills. The highest of them was at the right of the line and a little separated from the others. It had a conical top, slightly flattened at the summit.

'That is Weathertop,' said Strider. 'The Old Road, which we have left far away on our right, runs to the south of it and passes not far from its foot. We might reach it by noon tomorrow, if we go straight towards it. I suppose we had better do so.'

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

The clouds and rain returned this morning before sunrise, and there was a steady drizzle all day. We clambered up and down the slick, rocky hillsides with many a slip and slide. We were all covered in mud by the time we made camp. Strider found a shallow cave, and with the fire, we are able to 'enjoy' our cram and stay moderately dry.

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

They had been two days in this country when the weather turned wet. The wind began to blow steadily out of the West and pour the water of the distant seas on the dark heads of the hills in fine drenching rain. By nightfall they were all soaked, and their camp was cheerless, for they could not get any fire to burn. The next day the hills rose still higher and steeper before them, and they were forced to turn away northwards out of their course. Strider seemed to be getting anxious: they were nearly ten days out from Weathertop, and their stock of provisions was beginning to run low. It went on raining.

That night they camped on a stony shelf with a rock-wall behind them, in which there was a shallow cave, a mere scoop in the cliff. Frodo was restless. The cold and wet had made his wound more painful than ever, and the ache and sense of deadly chill took away all sleep. He lay tossing and turning and listening fearfully to the stealthy night-noises: wind in chinks of rock, water dripping, a crack, the sudden rattling fall of a loosened stone.

[elfearz1]

Why Thank you, Nurumaiel!

Although her visit had been short she was beginning to fancy the Shire. Its inhabitant's quaint and sheltered life style seemed so innocent and lovely to her. She takes one last look at this friendly little place, then turns and trudges on; somewhat sad to leave this warm and comfortable region, but also glad for what adventures may lie ahead.

You have walked 7 miles.
You have reached Last View of Hobbiton (7).
It is 11 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 451 miles to Rivendell.

--------------------------------------------
As they began to climb its first slopes they looked back and saw the lamps in Hobbiton far off twinkling in the gentle valley of the Water. Soon it disappeared in the folds of the darkened land, and was followed by Bywater beside its grey pool. When the light of the last farm was far behind, peeping among the trees, Frodo turned and waved a hand in farewell.
(Am I doing this right? [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img] )

[ August 06, 2003: Message edited by: elfearz1 ]

[peony_foxburr]

"I am afraid we must go back to the Road here for a while," said Strider.

And then Pippin had asked the question Peony had been longing to, about what rivers they were seeing. The River that they could just glimpse, far off in the distance, ran into the valley of Rivendell!

They started off again early the next morning, and would reach the Last Bridge in a few more miles. Even though Strider was afraid they would encounter the Enemy there, Peony felt sure he would guide them safely over it, somehow.