Walk To Rivendell" aka "The Eowyn Challenge"

[Nurumaiel]

Sorry this is so late! Next update I guarantee I'll have all the new walkers, as long as their mileage is in their FROM: space.

AS OF AUGUST 3RD
[i]Our last update was July 26th. 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. Keep up the good work!

I apologize if I left out any of our newer walkers, and my excuse is that sometimes when you?re a new walker but your mileage is not in your FROM: space, I overlook you, not realizing that you aren?t on the list. If you wish make certain that you will be displayed on this list with your correct mileage, please put your mileage in your FROM: space. Thank you!

MEMBER : MILEAGE
alaklondewen : 336 (34 m.)
Alatáriël : 364 (32 m.)
Annunfuiniel : 144
Arvedui III : 136
Arafangwen : 391
ArwenBaggins : 354 (21 m.)
Aylwen Dreamsong : ?
bain_edhel : 12
Bulelainwen : 108
Barrow Wight : 131 (23 m.)
Durelin : 2
Durlossiel : 150 (20 m.)
dragoneyes : 145
Eärendil : 150
Eruwen : 70
Estelyn Telcontar : 410 (31 m.)
Faenaduial : 140 (15 m.)
Firondoiel : 44
Galenfea of Mirkwood : 23 (5 m.)
Gorwingel : 453 (39 m.)
Hilde Bracegirdle : 407
Horsemaiden Of The Shire : 306 (12 m.)
Ilsanie : 5.5
Joy : 14
Kalel : 32
Keowyn : 3?
Lalaith : 230
Lindolirian : 170
Linnamalle : 401 (12 m.)
Linzielf : 458 (7 m.) Rivendell, Congratulations!!
LotrMaster02 : ?
Luinalatwen : 63 (6 m.)
Lyra Greenleaf : 361 (26 m.)
Maiden of the Dry Waterfall : ?
mark12_30 : 305
Naz : ?
Neferchoiren : 203 (3 m.)
Niluial : 264
Nurumaiel : 207 (7 m.)
peony_foxburr : 337 (18 m.)
Princess*Buttercup*Of*Rohan : 20 (20 m.)
Raefindel : 411 (48 m.)
Ranger Jewel : 35?
red : 52.5
Rochelle : 59
Salix : 11
Schmendrick : 70
Sindafalathiel : 11
Sirithheruwen : ?
Sophia the Thunder Mistress : 151
SwordMaiden of Rohan : ?
Tar-Palantir : ?
Tarvasa : 43
Tefalathiel : 233 (63 m.)
TheLadyAerowen : 458 Rivendell, Congratulations!!
The Phantom: 28
The Real Findorfin : ?
Thenamir : 127 (17 m.)
Tigerlily Gamgee : 50
Tinuviel of Denton : 188 (8 m.)
Tira O Alata : ?
Vanwalossien : 256
Vardamar : 314

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

(Am I doing this right?)

elfearz1: I think you've got the hang of this...

______________________________


When dawn came today, we were able to see the sun rising from the clouds over the mountains. We scrambled among the rocks and hills until we were near to exhaustion. The last climb was so steep that we were crawling more than walking, using our hands and arms to pull ourselves up. Our camp tonight is in an old quarry, and we are glad of our fire. The wind is from the north, and seems to blow right through our cloaks and blankets, chilling us to the bone.

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

The rest of that day they spent scrambling over rocky ground...but towards the end of the day they found their road again barred by a ridge of high land...They had a choice between going back or climbing over it. They decided to attempt the climb, but it proved very difficult...The light was nearly gone, and they were all exhausted, when at last they reached the top...Night was cold up on the high ridge. They lit a small fire down under the gnarled roots of an old pine, that hung over a shallow pit: it looked as if stone had once been quarried there. They sat huddled together. The wind blew chill through the pass, and they heard the tree-tops lower down moaning and sighing.

[Sirithheruwen]

Took a bit of a break from posting, but not from walking! So far I'm at 26 miles, and counting! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] (I know it's not great, but it works for me!) I'm very proud of myself, because I walked 6the farthest I've ever walked in a day: 4 miles!!! (Hey, don't laugh. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img] ) Byeness!

Well, I haven't updated my mileage in quite some time... I am still listed as only going 5.5 miles! [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img] well in reality I have gone a little under 200 miles and am comfortly walking 2 miles a day to keep up with my walking plan.Well I have to get to the tennis courts right now so I better get going!

Ilsanie Maurilf [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

[Estelyn Telcontar]

No one here would dream of laughing at you, Sirithheruwen - we all started at 0 miles! You're doing well, and it's nice to have you with us on the road, no matter where you are!

Nuru, thanks again for all the work you put into that list!

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

We have gone far off our course in trying to escape from the Riders. We must now head southwards towards the Road or we shall have no hope of crossing the River. We came across a path that led downhill and discovered an abandoned troll-cave. Farther down we found William, Tom & Bert in a small clearing. I'll have to apologize to Bilbo when I get to Rivendell. I've heard him tell that story many times, and I always thought he was making it up.

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

There stood the trolls: three large trolls...Strider walked forward unconcernedly. "Get up, old stone!" he said, and broke his stick upon the stooping troll.

Nothing happened. There was a gasp of astonishment from the hobbits, and then even Frodo laughed. "Well!" he said. "We are forgetting our family history! These must be the very three that were caught by Gandalf, quarrelling over the right way to cook thirteen dwarves and one hobbit."

"I had no idea we were anywhere near the place!" said Pippin. He knew the story well. Bilbo and Frodo had told it often; but as a matter of fact he had never more than half believed it...They all laughed. Frodo felt his spirits reviving: the reminder of Bilbo's first successful adventure was heartening.

[peony_foxburr]

Just after setting out on the road to the Last Bridge, the party of travelers was delayed by a thunderstorm, accompanied by torrents of rain. Water streamed downhill and washed across the Road in low places. They took what shelter they could in the lee of a large boulder nearby. Luckily, the storm passed quickly, and they were able to take to the Road once more.

[ArwenBaggins]

For all of my life, I never thought the trolls Bilbo always told of were real. But this morning when they came into view, I was dumbfounded and awestruck.
***
We have walked 388 miles.
We have found the three stone Trolls from Bilbo's adventure (384).
It is 10 miles to the next landmark.
We still have 70 miles to Rivendell.
***
'There are trolls!' Pippin panted. 'Down in a clearing in the woods not far below. We got a sight of them through the tree-trunks. They are very large!'

[Galenfea of Mirkwood.]

Galenfea curls up under a tree root to enjoy its shade, 'and also,' she thinks with a chuckle, 'a small amount of protection from Nazgul. Urg... Too hot for walking.' as she is dropping off the sleepy silend=ce is broken by the sound of many voices singing nearby. Galenfea sticks her head up over the root and yells, "How dare you enter the king's bedroom when he's disscussing foreign policy?! [img]smilies/mad.gif[/img]" She then establishes that she is shouting at Gildor Inglorion and his companions. She apologises for losing her temper and asks if there are any other walkers in the vicinity. He replied that the last two had passed through about a week before.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Seeing the trolls really lightened our spirits, and we walked for several miles at good speed. We hurried along the Road for the rest of the day until the light faded. We were looking for a campsite where we could be out of sight, when we heard a sound we had been dreading...hoofbeats behind us! As the rider came around the bend, I recognized my friend, Glorfindel. It was a merry meeting, as it appears Strider knows him as well. We traveled a few miles further on, before stopping for the night.

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

His speech and clear ringing voice left no doubt in their hearts: the rider was of the Elven-folk..."Hail, and well met at last!" said the Elf-lord to Frodo. "I was sent from Rivendell to look for you. We feared that you were in danger upon the road."...While Glorfindel was speaking the shades of evening deepened..."You shall ride my horse," said Glorfindel..."if danger presses too near, he will bear you away with a speed that even the black steeds of the enemy cannot rival."

"No, he will not!" said Frodo. "I shall not ride him, if I am to be carried off to Rivendell or anywhere else, leaving my friends behind in danger."

Glorfindel smiled. "I doubt very much," he said, "if your friends would be in danger if you were not with them! The pursuit would follow you and leave us in peace, I think. It is you, Frodo, and that which you bear that brings us all in peril."

[Pyroclastic]

I'd like to greet my fellow walkers, but I'm too far behind them!

Since they were all hobbits, and were trying to be silent, they made no noise that even hobbits would hear.

That doesn't apply to me. I crash though the woods like an ork. Yesterday I got the stangest looks when I walked to work singing 'The Road Goes Ever On And On'. I always accomplish more when I don't take it seriously! See y'all at Rivendell!

[Raefindel]

Welcome to the Downs, Pyroclastic. Are you named for a particular volcano? Maybe you're as fast as one! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] I imagine you'll be catching us up in no time!

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

I'd like to greet my fellow walkers, but I'm too far behind them!

Pyroclastic: Welcome to our journey! You're not too far behind for Elves to see and greet you. Just keep walking...you'll be in Rivendell before you know it! [img]smilies/cool.gif[/img]

______________________________

Glorfindel says he has been searching for us for over a week. He came across several Riders a couple of days ago, and they were following our trail. He and Strider push us along as fast as our weary feet can go. We'd be able to go a lot faster if the 'Glorified One' had brought more than one horse with him.

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

Frodo...was persuaded to mount Glorfindel's white horse. The pony was laden with a great part of the others' burdens, so that they now marched lighter, and for a time made good speed; but the hobbits began to find it hard to keep up with the swift tireless feet of the Elf. On he led them, into the mouth of darkness, and still on under the deep clouded night. There was neither star nor moon. Not until the grey of dawn did he allow them to halt. Pippin, Merry, and Sam were by that time nearly asleep on their stumbling legs; and even Strider seemed by the sag of his shoulders to be weary. Frodo sat upon the horse in a dark dream.

[Sirithheruwen]

Here I am, plugging away at 37 miles. I highly doubt I will make it to Rivendell on time, but I'll get there, even if it takes me until the ROTK five year aniversary!!! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] (Though I hope it doesn't come to that! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] )

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Just checking in. Have been dawdling quite a bit with with Strider and Glorfindel. Today I am skipping stones in the River Bruinen while listening to them tell of the events that took place here.

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Here is a link to something I found hilarious. Remember how we were talking about going to Mordor, after we get to Rivendell? Here are directions. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

****
You have walked 206 miles.
You have passed Neekerbreeker Pond (201).
You are only 5 miles from the eastern edge of the Midgewater Marshes.
You still have 252 miles to Rivendell.
****

Huh. I suppose the Midges don't like half elvish cats, because I didn't even realize I was in the Marshes.

[Nurumaiel]

You have walked 228 miles.
You have reached a small stream coming down from the Weather Hills (228).
It is 18 miles to the next landmark.
You still have 230 miles to Rivendell.

The hills drew nearer. They made an undulating ridge, often rising almost to a thousand feet, and here and there falling again to low clefts or passes leading into the eastern land beyond. Along the crest of the ridge the hobbits could see what looked to be the remains of green-grown walls and dikes, and in the clefts there still stood the ruins of old works of stone. By night they had reached the feet of the westward slopes, and there they camped. It was the night of the fifth of October, and they were six days out from Bree.
__________________________________________________ ____________________________________

Strider says only a few more miles to Weathertop. Hurrah! I've been going rather slow as of late but I still have enough time to get there before the 17th.

[Eruantalon]

Nimnariel are you there check your mail I can't pm you right now

[Eruantalon]

Your email Ok

[Raefindel]

Hmmm... do we need to shimmey down the same cliff face as Frodo & Sam? I'm sure there must be an easier way to Mordor! In fact, I think I'd rather go to Minas Tirith. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Rivendell is in sight. I've 18 miles to go but the weather is getting hot again and if Glorfindel thinks I can keep up with his horse he's dreaming!

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Remember how we were talking about going to Mordor, after we get to Rivendell? Here are directions.

Tinuviel: Toooo funny!! I especially liked the 'recommendation' to check with local inns to see if any wars are brewing or enemies pursuing. [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]

______________________________

We had rested for only a few hours last night when a terrific thunderstorm came up out of the East. We were quickly drenched and unable to sleep for the rest of the night. The rains continued all day, and the mud made walking wearisome. Strider and Glorfindel fear the Riders will catch us before we can reach the Ford, but we are unable to travel faster.

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

The leaves blew upwards in sudden gusts of wind, and spots of rain began to fall from the overcast sky. Then the wind died away and the rain came streaming down. They trudged along as fast as they could, over patches of grass and through thick drifts of old leaves; and all about them the rain pattered and trickled. They did not talk, but kept glancing back, and from side to side.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Tinuviel that is a GREAT LINK! Thanks a mint for sharing it with us, brightened an otherwise dull day. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[peony_foxburr]

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.

Peony's alter ego is slogging along as early in the day as she can drag herself out of bed, to escape the worst of the steam wave hovering over New England. However, it could be worse..this could be London at 100 degrees F. Talk about Mordor!!!!!!!

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Last night we made camp under an enormous oak tree, which kept off the worst of the rain. The wood was so wet that the fire burned only fitfully, and with more smoke than flame. We sat huddled in our cloaks and blankets around the small fire, silent with our own thoughts and fears, until sleep overcame us. My dreams were troubled, and I awoke in the night with pounding heart. In the darkness, I heard the gentle voice of Glorfindel singing softly. My fears disappeared, and in the dawn I arose with a lighter heart to a clear and bright day.

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

• Snow-white! Snow-white! O Lady clear!
  O Queen beyond the Western Seas!
  O Light to us that wander here
  Amid the world of woven trees!
  
  Gilthoniel! O Elbereth!
  Clear are thy eyes and bright thy breath!
  Snow-white! Snow-white! We sing to thee
  In a far land beyond the Sea.
  
  O stars that in the Sunless Year
  With shining hand by her were sown,
  In windy fields now bright and clear
  We see your silver blossom blown!
  
  O Elbereth! Gilthoniel!
  We still remember, we who dwell
  In this far land beneath the trees,
  Thy starlight on the Western Seas.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Here's an important announcement to all Walkers to Rivendell:

The Third House Contest has begun!

Enter your LOTR comic short story. All stories must be in the LOTR framework, be 2,000 words or less, and be submitted by 8/24/03.

Please see the House Contest page on the Éowyn Challenge site for more information. I hope that there will be at least several of us taking part - we do want to get those points that are given for participating, no matter whether we win or not.

[Raefindel]

This little Elf is getting hungry and longs for her bed as well. As I trudge along I'm thinking of the food and rest that are just 6 miles away.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

The rain has stopped, and we are able to travel more quickly, but not quick enough for Glorfindel. The hobbits are exhausted, Strider stumbles with fatigue, and even I, Elf of many journeys, am feeling very weary. We have seen no sign of the Riders, and we fear they may be lying in wait for us at the Ford of Bruinen.

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

They cast themselves down in the heather a few yards from the road-side, and fell asleep immediately. They seemed hardly to have closed their eyes when Glorfindel, who had set himself to watch while they slept, awoke them again. The sun had now climbed far into the morning, and the clouds and mists of the night were gone.

"Drink this!" said Glorfindel to them, pouring for each in turn a little liquor from his silver-studded flask of leather. It was clear as spring water and had no taste, and it did not feel either cool or warm in the mouth; but strength and vigour seemed to flow into all their limbs as they drank it. Eaten after that draught the stale bread and dried fruit (which was now all that they had left) seemed to satisfy their hunger better than many a good breakfast in the Shire had done.

[Tefalathiel]

Congratulations to those who arrived at Rivendell. Please don't eat and drink everything before the rest of us get there! Especially the mineral water and the miruvor.

Signed: very, very thirsty elf!!!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I was looking at the Eowyn Site and now it appears as though The Barrow Downs is not listed in the community area. Is there a reason for this? Or is it an oversite? [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img]

[Estelyn Telcontar]

As far as I can see, we're listed as always. A shield has not yet been made for us... [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img] If there's a page that does not include us, please let me know which one it is so that I can check with the Éowyn site to correct that.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

The days of our journey begin to blur one into another. At dawn, we arise and break our fast with cram and water. We march until mid-day, when we halt briefly to rest and partake of more cram and water. We then continue marching until the day wanes, at which time we make camp, and end the day...with yet more cram and water. I begin to dream of the laden tables of Rivendell even during waking hours. Glorfindel has promised us a magnificent feast upon our arrival, and the hobbits will hold him to that promise.

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

...days passed, without the ground or the scene changing much...they saw nothing, and heard no sound but the sigh of withered leaves and grass...Glorfindel still urged them on, and only allowed two brief halts during the day's march...So far there had been no sign or sound of pursuit that the hobbits could see or hear...

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

Well, I was away at camp for two weeks, but that didn't mean I quit walking! I am now at 323 miles, and I am fully determined to get to Rivendell. Hoo...but there's a heatwave, and heat makes me not want to walk! Noo!

[Raefindel]

Well now, the river didn't do anything special when I crossed it! Hmmm... I can't imagine why.

I arrive amidst a torrential rain storm, but I am welcomed by all the folk of Rivendell. After a bath & a rest I am given a wonderful dinner. Not a feast though. Elrond explains that the feast will be held when more adventurers have arrived.

I slept 14 hours and woke to a beautiful day. Before breakfast I go for... a walk...only this time I'm holding my coffee cup... and my coffee has Elven Cream in it.

Happy Adventures, fellow walkers. I'm waiting for you.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Estelyn, looking back at the page I see our points listed but HERE there is no reference. Maybe because Helen is not heading this up anymore. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Hilde, this is listed on that page:

Join Estelyn Telcontar ( estelyn@barrowdowns.com ) and Nurumaiel , and the Barrow Downs Walkers on the Walk to Rivendell thread.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

So very sorry! Seems like I've left more than a pocket handkerchief at home! [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img] I missed it...

[ArwenBaggins]

Glorfindel pushes us almost as much as Strider! We're always tired, and we only stop for a few minutes during the hottest part of the day. It feels as soon as I lay down to sleep, it's time to get up and go again!
***
We have walked 429 miles.
We have reached the place where the four hobbits, Strider, and Glorfindel rested on the Road! (418)
It is 7 miles to the next landmark.
We still have 29 miles to Rivendell.
***
They cast themselves down in the heather a few yards from the road-side, and fell asleep immediately. They seemed hardly to have closed their eyes when Glorfindel, who had set himself to watch while they slept, awoke them again. The sun had now climbed far into the morning, and the clouds and mists of the night were gone.
***
-Melilot the Hobbit
or
-Fëa

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Before breakfast I go for... a walk...only this time I'm holding my coffee cup... and my coffee has Elven Cream in it.
Happy Adventures, fellow walkers. I'm waiting for you.

Raefindel: Congratulations on reaching Rivendell! Ummmm, Elven Cream! Save some for me...I'll be there soon. [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]

______________________________

We are getting close to the Ford. Glorfindel and Strider are getting more and more anxious. They fear the Riders are close and will not allow a fire tonight. The River will protect us once we are safely across, but until then our peril will continue to increase.

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

..often Glorfindel would halt and listen for a moment, if they lagged behind, and a look of anxiety clouded his face. Once or twice he spoke to Strider in the elf-tongue.

But however anxious their guides might be, it was plain that the hobbits could go no further that night. They were stumbling along dizzy with weariness, and unable to think of anything but their feet and legs...The hobbits were still weary, when they set out again early next morning...and they hobbled forward at the best pace they could manage.

"Our peril will be greatest just ere we reach the river," said Glorfindel; "for my heart warns me that the pursuit is now swift behind us, and other danger may be waiting by the Ford."

[ August 18, 2003: Message edited by: Alatáriël ]

[Dûrlossiel]

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.'

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

Well, Strider is certainly in a hurry. That's alright, because my job requires much walking and I bought a pedometer. (I walk about 2.5 miles at work every night and that is in addition to any walking I do purely for the challenge.)

Oh, the midges! They like human as well as they like hobbit! They certainly enjoy eating me alive.

[ August 19, 2003: Message edited by: Dûrlossiel ]

[vanwalossien]

Congrats Raefindel! Say hello to Elrond from me [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] Are you going on towards Mordor now? Just remember

At MINAS TIRITH, turn LEFT

[img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] Heehee, great link Tinuviel!

I think I can make it on time actually, I didn't expect that, but I've been walking a lot this summer. Walking to Rivendell is extremely motivating, 'cause you know Elrond and Bilbo are waiting for you when you get there! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]