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WALKABOUT 2008 NEWS
WE DID IT!!!!
July 26, 2008 - Day Fifteen:
214.6 miles from Waretown
Old friends returned. Yaya Theo once again provided spectacular cooking, the best homemade cookies on the planet, and her famous watermelon lemonade. Brother Bob inspired us as we began our final leg, and Gabby rejoined us, along with Dashawna. We came home to South Toms River greeted by a welcoming commitee: Desiree and Ms. Diane Murray for giving us such a great welcome home. We crossed the road to view our names on the utility poles, one banner for each kid on the walk. We found our mile markers festooned with streamers and balloons, and people cheered us as we entered our wonderful home town. Back at Wells Chapel AME Church, we were given a breakfast of grits, scrambled eggs, three types of sausage, pancakes, and all kinds of drinks. Thanking God for our safety, we'd made it home. We live in a beautiful state, that's worth preserving, planting and keeping green, and the people we met along the way went above and beyond.
AWARDS:
We voted for New Jersey's friendliest town, and the results were very, very close: Barnegat edged out Berlin Township by two votes, with Marmora coming in a close third. Barnegat had provided us all meals, met us at every water stop, and provided us with ice cream, at the Mayor's Ice Cream Shop. They followed us all the way, providing support. The Barnegat Optimist Club had supported us long before the walk began and could not do enough for us, arranging our stay at Tuckerton Seaport. The Mayor got out of bed at 5 AM to give us our first water break, and the first aid squad opened its doors to give us a bathroom break. They photographed us, gave us information about the town, and through the whole day, they always had someone in communication with us long after we passed the border of Barnegat.
Berlin Township cannot be left without special mention. The police, through the FOP did more for us than any police department in any of the 49 towns we walked through. The kids got to skateboard, play wiffle ball, and even dance! The town, and its many businesses were so generous, that we eventually had to turn down offers of food because we had too much. The kids decided on the spot that Berlin Township was the most fun town in New Jersey, and invented that award. Mayor Magazzu, the Police Department, the Municipal Offices, and everyone that helped us from the librarian to the businesses, went above and beyond, and we thank them.
Marmora was incredible. The town is picturesque, and its people are wonderful. Diane Leo was a miracle worker, able to get us permission to cross Beasley Point Bridge, providing a welcoming committe on the other side, setting up games and a barbecue. The mayor and his wife, and The Church of Resurrection Roman Catholic Church gave us the most wonderful reception. We honor Marmora for its beauty and hospitality, and thank the adults and youth who walked the last two miles with us.
July 25, 2008 - Day Fourteen: Wells Chapel
We reached Miller Air Park, and slept in, past 8:00 AM for the first time on the walk! Mr. Ed Murray arrived with a special gift from the Mayor and Council of South Toms River: A huge, no-holds-barred, breakfast with all the trimmings. We had the biggest breakfast of the walk, and we're so grateful for the Mayor and Council who provided for the meal out of their own pocket, as well as the South Toms River Community Club, and Coach Ed, for doing all the work in cooking and getting us the breakfast! Then, we were able to have a day of leisure. We went to Keswick for a swim in the lake, where canoes were also provided. Brother Dorian took us on a tour of the Rehab facility and told us the powerful story about how this community of faith and prayer took him away from gang life and helped him find, through through a prayerful lifestyle, a way beyond peer pressure, gang membership, and addiction. His testimony was very moving and inspirational.
Once we returned to Wells Chapel, Sister Agnes provided us another fine meal, and STR Councilman Rev. Oscar Cradle helped serve. We feasted, tallied our points, and discovered that the Tragic Heroes had edged out the Golden Exploding Monkeys for first place in the second week of competition, and therefore could choose two people to participate in the grand prize: A flight over the walkabout route.
Irvin and Jonathan were selected, and took off under partly cloudy skies in a private Cessna owned and piloted by Capt. Tom Woods of the Civil Air Patrol. He shared his love of the sky with Irvin and Jon, and showed them their high school and various landmarks from the air. Some of our walkers expressed interest in learning more about Civil Air Patrol, a wonderful organization, the official auxilliary of the US Air Force, which offers cadet programs for youth ages 12-21, as well as extensive programs for adults who are interested in homeland security, aviation, and search and rescue.
That night, we feasted again, this time on Chili, provided by Mitch Horowitz. This is becoming a tradition, since Mitch provided our last meal at the last walkabout. It was surpassingly delicious, and a huge cauldron of chili disappeared in less than an hour.
We also had cake for the twins, Daniel and David, who celebrated their eleventh birthday. They were given the guidon to carry home, because they'd walked every mile of the walkabout, as had their sister, Jonie.
July 24-25, 2008 - Day Thirteen: Miller Air Park
Walking up Pasadena road along the abandoned railroad tracks, we encountered an abandoned blueberry farm, where we stuffed our faces, as we sloshed through puddles. Ms. Boyle drove support, and somehow was able to spot us through the trees, and got water to us. We decided to rest up at Miller Air Park, and wait for a shuttle to take us to the midnight walk.
As we slept, creepy things lurked in the woods, gathering their forces for a night attack. We shuttled back to Pasadena road, and started the walk. Creatures with glowing eyes pelted us with pebbles. Not Mome Wraits, but some other kind of creature. One of the walkers got so scared, he ran out of his sneakers and refused to go back for them. The night grew starry and the moon rose. We passed a ghost town around Webbs Mill, and a cold mist hurried across the moonlit path, gliding in front of us like a ghost river. We walked back out to Lacey Road, site of the most spectacular breakfast and water stop on walkabout 2007, now silent in the post-midnight hour. We waded through puddles and finally reached Miller Air Park, having completed our last long walking day.
July 23-24, 2008 - Day Twelve: Chatsworth
After having a wonderfully peaceful, meditative time in Shamong, it was back on the road as the skies threatened rain (finally!) and we were looking forward to a break in the weather. We headed toward Chatsworth, and a final day camping in our tents.
We passed through several miles of blueberry/cranberry farm owned by Mr. Sam Moore, whose family has owned the farm for six generations. The struggles of a farmer are numerous- they had to gate their property because of inconsiderate dirt bikers and four-wheelers. This kind, wonderful family allowed us crossing, and gave us an indication of farm life, taking time out to give us passage in the height of blueberrying season. Thanks so much!
We also passed one of the most spectacular incidents of roadkill that we saw. A deer had been completely cut in half, with all the organs preserved, but outside the body. It was a real opportunity to have an anatomy lesson, and honor the deer for what its death could teach us about the way the body works.
We arrived in Chatsworth and set up camp behind the Chatsworth Inn. Kevin and Patty Murray provided us with plenty of food and drinks. We had marathon wiffle ball games, and enjoyed ourselves immensely, and thanks to several locals who stopped by to point out trouble spots in our camping area, we managed to escape the swarms of ticks and chiggers. The skies were threatening, and about 10 PM, they opened up. We called various sources of weather and found out that a halestorm that was pushing its way up from the south was going to miss us, and that a thunderstorm would pass, and we would only have to deal with rain. No problem, we thought. We have our tents.
Well, the rain came, and the tents leaked. Well, leaked isn't exactly accurate. They collected rainwater and deposited it in little lakes inside our tents. Everyone woke up soaking wet (except Danny Boyle, who slept in the twenty-eight square inches of tent that were dry). Tired, wet, and faced with the prospect of more rain and a midnight walk, we trudged eight miles more and re-entered Ocean County for the first time since Day Two.
Danny Boyle throwing out the first pitch of the ball game!
Visiting Lucy the Elephant in Atlantic City.
July 22, 2008 - Day Eleven: 175 miles
Today, we were accosted on the road by Mome Wraiths!! As we searched for these Ninja-like people on the forested walk, we were pelted with pebbles, pine cones, and drawn on with charcoal. We almost spotted one, with only Brandt escaping unscathed. They sure keep those long, monotonous trails
interesting! Later, we went swimming and enjoyed the hospitality of the Michaelis family, and had dinner at the Zen Center, thanks to our own Queen Victoria. We would also like to thank Ms. Rachel McCormack for showing us how to meditate.
We also had the opportunity to look at the pictures posted by our own Web Wizard, Mr. John Thunder Bear Pritchard. The picture on the board walk reminded us of Joanie's composition. As she walked along the boardwalk, she composed the song that became one of the two theme songs of the Walkabout:
If you feel sad, get happy
If you're tired, take a nappie
If you need some water, maybe just ask an Otter
'Cause the 08 Walkabout
Is on its walking route
and we are the walk, walk, walk, walk, walkabout
We are the walk, walk, walk, walk, walkabout!
After staying in dorms so comfortable that three of the kids didn't answer wake up call, we walked to Berlin Township in Camden County, home of the most wonderful police force we've encountered in our two years on the walkabout. Berlin's finest were incredibly kind to us, and put us up at the Fraternal Order of Police. Mayor Magazzu was in Florida, but sent her husband, Frank to take pictures and be with us, and many businesses, thanks to the wonderful clerks, provided us with dinner and breakfast.
July 20, 2008 - Day Nine: Parvin State Park
We started walking from Coyote Tracks to Parvin State Park; A very long, rural walk through the incredible landscape of the most unknown corner of New Jersey. Tiny rural towns gave way to more suburban landscapes as we headed toward Glassboro. At noon, we had arrived on the campus of Rowan University, where we were treated like royalty, given the finest suites of rooms and feasted at the excellent cafeteria. Mr. Ryan went above and beyond to help us in every possible way, from early in the morning to late at night. Some of our kids now want to go there for college.
We also bid farewell to Arjuna, who helped the Golden Exploding Monkeys with his strong walking and wonderful positive attitude. We were all sorry to see him go, but next year he promises to do the entire walk. This nine-year old really pulled his weight, and toughed out 15 miles on the second day and 17 miles the third!!!
July 19, 2008 - Day Eight:
One week and 127 miles on the road.
We woke and left camp in the pitch darkness. As the walk progressed, we noticed route marking signs that were not our own. We'd walked into the middle of a triatholon! We shared the road with runners and bikers as swimmers splashed by in the scenic lake north of Bridgeton. Our new walkers finished strongly, and Arjuna walked fifteen miles! Mr. Boyle, father of Jessica and Danny, joined us and walked and rode his motorcycle along the route. Coyote tracks had provided sandwiches. Then Mr. Mike and Ms. Lauren came, and delivered more lunch. Then, Brandt's parents stocked our food supplies so that we really don't have need for anything before we leave Berlin on Monday, and even then, we may have food to spare. Just when we thought this was bounty enough, Irvin's mom, the star of last year's food supply line, showed up with hot chicken, rice and beans, and salad. We thank all the parents who showed up to support the walk today. Brandon, Devin and Anthony T. left the walk to help with the South Toms River baseball picnic. Come back soon tomorrow, guys!!
Also, Danny Boyle finished strong despite his shin problems early on the walk, and Nico's Seaver's Disease (condition of extremely painful heels) didn't stop him from walking 15 miles today.
July 18, 2008 - Day Seven: Sheppard's Mill, NJ
We said goodbye to Sam, who had joined us in Smithville, and picked up three new guest walkers: James and Jasmine, from Newport, and Arjuna, from New York City.
The new walkers did extraordinarily well.
What a day! The long, scenic walk from Newport to Sheppard's Mill wound its way through a rural landscape, where in the early morning hours, the only vehicles passing on the road were busses filled with migrant workers. The road was long, and the temperatures began to creep into the 90's as our advance team arrived at Coyote Tracks, but since we'd started at 3:30 AM, we were able to enjoy the cool of the morning.
In Bridgeton, we were joined by two girls that walked a mile or two with us. We continued through spectacular scenery, farmlands and bogs, until we finally left green head fly country. Five of our walkers, including one adult, had developed poison ivy, and on top of that, on a nature walk through camp, one of our walkers kicked over a log, and loosed a swarm of hornets. Brandon, the same guy who'd recovered the foul ball on Monday, was stung 22 times, David seventeen times, and several others once or twice.
Devin lost a tooth (through natural means), and life went on. The instructors taught us to make fire by friction, and many of the walkers were able to get fire with a bow drill. Coyote Tracks was an awesome experience! Today, we said goodbye to Mr. Kfir, and hello to Mr. Anthony as we transitioned the staff. We may not miss the 4AM wake-up calls, Mr. Kfir, but we'll miss your... em... unique... sense of humor.
July 17, 2008 - Day Six: Newport, NJ
We were welcomed by Newport Baptist Church in tiny, rural Newport, New Jersey. The Church is one of the most beautiful buildings, having been crafted by shipbuilders, 105 years ago. The people here have been so friendly and welcoming. As I write this dispatch, the troops are nursing aching feet and preparing to swim in the Delaware Bay after a gruelling 25-mile walk today. Sadly, we say goodbye to Gabby, one of the strong walkers on the Golden Exploding Monkeys team. More details will follow. One bumpy part of the story - some of our walkers have mild cases of poison ivy.
Tragic Heroes led the way. Our day started at 3 AM, with the final walkers Kenny and Mr. Frank arriving at 1 PM as the temperatures topped 95 degrees. Luckily by then, the walkers had arrived and were being given the royal treatment by this wonderful church community.
July 16, 2008 - Day Five: Belleplain, NJ
Today we walked from Marmora to Belleplain. Coach Ed Murray helped with the food and brought his camper, cooking for us in the State Forest. Yaya Theo was an amazing water support person. She brought us water, music, baklava, the most amazing cookies and the best homemade slushie any of us had ever eaten. For dinner, she'd cooked us a big tray of meatballs, macaroni, and had fruit and treats galore. She also played the Native American Flute for us, and let some of our kids try out her musical instruments.
Anthony, one of our strongest walkers, needed a tooth pulled en route. We didn't want to have to send him home, so we found a local dentist, got the tooth out, and all the pain of the last few days is now totally gone.
July 15, 2008 - Day Four: Atlantic City to Marmora
We walked along the beach and the boardwalk, getting our worn-out feet soaked in the soothing waters of the Atlantic at dawn. We visited Lucy the Elephant, and crossed causeway after causeway, battling armies of biting green head flies. At Marmora, Diane Leo, local miracle worker and youth minister at the Church of the Resurrection had gotten us permission to cross the Beasley Point Bridge, which is the only way to walk across a body of water that separated us from Upper Township. She contacted the owners of the bridge, got permission for us, and this allowed us to not have to be shuttled by car across the Garden State Parkway. When we arrived, we were greeted by banners welcoming us to Marmora from the Church of the Resurrection youth group. This youth group walked with us for the last two miles, until we arrived at Marmora, where the people of Marmora had prepared us a feast, had set out games to play, and allowed us to have one of the most restful and enjoyable days on the walkabout thusfar. We were greeted by the mayor's wife, who also prepared a welcome meal for us- and so many other people (this report is dictated fromt he road) that we'll be
sure to mention as soon as we have internet access and time to write. Marmora's involement in the Walkabout is a unique story, and please stay tuned to this website to learn more when time permits.
July 14, 2008 - Day Three: Atlantic City
With storm clouds threatening, we walked from Smithville to Atlantic City. We sent an advanced team crossing without support. We were granted access to walk across a construction area, climbing over the causeway to Atlantic City and becoming perhaps the first civillians to travel the new ramp (It's still hard-packed dirt). We'd been requred by Atlantic City to obtain a permit to walk in Atlantic City. Devin Murray, a ten-year old walker noticed the irony of needing a permit to walk the sidewalks of a street named after Martin Luther King, Jr.
We arrived and thanks to our wonderful hosts at Allen AME Church of Atlantic City, we had a place to stay for the night. We were shuttled to the ballpark where Danny Boyle threw out the first pitch, and Brandon Murray wowed the crowd by chasing running through a whole section of seats, jumping over another row and diving headfirst between the seats to come up with a foul ball. The whole maneuver took less than four seconds, and the crowd really appreciated his athleticism. Over the P.A. system, they spoke of our accomplishment of planting 2,220 trees in two years. The game was wonderful, and the Surf won 9-4!
July 13, 2008 - Day Two: Smithville, NJ
Smithville is an amazing place! It has a miniature train and so many wonderful small shops in the village. They were so kind to let us come and camp on their property. This is definitely an "unexpectedly beautiful" location, and many of the walkers expressed the wish to return here with their families. We deeply thank the Fitzgeralds for hosting the event.
July 12 - Day One: Tribute to Barnegat, NJ
Barnegat was out in force to help us with our journey. We were greeted at 5:30 AM by a contingent of Barnegatters- Barnegatites? This was the first long walk for some of us, and the pace was very quick at the beginning of the day. We had passed the projected lunch point by 9 AM, but surprises from the Barnegat crew, like a wonderful breakfast at the Barnegat Gazebo, lunch and dinner complements of the Optimist Club and other organizations, the appearance of the mayor, was all most welcome. The mayor actually served us ice cream at his ice cream shop, Jeffreys! Much thanks to Mayor Melchiondo, Jerry Thompson, The Van Dyk Group, Optimist president Peter Eschmann, and the many others who made this a great day!
We started the day with a police escort from Ocean Township, after having enjoyed the hospitality of the Barnegat Bay Assembly of God Church in Waretown. The trailer held up beautifully, and we had such a wonderful reception at the Tuckerton Seaport, where we got to sleep in a lighthouse. Anyone who comes down this way really ought to check it out. We got a wonderful glimpse into our region's history by Tim Hart, and we got the run of the museum.
Tomorrow, it's on by land and sea to Smithville.
July 11, 2008 - DAY ZERO OF THE WALKABOUT
Pessimists would say that Murphy's law applies- What can go wrong, will. But we're Optimists. We say "God threw the fastball to see if we could hit it." Our trailer, restored and ready was being hauled by old reliable Jes, a Dodge Ram with 300,000 problem-free miles on her. Well, Jess overheated.
We are without the trailer, and had to shuttle down to the Barnegat BayAssembly of God start point in a van (Thanks, Ms. Jean!) And our mile marker signs weren't down before midnight.
We had no tent poles for one tent, faced the prospect of having to stack all our equipment in the grass overnight. And yet... supervised by Ms. Nancy and Mr. Kfir, while Mr. Frank fixed things behind the scenes, the camp was set up.
Josh, who was to carry the guidon was ill, and our numbers were reduced by other circumstances. Still, we managed to get to bed at a reasonable hour (before 9:30 PM) and look forward to an exciting day as we head through Optimist Country and that awesome Barnegat Optimist club!!!
Please pray for our safety on the journey, as we head toward Tuckerton Seaport.
Wait 'til you see where we're staying tomorrow!!!
ON July 6, 2008, we'll have a send-off at the Wells Chapel AME Church! Kenneth Little Hawk will perform, as will some of our walkers. Come and enjoy! We'll also announce the winner of the 2007 Friendliest Town award.
Saturday, June 28, 2008 - ONLY SIX MORE DAYS OF TRAINING!
The training schedule is as follows: Monday, June 30- 8 miles (starting 9 AM at Wells Chapel AME Church)
July 2- short 1 hour walk.
July 3- Qualifying walk, 9 miles, starting at 8 AM
July 4- Qualifying walk, 7 miles, starting at 8 AM
July 6- Send-off
July 7- Make-up walk for anyone who hasn't qualified, 7 AM
Tuesday June 24, 2008- WE'RE GLOBAL!
We were mentioned in an article on Brother Bob Saunders in the Rotarian Magazine! This magazine has a circulation of 1.3 million households throughout the world!
June 15, 2008- Teams are named and ready to go!
All our teams have names, but we still need sponsors.
We have the South Toms River Optimist Club team, the Operation Optimist Double Stuff
We have the Municipal Alliance Tragic Heroes,
We have the Jersey Girls
and the Golden Exploding Monkeys (GEMS)
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