DAY TWO!!

This has been the most challenging day and most exciting day!  To say it was wet, well that is an understatement.  We started at Jamboree Rd in Newport Beach and sloshed through Corona Del Mar.  The sidewalk situation was minimal.  I had not walked in the bike lane before, decided I would when needed.  Well, today it was needed.  Donna and I had on bright green emergency ponchos with relfective vests over them.  Not sure what people thought, but no one wanted to get  too close to us.  Once we explained what we were doing, they were very supportive.

We had to stop at Pelican Point due to hail (Donna called it sleet) and put the wheelchair and ourselves in the vans.  Only a 15 minute break and we were off again.

 Sloshing on to Laguna Beach.  A good friend of mine joined us in Laguna.  She was just a crazy as Donna and I.   That is a very hilly place.  Once again, not many sidewalks.  We resorted to running around cars when we had a break in oncoming traffic.  That was exhilarating!  I was surprised I could run with Kenny's wheelchair.  But we made it. 

After passing South Laguna we finally arrived at Dana Point.  There, we at least had sidewalks.  Never thought I would like sidewalks so much.  With only 2 miles to go, we forged ahead and arrived at Del Prado Rd. and Golden Lantern.   It was 4:00 p.m.  We were thrilled we made such good time considering the weather and obstacle course for a route.

Mike (photographer)from the OC Register met us at Jamboree Road and stayed with us for at least 2 hours.  He drove ahead and stopped to take more pictures.  He was soaked just like us!  Hopefully, we will see some of the photos in the OC Register newspaper.

As I reflect on the past two days, I realize that I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends.  Yesterday, Sal drove the van all day.  He and Brad (Donna's husband) struck a friendship.   We were joined by Richard, Larry, Michael, Devrick, Suzi, Nancy, another Larry, Bob, Sue, Debbie  and, of course, Matt.  My friend Nan ferried Sue to and from the route and followed us along the way taking pictures.  Today, Peggy drove to Laguna Beach and then Debbie and Cheryl drove the rest.  As I said above, Kathy met us and walked to Dana Point.  Once again, Nan followed along and took Peggy home.

 I want to thank all my wonderful friends for their time, energy and efforts on behalf of this walk.  My thanks to Donna and Brad for coming down from Portland and Donna for walking the whole week.  My family has been amazing.  This is one of those times when "Thank You!" does not seem like enough.  My love to all.

Tomorrow will be another challenging day.  We will walk 18.5 miles, ending up at Las Pulgas Rd at the entrance to Camp Pendleton.  Hopefully, it won't be quite as wet as today. 

We are walking in God's footsteps for Those Who Can't Walk!