[Nurumaiel]

I plan to walk five more miles today, though how I have no idea. Yesterday I walked 12 miles in all on my Shire pony. As we crossed the Great Road we came to a long stretch of dirt through the trees and Strider gave us permission to canter to the end. Strider and Sam stayed behind with Frodo. I think part of the reason Sam did that was to stay with Frodo, but I also think he was afraid to ride so fast. Do you know that instead of just one pony this time we have a pony for each hobbit and one horse for Strider? [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Everyone but Strider was feeling very weary as we came to a stopping point for a meal. I don't know about Strider, but everyone was very hungry. My fellow Hobbits had breakfast but they're Hobbits, and I unwisely missed it. Strider didn't have feelings for any of us besides Frodo and he made us take care of the horses ourselves! Of course he let Sam off to go find herbs and everything for a meal. His horse was still extremely energetic, and while our tired ponies were easy to take care of, the three of us (Merry, Pippin, and myself) had to work together. Poor Merry had to keep becoming a stool for Pippin and I to stand on!

Afterwards we returned wearily to the campsite and found a delicious meal waiting for us. We were so tired we just sat down and began to eat. Sam asked Strider how much longer it was to Rivendell. Strider said 188 miles, and the three workers couldn't even rejoice, we just exchanged delighted looks.

Strider says we have to walk at least 5 miles today. He wants to walk more, but I think he's finally beginning to appreciate the fact that we aren't Rangers like he is. And now I better be off so we can start on our first mile. Strider says we can't ride the ponies this time because they're more exhausted than we are. I'm sure he gets to ride his horse though.