Walk To Rivendell" aka "The Eowyn Challenge"

[Neferchoirwen]

*yay*
I reached 59.4 km! Which makes 37 miles! And i was able to do 10km in half an hour! go me!

Tinuviel: there's a tool on the eowyn challenge site that has a tool that converts km to miles. 1km is equivalent to .68something.

Thanks for the welcome Mark...as well as for the pm [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] wish i could walk with my dog...he's the moody sort.

[ June 03, 2003: Message edited by: Neferchoirwen ]

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Helen, I actually think a 2 handed broadsword procured on the Barrow Downs might be a welcome deterrent, but than I’d have to deal with men in uniform wouldn’t I? (Whether that uniform was a nice white coat or badge and firearm wouldn’t matter much! It would delay.) Such a picture! A hobbit with a broadsword trailing behind it, dragging on the ground.

As far as dogs go…mine is a rather longhaired hand-me-down mixed breed that is molting at the moment. This is not to say she is chicken, though she may very well be, but that she is soon to be shaved. Somehow I don’t think I should take her out after she is shaved and thus damage her dignity, as she closely resembles a Dr. Suess animal after the process! I should try first to see her reaction, she might enjoy the breeze, though she might draw attention rather than discourage it.

[ June 03, 2003: Message edited by: Hilde Bracegirdle ]

[peony_foxburr]

Encounters on the Road: one day a teenager asked Peony if she had a cigarette (she refrained from giving him a lecture on the evils of smoking--too time consuming) and if she had a gun(!) under her rain cloak. When she showed him my water bottle, he giggled and said he was only joking. Another day, a group of girls stopped her and asked if she would stand in front of the Westford firestation and sing the national anthem with them, as finding a "stranger" was an item on their scavenger hunt list! Peony is trying to get her 8th cousin once removed, Pearl Millbanks from Waymeet, to join the Walk. Pearl has one leg a bit shorter than the other and is subject to muscle strain--though she knows regular exercise would be helpful! She and Peony used to do a 20 mile charity walk every May, which got them both into the exercise mode, but they got out of the habit when Peony's work weekend schedule started interfering. Age, weight gain, and laziness had NOTHING to do with it...

[Lyra Greenleaf]

So it's not only me then... [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Today I made a HUUUUGE sacrifice for my walk. Frodo only went on a dangerous quest to the very fires of Mount Doom. I missed 15 minutes of Neighbours. (Heehee- that's going to mean nothing to most of you!) Oh and someone listened to my complaints and provided a handy cloudburst when I was a mile from home. Oh, and a Black Rider wiv orfentic Eastend accent. Fanks a bunch.

[mark12_30]

Perhaps I could gather up a collection of lyrics to good walking songs, whether LotR or not, and put them on a webpage? LotR songs, definitely, though that would be quite unnecessary, seeing as we all probably own the books; a few Irish songs, mostly walking songs; and compose a few of my own, and other walkers could as well, if they'd be willing. For newly created songs we could just apply whatever tune we liked, unless someone were thorough enough to give a tune, as well. And not just LotR, Irish, and original songs. Does anyone have any favorite walking songs, or even non-walking songs that they enjoy singing while walking?

Nurumaiel asked this a while back. Responses?

Nuru, are you still up for this? Where should we send the songs, or should we just post them here?

[ArwenBaggins]

Ahh! Rain!

Walking in lousey weather does have it's advantages.

What are they? I was walking around the school after our baseball game, and swoosh! I'm drowning in rain.

My mileage is now 137 though! I'm goin' over to see the Barrow-Wight for dinner! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

[ June 03, 2003: Message edited by: ArwenBaggins ]

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

Ai! Guilt, guilt, guilt! I have been slacking off on my miles! eek! i vowed to do at least 2 per day but im not even doing that! *sob sob* Slacker!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Walking in lousey weather does have it's advantages

It keeps down the the numbers of 2-legged pests. And gives a hobbit rainwater soft feet!

[peony_foxburr]

As they drew nearer to the Midgewater Marshes, Peony checked her backpack to be sure she still had her jar of Bug Dope handy.

[Faenaduial]

I know the hobbits had to slog through the rain on their way to Bree but it seems all we have had here in New Jersey lately is rain. Another rainy night and rain forecast for tomorrow. Arrgh!!

Guess I'll have to use the treadmill when I get off the computer.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Hi, all you fellow walkers! I'm back home, so I'll be on the Downs more often to report my progress. I have now reached the edge of the Midgewater Marshes without even noticing any discomfort! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

[Arafangwen]

Whistling to herself, Arafangwen once more caught sight of Sophia not far ahead of her as she crested the hilltop. Not far ahead of Sophia, she noticed another person, Tinuviel of Denton as far as she could make out. "Now wouldn't it be fun to walk with them!" she thought to herself as she unconciously sped up a little after passing the 103 mile marker.

[The Barrow-Wight]

This thread has gotten very long, so I have continued it HERE.

[The Barrow-Wight]

The Barrow-Downs Walk to Rivendell has been extended to Parth Galen.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Wonderful, BW!! Now I finally know where I am again - approaching the Emyn Muil. Thanks!

*chants "Praise him with great praise!"*

[Saraphim]

Today, for the first time, I will log how far I have traveled. It has been a long two-hundred and fifty-eight miles, but I have reached Weathertop.

The heat has been oddly hot, seeing as how far to the north I am, but a mere tripe digit temperature does not hinder me, especially not with a good supply of water.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Nothing I have ever read—nothing I have ever heard—nothing I have ever imagined in my darkest hours—nothing—prepared me for the evil of this place…or this journey. The very air we breathe is bitter, and the growing malevolence of our Enemy as we approach his stronghold casts an ever-darkening shadow upon my heart. My spirit falters as my body stumbles… Did Lúthien feel this blackness of despair as she approached the presence of Morgoth? I have no Húan or Beren to aid me, but as I follow my companions on this cruel trek, I would not exchange these precious halflings for Húrin, or Finrod or even for Oromë himself. I do not know how they find the strength to endure, but each day we draw nearer to the Mountain.

We traveled much of the way on the orc road from Cirith Ungol towards Barad-Dûr, trying to conserve Frodo’s strength. The road also had a few cisterns which contain the only water available in this wasteland. Several nights ago we were almost captured when a troop of orcs came suddenly upon us. In the darkness, wearing our orc disguises, we were not revealed to them, but we were forced to travel with them for several miles. The pace was hard enough for me…but for the hobbits, it was torture. When we were finally able to slip away, Frodo was so exhausted that I feared for his life.

We must soon turn from this road and head towards the Mountain. Our supply of lembas runs low and our water is all but gone. I watch Sam watching Frodo and see that he now realizes what I have known for many days. We must reach the Mountain and destroy the Ring, but there will be no return to the living lands for us. His face is determined as he raises his eyes to meet mine…without a word being spoken a covenant is forged between us. We will do what we have to do to ensure that Frodo reaches Mt. Doom and the One Ring is cast into the Fire, no matter what the cost…the Quest must not fail!

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

…as he worked things out, slowly a new dark thought grew in his mind. Never for long had hope died in his staunch heart, and always until now he had taken some thought for their return. But the bitter truth came home to him at last: at best their provision would take them to their goal; and when the task was done, there they would come to an end, alone, houseless, foodless in the midst of a terrible desert. There could be no return.

“So that was the job I felt I had to do when I started,” thought Sam: “to help Mr. Frodo to the last step and then die with him? Well, if that is the job then I must do it...”

But even as hope died in Sam, or seemed to die, it was turned to a new strength. Sam’s plain hobbit-face grew stern, almost grim, as the will hardened in him, and he felt through all his limbs a thrill, as if he was turning into some creature of stone and steel that neither despair nor weariness nor endless barren miles could subdue.

…“Well, Mr. Frodo,” said Sam, “I’ve been having a look round and thinking a bit. There’s nothing on the roads, and we’d best be getting away while there’s a chance. Can you manage it?”

“I can manage it,” said Frodo. “I must.”

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

“...The Ring is mine!” As I stumble into the doorway of the Sammath Naur, these words come echoing through the darkness and pierce my heart. We have come to the heart of the Enemy’s realm, and the end of our dark journey.

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

The path across Gorgoroth Plain was a long and wearisome undertaking, with hunger and thirst our constant companions. I came to Mordor with Frodo and Sam, believing that I could help to lighten their burdens and keep them from harm…but now I can do nothing to diminish the suffering of my companions, and can only watch, helpless, as their strength wanes. Each day the Ring gains a greater hold over Frodo’s mind and will and like Sam, I am powerless to do anything to ease his torment.

It seemed that Frodo had spent the last of his stamina to reach the foot of the Mountain yesterday, and Sam and I had to carry him much of the way up today. Gollum attacked when we reached the roadway that wound around the Mountain, and Frodo went on ahead while Sam and I stayed to deal with the creature that had caused so much evil. This time, it was the pity of Sam that spared the wretch’s life, and we left him and hurried away to rejoin Frodo.

In the end, neither Sam nor I nor Frodo were able to destroy the Ring. It was Gollum who bit the Ring off of Frodo’s hand—finger and all—and fell with It into the fires and was destroyed. It was the pity and mercy of these two halflings towards Gollum that managed to counter the evil of the Ring and cause Its destruction.

We stand on a small hill of ash here at the foot of Mt. Doom and await the end. I am proud to have been a part of this adventure, and even prouder that these two valiant heroes name me as their friend. In death, their spirits will leave the confines of this world and go to a place known only to Ilúvatar, while I will dwell for a time in the Halls of Mandos. But—if it were permitted—I would choose to make the final journey with them; for I love them well and truly, and even in death I do not wish to be parted from them. We clasp hands, and their touch fills my heart with peace. The last thing my eyes see in this world are the two faces most dear to me—and I am content.

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

“I am glad that you are here with me,” said Frodo. “Here at the end of all things, Sam.”

“Yes, I am with you, Master,” said Sam, laying Frodo’s wounded hand gently to his breast. “And you’re with me. And the journey’s finished. But after coming all that way I don’t want to give up yet. It’s not like me, somehow, if you understand.”

“Maybe not, Sam,” said Frodo; “but it’s like things are in the world. Hopes fail. An end comes. We have only a little time to wait now. We are lost in ruin and downfall, and there is no escape.”

…Frodo and Sam could go no further. Their last strength of mind and body was swiftly ebbing. They had reached a low ashen hill piled at the Mountain’s foot; but from it there was no more escape. It was an island now, not long to endure, amid the torment of Orodruin. All about it the earth gaped, and from deep rifts and pits smoke and fumes leaped up. Behind them the Mountain was convulsed. Great rents opened in its side. Slow rivers of fire came down the long slopes towards them. Soon they would be engulfed. A rain of hot ash was falling.

…And so it was that Gwaihir saw them with his keen far-seeing eyes, as down the wild wind he came, and daring the great peril of the skies he circled in the air: two [edit: three] small dark figures, forlorn, hand in hand upon a little hill, while the world shook under them, and gasped, and rivers of fire drew near. And even as he espied them and came swooping down, he saw them fall, worn out, or choked with fumes and heat, or stricken down by despair at last, hiding their eyes from death.

Side by side they lay; and down swept Gwaihir, and down came Landroval and Meneldor the swift; and in a dream, not knowing what fate had befallen them, the wanderers were lifted up and borne far away out of the darkness and the fire.

[Araréiel]

My boyfriend did 18 freaking miles today. It kind of sucks when you live 3 miles from the train, and your work is another 2 miles from the train on the other end. A mile to the other train to get to the town with your old post office box, 4 miles from that train to the post office, 4 back, another mile between trains, 3 miles from the other train home. This is because out car blew chunks last week and he has to get his paycheck for us to buy a new one. And, as luck would have it, the check wasn't there. It's 11:30pm and he just walked in the door not 10 minutes ago. He did another 5.5 yesterday (took the bus to the train, but had to go somewhere before home). This is what the challenge said for him for yesterday and today's walking for him:

You have walked 23.5 miles.
You have passed Green Hill Country (18).
[color=blue]You are only 3.5 miles from Black Rider Stopping Place.[/color]
You still have 434.5 miles to Rivendell.

After some time they crossed the Water, west of Hobbiton, by a narrow plank-bridge. The stream was there no more than a winding black ribbon, bordered with leaning alder-trees. A mile or two further south they hastily crossed the great road from the Brandywine Bridge; they were now in the Tookland and bending south-eastwards they made for the Green Hill Country. 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.

[Anorial]

Ala, that was beautiful....made me cry like the movie Congrats on reaching Mordor and finally "throwing in the ring"!

[Lyta_Underhill]

Many congratulations to Alatariel! Praise her with great praise! Now, let's have an Eagle in there to get her out before Orodruin blows! I've really enjoyed your closely written narratives, Alatariel; you must really have walked in two worlds down there in "Moria!" That's as Elvish as it gets, if you take my meaning!

I have been somewhat delayed by the wretchedly hot weather here and have made it 1113 miles, just past the Brown Lands (a thousand thanks to Mr. Barrow-Wight for the extended Walk to Parth Galen tool!) I was only estimating before! Strangely enough, I noticed Merry and Pippin looking for something on the Eastern shore...naaah! That can't be right! But they sure are interested in something!

The heat has been oddly hot, seeing as how far to the north I am, but a mere tripe digit temperature does not hinder me, especially not with a good supply of water.

Saraphim, you are hardier than I, and congratulations on making Weathertop! The heat has kept me from walking quite as much as I want to, and also the eternal Jokester in the Sky has seen fit to dump inches upon inches of rain in my area, usually at the precise time I schedule my walks (anywhere from 5-7 p.m. Central US time). As a rebellious act, I decided to walk at 10:30 a.m.! Mistake! The humidity here in Southern Middle Tennessee is about 1000%, AND it was 90 degrees plus! Translation...I was flattened before I could finish 4 miles! Luckily, my water bottle saved me, but only just barely!

The narrow strip of almost-pavement/gravel I walk down every day is a medium grey color, and I can imagine it to be like the winding course of the Anduin (or perhaps the Mississippi) . On a few days, I haven't had to imagine. Water runs freely over the thin road and into the riverlike ditches on either side (where there are ditches, that is!). It has been a wet summer indeed, and a long, hot, humid road. I'm considering walking at night again, except for the fact that a VERY LARGE animal tore up part of a building that is about 250 yards from where I live, and I'm still not sure if it was a mad coyote or even a bear! (One can only hope it would be more Beorn-like... It had very large paws, not unlike a very large dog, and it must have very large teeth. Well, the upshot is, my knife, sword and stick are not enough for something like that, and perhaps I should carry a .44 magnum too! Can we say Dirty Harry in Middle Earth? "This is Anduril, the most powerful sword in the world..." OK, I'm getting silly now, so I'll stop!

I have not posted very much lately also because I've been playing Samwise, as I do every summer, but it has been a race to save the garden from rotting from all the rain! I'm sure I'll either be burned beyond recognition or "nut-brown" like Sam by August. I just hope I'll have some tomatoes and peppers to show for it!

Bye now, and happy trails to all!
Cheers!
Lyta

[Anorial]

Hi Nurumaiel, I noticed you were on and I checked the first page. I'm not on there anymore....how come? I'm at 234 miles.
Cheers!
Anorial

[Nurumaiel]

Hello there, Anorial. I lost track of where the list was when the three WtR pages were combined into one. I do believe I'll just post a new list instead of editting the old post... unless I can find the old post... *looks helplessly at the 34 pages to search through*

Ala, we really do need to find those Eagles to save you. That was truly a lovely post.

I've been using the walktorivendell.php page for weeks (since 1/1) and it seems it's been down for the past 2 weeks. Does anyone know why?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I just checked my links to the Éowyn Challenge website, where the Walk to Rivendell originated, and it looks to me like the pages are working. Here is the link:

Éowyn Challenge main page

From there, the community and tools pages, including the mileage celebration shields, can be accessed. (For the latter, you must register.) While I was there, I added some mileage shields to my entry; the page is pretty colorful, yet there are some proudly black BD shields still visible in there!

It occurs to me that you may be referring to the Barrow-Downs main site's Rivendell pages. In that case, yes, we are having problems. The server updated its sites, and though the forum has been restored to normal, the main page with its features is still not working correctly. Please try again in the coming days - when things are back in working order, I will post a notice on this thread.

[The Barrow-Wight]

www.barrowdowns.com is working again, and the Walk to Rivendell page is now functioning as well.

I was surprised at the number of e-mails I recieved about missing the page. I had no idea it was being used as much as it is. I'm sorry for the time you were unable to access the page, and I do hope you continue to use and enjoy it in the future.

Have fun, and keep walking!

[elfearz1]

Thank you Barrow-Wight!


Oi! I haven't been tracking my walking in a long,long time. As you can see from the last date I posted here. I finally started tracking again and here is where I am at:
You have walked 915 miles.
You have passed Caras Galadon.
It is 7 miles to the next landmark.
You have 7 miles to reach Caras Galadon.

Suddenly they came out into the open again and found themselves under a pale evening sky pricked by a few early stars. There was a wide treeless space before them, running in a great circle and bending away on either hand. Beyond it was a deep fosse lost in soft shadow, but the grass upon its brink was green, as if it glowed still in memory of the sun that had gone. Upon the further side there rose to a great height a green wall encircling a green hill thronged with mallorn-trees taller than any they had yet seen in all the land. Their height could not be guessed, but they stood up in the twilight like living towers. In their, many-tiered branches and amid their ever-moving leaves countless lights were gleaming, green and gold and silver.

[Tuor in Gondolin]

Well, for a while I've been averaging over three
miles a day (in specific measured walking times,
not general getting about).

Btw, I believe if you add up the mileage on Walking
to Rivendell it's about 7,816 miles. I wonder what
the mileage is to go totally around the coasts of
England, Scotland and Wales.