Walk To Rivendell" aka "The Eowyn Challenge"

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Wow, I can't believe it's been over 4 months since I posted here. There have been so many things going on in RL that time has just flowed past like the Anduin. I have still been walking though, and I am currently journeying back to the Shire with the hobbits. We are still in Rohan, about 20 miles east of Helm's Deep. I wrote the following sometime in October, but never had a chance to post it.

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2108 Miles -- The Beacon of Calenhad


We have journeyed slowly through Anórien, along the northern edge of the White Mountains, past the now dark and silent beacon hills. There is no longer any need of haste, and as we draw near to Edoras, our company follows the wain bearing Théoden King back to the land of his sires.

Several days ago we passed the edges of the wood under Amon Dîn, and King Elessar granted all of the Forest of Drúadan to the Wild Men of the Woods in payment for their help to the Rohirrim. After listening to Merry’s tale I had hoped for a glimpse of them, but we saw them not.

Most days, I find myself riding betwixt Elladan and Elrohir, playmates of my youth, and my brothers in spirit. As on many another journey, they have appointed themselves my escort and guardians. With them, I do not feel obligated to fill every moment with conversation. We speak and we are silent, and their familiar presence fills me with peace.

After the luncheon halt today, I was preparing to mount my horse when I felt a touch on my arm. Turning, I looked into the smiling faces of Frodo and Sam. “Can we ride with you this afternoon, Alatáriël?” asked Frodo. “It seems such a long time since we’ve talked to you. Sam and I are beginning to think you’re avoiding us.”

I was embarrassed…I had not realized that they might think that. “I would enjoy your company,” I replied with a smile of my own, “but surely the King would prefer that you remain with him.”

“King Strider’ll not mind,” put in Sam. “We thought as how you would come an’ ride with us sometime, but Gandalf said that you wanted t’ spend some time with th’ folk from Rivendell. But we’ve been travelin’ for a fortnight now, so we thought you wouldn’t mind spendin’ some time with us. Beggin’ your pardon, sirs” he added with a nod to Elrond’s sons.

And so we three journeyed together once again, and it was as if time had turned back, and we were companions once again. The pleasure of their company, but without the fear and danger of our quest, was so great that I did not even mind the smirk I caught on Gandalf’s face.

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At last the day of departure came, and a great and fair company made ready to ride north from the City. Then the kings of Gondor and Rohan went to the Hallows and they came to the tombs in Rath Dínen, and they bore away King Théoden upon a golden bier, and passed through the City in silence. Then they laid the bier upon a great wain with Riders of Rohan all about it and his banner borne before; and Merry being Théoden’s esquire rode upon the wain and kept the arms of the king.

For the other Companions steeds were furnished according to their stature; and Frodo and Samwise rode at Aragorn’s side, and Gandalf rode upon Shadowfax, and Pippin rode with the knights of Gondor; and Legolas and Gimli as ever rode together upon Arod.

In that riding went also Queen Arwen, and Celeborn and Galadriel with their folk, and Elrond and his sons; and the princes of Dol Amroth and of Ithilien, and many captains and knights. Never had any king of the Mark such company upon the road as went with Théoden Thengel’s son to the land of his home.

Without haste and at peace they passed into Anórien, and they came to the Grey Wood under Amon Dîn; and there they heard a sound as of drums beating in the hills, though no living thing could be seen. Then Aragorn let the trumpets be blown; and heralds cried:

“Behold, the King Elessar is come! The Forest of Drúadan he gives to Ghân-buri-ghân and to his folk, to be their own forever; and hereafter let no man enter it without their leave!”

Then the drums rolled loudly, and were silent.

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I have a question. I have already walked to Rivendell some time ago and I don't want to start over so, first, we're walking to Lothlorien now right? If thats the case then how many miles is it from Rivendell to Lothlorien?

elfearz1: I posted this quite a few pages back, so I thought I'd bring it forward. I hope it helps...
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I spent several hours yesterday afternoon working on a timetable/mileage chart for the rest of the journey. I discovered that if I follow the Fellowship exactly, it is actually 465 miles from Rivendell to Caras Galadhon (396 to the banks of Nimrodel); 389 from Caras Galadhon to Rauros; & 468 miles from Rauros to Mt. Doom. A total of 1,780 miles from Bag End to Mt. Doom.
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Lyta, my friend...I am sorry to read that you have run afoul of the spawn of Ungoliant. I hope everything works out for you and the Witch King. You are both very special people. And although you might feel trapped in the darkness of Shelob now, remember this: "...Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach." Like Frodo and Sam, you two will triumph over the darkness...and the spider!

[elfearz1]

elfearz1: I posted this quite a few pages back, so I thought I'd bring it forward. I hope it helps...

Yes, thank you! I will make note of it.

"If your hurts grieve you still and the memory of your burden is heavy, then you may pass into the West..."

Well since Lyta opened up discussion I hope you don't mind if I talk about my burdens here. It helps a lot to talk about them. I have a picture on my binder of one of the Elves boats that sail into the west and under it I wrote "Why can't I sail into the west?" Many people ask about it, but I never really explain. This year I have been weighed down with physical and emotional pains just like Frodo and I envy him a bit that he has a chance to pass out of this world and the hurts and leave behind the memories that haunt him. I feel a lot like Frodo at the end of ROTK (the movie) where he's talking about how he's not sure things can go back to the way they were before all that has happened to him. Deep down in my heart, though I feel as that even if I do flee this life, city and neighbourhood I grew up in I won't be rid of the memories and dreams that remind me of why I want to leave. I'm left feeling hopeless and I don't know which path to take. I'm not sure if this is relevent, but if you took the time to read it thank you.

On a lighter note I walked two miles today! I know some of you walk a lot more, but I haven't walked regularly in a long time so I need to ease myself back in.

[Lyta_Underhill]

Just in case y'all might think I'm still languishing in the Lair of the giant spider, I want to add that my wonderful Sam has fought a fierce and surreal battle and saved me, at least for the short term. I lay as if dead (i.e., I hid in this house and pretended I was dead and felt dead for quite some time but that pain bade me think different), while my husband out-bluffed the giant spider and gained ground in ways I couldn't have hoped for. While the victory is still tentative, it is a move beyond our former state. I can tell you I scrambled out of the Tower of Cirith Ungol with all the speed of necessity, although I've still got a hangover from the experience (and probably a scar too--I haven't looked yet!) . I am at 1630 miles, making slow headway to the north. The Black Rider was screaming of the fall of the Witch King--one evil quenched among many, and here we are in the midst of shadows, one might say with hope, but was it just a charge of energy from a short term change of fortune? I can still see the spider from my window and the bite will never heal, but at least I have mobility and can go forward again.

I feel a lot like Frodo at the end of ROTK (the movie) where he's talking about how he's not sure things can go back to the way they were before all that has happened to him. Deep down in my heart, though I feel as that even if I do flee this life, city and neighbourhood I grew up in I won't be rid of the memories and dreams that remind me of why I want to leave.

Ah, elfearz1 (still, after all this time, a great name!), you have hit upon a fundamental truth of those who feel this world keenly. And I would say that there are many paths from a point of uncertainty or crisis, as I have only begun to emerge from what could have been being turned out on the street but has tentatively turned into a possible brighter future. But the sting was administered and will never be "taken back." Indeed, this is how we grow (what a way to grow!), and it is incumbent upon us to mine our experiences for the best, to focus on the good rather than the evil aspects of everything if possible. When evil without even a logical basis besets you, all you can do is retreat, fight or stand under siege, and the siege, the waiting, is the hardest, for it allows you time with your inner self. That is the time when evil works upon us with its uncertainties and fears. That is the battle that must be endured and perhaps reflected upon with the space of time in the far future as part of what made you what you have become. If one faces trials and tests them for the good path, what I call the "hobbit test," I believe that one will ultimately come out on top. Perhaps leaving is inevitable, but it is important to leave without burning bridges or sowing evil thoughts, and that is the hardest part.

Forgive my rant, but now it is time to return to the practical tasks of today! An it is very good to see you back, Alatariel! (forgive my alt code handicap today!) It is always pleasant to read stories of your journey!

Cheers!
Lyta (in the Land of Shadow and trudging on...)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I enjoy hearing from the Walkers! It's interesting to see which paths the various walks, both inner and outer, take. Lyta, my heart went out to you when I read your previous post, and I'm glad things are looking upwards now. elfearz, when I read your post, I thought: Keep walking! It heals both body and soul. Alatáriël, thanks for your enjoyable story!

I'm getting closer to Mt. Doom - about 50 miles to go, though I will have to add up my most recent miles to be sure.

[elfearz1]

(still, after all this time, a great name!)

Thank you!

and thank you very much for the encouragement Lyta and Estelyn

Well, I've walked 462 miles. It's been 4 miles since my long rest in Rivendell. I've forgotten how difficult it can be on the road. It's been raining heavily the past couple days which has kept us confined to whatever shelter we can find. When I have time I've kept myself busy with cooking for the group. When we do get the chance to walk outside of under hangs and the like it's not as muddy as I expected, so that's a blessing.

[Nurumaiel]

Having just recently begun the very interesting hobby of running, currently building myself up to speed at 1.5 miles a day, I've decided to go on with this... and start at the beginning. I drifted away in the first place because I lost track of how many miles I've gone, and while I estimate I'm somewhere in the range of 800, I think it would be exciting to start up all over again... very close to the date I started two years ago.

So... *cough cough* Under the persona of.... myself in another world

6 miles, just past Bywater (shamelessly copying you, my dear Alatáriël)
'Twas a bright and cheery morning that I set out, bound for Rivendell and perhaps beyond... and all alone. I had one companion, aside from the hobbit lads, for the first mile. He was a bright perky chap with rumpled dark hair and rosy cheeks. I enjoyed his company, but he was slightly annoyed that we were moving so swiftly, and soon turned homewards to Hobbiton.

Yes, indeed I was running, for the day was so bright and cheery. The snow still lingers on the ground, in some place far over five feet, and in some places just below three feet, but the skies are blue and the sunlight is streaming the boughs of the trees. It lights up the snow in a way that makes it nearly blinding. Every so often quick, light breezes will skip through, and then they'll flit away with the cry: "Follow me, follow me!" I follow. They're going right on to Rivendell and pulling me with them.

Occasionally the trails (for I chose not to go by the main road, but the little hidden trails that weave through the woods and over the fields) will be blocked by a fallen tree, the result of some of the bitter storms. It's no great difficulty for the feet to jump over them with lightness, but the heart becomes heavy and dragging to see one of those tall, stately, gloried lives ended.

Only one mile until I will have that last view of Hobbiton. Last? I daresay I'll return someday. I hope so. The Shire will be green in a few months, and I want to return to share in the bliss of its springs and summers.

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Lyta, I'm glad your Sam came just in time to save you from that giant spider! And hopefully no further difficulties will assail you on that road to Mordor.

Reflecting on the start to my adventure that I wrote above, I recall how, in childhood, I used to lie in bed and imagine I was accompanying Frodo in his quest. And now it's 'for real.'

elfearz, what more can I say to what Lyta has already said? But there is something that comforts me when those Nazgul step forward with their cruel knifes, and those giants spiders with their sharp stings: Frodo set sail for the West, but not until his work in Middle-Earth was finished. That thought has heartened me many a time.

EDIT:
P.S. About the list of walking members and their current mileage... I'm hesitant about whether to continue it or not. Many members don't keep their mileage in their location spaces anymore. Should I stop keeping the list or should I just put on members who have their mileage in their location spaces?

Bah humbug, you lazy little Nuru! I'll keep up the list, looking in the location spaces and (recent) posts that give hint.

EDIT 2:
P.P.S. The list is updated, and can be found here. You will notice that its size has greatly diminished. Anyone who hasn't posted after page 29 was assumed no longer participating, and therefore has magically disappeared. Anyone who has posted after page 29 is still on the list, regardless of what they posted (I didn't read what they wrote; I just saw their names). If you've been cut out of the list and are still walking, you can post of your adventures and your name will magically appear.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I enjoyed reading your descriptive writing, Nuru, and thanks for your work in keeping up the list!

I'm now debating which path to take, for I reached Mt. Doom at the end of last week! Interestingly, some of those miles took place a long way from home, in an area that was a lot like the Emyn Muil - stony hills, or rather mountains, almost reaching canyon proportions, bare of plants except in the valley where some water came down from a spring. I didn't do the kind of climbing that needs a good Elven rope, just some hiking and scrambling up rough-cut steps and over rocks. The reward was seeing beautiful hidden waterfalls, trickling springs, and lovely pools of clear, fresh water. It was a wonderful experience!

I must say, I do prefer bubbling water to bubbling lava!