Walk To Rivendell" aka "The Eowyn Challenge"

[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.

[Anorial]

Hi Nurumaiel, I was stubborn and kept searching....I found it on page 25 and lo and behold, I'm on that list!
Happy trails,
Anorial

[Nurumaiel]

The list is updated now. You can find it here. I'll probably be updating again next week.

Keep up the good work, everyone!

By the way, Anorial, I thank you for finding the old list.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

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

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!

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

Anorial, Lyta & Nurumaiel: Many thanks for all your kind words (and especially for sending Gandalf with the Eagles to pick us up)!! Without the inspiration of all my fellow walkers (and Frodo and Sam), I would never even have made it out of the Shire, much less reached the end of the journey!

"End? The journey doesn't end here."

I still have to make sure that the hobbits return safely to the Shire (and that Frodo gets on that ship with me). Hopefully, there will be a bit more joy and less danger on the journey home.

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.

Lyta, be careful!! Sounds like you might have an orc there in your neck of the woods...or possibly even an Uruk-hai! Make sure you take Aragorn and Boromir out walking with you for protection. Those boys can whup anything!!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Congratulations, Alatáriël! I'm following you from an admiring distance, having reached Parth Galen now. On to the next goal...

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Congratulations, Alatáriël! I'm following you from an admiring distance, having reached Parth Galen now. On to the next goal...

Many thanks for your good wishes, Estelyn! Will you be off with Frodo and Sam, or will you journey with Aragorn & Company? Or perhaps accompany Merry & Pippin to Fangorn? If you go with F & S, watch out for that nassssty Gollum--he's mighty tricksssy...yessss, preciousss, yessss...very tricksssy indeed!!

______________________________

“Why, what a dream I’ve had!….But then I thought I was dead myself. Is everything sad going to come untrue? What’s happened to the world?”

I cannot help but smile at the look of bewilderment and incredulous joy on Sam’s face, as he looks from Frodo sleeping beside him, to me sitting on the edge of the next bed, to Gandalf sitting in a chair beside me, and then back again to Frodo. I had felt just the same when I had awoken two days previously. When I had seen that Frodo and Sam were still with me, as well as the wizard that I had long thought dead, it had seemed as if Ilúvatar had heard my wish and allowed me to travel the mortal path beyond the confines of this world. But I soon discovered that it was not so, for Aragorn was also there, as were Legolas and Gimli, and Merry and Pippin.

I heard the tale of our rescue by Gandalf and the great Eagles from the chaos in Mordor that followed the destruction of the Ring and Sauron’s fall. How we had been taken out of the fire and delivered to the edge of the battlefield before the Morannon. How King Aragorn Elessar had put forth all his healing power to call us back to the lands of the living. How we had slept for many days while others had fought the remnants of the Enemy’s army, and all had been removed into Ithilien. I had heard of all that had happened to our Fellowship after our parting on Amon Hen, and a wondrous tale it was…but to me less so than that of my two valiant companions.

In my turn, I told the others of the hardships endured by the halflings, of their courage, their endurance, their compassion, their indomitable spirits. I told how Sam had cared for and supported Frodo all during our journey, but especially during the last days. How Frodo was somehow able to summon his failing strength each day to carry him further towards the Mountain, although the Ring was consuming more and more of his mind and will. How even when all hope had faded, Sam did not falter in his purpose. And how, in the end, it was pity and compassion—the pity of Bilbo in the caves…the pity of Frodo in the Emyn Muil…the pity of Sam on the slopes of Mount Doom—not great armies, nor strength of arms, nor any power of wizards, that enabled the Quest to be fulfilled and the Ring destroyed.

I watch as my two precious friends dress once again in the stained and tattered clothing that they wore as they journeyed through the Black Land, and Gandalf takes their hands to lead them to the King. As they start to walk away, Frodo stops and turns to me, holding out his hand. “Come on, Alatáriël,” he smiles, “the King is waiting.”

I smile back. “I have already spoken to the King, my friend. He is waiting to greet the two of you now. I will join you later for the feasting, never fear.” When they had spoken to me yesterday of their intent, I had told both Aragorn and Gandalf that I did not wish to be included in the public acclaim that was planned. Aragorn had insisted, but I was adamant. This day should belong solely to the Halflings, for theirs was the chief sacrifice and triumph. I had received unexpected support in this from Gandalf, and Aragorn had reluctantly agreed.

I follow quietly behind them as they walk through the beech wood, and I remain under the trees, watching, as Gandalf leads them onto the green field among the host of men. My heart is full as I watch King Elessar kneel to them and then set them upon his throne, and my own voice is lost amid the shouts and cheers of those assembled. And I, like Sam, both laugh and weep as the minstral begins to sing of “Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom”.

The Quest is over, but our journey will continue. I will accompany my friends back to their home in the Shire, or wherever fate may take them in the future. I will not seek the Havens with Elrond and the other folk of Rivendell...not now…for as long as these companions of my heart live in Middle-earth, I shall remain.

“Praise them with great praise!”

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

‘Long live the Halflings! Praise them with great praise!
Cuio i Pheriain anann! Aglar’ni Pheriannath!
Praise them with great praise, Frodo and Samwise!
Daur a Berhael, Conin en Annûn! Eglerio!
Praise them!
Eglerio!
A laita te, laita te! Andave laituvalmet!
Praise them!
Cormacolindor, a laita tárienna!
Praise them! The Ring-bearers, praise them with great praise!’

On the throne sat a mail-clad man, a great sword was laid across his knees, but he wore no helm. As they drew near he rose. And then they knew him, changed as he was, so high and glad of face, kingly, lord of Men, dark-haired with eyes of grey.

Frodo ran to meet him, and Sam followed close behind. “Well, if this isn’t the crown of all!” he said. “Strider, or I’m still asleep!”

“Yes, Sam, Strider,” said Aragorn. “It is a long way, is it not, from Bree, where you did not like the look of me? A long way for us all, but yours has been the darkest road."

And then to Sam’s surprise and utter confusion he bowed his knee before them; and taking them by the hand, Frodo upon his right and Sam upon his left, he led them to the throne, and setting them upon it, he turned to the men and captains who stood by and spoke, so that his voice rang over all the host, crying:

“Praise them with great praise!”

And when the glad shout had swelled up and died away again, to Sam’s final and complete satisfaction and pure joy, a minstral of Gondor stood forth, and knelt, and begged leave to sing. And behold! he said:

“Lo! Lords and knights and men of valour unashamed, kings and princes, and fair people of Gondor, and Riders of Rohan, and ye sons of Elrond, and Dúnedain of the North, and Elf and Dwarf, and greathearts of the Shire, and all free folk of the West, now listen to my lay. For I will sing to you of Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom.”

And when Sam heard that he laughed aloud for sheer delight, and he stood up and cried: “O great glory and splendour! And all of my wishes have come true!” And then he wept.

And all the host laughed and wept, and in the midst of their merriment and tears the clear voice of the minstrel rose like silver and gold, and all men were hushed. And he sang to them, now in the Elven-tongue, now in the speech of the West, until their hearts, wounded with sweet words, overflowed, and their joy was like swords, and they passed in thought out to regions where pain and delight flow together and tears are the very wine of blessedness.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

The weeks spent in Ithilien passed in a blur of feasting and celebration—the days full of talk and laughter and song—the nights filled with peace without fear. But although our Enemy was defeated and our camp filled with valiant soldiers, I discovered I could not rest easy in the tent appointed to me. So each night, after all were drowned in slumber, I found myself still standing watch over Frodo and Sam, unseen in the shadows of the trees surrounding their tent. For their protection no longer, but only for the comfort that their company brings to me. Watching unseen was more difficult in Minas Tirith, and even more unnecessary than in Ithilien, but I was compelled, nonetheless.

It has been balm to my spirit to watch my companions honored by the people that they sacrificed so much for, and to see our Fellowship re-united once more. The crowning of Aragorn Elessar, and his wedding to Arwen Undómiel on Midsummer Day seemed a fitting end to all our labors, but I saw the bitter disappointment on Frodo’s face when the one he had longed to see was not with the company from Rivendell. As the days passed one into another, it was plain to me that the halflings were becoming restless, and I knew they were longing for their own home.

Minas Tirith now lies several days behind us on our long journey, and we travel first to Rohan to return Théoden King to his home. It is a large and splendid company that escorts the fallen to their rest—King Elessar and Queen Undómiel, King Éomer, Prince Faramir of Ithilien, Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, my lord Elrond with Elladan and Elrohir, Gandalf, Legolas and Gimli, Merry and Pippin, many of the Firstborn from Rivendell and Lórien, as well as many knights of both Gondor and Rohan. And, of course, the Ringbearer and his devoted Sam. I watch them riding beside Aragorn and Gandalf from my place amidst the folk of Rivendell, and remember the closeness of days past that are now gone...

...but not forgotten.


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

…and Aragorn said: “I know what you have come to say, Frodo; you wish to return to your own home. Well, dearest friend, the tree grows best in the land of its sires; but for you in all the lands of the West there will ever be a welcome…”

“It is true that I wish to go back to the Shire,” said Frodo. “But first I must go to Rivendell. For if there could be anything wanting in a time so blessed, I missed Bilbo; and I was grieved when among all the household of Elrond I saw that he was not come.”

“Do you wonder at that, Ring-bearer?” said Arwen…“He is ancient in years now, according to his kind; and he awaits you, for he will not again make any long journey save one…A gift I will give you. For I am the daughter of Elrond. I shall not go with him now when he departs to the Havens; for mine is the choice of Lúthien, and as she so have I chosen, both the sweet and the bitter. But in my stead you shall go, Ring-bearer, when the time comes, and if you then desire it. If your hurts grieve you still and the memory of your burden is heavy, then you may pass into the West, until all your wounds and weariness are healed. But wear this now in memory of Elfstone and Evenstar with whom your life has been woven!”

And she took a white gem like a star that lay upon her breast hanging upon a silver chain, and she set the chain about Frodo’s neck. “When the memory of the fear and the darkness troubles you,” she said, “this will bring you aid.”

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Good going, Alatáriël! I have now reached a proper 1420 mileage and have no idea where I am, since our BD tracker doesn't go beyond Parth Galen. I'll have to add up the Éowyn site's mileage. At any rate, I'm following Frodo's tracks to Mount Doom - I think I'll detour to Minas Tirith on the way back...

[Estelyn Telcontar]

OK, I added up the mileage on the Éowyn Challenge site and found out where I am - the Dead Marshes!

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Good going, Alatáriël! I have now reached a proper 1420 mileage and have no idea where I am, since our BD tracker doesn't go beyond Parth Galen. I'll have to add up the Éowyn site's mileage. At any rate, I'm following Frodo's tracks to Mount Doom - I think I'll detour to Minas Tirith on the way back...

OK, I added up the mileage on the Éowyn Challenge site and found out where I am - the Dead Marshes!

Estelyn, I see you've met up with that nassssty Gollum! You and Sam keep your eyes on that Stinker...he'll betray you if he gets the chance.

If you're at 1420 miles, you have indeed just entered the Marshes. I had to use my M-E atlas and make my own mileage chart once I had passed beyond the bounds of the BD tracker. The Marshes will end at 1435; then you will pass into the Nomans Lands at 1450; and the Black Gate at 1477. As Sam would say 'that's an eye-opener and no mistake'!!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Are any Walkers still with us? I'm averaging only about 3 miles a day, but it adds up over time. I just checked my location, thinking I was somewhere between the Dead Marshes and the Black Gate, which seemed quite appropriate for this time of year. But I have moved past Ithilien and must check out the Éowyn site's road markers to see where I am now.

[Anorial]

Yup, I'm still walking with a little swimming thrown in. When the journey is done, I think it would be cool to have swum the equivalent of the Anduin as well as walk the rest. I made it to Rivendell on Oct 14th . Now I'm nearly 50 miles past Rivendell, winding my way south towards Hollin Ridge. I'm averaging just over 2.5 miles a day. I'd like to do more but my hip still isn't 100% and I've sick family to take care of and stress over . It's great to be on the journey though!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I've gotten a message from the Éowyn Challenge site leaders about a new challenge. This is what it says:

Here it is!

A challenge to all walkers -- to help the Milestones Celebration Page (ie, the shields page) reach 225,000 miles by the Walk's second anniversary on March 17, 2005. If every walker currently registered on the shields page walked 32 miles between now and then, we'd definitely reach that goal, but not all walkers are active at the moment. Because of that, we'd like to ask everyone still active to walk at least 100 miles between now and then. For some of us, this is a lot, for others it isn't much, but with all of our help, we can reach this amazing communal goal, and show just how far we've come in the past two years. Since the Fellowship set out to Rivendell on December 25th, we believe this will be an excellent start date for the 100 Mile challenge.

What say you?

We realize that many walkers have not logged their miles recently and the Milestone page may incur a surge of new miles, but the 100 Mile Challenge shall continue anyway. It would be a great way to start the New Year!

We hope you have a very happy holiday season!

Miradan and Kally

I will certainly participate and hope to accomplish more than 100 miles by then. For those of you who have not updated on the milestone page there, please do so - let's see lots of lovely black shields!

[Lyta_Underhill]

If every walker currently registered on the shields page walked 32 miles between now and then, we'd definitely reach that goal, but not all walkers are active at the moment. Because of that, we'd like to ask everyone still active to walk at least 100 miles between now and then.

Indeed I am still walking, although I have been absent from this site for a long time! With no knowledge of this new challenge, I finally made it over to the Eowyn Challenge site (I've got the update mileage page bookmarked directly, so I didn't see the challenge) and I added 285 miles to my previous total. I hope that will help! I am now staring up at an endless expanse of ladder-like cuts in a steep hidden part of Cirith Ungol, having gotten there by trudging through some crunchy ice/snow, oddly! It is good to know there are walkers still walking, and my trip through Mordor won't be quite so lonely!

BTW, has anyone noticed a certain reluctance when making the approach into the territories of Mordor? Every now and then, I feel a hand pushing me back, trying to keep me from finishing, slowing me down...perhaps I've taken my identification with Frodo a little far? I hope it doesn't get worse once I'm in Mordor Proper...

Cheers!
Lyta

[Lyta_Underhill]

This thread seems to be a bit slow, but I thought I'd add something commemorating my trip through (or at least TO!) Shelob's Lair. I am at 1616 miles, which is just about where Frodo finds the opening on the left side of the tunnel to the lair of the great nasty spider herself! This would be a routine event on a regular walk, marked only by a number representing a milestone along the road to Mount Doom.

However, it seems that life imitates Quest in odd and disturbing ways indeed! In a metaphorical and almost literal way, I have been stung by a giant spider! (Thus taking Frodo's role in this walk where paths must diverge, although I had not yet made up my mind which road to take. It seems to have been ordained for me...). About a month ago, my husband and I were interviewed for our habit of keeping black widow spiders. An offhand comment followed that his mother, who lived close by, was herself a giant spider. When he told her that we had said this, she said, plainly and seriously, "I AM a giant spider."

Yesterday, the giant spider stung me and my husband by summarily announcing that we had 2 months to get out of our house--no reason or explanation and not a hint of warning. This was completely out of the blue, but I indeed feel rather stung and the Tower of Cirith Ungol lies somewhere in the darkness that I cannot see, and well, Mount Doom is not as clear a path as I had once thought...

Not to be depressing, but I thought the whole "giant spider" coincidence made it relevant to this particular discussion...I suppose I'll have to wait to see what happens and where I might be glimpsing the rest of my path. Anyone who has had a similar experience feel free to commiserate, although I imagine I'll be packing and won't be able to post as much as I had hoped!

Cheers!
Lyta (in the dark tunnel)

[elfearz1]

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?

[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.

____________________

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.

____________________

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.

____________________

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...
____________________

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.
____________________


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.

______________

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!

[Nurumaiel]

Thanks for the kind welcome back, Estelyn! I'm quite enthusiastic about 'Tolkien-ifying' my little strolls, and more enthusiastic about taking the little strolls in the first place. I'm still trying to decide whether I should follow Frodo and Sam, or get captured along with Merry and Pippin, or join the Three Hunters. But no dying alongside Boromir for me, thank you very much!
_________________

10.5 miles, on the way to the Green Hill Country
It was at twilight last night that we began to move upwards, and then for a moment we stopped to catch that last view of Hobbiton and Bywater. Standing there, in the dim cool of evening, atop the slopes with a breeze tickling my cheeks to a blush, I felt as if I was transported into some airy, magical land of faraway. The stars seemed to have descended to the ground, twinkling in their thousand diamonds as a reflection from the Pool. The faint sound of laughter drifted to our ears as hobbits bid each other farewell from their late night at the inn. We stood in silence for a little while, and then we moved on. We had only walked a few minutes more when Frodo turned and waved his hand farewell. I think the poor laddie takes the leaving much harder than anyone else. I'm just out for the adventure of going to Rivendell, and Pippin and Sam are quite content and cheerful to go to Crickhollow with Frodo and help him settle in? which means that not too far from now I'll be bidding farewell to the hobbits and going on without them.

But not by myself! As we set out this morning we were assailed on the road by the perky chap of before, who notified us that he wanted to come along. We questioned him, or, rather, I questioned him, and at first nothing very sensible could be got from him. He told us he was an Elf, and we gazed rather dubiously at his short stature. He eventually decided that he was a hobbit, and when asked his name, he would not give any further information, but said he should be called 'Hobbit.'

So with Hobbit we went on, and though we were delayed for a little while by a baby running out from his home and attacking us with ferocious cries, we got two miles done before our lunch, which Sam cooked marvelously. We ran a quarter of a mile at first, but my legs had begun to ache from the first six miles of running, and for the remainder of the morning we walked.

We were slowed, though not completely stopped as in the incident with the hobbit baby, by a rosy-cheeked boy who wanted to hold our hands and walk with us. He had a limp and could not move very swiftly, but nobody seemed to mind in the least. Sam, especially, took a liking to the little fellow. He had identified himself as AidanHobbit, and went along with us for a quarter of a mile.

It was blue out again today, but it was not so bright out, as a thin layer of clouds had dimmed the skies, leaving them a pale mixture of grey and blue. To the northeast the sky was free from any clouds, just visible above the treetops. The breeze was a constant thing, but very gentle and not too chilly... it was just enough of a breeze to put a light, airy feeling inside of you that sinks to your very bones and makes you feel as young and frisky as you ever could feel.

[Nurumaiel]

18 miles, in the Green Hill Country
We reached the Green Hill Country tonight, and speaking for myself, my legs were aching and I was quite willing to stop there. We had none of the scrumptious cinnamon bread that I had packed when we set out left, for we ate it all yesterday (the whole loaf!). That was a disappointment, for after the four miles we trekked yesterday, that cinnamon bread (homemade, of course) refreshed me greatly.

We passed over a bridge just a few miles before we reached the Green Hill Country. Though the snow was still crowding above most of the stream, forming a tunnel, there were gaps here and there about the bridge, and I paused for a moment to gaze into the water. It was running with gentle ripples, for it was a roaring stream of rapids, but rather a slow, meandering stream, quite content to mind its own business as long as we minded ours. Though its generally straight and level path made it so easy and slow, it was a little bit of a sorrow to have none of those delightful waterfalls slipping down the mossy rocks. The trees leaned over the water, forming a sort of bower, though their tops did not meet in the middle, and so the sun, or rather what was left of it as evening drew near, streamed through.

The last few hundred yards were particularly strenuous, as I had already been rather worn out, and going steeply uphill was not gratifying to my state. I don't know exactly what time it is, nor how far we're to travel tomorrow, but I do know this... I'm going to procure some of that comforting cinnamon bread as soon as we reach Crickhollow.

[Anorial]

Hi everybody! Hey Nurumaiel, I'm totally still walking and even posted on this page Please add me to your list. I'm nearly at Hollin Ridge depending if you are using Fonstad's reckoning or not. Currently standing at 675 miles though I haven't walked today yet.

Cheers!
Anorial

[Maeggaladiel]

Quick question: I read the first post on this thread, which said that this was meant to see how many people could make it from point A to point B before the movie was released. I see that people are still walking, but is it okay for someone, oh, say me, to start my journey now? Or are you closed to new adventurers? I am pretty late, I'll admit.

Already has a walking stick,
~Maeg

[Estelyn Telcontar]

It's never too late to join the walk, Maeggaladiel! New participants are always welcome; we're scattered all over Middle-earth by now anyway. Post here to let us know of your progress, and if you keep your mileage in your profile location, we'll be able to see how far you are!

By the way, I found out that not only did Karen Wynn Fonstad supply the mileage data for the Éowyn site, but she has also joined the Walk! How cool is that?!

[Maeggaladiel]

(Great! Thanks!)

Yesterday and the day before have brought me seven and a half miles into my journey. Sunday led me from the brightly-painted door of Bag End to Bywater, and by last night I found myself bidding Hobbiton farewell.

It is odd, but I feel I shall miss this land and its people greatly. I have been here for but a short time, yet the Shirefolk have made me feel at home.

Too much at home, I realized soon after leaving. I fear that the hobbit hospitality has made me a bit soft during my brief visit. I hadn't traveled a few hours before my stomach began rumbling. My companions found this most amusing, saying that my stomach was louder than the pack of wargs in Bilbo's story.

Our spirits are high as we leave the pleasant Hobbiton behind and take the first few steps into the wild. Of course, it's a very mild wilderness: the only wild animals this close to Hobbiton are a pack of hungry squirrels and some wicked crows that cawed at us as we drew closer to them.

It is another ten and a half miles before reaching our next landmark. I am in no hurry: the walk is almost as pleasant as the company of my friends. I shall miss them when we part ways.

[Nurumaiel]

Welcome to the Walk, Maeggaladiel! You seem to be walking very sure and steady, and making good time. It's a pleasure to have you.

48 miles, almost to Stock
For the past few miles we've had up and down roads, which can be quite annoying at times. At first it's delightful, for one is always trying to guess what will be over the next hill, and who will be over the next hill, and what will happen when one climbs the next hill... but after some time of such guessing, it grows dull and monotonous, and I begin to wish the road would make up its mind and go either up or down very steadily! As soon as I grow accustomed to walking up a hill, I'm going down one, and the other way around.

A few miles back we saw a frightening, crouching figure cloaked in black. It was no Hobbit, certainly, and none of the Elf-kind creep in that way. It seems most likely that it was a man, yet why he would go on in that way I don't understand. He crept along the road, stooped over, and he was sniffing, as if trying to catch some scent. I have never seen any man act that way, and nor have I gained such an impression of horror at the sight of any man... there was an atmosphere of dread as this cloaked figure passed by. Since I saw him, my heart hasn't been nearly as light. The bends in the road that used to give me a delightful expectation of what might lie around it now give me a chill of fear, wondering if perhaps that stooping black figure will be crouched down before me.

And furthermore, since I saw him, the weather has become more gloomy. Even as I write, a thick fog has descended and swirls about me. The feeling of light adventure had disappeared, and now where my feet once tripped and skipped, they drag now, as I glance apprehensively over my shoulder to make sure we are not being followed by that crouching figure.

It will be altogether comforting when we reach Crickhollow. To be surrounded by walls and covered by a roof will ease my mind, I am sure. I'm equally sure that my imagination has run away with me, and the fact that the man was shrouded in black excited my thoughts. It can't be something so frightful as it seems to be.

[Garen LiLorian]

What a delightful way to keep track of my various wanderings!

Let's see...
Day 1
The sky was cloudy today as I locked up the door of my beloved Bag End, placed the front-door key in my waistcoat and scurried to catch up with my companions, who were waiting at the entrance to Bagshot Row, eager to be off. We made good time for the first few miles, laughing and singing in time with our quick steps. We spoke of many things, (of Hobbit-lore and Númenor, and whether Balrogs have wings...) Still, too many second breakfasts began to tell on us, and our pace had slowed considerably by the time we reached Bywater, four and a half miles and nearly ninety minutes out. Only then did we realize that, like Bilbo, we had left our pocket-handkerchiefs back in our holes. Alas! Still, adventures must contain little adversities of this nature, so we were philosophic about the whole ordeal, and continued on. As I write this, the sky has begun to open, and it appears that much further perambulation will be impossible. So, with hearts still high our first day ends. We have not come quite so far as I had hoped; a mere six miles, and the lamps of Hobbiton are still quite visible in the twilight. Ah well. Tomorrow shall be better.
-Garen

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

We continue our homeward journey, and one-by-one our companions are left behind. At Edoras, we laid Théoden to rest and celebrated both the crowning of Éomer, and the betrothal of Éowyn and Faramir. They and Queen Arwen remained as the rest of our company continued to Helm's Deep and thence to Isengard.

At Isengard, we bade farewell to Legolas and Gimli, who were journeying to Fangorn Forest before returning to their own lands. Then at sunset 3 days past, we parted from Aragorn and his knights. The halflings were most grieved at this parting, particularly Frodo and Sam, even though the King has promised to return to his North Kingdom in the near future.

Our pace is still somewhat leisurely, for there is no need of haste, and we are enjoying the quiet arrival of Spring in the emptiness of Dunland. I spend a part of each day riding with the hobbits, and Elladan and Elrohir seem to enjoy their company as much as I do. In the evenings, we seven share tales and songs around the campfire, and the laughter of the small folk lighten the hearts of all our company.

_________________________

The travellers now rode with more speed, and they made their way towards the Gap of Rohan; and Aragorn took leave of them at last close to that very place where Pippin had looked into the Stone of Orthanc. The Hobbits were grieved at this parting, for Aragorn had never failed them and he had been their guide through many perils.

"...the Palatír of Orthanc the King will keep, to see what is passing in his realm, and what his servants are doing...remember, dear friends of the Shire, that my realm lies also in the North, and I shall come there one day."

...With that they parted, and it was then the time of sunset; and when after a while they turned and looked back, they saw the King of the West sitting upon his horse with his knights about him; and the falling Sun shone upon them and made all their harness to gleam like red gold, and the white mantle of Aragorn was turned to a flame. Then Aragorn took the green stone and held it up, and there came a green fire from his hand.

[Garen LiLorian]

And now I have been out on the open road for a whole week! Such a short time it seems!
Day 2
The rain continued today, albeit with furor somewhat abated. Despite protests from one or two of my younger companions, we decided to make the best of it and continued on. It was nearly midday before the clouds parted, but the sight of a gorgeous rainbow, leaping from the crest of a hill far to our right and spanning the whole length of the sky before disappearing behind the horizon, more than made up for our muddy feet and wet hair. The day was warm even during the rain and now the sun promised to turn the afternoon hot. We have not made very good time today; stopping several times for snacks and rests for the comfort of our younger friends. The afternoon had barely began to stretch towards evening when we halted our day's march. We have only made four miles today, but such is the price for traveling with children. Their laughter and gamboling play throughout the day makes such a price easy and looked forward to.
Day 3
I am alone today; My friends have opted to stay the day in camp and take a cart to catch me up in the afternoon. I shall miss their merry companionship, but it does mean that I shall be able to make better time. The day is fine and clear, a cool breeze out of the East caresses my brow from time to time. From time to time I can see small woods from the Road, and each time I want to leap from the stolid and dusty trail to go bounding through the forests. I am longing today for the more wild country, the 'pleasure in the pathless woods, the rapture on the lonely shore' and for the first time I am looking forward to leaving the Shire. I have set an end for today's march; I shall not rest until I reach the firwood some seven miles out.
Days 4 & 5
These days run together; there is not much to distinguish one from the other. I have been rejoined by my companions, and we have been walking easily along the road; only making a few miles a day. At the end of the second day we are treated to the view of Woody End, with the river looking small and faint in the distance. I always love looking out at the horizon, marking a point on it. It never ceases to amaze me when, a few hours or days later, I stand at that point I marked, looking out at an entirely new horizon, or back at (perhaps) the exact spot I stood at such a short time ago, making plans. It is perhaps the closest thing to time travel that I will ever know.
Day 6
A feeling of adventure overtakes me as I set out this morning. I do not know from where it comes, but the road ahead of me looks strange and exciting. Bilbo's words echo in my ears; It's a dangerous buisness, going out your door. You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to. Do you realize that this is the very path that goes through Mirkwood, and that if you let it, it might take you to the Lonely Mountain or even further and to worse places?
It is only three miles before I come to the spot of adventure; A large tree overhangs the road, and my feelings of excitement turn to apprehension. The sound of horse hooves can be heard around the bend, and I am barely off the trail when a large horse comes careening around the corner, passing within a foot of where I stand, shielded by the tree. I catch but the most fleeting glimpse of the beasts' rider; I cannot see his face. I do not think that he saw me, for he offered no apology for nearly ending my adventure tragically, but was soon out of sight along the trail.

-Garen

Note; This last part is true. I couldn't have been more than half a mile from where Frodo spotted his first Nazgul when I was nearly run down by a man on a gigantic horse. My first adventure!

[Nurumaiel]

61 miles, almost to Buckleberry Ferry
Our walking has been slowed much by bad weather. 'Twas snow at first, the pleasant kind of fluffy flakes. But later things became quite miserable, for the snow turned into rain and the thunder and lightning didn't spare us in the least. It was fascinating to crouch under the tree branches and watch the flashes that lit up the land. It was slightly frightening, as well, bearing in mind that cloaked figure we met earlier.

Despite the fears that still linger over our heads, there's no lack of time to sit and observe all of nature. I've always appreciated the Shire for being almost untouched, as the habitants are quite close to the land and have done hardly anything to mar it. We see all varieties of birds... jays, nuthatches, and chickadees. During mealtimes, in particular breakfast, we'll sit back and close our eyes and listen to the different bird notes, trying to identify the singer by his notes, and then search him out. We caught sight of the jays and the chickadees, but couldn't find the raven that called loudly overhead.

We're only a few short miles from Crickhollow now, and then it will be time to bid farewell to the hobbits and continue on to Rivendell.

[Maeggaladiel]

//I know I haven't posted in a while, but I have been keeping track of my miles. I've walked 21 miles now! Wow!//

It has been some time since leaving Hobbiton. 21 miles have passed since I stepped past the threshold of Bag End and began my adventure. It seems a great distance to me, yet looking forward I realize that I have many more miles to travel before I reach Rivendell. Somehow this fact comes as both a comfort and a pain.

The weather has been kind to me and my companions, although my less travel-seasoned friends sometimes complain about the colder night air and the dew that seems to get into everything. I have told them that they may face much fouler weather than this, to which I have recieved nothing but laughter. It seems hobbits are not the adventuring types.

We have crossed the road from Brandywine Bridge some time ago and are now in Green Hill Country. The Tookland has been kind to us. The sun shines warmly on us as we walk through tall grass and great alder trees, over trickling streams and great rolling hills. We still have plenty of food, although at the rate these hobbits eat I fear it may not last as long as I had planned. Perhaps we shall need to stop and resupply sooner than I had expected.

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.

[Anorial]

Hi everyone! I'm still trucking along. I'd hoped to get to Caras Galadhon by my one year anniversary but I've still got 130-40 miles to go and I don't think I can do that in 3 weeks . Oh well, at least I'm still travelling! Hello to the new folks *waves*....such cool postings from y'all who are storyifying, I'm going to make a point to look for them from now on.

Cheers! Anorial

[Nurumaiel]

Anorial, good to hear from you again. I was wondering just today where you had gone off to.

Tomorrow is March 17, the day on which the Eowyn Challenge site had hoped to gain 225,000 miles in all on their database. Looks like they got that and more besides!
________________________________________

133 miles, just past the Barrow Downs
Many odd things have been happening since I learned of the real reason Frodo left the Shire. I had not been intending to pass through the Old Forest, but it it became necessary if I wanted to stay with the hobbits. Queer things happened there, but we had a brief rest at Tom Bombadil's House. It was a sorrowful thing to bid him farewell, but now we are once again in his company, as he has rescued us from the stranger things that happened.

The Barrow Downs were sheerly terrifying, the terror that comes not when you come face to face with some hideous creature, but when you have the overwhelming sense that there is something there, and you cannot see it. The fog was thick and seemed to wrap around me, trying to clutch me and smother me in its waving folds. I had not expected it to be as it was, for as we approached we were on green rolling hills, with a fair sky above us.

The terror of the thing that had us entrapped I cannot think to describe. The only other thing that has ever sent such a cold chill to my heart was the strange cry we heard in the woods when we were still in the Shire. If it had not been for good old Tom, I tremble to think what would have become of us.

Bree is not far off now. We have begun to move more swiftly as we feel danger pressing on us, going at an average of about five miles every day, and sometimes six or seven. Rivendell is now only a little over three hundred miles away... how glad I will be to get there!

[Garen LiLorian]

Though my journal entries have been few and far between, I have still been traveling a bit every day except when the weather precludes (all too often, I'm afraid)
We have reached Buckland! The fires of Crickhollow burn brightly, and the mushrooms gifted by the inestimable Madam Maggot are boiling as I try to bring my journal up to date. I can hear several companions snicker in the other room; I wonder if they have a surprise in store?
As thrilled as I am to be under a roof again (out of the rain that has been falling steadily for the last few days) I know that it cannot last. Tomorrow I shall have to brave the Old Forest, likely alone as I do not think my friends are up to such a challenge. But that will wait. Already I hear the clear voices of my friends as they call me to supper.
According to maps, I have gone 73 miles. It seems like such a small ways when placed against the entirety of my trip, and thus far I have only been walking through the tame little woods and rivers of my beloved Shire. The Wild still lies ahead. Tomorrow!

-Garen