The Sights of Spokane

Debbie and I have been walking for 3 days around Spokane. I just love making new friends along the way. On Saturday we met the Lewis & Clark Drill Team out there having their own fundraiser. Good luck, girls! On Sunday I met Felix the cat. I was so relieved that he didn't try to follow us. Yesterday we did a four hour, 14 mile walk on the Centennial Trail, a beautiful trail that meanders its way alongside the Spokane River. The views were spectacular! And we met a very special little snake. Today we took it easy, going only 7 miles.

Walking Vacation

I'm visiting my sister in Spokane for a week. Yesterday was a travel day for me but I still managed to get in 3 miles at the San Jose airport while waiting for a connecting flight! Today Debbie and I walked to downtown Spokane wearing our "Carol is walking a 1000 miles for Congo women" T-shirts. While making a purchase at Auntie's Bookstore, the kind woman assisting us asked about the journey. She immediately reached for her purse and handed me some money, saying that she wanted very much to help. The kindness and generosity of strangers never fails to touch my heart. I don't even know her name.

On our way home we were joined for a short time by a nice gray and white tabby cat. I am always thrilled when a four legged friend joins me. But I panicked a bit because she tried to cross the streeet with us so I walked her back to where we found her where she happily ran off chasing a butterfly.

And so the journey continues.

In The News

The horrific gang-rape of nearly 200 women and some babies in eastern Congo made headlines all over the world today. Read about the tragedy on MSNBC or in The New York Times. It is deeply saddening.

But there is something you can do about it. It takes less than a minute to send an email to the 21 largest electronics companies demanding that they remove conflict minerals from their supply chains. This is an absolute necessity to bring an end to this kind of violence.

I am walking a thousand miles to raise money for these women who have suffered unspeakable horrors. Women For Women International helps these women put their lives back together. Please help. Donate today.

Conflict Minerals

The main reason for the conflict in eastern Congo is the mineral trade. Armed militants make hundreds of millions of dollars in profits by controlling the mining operations. Many use mass rape as a means of controlling the local populations. These minerals found in the Congo, mainly tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold, all end up in our cell phones, mp3 players, computers, and other electronic devices. Learn more about conflict minerals.

Yes, the women in this war ravaged region need financial assistance. That is why I am raising money. But there is something even more important than financial assistance and it's something everyone can do.The entire world economy is based on consumption. This gives us enormous power as consumers. We must demand conflict-free electronics. Please send this email to the 21 largest electronics companies today.

The Dog Days of Summer

Well, it must be the two warm days we've had because some of my canine companions are feeling less enthusiastic about walking a thousand miles. Bubbles, pictured here, got wind of the "cat plan" and wants to sign up for that. She'd much rather than nap than walk in the warm weather. Who can blame her? In case you don't know, my cat, Sage, has offered to take a thousand naps for the women of the Congo. (She is still looking for sponsors if anyone is interested.) While Noodle and Henry, are in for the long haul, Cookie Monster and Paddington Bear find the nap idea more appealing. Lily says she would love to help but she has a bad back so just sign her up for the nap thing. She's fascinated with cats and would like to know where the cats will be taking their naps so she can join them. Baxter, her brother, says he can keep going as long as there are squirrels and lizards to chase. Paki, my other cat, says she's willing to do a few extra miles if the dogs can't make it. And so the Journey continues and I am so very content having my four-legged friends by my side.

Walk Anyone?

I will be walking on Sunday 8/22 at 10 AM at the start of the greenbelt in Hermosa Beach, on Herondo. I would love for some of you to join me.

For All You Law & Order SVU Fans

My friend, Pat, told me about a Law & Order SVU episode that was on last week that dealt with a Congolese woman. The episode is titled, "Witness", it's episode 16 of Season 11 and it first aired on 3/17/2010. I just watched it on Amazon for $1.99. It was well worth it. It is an incredibly poignant dramatization of what these women experience. I highly recommend it. Mariska Hargitay, one of the show's co-stars, is very outspoken against violence toward women. In her Blog about the episode, Hargitay is very clear about our own culpability in regards to the situation in the Congo:

"There are few other conflicts in the world where the link between our consumer appetites and massive human suffering is so direct. The armed groups perpetuating the violence generate hundreds of millions of dollars each year by trading in four main minerals: tin, tantalum, tungsten (the "three Ts") and gold. These minerals are essential to our cell phones, laptops and other electronics." Read Mariska's complete post about the episode.

Closing in on 200 Miles!

I walked 12 miles today; Paki walked .3 miles. And just like a dog, she had to stop and smell everything along the way. I'm sure there are those cat people out there who think I belong in the same category as Walmart, Monsanto and the devil for allowing my cats to go outside. It's just how we choose to live. At least we don't eat "Round Up"- ready corn!

The $250 Challenge

We received an anonymous donation of $250 today that came with this challenge. "I CHALLENGE ANYONE TO MATCH OR EXCEED THIS DONATION. I DARE SOMEONE TO DOUBLE IT." So the gauntlet is down, anyone care to rise to the challenge? We're coming up to 4th quarter and I know there are some of you out there that need additional tax write-offs. Of course, I also know many of you out there, like me, need additional income. So don't think your $10 donation is meaningless. Every gift is a gift of the heart and I am so grateful to everyone who has taken the time and the expense to give. We still have a long way to go together to reach a thousand miles and $50K. I'm so glad I'm in good company.

And the Miles Keep Rolling By

Well, Henry and I crossed the 150th mile mark today. To celebrate, we rolled around in the cool, wet grass. Ah, such a delight. Paddington is getting tired of the long walks; he wonders why he didn't get on the "thousand nap" plan like all the cats. Of course, my cat, Paki has walked about 2 miles out of the 150 with me. My good friend, Dianne, walked 5 miles with me on Sunday. It's nice to always have good company along. I hope more of you join me soon.

The Inspiration for my Journey

Lisa Shannon, the founder of Run For Congo Women,

has been a huge inspiration to me. Please read the article in the August issue of RUNNER'S WORLD magazine about Lisa and some very courageous women in the Congo.

Team Canine Congo Run

Jack and Maxi, the happy-go-lucky labs, are essential members of Team Canine Congo Run. We walk together 6 days a week. These two do great PR work as well because they insist on saying hello to everyone they see.

Today was massage day and this time it was my turn! I figure I need a tune-up every hundred miles. Ui Eli, LMP is the person I turn to for routine maintenance. Ui uses Integrative Muscle Therapy (IMT); it's very deep work and definitely not for sissies. But the results are amazing. She also does a barefoot massage that is incredible. Now I'm ready for the next hundred miles!

The 100 Mile Mark and Your Questions Answered

Today I passed the hundredth mile mark; actually I was dragged across it by Tommy and Bubbles.

I've been asked a number of questions out there on the trail and via email. So here are your answers:

How do you know how far you've walked? I use a pedometer that's been calibrated with the measurement of my stride. I've measured it against the 1/4 mile markers on the greenbelt and it's completely accurate. Sometimes it does get stuck and doesn't record my strides so, if anything, my mileage is underreported. How do you feel? Great, thanks! Ask me again in 500 miles. How are your feet? (Yes, someone did ask that.) Well, actually, I have plantar fasciitis in my left foot. Anybody have that? Everyone with plantar fasciitis please DONATE now. Give until it hurts, because it really does hurt. What if I don't want to donate online, can I write a check? Yes, I can accept checks made out to Women For Women International. If you wish to do so then please contact me directly via my website. What if you walk a thousand miles and don't reach your fundraising goal of $50K? (Ouch!) Then I will continue to walk until I do. (I can be stubborn that way.) But let's try to accomplish both goals together so PLEASE Donate now. How old are you? Wow, now we're getting personal. Okay, I turn 50 next year. Hey, it's the new 30, right? My brother, Jeff, is 50, he's a lifeguard and an extreme athlete in Hawaii. My sister, Debbie, who just hiked to the top of Mt.Wilson with me is three years shy of her 60th birthday. We do all kinds of crazy, adventurous stuff. It's never too late. You're never too old. And even small steps can make a difference.

Oh Henry

Meet Henry. Henry, a sweet pit bull mix, is a member of Team Canine Congo Run and one of my favorite companions on the Journey. Henry has boundless energy and is good company on those long hikes --- as long as we are well equipped with water and snacks (just like my sister, Debbie). Henry is a friendly guy and loves meeting people and other dogs on the trail. Of all the dogs I walk, Henry is the very best listener. He once saw a cat on the trail and took off after it. I yelled for him to stop and he stopped instantly from a full run. Of course, he was disappointed but he walked right back over to me. He is a delight! So let's give some of those pit bulls a chance.

Week One: 80 Miles, $800, and a Message That was Sent Around the World

What a great launch week. I've walked 80 miles, almost never alone. We've raised nearly $800. Our message of hope and healing and change for the women of the Congo has traveled around the world. I have been reminded that I have the most incredible sister in the world, the most supportive, remarkable friends. And I have learned that strangers can be every bit as supportive and remarkable as friends. I want to thank every one of you who has taken steps on this journey. I am so touched by your kindness and generosity.

And so the Journey continues...