by guest blogger Bonnie Spencer   Part 1, Part 2 May 2, 2016 Day 7: Miami and Erie Canal Heelpath at Road 60 to Junction (12.2 trail miles) Almost a week passed before we made our last trip north to finish our miles. We started from Xenia again, and the nearly 130-mile drive took us 3.5 hours because we took back roads. By the time we got the cars in place, which included eight extra miles to backtrack to lock a car (we hoped this wasn’t an indication of how our week would go), we …

by guest blogger Bonnie Spencer   Part 1, Part 3 April 17, 2016 Day 4: St. Marys to Spencerville (13.5 trail miles) After ten days away from the trail due to various commitments, we headed back north. I had my ice cream list . . . and my umbrella; a rain coat; a pair of old rain pants with dry, broken elastic and a large safety pin to keep them up; a garbage bag in case I needed to cover my pack; and CW’s extra Frogg Toggs jacket. We had been fortunate to have wonderful …

March 21, 2016 As I stated in my previous blog, I had a seemingly impossible task ahead of me. I could only reach my February goal of walking 100 miles for the month if I trudged 61 miles in the 8 remaining days. And 3 of those 8 days would find me on the road to Florida and back. It didn’t look good. I checked around to see if anyone would trade resolutions with me. No way, they said. Sure stinks being you! February 22–I mall walked with Tom. After 7 miles, I was tired …

February 22, 2016 My walking mileage always plummets in the gloomy winter months, even though I know how good it is for me. Aarp.org says, “Regular walking can prevent depression, lengthen lifespan, lower stress levels, relieve arthritis and back pain, and strengthen muscles.” Sounds good. It’s just that in the season of short days and long nights, I tend towards hibernation rather than health. I made myself walk some in December. I did better than usual for that month. By Christmas I noticed my mileage was approaching 85. Maybe I could do 100. By New …