Since I don't write in this journal between walk events I just want to let you know I was honored on a Los Angeles CBS segment on the Fri afternoon news. If you would like to see the video of that type: http://www.cbs2.com/video?id=19983@kcbs.dayport.com

This was a special walk for me since it was my 60th long distance walk for breast cancer. I can hardly believe that--I can hardly believe how this has evolved--I can hardly believe this is the 9th year of this challenge! Isn't life interesting?

On Sat., after a very long day of walking 26 miles I arrived at camp at about 5:30pm. The weather was warm and as we began to have dinner we noticed the dark clouds in the distance. We left to drive back to our hotel and it started to rain heavily. Actually it was so intense and windy that there were moments when there was no visibility at all. I was grateful the day had remained 'rain free' while I was walking. When we returned to camp in the morning we heard that it had been quite a night at camp. There was a huge hailstorm, coupled with the wind. Tents were flying all over and the hail was pelting everyone and everything. People were huddled together in the dining tent. After that was over everything was soaked. Some brave and dryer people were able to stay in tents; there were buses to take people to the host hotel; some slept on cots in the medical tent; one even asked to sleep on the floor of the ambulance (I never would have thought of that!), but everyone managed. When we returned on Sun. morning, everyone was having breakfast and was ready to walk another day; everyone had another story to add to their Avon Walk challenge! Avon walkers rock!

Sat. was a particularly tough day for me. From about mile 3 my hip was bothering me. None of my usual remedies worked so I spent the day looking at my watch counting off every mile and every minute, feeling worn out, and wondering why in the world I was doing this! I was fairly certain I had to reevaluate my commitment for walking in 2006. I felt lousy. When we arrived at the hotel in the evening all I wanted to do was to shower and crawl into bed, which is exactly what I did. Much to my surprise I awoke on Sun. morning FEELING GREAT! Don't ask! I don't get it! I am sure I had a negative physical reaction to the warm day and the higher altitude, which then affected my sense of well being. Sun. was a great day. Nothing hurt and I was absolutely clear as to why I am doing this challenge, and was totally willing to keep walking for 11 more walks and raising more money for breast cancer. I am so amazed by the body and I have such respect for its ability to recover and heal.

I met Molly while I was walking. She said she recognized my banner (that I wear on my back) because she had just bought the book "Why We Walk" and she had just read my story. I thought that was pretty cool! When we arrived at closing ceremonies on Sun. Molly found me again, with pen and book in hand, to autograph my page in the book. I felt like a celebrity!

When we were at the airport we met Cindy and Mary, who are sister in laws from Chicago. It was so much fun to spend the 20 minutes talking with them. It seemed to extend the emotions of the weekend to be able to keep talking about the experience. Bob and I both remember them from Fri. at registration, when they were purchasing jewelry from me; however, none of us recognized each other from Fri!

SF is in 2 weeks. I will be walking that with my daughter Debra and her friends. The SF walk is one of Bob's favorites because it is such a beautiful route.

Please feel free to drop me a line! bjkcnslr@aol.com

I would love to hear from you.

Hugs,