Another one in the books

The Seattle event is now over and I have reclaimed enough sleep to update this BLOG. I apologize for the lack of updates, but I think this is proof that the life of a walker and that of a crew member are radically different. As a walker in Boston, I was able to update my posts during the day and in the evening. As a crew member in Seattle and elsewhere, I have no time to write during the day lest I leave walkers hanging in the middle of an intersection. By the time I am off the route, I am too tired to think. Basically, it is eat, clean and sleep, then do it again.

So, the recap for the event. AWESOME! The Route Safety/MotoCrew was amazing. One of the most agreeable, talented, creative and attentive crews I have seen anywhere. Able to think and react on their bikes and in the streets, they were, to the end, consummate professionals. Thank you all for letting me be a part of that.

The walkers were a pure joy. Happy, fun, well trained and willing to let us help them. As we repeated during the walk, WE LOVE YOU, WALKERS!

The route, well it was tough. Days two and three included many hills. Long hills. Many of them. One after another.

The layout was reverse of the pattern I usually see where we walk two long days and end on a short, 15-17 mile day. This time, we started with a short first day which was helpful considering it rained for several hours in the morning, then got cold. Unlike Boston, however, the sun came out in the afternoon and the rest of the day was beautiful. We were able to fully enjoy the camp experience in the warm Seattle evening with daylight until very late. It was just great.

Days two and three were longer at around 20 miles each, but the weather was absolutely amazing. Hot, sunny and beautiful. As you can see by the map below, we were able to enjoy many scenic views of the lakes and mountains in the Puget Sound. Day two definitely had an impact on the walkers feet, knees and backs. I have never seen the medical teams as busy as they were on this event, but I am told Dallas was also a very tough event for them.

From the new Microsoft Virtual Earth website of Aerial views, here is what the route looked like from space!

Day three really took its toll on the walkers. Many made it out of camp with shear determination and strength of spirit, but were unable to make it very far into the day. My sincere respect to the walkers who walked the whole 60 miles. The heat of the day combined with the hills and the pace required to make it into camp in time for closing ceremonies were pretty big obstacles. I respect all of the walkers who tried to make it and could do the distance, but just couldn't make the pace to stay ahead of the closing Pit Stops. I know many got swept due to time rather than physical pain or ability.

So, Seattle 2005 is in the books. The Event-360 team (3-Day employees) are on a 6 week break now before they start their second and final six events in Chicago. Red is heading back to Orange County today and I am staying in Seattle one more day to recover, do laundry and plan my route. Then I head home on a four day journey much the same as my route up. If anything exiting happens that is rated PG, I will share it here. ;-)

To see the wrap up by the 3-Day team, click here.