Walking to Jericho

Barry Manilow: It's Just Another New Years Eve

2011-12-31T16:59:00.000-06:00

My favorite song for New Years Eve.

Not forgotten

2011-07-18T00:44:00.001-05:00

When last we left our brave explorers, they were lost in the desert, separated from each other in a terrible sandstorm. What are their fates? Will they ever see each other again? Will Agatha finally confess her love for the tribesman Abullah? Will Bethra reveal the gems she stole from the Northgate Museum? And what black powers does Mandraken hold and how will he use them?

Be with us next time!

Begin again

2009-11-19T14:38:00.003-06:00

It's always harder to begin again. The first rush is long gone. It's just you and the long road ahead.

No different from starting to date again after the break-up of a long relationship or that first moment when you kiss her and realize you were expecting those previous lips. Or when you touch a face or a breast, and your fingers find the differences from your lost love. For a moment, you recoil because it's unexpected, but fortunately that doesn't last. If you're lucky, you'll stop comparing her to your former love by the third date.

Or maybe not.

One step at first, of course. You put yourself out there again, signal that you're ready to risk your heart again, and steel yourself up for the pain.

Then you take another step. One step at a time. Walking away from what was toward what will be.

So hard to do that. To leave your past. To forge forward into the unknown ... the unexpected ... perhaps heartache ... perhaps nothing at all. It's a wonder we ever take a step in the first place.

But we do. Eventually life will pull us or leave us behind. Either way it's a choice.

We take the first step. Heading toward our new life, that fabled place where we are loved, where we love in return ... one step at a time, walking toward Jericho.
***
Sanako and Hassan, and Clyde and I put in another half mile last night.

want one?

2009-10-10T22:02:00.000-05:00

2009-02-05T21:58:00.001-06:00

Tech and I added 2 miles this evening. Then while looking for firewood, I added another 1.8 miles.

The First Oasis

2009-01-20T17:30:00.001-06:00

Many things have happened since last I took quill to this journal. Let me begin by saying we have made excellent progress toward Jericho. Lady Kirsten and Maryam added 7.1 miles to our total! Sara and Clarence and Roen and Drama each added another 3 miles while Sanako and Hassan and I and Clyde added 1.5 miles respectively. Our newest member Bill and his camel Frank added 1.4 miles. This gives us a total of 17.5 miles! Truly we move swiftly now.

We also reached the first Oasis on the Jigmap. The Turner Falls Park Oasis is near Davis, Oklahoma. From the official park scrolls:

“Turner Falls Park, the oldest park in Oklahoma, has received national publicity and has served as a classroom for the naturalist. Many springs from the world famous Arbuckle Mountains form Honey Creek which cascades down a seventy-seven (77) foot fall to a natural swimming pool making the majestic Turner Falls the largest waterfall in Oklahoma. The park is accented with beautiful picnic areas, nature trails, caves, geological wonders, and two natural swimming pools very unique in nature.

“The Turner Falls area has been described as one of the three geological windows into our past, including the Grand Canyon and the Black Hills of South Dakota.

“As early as 1868, Turner Falls was known as a popular recreational area. The City of Davis operates the park and you are welcome to enjoy the 1500 acres of fun in the ‘Heart of the Arbuckles.’

“Turner Falls Park in Davis, Oklahoma is the best Arbuckle Mountains family destination. From Dr. Collings’ Rock Castle to the 77ft waterfall, Turner Falls Park offers unforgettable fun for the whole family.”

Since the Jigmap allows us to move in seasons as well as space, we arrived at the Oasis during early summer. The Oasis teemed with people, and our camels caused many comments.

Here are some photos:

A long view of the park

The 77 foot waterfall

One of the caves

A bit of Dr. Collings' Rock Castle, which was built by a poor couple and their son working for an eccentric doctor during the 1930s.

We spent several days at the Oasis. Our headman Franklyn, for some reason, was nervous during the whole time we were there. He kept urging us to continue our journey. But we and the bearers were content to enjoy a few days respite from the White Road.

Still, Jericho is a long way away so eventually we packed up and continued on. We are two days past the Oasis now and fallen back into the rhythm of the journey. I am still insisting that we keep a watch each night. This made Franklyn quite surly. He says there is no need because the three bearers simply wandered off.

"Perhaps so," I said. "But we will continue the watch."

He looked as if he would have argued, but Lady Roen, Sir Sanako, and Lady Sara supported my position. He slunk off, grumbling. I will keep a closer eye on him.

It's now time for the evening meal, and it's my turn to cook. More soon.

The shimmering sands

2009-01-12T21:49:00.000-06:00

Lady Sara and her Clarence led the mileage this time with 2 miles to her credit. Sanako and Hassan and I and Clyde both added a mile so our total is 4 miles. Mile by mile, step by step, we travel to Jericho.

No other bearers have gone missing. Perhaps it was just wild animals that carried them off or perhaps they did wander into the unforgiving desert, but I remain uneasy and alert as do the others. We continue to share a watch at night, although our headman Franklyn says it is unnecessary. I do not like Franklyn, but I am careful to not let it show. He is competent and seems loyal, but at times, I catch him looking at the horizon almost as if he is waiting for someone. Or something.

The White Road continues to lead us on. I wonder who built this road and why. The Jigmap doesn't show it leading to anywhere, just a blank place on the map marked by dragons. What ancient people created it? Where did it go? Such mysteries may never be solved.

Last night, the full moon cast a pure light across the shimmering sands. It was eerily quiet and breathtaking beautiful. We all stood for a time and drank in the beauty. When we leave the desert, I will always remember that night and the glorious vista spread before us.

I must close now. I am taking the first watch tonight with Lady Roen. I trust we will have an uneventful time.

Missing

2009-01-09T22:01:00.000-06:00

More miles passed beneath our feet since I last wrote. Lady Kristen and Maryam traveled 4.2 miles, Lady Sara and Clarence traveled 4, Sanako and Hassan made .6 of a mile as did I and Clyde. This made our total 9.4 miles this time. Excellent mileage, but we would have done more except for a puzzling and somewhat distressing situation that has arisen.

Three of our bearers have disappeared, one each night. No one heard anything. Their belongings were left. Sir Sanako, Lady Roen, and I followed the tracks of one bearer. He walked into the desert -- the trail was plain -- and then the trail vanished. It was as if he has been spirited away.

I have ordered the remaining bearers to move their tents closer to ours and that a watch be kept by three men at all times. No one disappeared last night so perhaps these precautions were useful.

Franklyn, our headman, says they may have been taken by wild lions or perhaps they went mad and wandered away. He seems strangely unconcerned. I am not sure I trust him.

It is late. I must rest before my watch.

Traveling the White Road

2009-01-06T09:38:00.001-06:00

We have traveled 11 miles toward Jericho since last we spoke! I am delighted with our progress.

This total was helped by the welcome addition of the charming Lady Kirsten and her camel Maryam who joined us on the White Road. They added 3.2 miles to our total. Lady Coral and Penguin bought in another 3 miles. Lady Sara and Clarence walked the road for 1.5 miles while Sir Sanako and Hassan and I and Clyde walked 1.65 miles each. With such amazing mileage, Jericho doesn't seem so far away today.

While pleased with our progress, I am concerned about our bearers. They remain uneasy about the White Road, yet when I question them, they are unable to tell me why. Or they won't. There are many strange religions and philosophies in these countries, some darker than dark. Still, our headman Franklyn assures me that it is nothing to worry about. "I will beat them if they falter," he said, evidently expecting me to be pleased by this. Perhaps he was joking. Perhaps not.

Last night we heard the howling of some beast, perhaps a wolf, although they are rare in these lands. It was far off and our camels did not seem concerned, but I was grateful for the warmth and light of the campfire.

More later.

The road of white stones

2009-01-02T23:08:00.001-06:00

During the Great Sandstorm and our holiday rest, we were joined by Lady Sara and her racing camel Clarence. We are honored to have them with us.

Yesterday, Sanako and I added another two miles to our total travel, but Lady Sara amazed us by adding seven miles total yesterday and the day before! We are now nine miles closer to Jericho. We have doubled our distance traveled in just two days.

I feel much encouraged, even though the Jigmap doesn't seem to match our landmarks at present. The Great Sandstorm has changed the surrounding countryside to an amazing extent. However, the Jigmap clearly shows the far mountains in front of us, and as long as we continue east, we will eventually find our bearings again.

Yesterday, we found a road of white stones that had been buried under the sands and is now clear. It leads east so we are making good time. The stones glow faintly at night. I suspect luminous paint; our bearers whisper of ancient magic. No matter what imparts this quality, the road makes our way easier, and I am grateful.

Now I must rest. More tomorrow.

Sandstorm!

2008-12-10T22:27:00.000-06:00

A mighty sandstorm has forced our caravan to camp for many days now. The storm reminds me of the one that buried the fabled city of Tul'zanhah in the 10th century. That storm raged for several months, and when the skies finally cleared, Tul'zanhah with its mighty towers and jeweled temples was lost to the desert forever.

Before the storm descended on us, Lady Trixie added another half mile to our total. Inch by inch, we near Jericho.

Exciting news: Lady Roen and her camel Drama have joined us. Roen and Drama have added two miles to our total. Also, Lady Coral and her camel Penguin have chosen to travel with us. They make a welcome addition to our ranks. I feel blessed by all the female beauty and intelligence that surrounds me. If one is forced to camp in a tent for days on end, it makes the hours pass more serenely to have such as these to gaze upon.

The winds howl constantly. It is amazing how our minds attempt to make these strange sounds into words. I understand the legends of the terrible and beautiful sand sirens started. After days of listening to the wind, I too have thought that I heard my name called by a woman's voice, but it is only the wind. That is all it is. Just the wind.

6875 miles to go as we walk to Jericho.

Day 10: The road goes ever on

2008-11-18T22:26:00.000-06:00

Sanako and I each walked another 3/4 of a mile last night, so together we have walked a mile and a half. That was farther than I had walked in years so I was somewhat out of breath for a while afterwards. I hope to walk that amount again tonight.

An animal or a creature riled the camels midway through the night. The soft sand didn't hold any prints so we were unable to determine what it was. We moved the camels closer to the fire and spent some time soothing them. Clyde is such a big baby. I also think he might be interested in Eloise. I will have to speak with Lady Trixie and see if such a pairing would be acceptable.

We four have long talks over the campfire at night and during the day when we ride our camels side-by-side. Both Lady Michelle and Lady Trixie offer intelligent and wise comments. We are fortunate to have such charming traveling companions with us.

Now I must sleep. The road goes ever on, and I must have rest before tomorrow morn.

Only 6877.5 miles to Jericho.

Day 9: Lady Trixie joins us

2008-11-17T22:24:00.000-06:00

Lady Michelle took another mile off our total. This is exciting news and led to much celebration around the campfire, particularly since Sanako and I have been occupied and have been riding our camels instead of walking.

More exciting news: Lady Trixie and her racing camel Eloise have joined us! Now we are four brave adventurers trekking across continents, lakes, seas, oceans, mountains, rivers, valleys, towns, cities, villages, caves ... You get the idea.

While looking at the Jigmap given to us by Sage Manjarous, I realize we will reach the City of Ponca at 6834. It will nice to see civilization again for the brief time we can spend there.

I have not seen the "dark figure" again. Perhaps it was just my imagination. However, yesterday Sanako, while answering nature's call, noticed footprints that ran parallel to the path of our Caravan. He lost the trail when the ground became rocky. It was probably a wandering shepherd or some mystic seeking enlightenment in the wilderness. Still it is troubling. We must remain vigilant.

6879 miles to walk before we reach Jericho.

Day 4 - Now we are three

2008-11-13T22:22:00.000-06:00

Exciting news! Yesterday, we were joined in our Caravan by the lovely Michelle and her strong camel Humphrey. I look forward to hearing her mileage reports. Jericho seems less far away now that she has joined us. Her ready laugh and beautiful eyes do much to enliven our journey.

Sanako, Hassan, Clyde, and I added another mile to the mileage. Less problem with the yappers last night as our route took us further away from them. Clyde and Hassan do not like it when the yappers howl at them. Nor do I. It’s an eerie sound.

One thing I will note, although it is probably just a figment of my overtired imagination. Twice this evening, I saw -- or thought I saw -- a figure following us. In both cases, I glimpsed the figure among the trees. Neither Sanako nor Michelle saw whatever it was, and I cannot be sure what I saw. Shadows can play tricks on your mind. Perhaps it was only the wind, but it seemed to my straining eyes that it was man-shaped, but large. Very large.

My legs are still complaining about the walking. I expect to have a couple more weeks of this pain until I finally toughen up. I will be glad when I am able to devote more time and effort to Walking to Jericho. We still have 6880 miles to go.

Day Three

2008-11-11T22:21:00.000-06:00

Sanako, Hassan, Clyde, and I logged another mile today. The trek was hard, and we were dogged by yappers who loudly announced their territory whenever we drew near. Clyde chased one of them, but I was worried the yappers might be trying to lead my proud prince of the desert into a trap and reined him back.

We are not making the mileage I had hoped, but it takes a while for one to become adjusted to the pace. We have thousands of miles to go, so there is no need for impatience. Soon we will be making more miles as we and the camels become used to the traveling, particularly if others join the Caravan to Jericho. The Sage Manjarous often commented on how larger Caravans travel faster. I hope others join us in our adventure.

I will close now. My weary bones call for rest. I am not used to this travel, but I believe I will toughen up soon. 6881 miles to go.

Join the Caravan to Jericho

2008-11-11T22:19:00.000-06:00

How do you join the Caravan to Jericho?

Simple.

1. Name your camel.
2. Post your daily, weekly or monthly walking totals, which will be subtracted from the total distance to Jericho. Remember that every step helps the Caravan move closer to Jericho. If you walk daily, you'll help the Caravan most, but every bit helps.
3. The trip will be non-linear. We'll be visiting all over the world and also visiting cities of the fantastic. There might be robbers, pirates, monsters, treasures, princesses and princes, lost cities -- who knows what we'll find. Do you want to walk to Jericho with me? We'll be leading camels -- my camel's name is Clyde; Sanako's is Hassan -- and treking across the United States and then along the newly discovered land route across the Atlantic Ocean. What wonders we'll see.
4. Join the Caravan. Walk to Jericho with me. Adventure awaits. Let’s go!

Walking to Jericho - Day 1

2008-11-10T22:14:00.000-06:00

It's 6884 miles to Jericho from where I live, but I've walked one mile. Only 6883 to go. Do you want to walk to Jericho with me? We'll be leading camels -- my camel's name is Clyde -- and treking across the United States and then along the newly discovered land route across the Atlantic Ocean. There might be robbers, pirates, monsters, treasures, princes, lost cities -- who knows what we'll find. What wonders we'll see. Join the caravan. We're walking to Jericho.