Tuesday, December 16, 2014

We Made It Murphy

At 11;30 PST, in the shadows of the Laguna mountains we walked the length of Coronado Island to the edge of Oneonta slough and Hudson, Indiana and I completed our border to border West Coast walk.  

And like most of our Southern  California days, it was sunny and 70.  Indeed, it was a glorious day.  


And like all great endings one not without its comedic twists, cosmic ironies, and poignant moments. 


The morning began with a seven mile hike to the meeting place for our Final Mile which Ginger joined us though I'd quickly learn less for the honor and privilege of partaking in such a powerful experience but more for showing off her new kilt.  Really Ginger???  There can be only One Who Rocks The Kilt...


A couple dozen friends met us to walk the final mile, some we had met along our travels, some were new.  But to my utter shock and surprise, two of my oldest and dearest friends were there:  Jim and Renee with Tripawds.  Man was that way awesome.  And it made a circle round.  You see, they were in Austin to launch our first walk and now at the ending of our second.  Yep I got all choked up. Thanks for the avocados guys - only noticed yesterday you put them in a poop bag.  Hee hee.



Inspired by another of our friends, John Stalls, who walked from Delaware to San  Francisco, I had hoped to jump into the Pacific Ocean to punctuate our tremendous accomplishment but was greeted by this sign.  Apparently Tijuana thinks the slough is a dumping ground for their sewage sludge.  Precise opposite of the pristine Canadian border where began our adventure but the two constants throughout all of it were mountains to east and the ocean at our west.  And my companions by my side.  And that includes not only Indiana who made the entire trek but Hudson who made it to the California border and Malcolm and Murphy in spirit.  


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There are so many people to extend great thanks to - the friends we made along our path, kind and courteous strangers, and even the idiot drivers who although from no lack of trying, didn't kill us on the PCH.  Walking through and across 19 states now, I know of no more treacherous stretch of road.

Thanks to my team and all of the volunteers who helped out in various capacities to ensure our safe passage and make this experience matter, to those who walked the virtual final mile with us, and to our sponsors.  

I have lots of thanking and reflecting to do in the coming weeks but without a moment's rest, I leave now for Texas to catch up on a lot of work, rest a bit, and spend a week with family....









7 comments:

Anonymous said...

So damn happy for you all. What a glorious adventure, to say the least. Your life holds many more amazing adventures & accomplishments than most of us will ever have.

Unknown said...

Bless you! God's work

cinrich said...

Awesome finish Luke, Hudsy and Indy! Fun to have virtually travelled with you on this amazing and meaningful journey. You inspire us all. Go enjoy time with your family. You sure deserve it!

cinrich said...

Awesome finish Luke, Hudsy and Indy! Fun to have virtually travelled with you on this amazing and meaningful journey. You inspire us all. Go enjoy time with your family. You sure deserve it!

JoAnn DAniel said...

I am so happy for you and your pups to have finished this journey safely/ have been a constant in my prayers. Thrilled to have had the chance to meet you. Now can't wait to support you with our Puppy up walk in the spring.

Unknown said...

Congrats Luke, well done. Now rest and have a Merry Christmas

Scott Broecker said...

Hey Luke,

A giant congratulations to both you and Indy. What an amazing effort and accomplishment. It was fun hanging out with you and Indy up here in Moss Landing. Your amazing journey helps unite us all in the continuing battle to defeat Cancer !

Scott Broecker
Coastal Canine Magazine