MR. DIABETES® WAKE UP AND WALK® TOURUPDATE - November, 2007
LOCATION: Atlanta, Georgia
TOTAL MILES: 8908.2
Well, folks, this UPDATE is going to a very short one. It’s been a full month with lots going on, but it’s been quite repetitive. The media has been keeping me very busy. Of course, you know that because I post all that activity on the Home Page of the website under WHAT’S NEW – at the top left. Actually, go to it now and see what I’ve been up to lately, if you haven’t been there in a while. www.DefeatDiabetes.org
As far as the distance covered, it hasn’t been a record breaker. But, the roadways I’ve been walking between Augusta and Atlanta have been (mostly Rte 278) have been extremely walker UNfriendly! I’ve been dodging traffic the entire way and the walking conditions have been quite untenable. So, under these circumstances I am very pleased with the progress made.
On the city sights I’ve enjoyed along this stretch, I have been on a most fantastic “trip” through American history “southern” style. Small cities and towns have lined this route and each one is more picturesque than the next. And, they all share a healthy respect for their honored past(s). Let me suggest a visit to any, or all, of the following: Augusta, Thomson, Warrenton, Greensboro, Madison, Covington, Conyers and, of course, Atlanta.
We’ve been camped in Madison, in a great little campground – Country Boy’s RV Park. We decided to stay here for a month because of its convenience to the walking route of Route 278. For traveling on the highway, it’s along Interstate 20. (Walking is not permitted along the interstates.)
I became spiritually attached to Madison. From the moment I walked into the city limits I thought I had stepped into a Norman Rockwell painting. Everything was accented by the most fantastic display of seasonal color. The leaves of the many majestic trees that lined Main Street were at their height of change. They formed a canopy that covered the street and the many mansions that lined the street. Then, when I reached the downtown, history came alive. Madison became a city in 1809 and survived Sherman’s March to the Sea during The Civil War. Madisonians honor their illustrious past, as they continue to build on it for the future. And the people of Madison, (actually, the South in general) are wonderful. Something can be said for “southern hospitality”.
Also, of particular fun was Greensboro. When Russ and I arrived they were about to take down their Halloween decoration in preparation for their Christmas celebration. It is quite a site to see – Halloween, that is. If their Christmas decoration(s) are anything like Halloween’s, it will be an incredible show!!
For Thanksgiving I joined Russ & Shirley Barriger, my Tour Managers. Shirley cooked up a fantastic traditional dinner. And I even got some to take home – it didn’t last beyond the next day!!
As for me, besides THE WALK™ and DDF duties, I’ve been actively involved with our MADDCAP™ program. To learn about it please go to the website and click on the “flashing” blue icon with the stick figure doing the karate side kick: www.DefeatDiabetes.org And, in this martial arts mode, I have also been active as a member of Team 5 of The Ultimate Black Belt Test, a 13 month challenge for martial artists to test their MA skills and bring these disciplines into the real world to impact those things in our communities needing change.
You will be able to follow the UBBT, meet its participants, and marvel at how this concept of Master Teacher Tom Callos has captured the imagination of martial artists from all over the world and has won a seat of prominence with Black Belt Magazine, arguably the authority on all things martial arts. BBM will feature the UBBT every month for the next year. For a detailed description of the Ultimate Black Belt Test you can access it by clicking on the link that appears in the MADDCAP™ description. I am truly honored to have been asked to participate.
And be sure to check out our newest program to assist ALL care givers and families. It has been in development for 1 ½ years and will make communications and health care a lot easier. Please go to our website and click on CareGiverHelper (it’s on the side rail): www.DefeatDiabetes.org Oh, it’s FREE!!
Now, we’re winding down for 2007. Russ and Shirley will be heading back to Michigan to share the Holidays with their family and friends. This down time will be from December 15 – January 7. Then, we’ll pick up THE WALK™ where we break it off and continue on to Macon, Savannah and then south into Jacksonville, FL. Then, it’ll be down the east coast of Florida to the Keyes and then back up the Gulf Coast to Madeira Beach where THE WALK™ began with the Trial Walk on December 1, 2000. I expect to finish just one year from now, December, 2008. And, yes, of course, you are all invited to join me for these final miles. Keep checking the website for developing information.
And, I’m trying to add pictures in a meaningful and fun way. Every walking day is captured in pics. From the camera on my hip I take 200-500 pics and Russ will take 100-200 pics from the support vehicle. This is in addition to the camcorder, always working to capture the “motion and sound” of THE WALK™. So, please be kind and understanding as this “old” mind learns the technology to post the more select of these pics. To see them go to: http://www.defeatdiabetes.org/tour/gallery.asp and allow me time to post the pics. So, revisit frequently.
As always, I invite your participation in any of our worthwhile programs. If you wish to advertise your products/services on our website, or be a Sponsor please go to our Products & Services tab at the top of all website pages to learn about our prices and policies. Should you wish to make a donation to support any of our existing programs, simply click on the torch found on the rail of each website page.
Remember, your donation is to a 501(c)(3) charity and is tax deductible. There is no amount you can donate that is too little – every dollar helps. Just do the best you can. But, most importantly – GET INVOLVED!!! Please help us to continue to help you. Thank you.
Good Health.
Andy Mandell
MR. DIABETES®
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