Joseph's Corner: Day 5, Finishing Strong!

Monday was the last day, and was full of so many different feelings. The strongest was by far the happiness I felt for Rowan and all of BCVI, that this ambitious idea was finished without a problem. I definitely felt some personal satisfaction as well for finishing this intense trek. But I was a little sad that it was over. It definitely felt unreal that we had actually finished something which had been looming in front of us in all our minds for a long time, but it was also very real that, now the walk was over, there would be only a fraction of the attention we deserved on the BCVI.

But we definitely had our moment. And a big one. As we walked the last 1 or 2 miles in our 13 mile-long day, traffic stopped on both sides of the road to cheer us on. There were also a bunch of people who were taking pictures and videotaping us as we walked by, so who knows, we might go viral! We ended at the parking lot of the BCVI main headquarters and the Lion's Club building, which is where the camp is being held. There was a huge crowd waiting for us, and meeting all our supporters and kids who are going to the camp was another eye-opening experience. Actually seeing who is being affected by this fundraiser, how much they need it, and how much they look forward to it gave me even more purpose for this walk. It also motivated so much more to help them during camp and for the next two weeks help change their lives.

After the congratulating and cheerful supporters left, the Garels, Paul and I had our first day in a long time where we could relax and finally spend an afternoon not worrying about surviving the next day. And man, the nap I took that day felt amazing. With that and the great night of sleep I got, finally being able to sleep in past 3:30, I fully prepared to take on the other half of my trip-camp. I was looking forward to what might happen; I had no idea what was in store for me.

Joseph's Corner: Apology

I am so sorry to everyone who was looking forward to reading my daily entries of the walk, I just realized that i have been posting to the blog the entire trip. Since the end of the first day I posted on BCVI's blog for last year, which was for the climb up Victoria peak.

With that said, I hope that you still want to read about my experiences during the trip. I have also decided to blog about my time at camp as well, so you can look forward too. Thank you guys so much for your support throughout this amazing trip.

Video: Walk Across Belize

View the inspiring and heartwarming video collage of Rowan's five-day 90-mile journey
across the country of Belize to raise funds for other blind children.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhUKasurivI

The Walk Across Belize ends and
Summer Camp 2012 begins!

Joseph's Corner: Fourth Day

We are so close, I can feel it. We're actually so close we are staying in the Garel's house IN Belize city tonight. We ended at the 13th mile marker of the highway, so tomorrow will not only be the last day of our great adventure, it will be one of the shortest (thankfully)! Our 18 mile journey today took place under a scorching sun. Thankfully there was a good breeze that kept us cool. And alive. Everyone in the group were total troopers today though, and finished strong. Which is a good sign for what's to come for tomorrow! Already we know several people are going to come out, and there will doubtless be more than planned, just like the rest of this week.
Walking today might have been one of the hottest so far, but all that sun helped to show off the amazing scenery. As we transition from the mountainous and hilly region to the coastal area of the country, the scenery changed to what Paul described as "shrub.". Which sounds a lot less amazing than it was. The entire day, I could see for miles in every direction lush, green palm trees, pines, and other tropical plants. In the distance the mountains could be seen with clouds clinging on to their summits. It reminded me of our first day's beginning, when dawn broke over the mountains above us, illuminating the clouds and mist around us. It was a spectacle then, and today I was reminded of this country's natural beauty; it matches the people's character.
I can't wait to finally complete this tomorrow, it will be a great feeling when we reach the BCVI headquarters! Until then, gracias y hasta luego!

Joseph's Corner: Day Two & Three

The journey continues! Yesterday the place we were staying at had no Internet access, so blogging was impossible. But it had probably the most relaxing pool I have been in, so it was acceptable. We walked 23 miles that day, from the small town of Esperanza to Belize's Capitol Belmopan. And man was it intense! Luckily we finished around noon, just as the sun was coming out, so we avoided the 90-something weather that was predicted for the day. But that didn't stop the hurting. Just abiut everyone's feet felt like they were about to fall off at the end of thr day. Rowan was a true champ through and through, though, never once complaining about the several blisters I found out later he had gotten or the intense pain he said he felt in his feet for more than half the day. He reminded me that any problems I had were tiny in comparison to others', a lesson I have been learning continuously throughout this trip.

We had maybe a dozen people join us for the whole way, and again several more who joined us for parts of the way. And after these last two days, I don't think there is a single person who doesn't know Rowan and his story. Yesterday four different tv stations followed our group for the last mile into Belmopan, videotaping us (but mainly Rowan and his dad) as we were walking. As most of the group collapsed as we finished our hike, Rowan and Joe were forced to use up what little strength they had left to answer the several reporters who were waiting for them. I learned later that the interview and footage was broadcasted on pretty much every news channel during the prime time news, so Rowan really has become a household name!

Today was a little less intense than yesterday; we only walked 18 miles i on mostly flat road. The weather, however, decided to not be as kind and unlike the first two days came out early and came out strong. Our impressive group of almost 35 people did not give in to it though, and pushed through to finish at the Belize zoo, where the Garels and I staying tonight.

I really saw the community of Belize come together during today's walk. Almost every single car, bus, truck, or whatever slowed down and honked or waved to us as we passed; several small crowds waited for us along the road to cheer us on; and it seemed that every other car or person that went by donated something.  In fact, one cyclist stopped by out of nowhere and handed Rowan a $1500 check. It turns out that he was from 'Energy for Life,' a charity set up by the Belize Oil companies who learned about Riwan and wanted to support his cause. It was hard to believe just how big this fundraiser had gotten, and we still have two more days of unknown potential to go. I'm excited for what might happen next!

Today also marked an important benchmark in our trip: we passed the halfway point! At the end of the day we had walked 53 miles, and tomorrow we're aiming for another 18 miles to bring us even closer to the finish line! We also left the Cayo district, the westernmost, mountainous, district of Belize, and entered the Belize district, which is (thankfully) mostly flat and goes all the way to the coast and Belize city.
Tomorrow I will be able to post another entry, and hope you will read about what interesting things we're going to do! Until then, good night.

Rowan & I
Walk Across Belize

Joseph's Corner: Day 1

Hello again everybody! There was so much that happened today, I have no idea how to tell you all! Today was the first day of actual walking, and I have to admit it was not as bad as I had feared. Throughout the day we grew from just about 10 people to as many as 30, as Belizeans from the villages we were walking through joined us. We started later than we were aiming for, 5:00 AM, and walked for 4 hours, covering 12 or 13 miles. Not a bad start. Unfortunately this means the plan for tomorrow is to almost double that distance and cover 23 miles in an effort to end the day at the country's Capitol Belmopan.
We started off this morning in a quaint little village named Benque on the Guatemalan border and with the help of a mopad-mounted policeman as our escort, we traveled to the town of San Ignacio, where we are staying the night. We passed several very small villages and farms along our walk, since it is the countryside, but of the roadsides were blanketed by thick rainforest vegetation and environment. In the beginning of the walk, before any of the countless cars or buses which passed us throughout the day started up, I found myself in the midst of one of the most tranquil times of my life. Since very few in the group had coffee that morning, almost no noise could be heard besides the occasional bird call as dawn broke over the mountains that surrounded us. It was truly a breathtaking time.
Another great part of the walk today was the realization that Rowan may, in fact, be the most famous person I know. Or will ever know. It seemed like every person who passes us, or who was watching as we passed them, knew all about Rowan and his journey. Constantly drivers would slow down, honk and wave at the group, then look at Rowan and smile and honk a couple more times to voice their support. As our group walked into San Ignacio dozens of people came out of their small, brightly colored houses and either cheered us on, asked how they could donate, or even joined us for a little ways. It was an amazing sight to see the entire community of Belize come together for this one amazing boy.
Tonight we are staying at the hotel of a friend of BCVI, where we (aka Rowan and his entourage) have been treated like royalty. In the early evening, Rowan even got asked if he could spare a few minutes for some local fans of his! The seven of us left at the hotel went down to his guests and we ended up spending 2 or so hours with a group of children with disabilities and their parents. They shared stories about how supporting themselves and simply living was a challenge for them, and how much Rowan and his cause have inspired them. Even the owner of the inn shared how Rowan was helping her get through a rough time in her life by taking on this walk.
Already I have been a witness to and a part of so many great things here in Belize, and I can only wait to see what else lies ahead that might blow me away even more. Tomorrow night, I'll let you know. Until then, good night!

Guiding Rowan

Driving the Walk (Past Post)

We apologize for these posts having ended up in the wrong blog ...
Please enjoy the journey with us ... again :)

Today we are driving the route from Benque to Belize City in hopes of raising much needed funds to support Rowan and the other children in our Rehab Programme. We hope his 90 miles in 5 days will inspire you to contribute!