Are We There Yet?

Conqueror Challenges, Conqueror Events, Creative non-fiction, Gratitude, Iceland, My Virtual Mission, Ring Road, Travel, Vancouver Island, Virtual Challenge, Walking 3 Minutes

In Part One – “The Honeymoon Period” (Link here)

I introduced you to how I am walking the Conqueror Virtual Challenge, Ring Road, Iceland.  

My goal:  1332.5 km in 168 days

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Part Two – “Are We There Yet?”

  • Five postcards sent.
  • One tree planted.
  • 475km walked.
  • 35% completed.

One Pervasive Thought

              “I do not walk alone“

Some Of The People Who Walk Alongside Me

Annika Perry shares a beautiful and fascinating post describing her virtual walk along Hadrian’s Wall, as part of the Conqueror Challenge along with her In Real Life walk near her home. “Duality Of Walks”

At the end of her post, Annika shares the song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,’ Sir Captain Tom Moore recorded with Michael Ball.  (‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ link)

            Beautiful music, powerful words, a moving message, inspire every step I take.

Susan Scott shares inspirational words she recently heard as part of a podcast. Dr. James Hollis, a Jungian Analyst says ‘…he’s too busy living and working, learning and loving to worry too much about aging in spite of being in treatment for cancer.’  Susan Scott’s post “Aging”

            I save these words in my “Inspiration File.”

My Daughter on the left, My Friend on the right – Godafoss, Iceland, 2017

Pete Springer writes about topics that matter and make a difference. Pete shares the lyrics of a song “Somebody’s Baby” by Pat Benatar in his heartwarming and thought-provoking post “Lessons in Humanity.” Part of the song lyrics: Pat Benatar – Somebody’s Baby

He used to be somebody’s baby

Someone used to hold him close, and rock him gently

He used to be the light in someone’s eyes

He used to matter, he used to matter

Someone cared if he lived or died

Someone held him in their arms – when he cried

And when he hurt, someone kept the world away

Someone loved him, someone loved him.

            We were all somebody’s baby. We all matter. We all make a difference.

Godafoss, Iceland, 2017

Yvette Prior Priorhouse Blog always kind, generous and thoughtful, recently brought the phrase “share your essence” into my radar.

  • A stunning photo.
  • A beautiful painting.
  • A poignant song.
  • Creative words. Thoughtful words. Kind words.

            Thank you for “sharing your essence“

Myvatn Nature Baths, Iceland, 2017

My Walks In Solitude

Under the evening stars and many phases of the moon.

I hear the sounds of silence.

I also hear your footsteps alongside me.

You have bared your soul. Shared your essence. Forever changed me.

            I do not walk alone.

My Husband, Saxe Point, Victoria, B.C. February 2021
Saxe Point, Victoria, B.C. February, 2021

Are We There Yet?

Often, a gentle nudge out the door.

Sometimes, slogging it out. 

            Rain, Snow, Sleet, Howling Winds…typical West Coast weather.

Most of the time, the best part of my day!

I am not there yet.  857.5 kilometres left to go.

            Thank you for walking alongside me on this journey.

My Neighbourhood, February, 2021

Are you part of a fitness challenge? Do you get out on daily walks?

Have recent words made a difference in your life?

Myvatn Nature Baths, Iceland – Virtual 2021 & In Real Life 2017

Behind The Scenery

I Fell In Love With “The Kiffness” This Past Year

Beautiful, poignant songs.

Parodies guaranteed to make you smile.

Susan Scott Garden of Eden Blog has a talented and creative family. Her son, David Scott, founded a well known South African Band, “The Kiffness.”

In the first video, David Scott and his wife, Jute Scott, sing a powerful, moving song ‘A South African Blessing’ Tribute to Healthcare Workers. The song includes Zulu and Afrikaans. (Derived from “Irish Blessing” by J.E. Moore) 

In the second video, David Scott and his Father sing “Father & Son (Cat Stevens Lockdown Parody)”  

Published

141 thoughts on “Are We There Yet?”

  1. I must have been in need of a good sob, Erica. I just watched the Captain Tom video and howled. Maybe not the best way to start your day but a lot has been going on in life lately. Some good, some bad. The rollercoaster that is life. Thanks for keeping on, keeping on 🙂 🙂

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    1. The theme of this post gravitated to how every single person who crosses my path each day makes a difference in my life. You are aware first hand, Frank, how walking helps us clarify thoughts and reflect on life. I really enjoy “The Kiffness.” I am glad you loved them, too. Thank you for visiting and sharing your thoughtful and kind words. 🙂

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  3. These virtual challenges have been so helpful during this pandemic. Enjoyed reading about the people who have walked alongside you.

    I am involved in a yearlong challenge called A Great Canadian Running Challenge! 😀

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    1. Really nice to meet you, Carl. I began to visit your blog and an hour later I am still immersed in your interesting and inspirational stories. I left you a note, and I think you may moderate comments. I greatly appreciate you visiting here and following.

      A virtual challenge is motivating and fun. Even though I often enjoy walking alone, I do feel the presence of people walking beside me and entering my thoughts. Every single person who has crossed my path has changed my life. Thank you for your supportive comment. I am glad our paths crossed. 🙂

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      1. Hi Erika! I really appreciate you bringing your note to my attention. It was found in my spam que. Which I found very unusual when I saw the difference between your beautiful comment, and the actual spam that has been held there. I don’t check my spam very often. Maybe I should check it more often.

        It is really nice to meet you as well. And thank you for the follow back. I discovered your blog in the comment thread of one Sue and Dave’s Travel Tales of Life’s articles. I am quite selective who I follow (only about a couple a month), but I noticed immediately how engaging you are with your readers. Which I love.

        People who do cross our paths really do change our lives. When I do my runs and walks I often think of others and fell their presence. It gives much strength.😀 🙏

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        1. Hi Carl, The post I commented on was ‘learning to slow down.’ It may be because I was using Safari versus Google Chrome? Occasionally WP is unpredictable. A really great point how even the virtual presence of others gives us strength. Have fun enjoying the moments. I look forward to reading more.🙂

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  4. For some reason, this heartfelt, heartwarming, inspirational post really “got” to me, as it did some of your other readers. The song lyrics to “Somebody’s baby” brought me to my mom, gone since May but still here in my soul. No matter my age, or hers, I was always her baby, and as moms, of course, our kids are always OUR babies. The love spreads all over the place, doesn’t it, as we “meet” people on our path, whether in person or virtually. Keep on walking your paths, Erica. ❤

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    1. Thank you for your lovely, heartfelt comment, Pam. The Mother/Child relationship is forever. ❤️My husband and I go for walks together, yet I appreciate the solitary walks in a different way. Clarity, quiet, especially the evening walks. Spring is beginning to surface in our hemisphere. Yeah! 🙂Hope you and loved ones are well, Pam. ❤️

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    1. I am happy to hear from you, Miriam, whenever you are able to visit. Family and real life is always a priority. ❤️I look forward to reading about your granddaughter Nora’s birthday. Wonderful how you were able to visit!❤️

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  6. This is a gorgeous post of your virtual walk in Iceland, Erica. It helps when you were actually there in 2017. My daughter and her husband were there in 2019 when I watched my granddaughter Autumn all by myself. I heard of the recent volcano in Iceland. I wish to travel there someday. If I had gone, I would feel more connected to join the challenge. I love all of your stunning photos. Thank you for sharing your goal and your progress! ❤

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    1. Miriam, I recall you mentioning watching Autumn all by yourself. Your family is very lucky to have you in their lives. ❤️The recent volcano in Iceland is fascinating, and I hope no one gets hurt. People have been getting very close to it. You are right, the virtual walk is more fun since I have been to see some of the Iceland sites in real life. Thank you for your thoughtful, supportive words. I look forward to reading about your recent visit for your granddaughter’s birthday.❤️

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      1. I think relationship goes both ways. I’m lucky to have my daughter’s family, especially the grandkids in our lives. We’re blessed to have the kids love to do things with us and make our lives interesting. ❤ ❤

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    1. Hi Jude, I am happy you listened to “The Kiffness.” This group brought tears to my eyes and the second video a smile. We will definitely return to Iceland when we have the opportunity. Hopefully we will get a chance to get together this year when things improve around here.

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  8. The scenery is just so beautiful Erica ❤️. I walk 5.6 kms each morning. Your 168 day trek averages 8km each day. It inspires me to up my daily distance. Thank you 🙏

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    1. Thank you, Ananda. 5.6kms daily is significant. You know first hand how it keeps us healthy on many levels. It is wonderful how writers/bloggers/walkers inspire and support each other. 😀

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