So, um... note to self: the trees are dangerous...
Finally met the infamous Tom Bombadil. He's quite a merry fellow. Love those boots. He invited us to his house for a bit of dinner. It's just up ahead.
Total miles so far:
95.28
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Three things I hate this week
Three things I hate about the journey this week:
Total miles so far:
92.83
- Being attacked by flies
- Being attacked by trees
- This darn exhaustion! I'm tired and sleepy and just want to lay my head on the tree roots and go to sleep.
Total miles so far:
92.83
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Out of the Shire; Into the Fire
Why he had to wake us up at 4:30 AM, I'll never understand, but Merry was insistent. Fatty was kind enough to lend the hobbits some ponies, so everyone's spirits are a little higher today. I'm still running, but my speed is pretty slow. We're keeping up each other's pace very well.
Fatty led us to a huge gate in the hedge. We passed through it, the door clanging shut behind us, and were all reminded that we had just left the boundaries of the Shire. Home is behind.
It's very unnerving here in the Old Forest. I have to keep reminding myself that Trees Don't Move. We keep losing the path to the Bonfire Glade, even though it was just there a second ago, I swear it!
Total miles so far:
79.23
Fatty led us to a huge gate in the hedge. We passed through it, the door clanging shut behind us, and were all reminded that we had just left the boundaries of the Shire. Home is behind.
It's very unnerving here in the Old Forest. I have to keep reminding myself that Trees Don't Move. We keep losing the path to the Bonfire Glade, even though it was just there a second ago, I swear it!
Total miles so far:
79.23
Monday, June 24, 2013
Crickhollow: We'll leave the light on for you
Five miles of running/walking today for me! I'm starting to feel like a proper adventurer.
Parallel to the road we find ourselves on is the High Hay, a huge hedge (say that 10 times fast!) between the Old Forest and the land of Buckland. This is a strange place, and while it's not exactly creepy, it's certainly not the place for a picnic. I'm rather glad I don't have the baby with me today.
The hobbits spent the night feasting and gossiping with Fatty Bolger, who made them as comfortable as possible. Frodo wants to retire here. It's too foggy and freaky for me. I keep thinking I see movement in the forest. It's probably just my imagination.
Total miles so far:
74.23
 |
| (Not the actual High Hay Hedge, but close.) |
Parallel to the road we find ourselves on is the High Hay, a huge hedge (say that 10 times fast!) between the Old Forest and the land of Buckland. This is a strange place, and while it's not exactly creepy, it's certainly not the place for a picnic. I'm rather glad I don't have the baby with me today.
The hobbits spent the night feasting and gossiping with Fatty Bolger, who made them as comfortable as possible. Frodo wants to retire here. It's too foggy and freaky for me. I keep thinking I see movement in the forest. It's probably just my imagination.
Total miles so far:
74.23
Sunday, June 23, 2013
The hobbits cheated a bit today...
I started running this week, training for a 5K race. The hobbits are having none of it, and somehow managed to convince Maggot to take them to the Buckleberry Ferry landing in the back of his wagon!
All those guys do is EAT! I don't know where they put it all!
I managed a good bit of running while those lazy sods were munching on mushrooms:
June 18 - 2.5 miles
June 20 - 3.75 miles
June 22 - 3.75 miles
June 23 - 3.75 miles
Total miles so far:
71.73
All those guys do is EAT! I don't know where they put it all!
I managed a good bit of running while those lazy sods were munching on mushrooms:
June 18 - 2.5 miles
June 20 - 3.75 miles
June 22 - 3.75 miles
June 23 - 3.75 miles
Total miles so far:
71.73
Thursday, June 20, 2013
A Short Cut to Mushrooms
The woods are behind us now, and the land is becoming increasingly more tame. This is the edge of the Marish, and you can see how the fields are sectioned into farm lands.
Frodo freaked out a little bit when he realized we were at the edges of Farmer Maggot's field. Something about dogs, I think. Apparently he's afraid of them. Baby and I saw a couple of small dogs along the way, but nothing to be concerned about.
Maggot met us at the gate and gave us some beer and food. There was talk of "That Baggins Chap" and a shadowy figure asking around about him. Hobbits aren't in the habit of talking to foreigners, so I doubt he learned anything. Did I mention hobbit food is delicious?
All these mushrooms made me think of this:
http://americanfood.about.com/od/saucesdipsanddressings/r/Mushroom_Gravy.htm
Total miles so far:
64.23
Frodo freaked out a little bit when he realized we were at the edges of Farmer Maggot's field. Something about dogs, I think. Apparently he's afraid of them. Baby and I saw a couple of small dogs along the way, but nothing to be concerned about.
Maggot met us at the gate and gave us some beer and food. There was talk of "That Baggins Chap" and a shadowy figure asking around about him. Hobbits aren't in the habit of talking to foreigners, so I doubt he learned anything. Did I mention hobbit food is delicious?
All these mushrooms made me think of this:
http://americanfood.about.com/od/saucesdipsanddressings/r/Mushroom_Gravy.htm
Total miles so far:
64.23
Sunday, June 16, 2013
"Short cuts make long delays"
We slept late today. Well, Frodo did. Everybody else was up at daybreak. Frodo and Pippin argued about which way to head, mostly because Pippin had us all excited about drinking at the Golden Perch at Stock, but Frodo wanted to head to the Buckleberry Ferry. As usual, Frodo won.
His "shortcut" ended up leading to a thicket of brambles around a stream, which was none too fun to cut our way through. But it made for excellent cover, when Sam noticed a Black Rider checking out the river valley. We trudged through the bushes and brambles -- hot, sweaty, scratchy, tired, and lost. We waded through the stream, which Pippin recognized as Stock-brook, and came to a forest of oak trees that were extremely dense, but at least on level ground. It was pouring down rain by this time, and conversation was at a minimum. This leg of the journey will probably not go down in history as the best time ever had by a company. It didn't help matters or morale any when Pippin decided we'd turned too far south and suggested backtracking, which Frodo nixed.
Thankfully lunchtime was salvaged by our realization that the Elves had refilled our bottles with a pale gold drink that had a slightly intoxicating effect. After that, the rain didn't much bother us, and the walk was actually becoming enjoyable again -- until we heard the shrieking. Nobody said it out loud, but I knew the wailing came from Black Riders. So much for enjoying the trip.
Total miles so far:
54.98
His "shortcut" ended up leading to a thicket of brambles around a stream, which was none too fun to cut our way through. But it made for excellent cover, when Sam noticed a Black Rider checking out the river valley. We trudged through the bushes and brambles -- hot, sweaty, scratchy, tired, and lost. We waded through the stream, which Pippin recognized as Stock-brook, and came to a forest of oak trees that were extremely dense, but at least on level ground. It was pouring down rain by this time, and conversation was at a minimum. This leg of the journey will probably not go down in history as the best time ever had by a company. It didn't help matters or morale any when Pippin decided we'd turned too far south and suggested backtracking, which Frodo nixed.
Thankfully lunchtime was salvaged by our realization that the Elves had refilled our bottles with a pale gold drink that had a slightly intoxicating effect. After that, the rain didn't much bother us, and the walk was actually becoming enjoyable again -- until we heard the shrieking. Nobody said it out loud, but I knew the wailing came from Black Riders. So much for enjoying the trip.
Total miles so far:
54.98
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Elves, SIr!
We had traveling companions these last few miles -- exiled High Elves! Sam was thrilled and awed, Frodo took it in stride, and Pippin just about fell asleep every half mile. I'm more of a dwarf person myself, but I enjoyed the singing.
The elves have a strange effect on everyone. There is a peaceful quiet about them, even as they speak their ancient language. Once Frodo displayed his knowledge of the High Elvish language, there was little conversation thereafter. The path was green and woodsy and hilly, and you could see the lights of the village of Woodhall below us.
We camped at Woody End. The baby and I went to bed early, but the hobbits and elves partied into the wee hours of the night. What they could possibly be talking about for that long is just beyond me. I heard "black riders" mentioned a few times, which made me more nervous than I cared to admit.
Total miles so far:
45.88
 |
| Our Elven traveling companion, Gildor Inglorion. |
The elves have a strange effect on everyone. There is a peaceful quiet about them, even as they speak their ancient language. Once Frodo displayed his knowledge of the High Elvish language, there was little conversation thereafter. The path was green and woodsy and hilly, and you could see the lights of the village of Woodhall below us.
We camped at Woody End. The baby and I went to bed early, but the hobbits and elves partied into the wee hours of the night. What they could possibly be talking about for that long is just beyond me. I heard "black riders" mentioned a few times, which made me more nervous than I cared to admit.
Total miles so far:
45.88
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood...
The road, which had run straight for several miles, has now bent left and goes down into the lowlands of the Yale on its way to Stock. But another road branches off to the right, winding through an oak forest and headed to Woodhall. This is the road Frodo decides we need to take.
It's a picturesque route, in some ways, because one of the first things we came across was a huge hollow tree that would make a great playhouse.
We haven't heard hoof-beats for some time, so we're settling down a little bit. Frodo launches into a rather appropriate song:
Home is behind, the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadows to the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Then world behind and home ahead
We'll wander back to home and bed.
Total distance thus far:
39.68 miles
It's a picturesque route, in some ways, because one of the first things we came across was a huge hollow tree that would make a great playhouse.
We haven't heard hoof-beats for some time, so we're settling down a little bit. Frodo launches into a rather appropriate song:
Home is behind, the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadows to the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Then world behind and home ahead
We'll wander back to home and bed.
Total distance thus far:
39.68 miles
Sunday, May 26, 2013
BLACK RIDER! (And no, it's not Tom Waits.)
"Do Elves live in these woods," [Sam] asked.
"Not that I ever heard," said Pippin.
The day started out fine. The road we're on isn't used much, as it's not fit for carts, and there's little traffic to the Woody End.
At this point the fellowship of Hobbits hears the distinct noise of a pony or horse behind them (some thought it might be Gandalf) and they leave the main road and hide. It was the Black Rider, sniffing for them, and fortunately Frodo didn't get a chance to slip on the Ring and turn invisible. And of course Sam only just then remembers the curious and queer fellow who was asking around about Frodo. (Really?)
So now we're off the road proper, and walking about a stone's throw to the left of the road. It's uneven ground, and at home all the rain has turned the dirt to mud, so we're moving slower than before.
Total Miles thus far:
34.48
"Not that I ever heard," said Pippin.
 |
| Photo credit: Alexander James - http://images.elfwood.com |
The day started out fine. The road we're on isn't used much, as it's not fit for carts, and there's little traffic to the Woody End.
At this point the fellowship of Hobbits hears the distinct noise of a pony or horse behind them (some thought it might be Gandalf) and they leave the main road and hide. It was the Black Rider, sniffing for them, and fortunately Frodo didn't get a chance to slip on the Ring and turn invisible. And of course Sam only just then remembers the curious and queer fellow who was asking around about Frodo. (Really?)
So now we're off the road proper, and walking about a stone's throw to the left of the road. It's uneven ground, and at home all the rain has turned the dirt to mud, so we're moving slower than before.
Total Miles thus far:
34.48
Friday, May 24, 2013
Elevenses - Did you know this is real?
 |
| (Graphic by Jake at GhostGlide. http://ghostglide.tumblr.com/) |
I swear I should have been born a Hobbit because I'm always looking for an excuse to eat. Wasn't I surprised that the Hobbit mean "Elevenses" is actually a real thing in England and Ireland! Gotta love you Brits!
Elevenses is kind of like Afternoon Tea, only it's eaten in the morning -- around 11:00 am, thus the name. This meal typically consists of something sweetish -- cookies or a pastry or coffeecake, with tea or coffee.
Now WHY exactly aren't we doing this in the US?
Today: More walking. The road rolls ever up and down ...
In other news, Baby and I went exploring since I found my old Magellan GPS and wanted to see if still worked. Actually I don't think I ever used it, so I guess I wanted to see if it worked at all. It was a good thing I had it with me because we got completely lost in one of the subdivisions behind our house. Pretty pathetic, getting lost in your own backyard, basically. The good news is the GPS works fine and now I know how to use the "Backtrack" feature.
We can JUST see across the Woody End to the River. For the next 3 miles or so, the road seems pretty straight and level. I suspect our next day's journey to be nothing terribly exciting. No adventure, danger, or anything of that sort ...
Total Distance thus far:
28.98 miles
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Breakfast! First or second, whichever.
Still trekking on the same path. Nothing much to see here.
Literally.
'Cause it's dark.
Today's post is also inspired by LOTRO (which if you're a Tolkien fan and you're not playing, you should be. It is really one of the best MMORPGs out there, if only in terms of the beauty of the graphics and how faithful the game play and scenery is to the "real" Middle Earth.)
Another one of the first recipes cooks can learn is for the humble "Eggs and Onions" item, which gives you +3 might for 20 minutes. So I'm going to offer the real-life alternative for +200 calories for energy throughout the early morning. (Or whenever you need a quick snack!)
It's simple:
(I'd recommend making these eggs a little firmer than your typical runny scrambled eggs. When the mushrooms start to release their water, it thins out the mixture, so cook at a slightly higher heat to steam off the excess water.)
For the cholesterol-conscious, you can use any egg substitute. I personally don't see that it changes the taste much. And remember, breakfast foods don't "expire" after 11am. Scrambled eggs make a great teatime treat or midnight snack.
Now if you're still hungry after all this, it's probably getting close to Second Breakfast time! (Usually eaten between First Breakfast and Elevenses.) In the game, an interesting meal choice is called "Shire Porridge" which when eaten gives the player + 964 non-Combat Morale Regeeration and +1035 non-Combat Power Regeneration for 30 minutes. In non-gamer terms, this means you "fill up" faster.
Shire Porridge is described as a "simple porridge of oats and spices" but I noticed one of the ingredients is blueberries. Personally I've never eaten oatmeal with any fruit other than apple, but I found this recipe and I want to try it out:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/health/nutrition/28recipehealth.html?_r=0
Of course, a far easier version would be to make packaged oatmeal and just throw in some fresh blueberries, if you're feeling lazy.
Total Distance Thus Far:
25.78 miles
Literally.
'Cause it's dark.
Today's post is also inspired by LOTRO (which if you're a Tolkien fan and you're not playing, you should be. It is really one of the best MMORPGs out there, if only in terms of the beauty of the graphics and how faithful the game play and scenery is to the "real" Middle Earth.)
Another one of the first recipes cooks can learn is for the humble "Eggs and Onions" item, which gives you +3 might for 20 minutes. So I'm going to offer the real-life alternative for +200 calories for energy throughout the early morning. (Or whenever you need a quick snack!)
It's simple:
- Take 3 eggs and mix them together with 1/4 cup of onion and 1/4 cup of mushrooms.
- Now scramble the mixture.
- Spice as desired (a little salt and pepper, tabasco, whatever)
- Enjoy.
(I'd recommend making these eggs a little firmer than your typical runny scrambled eggs. When the mushrooms start to release their water, it thins out the mixture, so cook at a slightly higher heat to steam off the excess water.)
For the cholesterol-conscious, you can use any egg substitute. I personally don't see that it changes the taste much. And remember, breakfast foods don't "expire" after 11am. Scrambled eggs make a great teatime treat or midnight snack.
Now if you're still hungry after all this, it's probably getting close to Second Breakfast time! (Usually eaten between First Breakfast and Elevenses.) In the game, an interesting meal choice is called "Shire Porridge" which when eaten gives the player + 964 non-Combat Morale Regeeration and +1035 non-Combat Power Regeneration for 30 minutes. In non-gamer terms, this means you "fill up" faster.
Shire Porridge is described as a "simple porridge of oats and spices" but I noticed one of the ingredients is blueberries. Personally I've never eaten oatmeal with any fruit other than apple, but I found this recipe and I want to try it out:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/health/nutrition/28recipehealth.html?_r=0
Of course, a far easier version would be to make packaged oatmeal and just throw in some fresh blueberries, if you're feeling lazy.
Total Distance Thus Far:
25.78 miles
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Mushroom Pie!
(Boring zigzag road continues. We logged 2.5 miles today.)
In the Lord of the Rings Online game, (LOTRO), one of the crafts that characters can learn is cooking, and one of the first recipes that apprentice cooks learn is for Mushroom Pie.
In the game, when you character eats the Mushroom Pie, he or she is awarded the following buff:
In reality, a real Mushroom Pie is a reasonably healthy choice for people (and hobbits) who are tired of roast chicken. This following recipe comes highly recommended and the eater is awarded the following nutritional benefits, per 1/8 pie serving:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/health/northern-greek-mushroom-and-onion-pie-recipes-for-health.html?_r=0
Total Distance Thus Far:
21.74 miles
In the Lord of the Rings Online game, (LOTRO), one of the crafts that characters can learn is cooking, and one of the first recipes that apprentice cooks learn is for Mushroom Pie.
In the game, when you character eats the Mushroom Pie, he or she is awarded the following buff:
- Removes up to 1 Disease, Fear effect with maximum strength of 10 from the target.
+30 in-Combat Power Regen
+30.7 in-Combat Morale Regen
+404 non-Combat Morale Regen
+450 non-Combat Power Regen
In reality, a real Mushroom Pie is a reasonably healthy choice for people (and hobbits) who are tired of roast chicken. This following recipe comes highly recommended and the eater is awarded the following nutritional benefits, per 1/8 pie serving:
- 166 calories
- 9 grams fat
- 18 grams carbohydrates
- 2 grams dietary fiber
- 5 grams protein
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/health/northern-greek-mushroom-and-onion-pie-recipes-for-health.html?_r=0
Total Distance Thus Far:
21.74 miles
Monday, May 20, 2013
Of Foxes and Hobbitses...
We've just passed the campsite where Frodo, Sam, and Pippin rested after their first day's journey. Yes, you read that right. We've come one Hobbit's day journey in a week. Of course Frodo didn't have a day job, so we have nothing to be ashamed of :)
The original company encountered a fox about this time. We saw a squirrel. I guess that counts.
There won't be much to blog about for the next ten miles or so, as the road just zigzags to the stop of a steep hill. I'll try to find out some interesting details to keep things entertaining.
Total Distance this far:
19.24 miles
Sunday, May 19, 2013
A Song For the Dark
We've come a decent way already, and today we passed the Road which takes you to Woodhall, Stock, and the Bucklebury Ferry. (That used to be a ferry (well, really just a small
boat) that would take travelers across the water, but somewhere along
the line the boat itself went missing. You can fish off the landings, but you'll only ever catch dace.)
Stock is pretty much a swamp, and since we weren't carrying bug-spray, I had no desire for a detour. Press on we must, on to the cloven track in the darkness of tall trees. And of course the road is uphill...
Stock is pretty much a swamp, and since we weren't carrying bug-spray, I had no desire for a detour. Press on we must, on to the cloven track in the darkness of tall trees. And of course the road is uphill...
Total distance:
16.16 miles
Saturday, May 18, 2013
We're not "Proper" fellows, now are we?
So, it's been raining off and on for a couple of days, and Baby and I chose to opt out of walking. I know, I know: we can hardly call ourselves fellowship members when we let a little rain keep us home.
In any case, we haven't made much progress lately. When the Fellowship got this far, they ate a frugal supper in a birch grove. Baby and I split a banana in honor of them.
Total Distance So Far:
12.79 miles
In any case, we haven't made much progress lately. When the Fellowship got this far, they ate a frugal supper in a birch grove. Baby and I split a banana in honor of them.
Total Distance So Far:
12.79 miles
Friday, May 17, 2013
Goodbye Hobbiton :(
 |
| Farewell Hobbiton! (Photo credit hobbitontours.com) |
This is such a beautiful place. It's quite hard to leave.
Total Distance So Far:
9.6 miles
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Welcome to Tookland!
Today's journey was long and picturesque. Following the hedgerows south and crossing the water on a plank bridge (oh my!) led us to the Great Road. This road was built by the elves ages and ages ago and connects the Shire to Rivendell, if the old maps can be trusted. Let's hope so, because that's where we're headed.
We crossed the Brandywine Bridge, originally called the Bridge of Stonebows, which is a massive bit of stone construction that's impressive even to this city girl. The hobbits have taken really good care of it over the years, and it shows. (To be accurate, that slow-moving river is really called the River Baranduin, but pretty much everybody in this area calls it the "Brandywine.")
And on to Tookland!
It's a pretty place, but rather devoid of anything to do. We checked out Tuckborough, which was your typical small town. Personally I wish the Great Smials would have a Parade of Homes because I would really like to see inside those amazing holes.
I can't get over the smell of bears here. It's unnerving.
Total Distance So Far:
5.12 miles
We crossed the Brandywine Bridge, originally called the Bridge of Stonebows, which is a massive bit of stone construction that's impressive even to this city girl. The hobbits have taken really good care of it over the years, and it shows. (To be accurate, that slow-moving river is really called the River Baranduin, but pretty much everybody in this area calls it the "Brandywine.")
And on to Tookland!
 |
| The green hills of Tookland. (Photo credit LOTRO Wiki) |
It's a pretty place, but rather devoid of anything to do. We checked out Tuckborough, which was your typical small town. Personally I wish the Great Smials would have a Parade of Homes because I would really like to see inside those amazing holes.
I can't get over the smell of bears here. It's unnerving.
Total Distance So Far:
5.12 miles
Monday, May 13, 2013
The Road Goes Ever On and On...
Or at least it seems like it.
So we set out from the Shire today for the first leg of our journey: Bag End to Rivendell, a distance of 458 miles.
We logged 1.95 miles after jumping the hedge and going through the gate. It's going to be a long journey, but we're up for it!
So we set out from the Shire today for the first leg of our journey: Bag End to Rivendell, a distance of 458 miles.
We logged 1.95 miles after jumping the hedge and going through the gate. It's going to be a long journey, but we're up for it!
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