Monday, March 31, 2014
Aguilla, AZ 3/31/14
We have made it thru the first month. It has been incredibly challenging, but also fun and personally rewarding. We have come from way behind (so to speak ) and have organized ourselves and made it happen from one day to the next. Amazing ! Approximately 350 miles. About 80 miles to Phoenix.
Here is an outline of my typical day:
5am - get up and pack up gear and tent
6 am - breakfast
7-8 - clean up camp and pack gear and kitchen truck
8am - start marching with others. Changes depending on speed of walking.
10am - meet Eco commode about 5 miles out and have a snack and water refill break and short rest
11:30 - lunch break eating what we packed (often fruit and peanut butter sandwich)
1 pm- rest stop with Eco commode. (Also called 'poopmobile') with water and snacks.
2pm - arrive at camp site and set up tents
3 - 5 - various meetings and dinner prep
6pm - dinner and cleanup
7 - music, social time or community meeting
9pm - bedtime
Also try to fit in time to check email, blog, do assigned chores, wash clothes, make phone calls, etc
I'm pretty tired after walking 15 (more or less ) miles and doing everything else. My current job is AM cook prep, so I have to get up at 4:45.
A list of comments I've overheard in camp;
- has anyone seen my (phone, hat, sunglasses, walking poles, etc )
- I can't find my crutch
- who took my lunch?
- how can I get on the. ( Facebook page, blog, virtual marcher site, etc)
- how many miles left to. (Break, lunch , camp)
- has anyone seen (John, Sarah, Liz, etc )?
- does anyone know what happened to my .....?
- I'm leaving. Who's ready to march?
My funniest move so far :
I was on breakfast prep, so it was still dark. I had to go back to my tent for something, and my headlamp and flashlight had both died. I found my way to the approximate location where my tent was standing , saw its outline by moonlight , unzipped the zipper , and almost stepped on Jeffrey who was still sound asleep. He woke up with a start, of course, thinking he was bring attacked by a rattlesnake. It was the best camp joke of the day !
Desert prep:
Scorpions
Dust devils
Only one rattler and one scorpion spotted in 3 weeks crossing the desert. However , we'll be here for quite a while yet , so there's still time .
Best thing: this wonderful group of people
Worst thing: hardly any personal discretionary time
Other hard stuff :
Blisters/ tired/ exhausted/ putting up and taking down tent every ten minutes. (or so
it seems )
Bedtime.
Lekker Slaap (Afrikaans for. "Sweet sleep")
Miriam Marching
Sent from my iPhone
Here is an outline of my typical day:
5am - get up and pack up gear and tent
6 am - breakfast
7-8 - clean up camp and pack gear and kitchen truck
8am - start marching with others. Changes depending on speed of walking.
10am - meet Eco commode about 5 miles out and have a snack and water refill break and short rest
11:30 - lunch break eating what we packed (often fruit and peanut butter sandwich)
1 pm- rest stop with Eco commode. (Also called 'poopmobile') with water and snacks.
2pm - arrive at camp site and set up tents
3 - 5 - various meetings and dinner prep
6pm - dinner and cleanup
7 - music, social time or community meeting
9pm - bedtime
Also try to fit in time to check email, blog, do assigned chores, wash clothes, make phone calls, etc
I'm pretty tired after walking 15 (more or less ) miles and doing everything else. My current job is AM cook prep, so I have to get up at 4:45.
A list of comments I've overheard in camp;
- has anyone seen my (phone, hat, sunglasses, walking poles, etc )
- I can't find my crutch
- who took my lunch?
- how can I get on the. ( Facebook page, blog, virtual marcher site, etc)
- how many miles left to. (Break, lunch , camp)
- has anyone seen (John, Sarah, Liz, etc )?
- does anyone know what happened to my .....?
- I'm leaving. Who's ready to march?
My funniest move so far :
I was on breakfast prep, so it was still dark. I had to go back to my tent for something, and my headlamp and flashlight had both died. I found my way to the approximate location where my tent was standing , saw its outline by moonlight , unzipped the zipper , and almost stepped on Jeffrey who was still sound asleep. He woke up with a start, of course, thinking he was bring attacked by a rattlesnake. It was the best camp joke of the day !
Desert prep:
Scorpions
Dust devils
Only one rattler and one scorpion spotted in 3 weeks crossing the desert. However , we'll be here for quite a while yet , so there's still time .
Best thing: this wonderful group of people
Worst thing: hardly any personal discretionary time
Other hard stuff :
Blisters/ tired/ exhausted/ putting up and taking down tent every ten minutes. (or so
it seems )
Bedtime.
Lekker Slaap (Afrikaans for. "Sweet sleep")
Miriam Marching
Sent from my iPhone
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Bob Cook
minister from Des Moines
Who has amazed us all! He has diabetes, is overweight, has knee problems, and had a molar pulled the other day. I do believe he is going to go the distance. We've had some great conversations about his work in El Salvador.
Izzy
who is a kind of soulmate. He works
at Omega Institute and we have a lot
of common spiritual interests.
Salome, AZ
It's our weekly day off, so I have a tiny buy of breathing room. Life in this moving village is a tremendous challenge. I am leaner, stronger, and as passionate as ever. We all are. I think we have walked about 350 miles to date, and we are about 100 miles from Phoenix where there is a big rally planned.
I just went to a funky thrift store looking for some shorts because mine are falling off, and the owner, Vivian, gave me the ones I selected. People are awed and surprised and for the most part very supportive.
We stayed at a permaculture farm that raises mesquite the other night. The owner stopped beside our break truck the day before, and invited us to stay at his place. He and his wife live in a yurt which they opened to us. He fed us lettuce from his garden and got sweet corn and watermelon for us. The next night was at a jojoba farm. This is such an amazing and wonderful adventure. There is a U-tube of Ken and me talking with a couple of people beside the road changing a tire on their motor coach. I'll try sending it, but not sure I know how. We'll see.
One of our group led a Restorative Justice Circle this morning to deal with the fallout from too much partying at our previous town when one person had to leave the match to return to work, and two had birthdays. The young folks and a few if the older ones let down their hair a bit too much. The Circle was incredible in bringing everyone back together and resetting goals and intentions. I love these people.
The crew making the documentary, "The Race to Save the World" were with us for 3 more days. There has been a bit of resistance to their filming of us, but primarily the group recognizes they are working toward the same goal we are and want to cooperate fully. It is due to come Out in July, 2015. I'm excited about it!
I'm not sure I mentioned that I was elected mayor. It is a "ceremonial figurehead" position which is meant to interface with community leaders en route. We are trying to figure out a name for our traveling community. I proposed "One Earth Village." It will be good, whatever is chosen. Then I will be mayor of that town. Fun!
We've started using our solar cookers, and ate couscous salad and pineapple upside down cake cooked by the sun today. Most days we get to our campsite too late to take advantage of the sun.
I don't usually have time, energy, phone battery or internet connection to write, so I just send a Px now and then. Best way to reach me is my email: mkashia43@yahoo.com
Thank you for your interest and support. It means everything.
Miriam Marching
I just went to a funky thrift store looking for some shorts because mine are falling off, and the owner, Vivian, gave me the ones I selected. People are awed and surprised and for the most part very supportive.
We stayed at a permaculture farm that raises mesquite the other night. The owner stopped beside our break truck the day before, and invited us to stay at his place. He and his wife live in a yurt which they opened to us. He fed us lettuce from his garden and got sweet corn and watermelon for us. The next night was at a jojoba farm. This is such an amazing and wonderful adventure. There is a U-tube of Ken and me talking with a couple of people beside the road changing a tire on their motor coach. I'll try sending it, but not sure I know how. We'll see.
One of our group led a Restorative Justice Circle this morning to deal with the fallout from too much partying at our previous town when one person had to leave the match to return to work, and two had birthdays. The young folks and a few if the older ones let down their hair a bit too much. The Circle was incredible in bringing everyone back together and resetting goals and intentions. I love these people.
The crew making the documentary, "The Race to Save the World" were with us for 3 more days. There has been a bit of resistance to their filming of us, but primarily the group recognizes they are working toward the same goal we are and want to cooperate fully. It is due to come Out in July, 2015. I'm excited about it!
I'm not sure I mentioned that I was elected mayor. It is a "ceremonial figurehead" position which is meant to interface with community leaders en route. We are trying to figure out a name for our traveling community. I proposed "One Earth Village." It will be good, whatever is chosen. Then I will be mayor of that town. Fun!
We've started using our solar cookers, and ate couscous salad and pineapple upside down cake cooked by the sun today. Most days we get to our campsite too late to take advantage of the sun.
I don't usually have time, energy, phone battery or internet connection to write, so I just send a Px now and then. Best way to reach me is my email: mkashia43@yahoo.com
Thank you for your interest and support. It means everything.
Miriam Marching
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Flat tire folks donated $50
I finally made it to U-tube!
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Facebook" <notification+p1lpfe6f@facebookmail.com>
Date: March 26, 2014 at 11:30:48 AM MST
To: Miriam Kashia <mkashia43@yahoo.com>
Subject: John Jorgensen tagged you on Facebook
Reply-To: noreply <noreply@facebookmail.com>
John wrote: "That's Ken and Miriam Kashia, our "One World Village" mayor ;-)"
See the post
Learn more about tagging on Facebook.Thanks,
The Facebook Team
See Post This message was sent to mkashia43@yahoo.com. If you don't want to receive these emails from Facebook in the future, please unsubscribe.
Facebook, Inc., Attention: Department 415, PO Box 10005, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Great intergenerational relationships
office in Des Moines the other day.
Such a great guy who will support
us from there and march again in
Iowa. Pablo is invaluable at solving
technical & logistical stuff. Also a
sensitive, thoughtful man. He and
Deb have become an item.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Clean up duty
Please let know whether it works to forward Px I get on Facebook like this one of me on clean-up duty this morning.
We are in AZ. Only 10 states to go!
https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=712011900425&set=np.95290495.1450116393&type=1&src=email_notif
Sent from my iPhone
We are in AZ. Only 10 states to go!
https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=712011900425&set=np.95290495.1450116393&type=1&src=email_notif
Sent from my iPhone
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Fwd: Climate March
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: David Thoreson <bluewatersouth@gmail.com>
Date: March 20, 2014 at 9:23:33 AM PDT
To: mkashia43@yahoo.com
Subject: Climate March
DavidCheers to making a difference,Enjoy the pictures and share them widely!I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your good company and dedication. I miss all of you and want to join back up and March as soon as I can.Last, if you could link me to some of your people and groups in Iowa City then we can make the Earth Week when I am there a bigger event and I can talk with your people about when the march comes through this summer and other matters. So please, share some contacts there!Second, as you know I have my exhibit back at the University of Iowa right now. I will be back there speaking all of Earth Week, April 21-25. I'm speaking at 5 IC schools, book reading/story-telling at Prairie Lights, Iowa Children's Museum and a lecture/presentation at the U of I. I have been in contact with folks at the Press-Citizen and am trying to get them to do a story linking you and I and the Climate connection. You will see one of the photos with you and I.I wanted to follow-up on our conversations with a few things. First, I have attached some photos from the first week of the march which have you in them. I thought you could use them for social media and to send to your family, friends and followers back in Iowa and beyond.Hello Miriam,This is your marcher/virtual marcher friend David Thoreson. It's taken me a little while but I have not forgotten about you in any manner whatsoever.
--
David Thoreson
Blue Water Ventures, LLC
Photographer, Explorer, Public Speaker
C- 206-910-6171
W- 712-332-9889
www.bluewaterstudios.com
bluewatersouth@gmail.com
<CLmarchGroup.jpg>
<CLmarchGroup2.jpg>
<CLmarchGroup4.jpg>
<DavidnMiriam.jpg>
<MakeDifference.jpg>
<MiriamClimate.jpg>
<MiriamGroup.jpg>
<MiriamJerry2.jpg>
Fwd: Climate March
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: David Thoreson <bluewatersouth@gmail.com>
Date: March 20, 2014 at 9:23:33 AM PDT
To: mkashia43@yahoo.com
Subject: Climate March
DavidCheers to making a difference,Enjoy the pictures and share them widely!I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your good company and dedication. I miss all of you and want to join back up and March as soon as I can.Last, if you could link me to some of your people and groups in Iowa City then we can make the Earth Week when I am there a bigger event and I can talk with your people about when the march comes through this summer and other matters. So please, share some contacts there!Second, as you know I have my exhibit back at the University of Iowa right now. I will be back there speaking all of Earth Week, April 21-25. I'm speaking at 5 IC schools, book reading/story-telling at Prairie Lights, Iowa Children's Museum and a lecture/presentation at the U of I. I have been in contact with folks at the Press-Citizen and am trying to get them to do a story linking you and I and the Climate connection. You will see one of the photos with you and I.I wanted to follow-up on our conversations with a few things. First, I have attached some photos from the first week of the march which have you in them. I thought you could use them for social media and to send to your family, friends and followers back in Iowa and beyond.Hello Miriam,This is your marcher/virtual marcher friend David Thoreson. It's taken me a little while but I have not forgotten about you in any manner whatsoever.
--
David Thoreson
Blue Water Ventures, LLC
Photographer, Explorer, Public Speaker
C- 206-910-6171
W- 712-332-9889
www.bluewaterstudios.com
bluewatersouth@gmail.com
<CLmarchGroup.jpg>
<CLmarchGroup2.jpg>
<CLmarchGroup4.jpg>
<DavidnMiriam.jpg>
<MakeDifference.jpg>
<MiriamClimate.jpg>
<MiriamGroup.jpg>
<MiriamJerry2.jpg>
Fwd: Climate March
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: David Thoreson <bluewatersouth@gmail.com>
Date: March 20, 2014 at 9:23:33 AM PDT
To: mkashia43@yahoo.com
Subject: Climate March
DavidCheers to making a difference,Enjoy the pictures and share them widely!I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your good company and dedication. I miss all of you and want to join back up and March as soon as I can.Last, if you could link me to some of your people and groups in Iowa City then we can make the Earth Week when I am there a bigger event and I can talk with your people about when the march comes through this summer and other matters. So please, share some contacts there!Second, as you know I have my exhibit back at the University of Iowa right now. I will be back there speaking all of Earth Week, April 21-25. I'm speaking at 5 IC schools, book reading/story-telling at Prairie Lights, Iowa Children's Museum and a lecture/presentation at the U of I. I have been in contact with folks at the Press-Citizen and am trying to get them to do a story linking you and I and the Climate connection. You will see one of the photos with you and I.I wanted to follow-up on our conversations with a few things. First, I have attached some photos from the first week of the march which have you in them. I thought you could use them for social media and to send to your family, friends and followers back in Iowa and beyond.Hello Miriam,This is your marcher/virtual marcher friend David Thoreson. It's taken me a little while but I have not forgotten about you in any manner whatsoever.
--
David Thoreson
Blue Water Ventures, LLC
Photographer, Explorer, Public Speaker
C- 206-910-6171
W- 712-332-9889
www.bluewaterstudios.com
bluewatersouth@gmail.com
<CLmarchGroup.jpg>
<CLmarchGroup2.jpg>
<CLmarchGroup4.jpg>
<DavidnMiriam.jpg>
<MakeDifference.jpg>
<MiriamClimate.jpg>
<MiriamGroup.jpg>
<MiriamJerry2.jpg>
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Don't know what day it is
Another 15 mile day. Not as exhausting as it used to be. Met a biker from Big Sur who has been biking for a year all over the SW & CA hauling 150 pounds and his cat, 'Funtime,' who rides in a carrying case on his trailer. Interesting guy. We almost succeeded in recruiting him for the March!
We are camped near some RR tracks, but with infrequent trains. Not like the night in LA when a train went by every 15 minutes with whistle blowing right beside us.
We've been getting up at 5am to try to avoid the worst of the desert heat. Just a few more days in the Mojave, then we'll be in AZ heading toward Phoenix and the Sonoran Desert. That will probably be blooming more and hotter. Two days off in Parker AZ for r&r. I've managed to lose my tent fly which will eventually become a problem. Maybe Fin & Feather where I bought it can help me out.
We are finally getting time (and energy) to vote on our Articles of Governance, and hold elections for our Mayor, Judicial Committee, and City Council. That will be more important as new people join the March.
Otherwise.... It's just another day walking across America to change the course of history and save our species and all the others with whom we share this beautiful planet.
If you haven't, check out the website: climatemarch.org
Blessings and love,
Miriam Marching
Sent from my iPhone
We are camped near some RR tracks, but with infrequent trains. Not like the night in LA when a train went by every 15 minutes with whistle blowing right beside us.
We've been getting up at 5am to try to avoid the worst of the desert heat. Just a few more days in the Mojave, then we'll be in AZ heading toward Phoenix and the Sonoran Desert. That will probably be blooming more and hotter. Two days off in Parker AZ for r&r. I've managed to lose my tent fly which will eventually become a problem. Maybe Fin & Feather where I bought it can help me out.
We are finally getting time (and energy) to vote on our Articles of Governance, and hold elections for our Mayor, Judicial Committee, and City Council. That will be more important as new people join the March.
Otherwise.... It's just another day walking across America to change the course of history and save our species and all the others with whom we share this beautiful planet.
If you haven't, check out the website: climatemarch.org
Blessings and love,
Miriam Marching
Sent from my iPhone
Monday, March 17, 2014
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Oops
(Bumped the send button) are being married here and we will have a reception for them. How apt and fun to celebrate a lesbian wedding on the March. I'm learning to expect success and the wonder-filled unexpected!
Speaking of parties, last night one of our marchers who lives near here arranged a potluck at an art studio (more like a surreal collection of artifacts and wierd objects dating back 50+ years. There was a really good rock band (even I enjoyed it when I got used to the decibels) and joyous dancing. The 10 or so young folks particularly had a wild and hilarious time. Yours truly even got into it- would you believe? We are having a great time despite the endless work and sore bodies and ubiquitous meetings.
We're leaving a string of newspaper interviews behind us, and collecting a small army of "virtual marchers" online who are helping us in various ways.
Going to go wash my clothes in my collapsible wash basin with biodegradable soap and put up my clothesline. It's @70, and the sky is blue, and in this place, at least, peace and love prevail.
When we reach the desert we will not have phone reception they say. Meet you on the other side.
With gratitude and For the Earth,
Miriam Marcher
Sent from my iPhone
Speaking of parties, last night one of our marchers who lives near here arranged a potluck at an art studio (more like a surreal collection of artifacts and wierd objects dating back 50+ years. There was a really good rock band (even I enjoyed it when I got used to the decibels) and joyous dancing. The 10 or so young folks particularly had a wild and hilarious time. Yours truly even got into it- would you believe? We are having a great time despite the endless work and sore bodies and ubiquitous meetings.
We're leaving a string of newspaper interviews behind us, and collecting a small army of "virtual marchers" online who are helping us in various ways.
Going to go wash my clothes in my collapsible wash basin with biodegradable soap and put up my clothesline. It's @70, and the sky is blue, and in this place, at least, peace and love prevail.
When we reach the desert we will not have phone reception they say. Meet you on the other side.
With gratitude and For the Earth,
Miriam Marcher
Sent from my iPhone
Day 14
A glorious day off at beautiful Joshua Tree Retreat Center where we have a huge, flat, quiet camping space. We have slept in parking lots, church floors, a spectacular nature preserve, and who knows what else. One night we camped at a place where they sold palm trees, with a noisy super highway on one side and a train with constant whistle blowing (every 15 minutes) right next to us on the other. Tomorrow we head out into the desert for over a week, so had our desert briefing about rattlesnakes and scorpions and heatstroke. Onward!
Our community continues to bond - I love these brave, strong, dedicated folks, and feel loved, appreciated and cared for.
I'm sitting with my feet hanging out the door trying to dry the Gorilla Glue I put over the cracks and blisters. Very sore, but I've been able to march every step - maybe about 200 now.
People are washing clothes (I must), holding work group meetings, catching rides to town for groceries for our kitchen crew or to pick up things they need.
Two dear new friends, Tuck & Terry, from The Pachamama Alliance are coming today to facilitate "Awakening the Dreamer Symposium" for us this afternoon. Tonight our CA coordinator and her 10 year partner
Sent from my iPhone
Our community continues to bond - I love these brave, strong, dedicated folks, and feel loved, appreciated and cared for.
I'm sitting with my feet hanging out the door trying to dry the Gorilla Glue I put over the cracks and blisters. Very sore, but I've been able to march every step - maybe about 200 now.
People are washing clothes (I must), holding work group meetings, catching rides to town for groceries for our kitchen crew or to pick up things they need.
Two dear new friends, Tuck & Terry, from The Pachamama Alliance are coming today to facilitate "Awakening the Dreamer Symposium" for us this afternoon. Tonight our CA coordinator and her 10 year partner
Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Day 11
10pm in my tent at Joshua Tree National Park. Long day, sore feet, but finally out of the city and experiencing the SW desert and mountains. I am very happy that I have been able to go the distance every day. The Great Peace March in 1986 had a few designated marchers called "Spirit Walkers" who walked every step of the cross-country walk, thus preserving the integrity of the March. Due to blisters, sore knees, flu and other duties, there are only about 6 or 8 of us who have walked all the way. I will do that as long as I'm able. Send energy!
Someone who read my blog asked me about how we prepare food. We have organized ourselves into work groups and everyone is on two. The kitchen group has 4 chefs who prepare breakfast and dinner and put out things for us to make our own lunch. We have some solar cookers that haven't been used yet- probably will get broken in as we enter the desert. There is a portable propane stove we've been using. The chef has a crew of 3 people who help shop each day and prepare the food. We have 3 long tables we set up buffet style and eat standing around or sitting on the ground if there are no tables. Generous churches and other supporters have also hosted meals and pot lucks for us. That is really great as we get more variety. We have lots of salads, rice dishes, and pasta. Almost all organic and veggie. Also gluten and dairy free for a few folks. Lots of fresh fruit, peanut butter, cheese, cereals, soy and almond milk as well as regular milk. We have been using regular ice chests, but the ice is a hassle and expensive. We are getting a super efficient refrigerator in a couple of weeks which will make life easier. We are well fed!
Today our route took us from a date farm near Palm Springs to Yukka Valley where we were shuttled to Joshua tree campground for the night. In the morning we'll eat and pack up, loaders will put our gear on the truck ( see Px) and we'll be shuttled back to where we left off marching today to preserve the integrity of the March. One more night at a different Joshua Tree camp site, and then on to 29 Palms. I don't know how far we have walked, but estimate 175 miles so far.
I find I like walking alone much of the time, but am also making some nice connections- especially with some of the women.
To avoid a dangerous, narrow highway pass today, we hiked a riverbed that was parallel to the highway. It was my favorite route thus far, as most of our walking has been on LA city streets and along highways. Took us a week to get thru LA. We saw a group of mountain sheep along today's route and we're told it was a very rare sight here.
We are figuring out how to make decisions, and people are stepping into roles for which they have experience or skills. The community is coalescing very organically.
Also very tired. Have to be up and packed before breakfast at 7.
You can find more about the March on the website (climatemarch.org) and we have an all-marcher blog, tho I don't yet know how to access it. We oldsters are way behind the technology curve.
Sweet sleep to all and I send my love,
Miriam
Sent from my iPhone
Someone who read my blog asked me about how we prepare food. We have organized ourselves into work groups and everyone is on two. The kitchen group has 4 chefs who prepare breakfast and dinner and put out things for us to make our own lunch. We have some solar cookers that haven't been used yet- probably will get broken in as we enter the desert. There is a portable propane stove we've been using. The chef has a crew of 3 people who help shop each day and prepare the food. We have 3 long tables we set up buffet style and eat standing around or sitting on the ground if there are no tables. Generous churches and other supporters have also hosted meals and pot lucks for us. That is really great as we get more variety. We have lots of salads, rice dishes, and pasta. Almost all organic and veggie. Also gluten and dairy free for a few folks. Lots of fresh fruit, peanut butter, cheese, cereals, soy and almond milk as well as regular milk. We have been using regular ice chests, but the ice is a hassle and expensive. We are getting a super efficient refrigerator in a couple of weeks which will make life easier. We are well fed!
Today our route took us from a date farm near Palm Springs to Yukka Valley where we were shuttled to Joshua tree campground for the night. In the morning we'll eat and pack up, loaders will put our gear on the truck ( see Px) and we'll be shuttled back to where we left off marching today to preserve the integrity of the March. One more night at a different Joshua Tree camp site, and then on to 29 Palms. I don't know how far we have walked, but estimate 175 miles so far.
I find I like walking alone much of the time, but am also making some nice connections- especially with some of the women.
To avoid a dangerous, narrow highway pass today, we hiked a riverbed that was parallel to the highway. It was my favorite route thus far, as most of our walking has been on LA city streets and along highways. Took us a week to get thru LA. We saw a group of mountain sheep along today's route and we're told it was a very rare sight here.
We are figuring out how to make decisions, and people are stepping into roles for which they have experience or skills. The community is coalescing very organically.
Also very tired. Have to be up and packed before breakfast at 7.
You can find more about the March on the website (climatemarch.org) and we have an all-marcher blog, tho I don't yet know how to access it. We oldsters are way behind the technology curve.
Sweet sleep to all and I send my love,
Miriam
Sent from my iPhone
Friday, March 7, 2014
LA-DC day 7
Blessed day off today! We marched about 100 mi this week. Several casualties (nothing serious, just out of commission) but I've walked every step every day. Came to UCC church in Redlands last night bone weary and achy all over. Ran errands and worked on our "work teams" today. I'm on finance ("money bags") team, "Footprint" team and peer support or "listening buddies" team.
The church community served us a wonderful pot luck tonight and we put on a small program - mostly talking about why we're doing this extreme and self sacrificing thing. My fellow marchers are splendid, ordinary folks, and it is inspiring to hear their stories. One of our hosts brought a massage table and worked on a bunch of our feet and legs; yay!
I'll send pictures of some of our equipment:
Solar charger
Composting toilet (3 stalls)
Water truck
Several musicians along with violin, guitars, and drums, so when we're not too tired or busy, which isn't often, we sing and play. Lots of laughter.
Several people have completed their brief stints already and left. Hard to see them go - leaves a hole. Most of them will rejoin us later as able. We are a tough bunch to leave!
I'm still a bit achy and will march 17 miles tomorrow. Moleskin and ibuprofen it will have to be. We take turns facilitating our meetings, which are daily. I'm on tomorrow after dinner. Hope I can be coherent after walking all day.
Blessings to all of you,
Miriam
Sent from my iPhone
The church community served us a wonderful pot luck tonight and we put on a small program - mostly talking about why we're doing this extreme and self sacrificing thing. My fellow marchers are splendid, ordinary folks, and it is inspiring to hear their stories. One of our hosts brought a massage table and worked on a bunch of our feet and legs; yay!
I'll send pictures of some of our equipment:
Solar charger
Composting toilet (3 stalls)
Water truck
Several musicians along with violin, guitars, and drums, so when we're not too tired or busy, which isn't often, we sing and play. Lots of laughter.
Several people have completed their brief stints already and left. Hard to see them go - leaves a hole. Most of them will rejoin us later as able. We are a tough bunch to leave!
I'm still a bit achy and will march 17 miles tomorrow. Moleskin and ibuprofen it will have to be. We take turns facilitating our meetings, which are daily. I'm on tomorrow after dinner. Hope I can be coherent after walking all day.
Blessings to all of you,
Miriam
Sent from my iPhone
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
The best & hardest thing...
Its 4am or so. I'm sleeping on the floor in the apartment of a delightful 91 year old woman In an assisted living facility as part of the MIH (marchers in homes) program. The first four nights have been spent inside 2 churches, camping at a beautiful recreation area and now in Fontana (I think - it's hard to keep track) with MIH.
Day one: Amazing kickoff at the Port of LA next to the toxic petrol refineries in East LA with many wonderful environmental organizations represented and maybe 1000 people. It was fabulous! It may turn out to be the most dramatic and challenging day of our 246. LA got hit (blessedly after the kickoff) by the biggest deluge I've ever been in, and we walked through it for 20 miles until way after dark. The streets we crossed were rivers up to our shins, two people got hypothermia and had to be rescued, including a sweet kid who was helping pull a big polar bear statue - a kickoff mascot provided by 350.org I think. No serious casualties - thank the 'Fairy Queen.' It was a trial for sure and we"re still trying to dry out. What a start!
The next night one of the kickoff rally speakers, an eloquent and charismatic Black preacher from East LA who was part of a panel on racism we heard from at the church where we stayed, told us in the most passionate terms, how significant it was that we had moved our departure and kickoff from Santa Monica (affluent white) to Wilmington (very poor). Powerful!
We marched through LA's skid row with homeless hovels on both sides if the streets and through the very poorest neighborhoods. They are the forgotten and ignored. Because of the refineries, the cancer rate is off the charts and the children suffer from asthma and come to school with nosebleeds and headaches. We marchers had no idea until later what a significant gesture we made walking where we did.
A word about this rag tag bunch of passionate, dedicated people: About 40 of us started out, accompanied by some day marchers. Many if us are from Iowa, but one Canadian and perhaps a dozen other states. Our numbers will shift and swell as we go. This traveling community started coming together and bonding immediately at the 2 prior days of training, which was excellent. Several professionals donated their time to work with us on non-violent communication, racism in social justice work, peer support techniques, and collaborative problem solving. There have been many arduous meetings to organize ourselves and figure out the logistical challenges of moving ourselves, shopping and preparing our own food (which I'm happy to say is simple but healthy), and creating work teams to meet our needs and accomplish our mission. Last night we spoke to a group of perhaps 35 interfaith people at a church, and it felt coherent and inspiring - especially to us.
There is already more to tell than I possibly can. There us no place I'd rather be and nothing I'd rather be doing. I'm grateful and happy! Did I mention that we are having lot of fun together!?
My body is achy but I'm doing well. Sore feet, knees, calves, and hips. Everybody hurts. Thanks to my careful preparation, I don't have any blisters, though many do We are finding our special companions amongst ourselves, and also our cohesiveness. At the moment we range from 20 to 73 and are almost l white. We hope that changes.
David Thoreson, from Iowa, who has a photo exhibit at UI about his sailing trips through the arctic is with us. He'll be in Iowa City in April. GO HEAR HIM!
There is a document film-maker and crew following us for a while, making a film entitled, "The Race to Save the World." Our March and other efforts will be woven together. I am one of 6 people they chose to highlight, so I wore a mike for 2 days and was interviewed. They're gone now, but will catch up with us intermittently along the way.
It's time to get up. We are marching 20 miles again today and after having a hard time locating a ace for us to stay, we just heard last night that we'll be at a Mosque. How wonderful is that!
Thanks to all of you for your amazing support and love. So very much.
Miriam Marcher
Sent from my iPhone
Day one: Amazing kickoff at the Port of LA next to the toxic petrol refineries in East LA with many wonderful environmental organizations represented and maybe 1000 people. It was fabulous! It may turn out to be the most dramatic and challenging day of our 246. LA got hit (blessedly after the kickoff) by the biggest deluge I've ever been in, and we walked through it for 20 miles until way after dark. The streets we crossed were rivers up to our shins, two people got hypothermia and had to be rescued, including a sweet kid who was helping pull a big polar bear statue - a kickoff mascot provided by 350.org I think. No serious casualties - thank the 'Fairy Queen.' It was a trial for sure and we"re still trying to dry out. What a start!
The next night one of the kickoff rally speakers, an eloquent and charismatic Black preacher from East LA who was part of a panel on racism we heard from at the church where we stayed, told us in the most passionate terms, how significant it was that we had moved our departure and kickoff from Santa Monica (affluent white) to Wilmington (very poor). Powerful!
We marched through LA's skid row with homeless hovels on both sides if the streets and through the very poorest neighborhoods. They are the forgotten and ignored. Because of the refineries, the cancer rate is off the charts and the children suffer from asthma and come to school with nosebleeds and headaches. We marchers had no idea until later what a significant gesture we made walking where we did.
A word about this rag tag bunch of passionate, dedicated people: About 40 of us started out, accompanied by some day marchers. Many if us are from Iowa, but one Canadian and perhaps a dozen other states. Our numbers will shift and swell as we go. This traveling community started coming together and bonding immediately at the 2 prior days of training, which was excellent. Several professionals donated their time to work with us on non-violent communication, racism in social justice work, peer support techniques, and collaborative problem solving. There have been many arduous meetings to organize ourselves and figure out the logistical challenges of moving ourselves, shopping and preparing our own food (which I'm happy to say is simple but healthy), and creating work teams to meet our needs and accomplish our mission. Last night we spoke to a group of perhaps 35 interfaith people at a church, and it felt coherent and inspiring - especially to us.
There is already more to tell than I possibly can. There us no place I'd rather be and nothing I'd rather be doing. I'm grateful and happy! Did I mention that we are having lot of fun together!?
My body is achy but I'm doing well. Sore feet, knees, calves, and hips. Everybody hurts. Thanks to my careful preparation, I don't have any blisters, though many do We are finding our special companions amongst ourselves, and also our cohesiveness. At the moment we range from 20 to 73 and are almost l white. We hope that changes.
David Thoreson, from Iowa, who has a photo exhibit at UI about his sailing trips through the arctic is with us. He'll be in Iowa City in April. GO HEAR HIM!
There is a document film-maker and crew following us for a while, making a film entitled, "The Race to Save the World." Our March and other efforts will be woven together. I am one of 6 people they chose to highlight, so I wore a mike for 2 days and was interviewed. They're gone now, but will catch up with us intermittently along the way.
It's time to get up. We are marching 20 miles again today and after having a hard time locating a ace for us to stay, we just heard last night that we'll be at a Mosque. How wonderful is that!
Thanks to all of you for your amazing support and love. So very much.
Miriam Marcher
Sent from my iPhone
The best & hardest thing...
Its 4am or so. I'm sleeping on the floor in the apartment of a delightful 91 year old woman In an assisted living facility as part of the MIH (marchers in homes) program. The first four nights have been spent inside 2 churches, camping at a beautiful recreation area and now in Fontana (I think - it's hard to keep track) with MIH.
Day one: Amazing kickoff at the Port of LA next to the toxic petrol refineries in East LA with many wonderful environmental organizations represented and maybe 1000 people. It was fabulous! It may turn out to be the most dramatic and challenging day of our 246. LA got hit (blessedly after the kickoff) by the biggest deluge I've ever been in, and we walked through it for 20 miles until way after dark. The streets we crossed were rivers up to our shins, two people got hypothermia and had to be rescued, including a sweet kid who was helping pull a big polar bear statue - a kickoff mascot provided by 350.org I think. No serious casualties - thank the 'Fairy Queen.' It was a trial for sure and we"re still trying to dry out. What a start!
The next night one of the kickoff rally speakers, an eloquent and charismatic Black preacher from East LA who was part of a panel on racism we heard from at the church where we stayed, told us in the most passionate terms, how significant it was that we had moved our departure and kickoff from Santa Monica (affluent white) to Wilmington (very poor). Powerful!
We marched through LA's skid row with homeless hovels on both sides if the streets and through the very poorest neighborhoods. They are the forgotten and ignored. Because of the refineries, the cancer rate is off the charts and the children suffer from asthma and come to school with nosebleeds and headaches. We marchers had no idea until later what a significant gesture we made walking where we did.
A word about this rag tag bunch of passionate, dedicated people: About 40 of us started out, accompanied by some day marchers. Many if us are from Iowa, but one Canadian and perhaps a dozen other states. Our numbers will shift and swell as we go. This traveling community started coming together and bonding immediately at the 2 prior days of training, which was excellent. Several professionals donated their time to work with us on non-violent communication, racism in social justice work, peer support techniques, and collaborative problem solving. There have been many arduous meetings to organize ourselves and figure out the logistical challenges of moving ourselves, shopping and preparing our own food (which I'm happy to say is simple but healthy), and creating work teams to meet our needs and accomplish our mission. Last night we spoke to a group of perhaps 35 interfaith people at a church, and it felt coherent and inspiring - especially to us.
There is already more to tell than I possibly can. There us no place I'd rather be and nothing I'd rather be doing. I'm grateful and happy! Did I mention that we are having lot of fun together!?
My body is achy but I'm doing well. Sore feet, knees, calves, and hips. Everybody hurts. Thanks to my careful preparation, I don't have any blisters, though many do We are finding our special companions amongst ourselves, and also our cohesiveness. At the moment we range from 20 to 73 and are almost l white. We hope that changes.
David Thoreson, from Iowa, who has a photo exhibit at UI about his sailing trips through the arctic is with us. He'll be in Iowa City in April. GO HEAR HIM!
There is a document film-maker and crew following us for a while, making a film entitled, "The Race to Save the World." Our March and other efforts will be woven together. I am one of 6 people they chose to highlight, so I wore a mike for 2 days and was interviewed. They're gone now, but will catch up with us intermittently along the way.
It's time to get up. We are marching 20 miles again today and after having a hard time locating a ace for us to stay, we just heard last night that we'll be at a Mosque. How wonderful is that!
Thanks to all of you for your amazing support and love. So very much.
Miriam Marcher
Sent from my iPhone
Day one: Amazing kickoff at the Port of LA next to the toxic petrol refineries in East LA with many wonderful environmental organizations represented and maybe 1000 people. It was fabulous! It may turn out to be the most dramatic and challenging day of our 246. LA got hit (blessedly after the kickoff) by the biggest deluge I've ever been in, and we walked through it for 20 miles until way after dark. The streets we crossed were rivers up to our shins, two people got hypothermia and had to be rescued, including a sweet kid who was helping pull a big polar bear statue - a kickoff mascot provided by 350.org I think. No serious casualties - thank the 'Fairy Queen.' It was a trial for sure and we"re still trying to dry out. What a start!
The next night one of the kickoff rally speakers, an eloquent and charismatic Black preacher from East LA who was part of a panel on racism we heard from at the church where we stayed, told us in the most passionate terms, how significant it was that we had moved our departure and kickoff from Santa Monica (affluent white) to Wilmington (very poor). Powerful!
We marched through LA's skid row with homeless hovels on both sides if the streets and through the very poorest neighborhoods. They are the forgotten and ignored. Because of the refineries, the cancer rate is off the charts and the children suffer from asthma and come to school with nosebleeds and headaches. We marchers had no idea until later what a significant gesture we made walking where we did.
A word about this rag tag bunch of passionate, dedicated people: About 40 of us started out, accompanied by some day marchers. Many if us are from Iowa, but one Canadian and perhaps a dozen other states. Our numbers will shift and swell as we go. This traveling community started coming together and bonding immediately at the 2 prior days of training, which was excellent. Several professionals donated their time to work with us on non-violent communication, racism in social justice work, peer support techniques, and collaborative problem solving. There have been many arduous meetings to organize ourselves and figure out the logistical challenges of moving ourselves, shopping and preparing our own food (which I'm happy to say is simple but healthy), and creating work teams to meet our needs and accomplish our mission. Last night we spoke to a group of perhaps 35 interfaith people at a church, and it felt coherent and inspiring - especially to us.
There is already more to tell than I possibly can. There us no place I'd rather be and nothing I'd rather be doing. I'm grateful and happy! Did I mention that we are having lot of fun together!?
My body is achy but I'm doing well. Sore feet, knees, calves, and hips. Everybody hurts. Thanks to my careful preparation, I don't have any blisters, though many do We are finding our special companions amongst ourselves, and also our cohesiveness. At the moment we range from 20 to 73 and are almost l white. We hope that changes.
David Thoreson, from Iowa, who has a photo exhibit at UI about his sailing trips through the arctic is with us. He'll be in Iowa City in April. GO HEAR HIM!
There is a document film-maker and crew following us for a while, making a film entitled, "The Race to Save the World." Our March and other efforts will be woven together. I am one of 6 people they chose to highlight, so I wore a mike for 2 days and was interviewed. They're gone now, but will catch up with us intermittently along the way.
It's time to get up. We are marching 20 miles again today and after having a hard time locating a ace for us to stay, we just heard last night that we'll be at a Mosque. How wonderful is that!
Thanks to all of you for your amazing support and love. So very much.
Miriam Marcher
Sent from my iPhone
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