We made it to day 2...

Once again, the sleep was a bit fitfull. Our bodies were not used to this kind of excitement combined with long distance walking and camping. Training walks cannot prepare you entirely for an experience like this.

We all had different needs to take care of in the morning and didn't want to delay each other so we each left on our own. It was sad to see some of the walkers sent home due to injuries. It was even sadder to see one picked up by ambulance just a couple of miles into day two.

We found each other at the lunch stop. Lis pulled a muscle on one of the hills along the way and had to get there by bus. She was icing her leg while the others found each other through some well-placed cell phone calls and looking out for each other.

At one point, we met a nice woman from Self Magazine. She was participating in the walk with many of her colleagues for a section for the October issue. She took a photo of Lis and Rachel with their temporary tattoos displayed. Hopefully we'll see them in print.

Just as with the day before, the walkers were not allowed to leave the lunch site. We were told that the camp was fogged in and wouldn't be open until after 2pm. Some walkers got ahead of the news or left when not allowed. These walkers had a cruel joke played on them. The route was increased by about 2 miles, mostly hills, just to delay them so they wouldn't get to camp before it was ready.

We were warned of a great hill that was coming up shortly after lunch. We found that the hill wasn't so bad. Granted, it was long and definitely steep, but we managed okay. Donna and Ian took the hill by storm while Rachel walked with Lis and patiently waited for her to take stretch breaks so not to pull any more muscles.

It was about 80 degrees during peak hours but we knew we were in for a surprise when the crew offered us mylar blankets at a pit stop. We put them in our pockets, not quite knowing what they were for. Within a mile or two, many were huddled in the silver blankets. It was cold! The wind was strong and we were walking in the fog. Many walkers were calling family and taxis to take them to a hotel or a warm bed for the night. Many others decided not to return.

As we approached camp, we could hardly see the tents through the fog. Fortunately, Donna and Ian had the tents up so that we were all able to escape the cold and hang out in the dinner tent. People were being entertained with karaoke and quite a few really good singers. Then Lis went up and sang Patsy Cline's "Walking After Midnight", which was received by grand applause. The energy and attitude in the tent was fantastic, especially considering the grim conditions outside. With a little cajoling, everyone in the team got up and performed Blondie's "One Way or Another", which was also received by a grand applause.

Next page: DAY THREE