Oct. 24, 2020
Hello Friends and Family,
As I mentioned in the first post I had plans to go hiking this past Saturday with my dear friend, Meg. Yes, we did go to WI, and no, the coronavirus didn’t just magically disappear, but we decided if we stuck to the path and didn’t do or go any where else and wore masks we should be fine. We drove separate cars and I was in the best mood blasting tunes and feeling like I was 18 as I drove the hour and a half to get there. It was so fun! Just knowing we were going to spend the day together hiking filled my heart, and when the day was over it was everything I hoped it would be! The weather was crisp and sunny, the lake calm, and the trees were full of color. The hike isn’t hard, but the path is a little up and down, slightly twisty turny and uneven so watching where your stepping is always a good idea. We hiked for 4 hours and talked the entire time!!! After we finished we sat on a bench, had a bite to eat from the snacks we brought in our backpacks, and talked about the next time we hike the Lake Geneva Shore Path.
It’s important that I mention that #hikeOctober has been a wonderful opportunity for me to introduce my friends and family of the importance of these two outstanding organizations and their mission. Meg was curious about both the Hike for Mental Health and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation which of course lead us right into discussing mental health. I’ve found that most people have a story directly or indirectly about someone who’s life has been effected by mental illness. It made me think about how far society has come in regards to openly discussing the illness, but I’m even more hopeful knowing that there are organizations like these two that are committed to improving the lives of those stricken with disorder(s).
Thank you for supporting me on this journey. M
Early October
Hi Friends and Family,
When I made the commitment to participate in the #hikeOctober fundraiser I had no idea how little of life was going as planned in 2020. My goal was to hike the 26 miles around the Lake Geneva Shore Path in Wisconsin. What I didn’t take into consideration was that it’s a COVID hotspot!!! I had planned to hike by myself, but every time I thought about going I couldn’t help but think what if I trip (certainly not out of the realm of possibilities for me), and needed to go to the hospital. Nothing about that seemed like the right thing to do.
So on to plan B. The suburbs of Chicago have lovely hiking/walking areas. Last Sunday I didn’t even have to venture far to see beautiful Lake Michigan, interesting architecture, and spectacular lake front homes. Although it was raining, I walked from Washington St./Sheridan Rd. in Wilmette South to Lee St./Sheridan Rd. in Evanston. Round trip it totaled 7.1 miles.
Wet, but pleased, I couldn’t tell if I was more delighted at having enjoyed the hike or that I finally get to put miles completed on my #hikeOctober fundraising page! It was a win-win kind of day.
Tomorrow I have plans to hike with my friend, Meg, but I know that things don’t always go as planned-- especially in 2020.
Be well. Marsha
HIKE for Mental Health is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded on the vision of a world in which everyone, including those who suffer mental illness, can find the simple joy of living.
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