After lots of fits and starts, in a year like no other, I am happy to tell you I am closing out the year with 1,320 miles/2,124 kilometers walked in 2020. That is 65 miles/104 kilometers over and above my original goal (1,255 miles/2,020 kilometers). As you will recall, the 2,020 kilometers goal was derived from the year 2020 and was a challenge to me by a fellow blogger. Next year I will up that goal amount by one measly kilometer to 2,021 kilometers/1,256 miles … easy peasy right? I like my posts to publish early in the morning; I am not sure if I’m walking today and won’t know until daylight. Yesterday we had some freezing rain and a wintry precip at times and will have the same ugly weather for New Year’s Day – ugh.
So, this year was not wonderfully memorable for what 2020 brought to the table (not much good and I think you’ll agree), but for me it was monumental as I have never walked this many miles in a single year before.
I even took a week off in April to ponder whether I should continue walking at the Park during the pandemic, then returned to my favorite nature nook, only for it to be shut down a few weeks later due to City-wide COVID restrictions. Thus, I spent the month of May returning to my roots, walking in the ‘hood, just like I did before I discovered Council Point Park in May 2013, almost two years after beginning my walking regimen.
We had a blazing hot Summer and high humidity to boot. But I persevered and only drew the line for walking when there was ice, snow or heavy rain. It’s a good thing I reached my goal on November 29th, as the weather has been iffy ever since. I counted on Christmas weekend as one to enjoy three leisurely walks and it turned out I only walked on Sunday as Christmas and the day after were snowy and slippery. We were supposed to get a dusting to one inch of snow and it turned out we got 3 ½ inches/9 cm. People were ecstatic for a white Christmas – me, not so much.
The image above of the ceramic boot and rock with a smiley face was at the base of a tree in a neighborhood where I was scoping out election signs back in late October. I took the photo knowing it would be my year-end tally post header image.
I have one more image to share while we’re mentioning boots.
Back in 1973, in my senior year in high school, I walked alongside another classmate in the Detroit-area March of Dimes 17-Mile Walk-a-thon. We solicited money from friends and family members to help us raise funds to fight birth defects in babies. It was a long march that day and it took us through the streets of Detroit and around Belle Isle (also in Detroit). Though his name is not on this official March of Dimes Order of the Battered Boot certificate, the leader of the pack, walking, plus cheering us on, was Detroit rock-n-roll legend Bob Seger. It was a fun experience and how did I ever walk 17 miles at one time? Betcha I had shin splints the next day … or blisters. It’s a blur now, but I have the certificate and little feet stamp to prove it.
On a lark, I reached out to the March of Dimes – Michigan to see if, by chance, they had some facts or stats, or even photos about our 1973 Walk-a-thon to include with this post. Even if I came in dead last and had umpteen blisters on my feet, I was prepared to tell all. Jamie, at the March of Dimes Facebook site, was eager to help but discovered the March for Babies’ records only went back to 2002 and Jamie even tried asking co-workers for any info, but unfortunately it was too long ago to glean any info from those folks. Thank you anyway Jamie – you really went the extra mile and I appreciate it!
I always had my trusty Kodak pocket camera with me but not on this occasion unfortunately.
So onward and upward in 2021 … I hope the next year is not such a steep hill to climb on many levels!!!
Please click here for a special message. Happy New Year!
Linda Schaub
WALKIN', WRITIN', WIT & WHIMSY 
Congrats on setting, attaining and then blowing past your goal. I think that was one part of 2020 helps keep the rest of it in perspective.
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Thanks JP – there were a few times I was sorry I took on that challenge just to have “2020” part of my goal step tally, as it was more miles than I usually set as a goal (traditionally just ONE more mile than the previous year). I am glad I have a local park to frequent … it is the balm that has soothed my frayed nerves throughout 2020. Happy New Year and best in 2021.
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Happy New Year! May you have better walking weather!
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Thanks Kate – I ended up walking today after all. No ice left and I might even start 2021 off with a walk as the next batch of freezing rain does not arrive until mid-day.
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Awesome indeed! And has been great following your adventures
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Thanks Michael – I had my doubts a few times and then ended up doing better than I thought I could. And, I walked today, just three miles, but it ended up being clear and dry. Happy New Year!!
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Happy new year to you too Linda!
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Thanks Michael!
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Happy New Year!! 🙂 xxx
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You too Heather and Dizzy – it will be better in 2021, though not right away unfortunately. We’ll all hang in there.
{{{ Hugs to both of you! }}}
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I’m booting my 2020 straight up the ass. All the best for 2021. 🎆🎆🎆
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It’s been something else, that’s for sure. All the best to you as well John!
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It definitely has Linda. All the very best for you and your family 🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆👍
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Thank you!
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Well done! Give it a boot lady; kick it has hard as you can! oxo
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I’ll kick it as best I can Jeanine … maybe around the world!!! Happy New Year!!!
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Congratulations, Linda! I couldn’t get my mind around 1,320 miles so I converted the number to marathons. FIFTY! You effectively completed a marathon every week in 2020. That takes a serious dose of willpower (and good footwear!). Happy New Year. Looking forward to more of your posts in 2021.
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Wow Dave – I wish I had thought to do those computations – thank you for doing that and sharing it too! Now I am feeling even better about walking all those miles! I did end up walking this morning – it was clear and dry and did another three miles. This year I did my first 10K. I’d never sign up for one as they are more for runners, but this event is our annual “Turkey Trot” to benefit “America’s Thanksgiving Parade” and was virtual. It usually begins in downtown Detroit before daybreak, so I thought it would be fun to do it virtually. I am waiting for them to mail the shirt and finishing medal (a big turkey on a lanyard) to write the post … I almost mentioned that first 10K in this post, but will save that topic for a stand-alone post. Happy New Year and I will likewise look forward to your posts in 2021.
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Looking forward to the new year with you.
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Thanks Anne – a new year and new walking goals for each of us. I am glad I got to get out this morning – cold I can deal with, that snow and ice not so much.
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Ice is scary. We walked up a road above ours, since we couldn’t get to the stop sign because of ice.
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Yes, really scary. We have had accidents “too numerous to mention” according to the traffic reports. I looked outside and it was pretty but likely treacherous to even step outside the door.
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Stay safe!
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Thanks – inside looking out tomorrow for sure. It is still raining now, but at least above 32 degrees.
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We should be able to walk tomorrow. Our rain is almost over. We need to get to the creek to see how high it is, one of our favorite pastimes.
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Our rain finally stopped this morning – but it was freezing rain and made a treacherous mess of the roads, sidewalks. I never even went outside today, caught up in Reader (yay) and half a day sorting photos (not done yet). Hope you made it to the Creek today to see that rising water.
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Yes, we saw the slightly swollen creek. It would have been quite high yesterday. That’s great that you got caught up in Reader.
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The water level at the Ecorse Creek has been high the last few years. I noticed it because the ducks used to go under the storm drain and stay there in the Winter as no ice formed underneath. They would come streaming out in a line when they thought there was food. I was happy to be caught up … I did not stay caught up very long unfortunately. I had been 3-4 days behind for awhile.
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I remember walking in some of the march of dimes walks back in the ’80’s. It seems like the first couple were 20 miles and we walked at Stoney Creek Metro Park. (Blisters and sunburn for sure) Then they shortened the walks and began having them in more local communities. I think I walked one year in Port Huron and one year in Algonac. Boy I would have loved to be at the one that Bob Seger was at. I was a huge fan. Happy New Year Linda!.
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I looked on their site and next year’s is virtual (as of now anyway). They had one walk-a-thon in Wyandotte, which would be good for me, but that was a while ago. How did we walk that many miles? (Besides the fact we were younger, it seems like a lot of miles doesn’t it?) You walked more than me at 20 miles. It was exciting having Bob Seger there – he was already an established singer at that time. There were quite a few people walking that day and he was up front … the leader of the pack. Thank you Ruth – Happy New Year back at you!
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Awesome that you met your goal, Linda, and awesome that you walked with Bob Seger! I remember friends doing some of those marathon charity walks back in the 70’s as they were quite popular then, and coming home in agony with blistered feet. I was never brave enough to try it. Wishing you a Happy New Year with lots of good walking weather…..and thanks for the e-card!
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Thank you Joni – I had thought when the Park closed in May, that the closure may be state-wide and last longer than one month and I’d be walking just in the neighborhood so I hoped I’d find enough to write about to sustain the blog. I don’t recall the specifics of our walk event. I know it was a beautiful day (thankfully) and we had not graduated yet – likely in May. I don’t remember what kind of shoes I was wearing, but they were not “walking shoes”. I know I thought it was a big deal three years later, walking home from the Exhibition to my grandmother’s house several times as the TTC was on strike the week a friend and I visited and we had tickets to see Chicago and the Beach Boys two different days. Aah – youth! I remember you/I chatted about those long walks, and at night on top of it, in the past. Happily, I got another three miles in this morning (which I could have added to my “official total”) and it looks like the freezing rain arrives late morning New Year’s Day, so I’ll get a walk in to start off the year right. Happy New Year back at you Joni – glad you enjoyed the e-card!
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Happy New Year to you Linda.
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Thank you Andy – same to you and best in 2021!
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💕💕💕
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💕💕💕 Make it a better year kiddo all around okay?
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Hope so…
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Yes..I am happy we are giving 2020 the Boot. Wishing for the best …2021.
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Likewise – it’s is still a rough patch, but I hope it gets better soon – more likely 2021 year end before normalcy returns.
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You are amazing Linda! I had no doubt you would make it but to go over that much is fantastic!
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Thanks Diane! I had my doubts a few times after the pandemic began, but got it done and with extra miles on top of that goal … I am happy.
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Great job Linda, here is to an even better year for 2021, Happy New Year to you and may we both continue with adventures seeing the world through our cameras and sharing it with others. Have a wonderful day.
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Thanks Sandra – I walked yesterday after all, plus today, but the next few days will be icy and dicey or snowy – take your pick. Happy New Year back at you. We will continue to explore and share what we see in 2021, so others feel like they tag along with us.
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So, your walking habit had its start way back in 1973! That is so cool!!! Too bad there was no information available from the March of Dimes. That was back before everything was recorded online. Congratulations on accomplishing your goal this year. Good luck in 2021!
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Yes, way back then Laurie and maybe it would be fun to do another one 50 years later. The events aren’t usually near me and likely will be virtual again this year. They said on the radio today that many May events are already being cancelled. Yes, now you can find anything on the internet – nothing for here, but a couple of later events’ certificates on Pinterest. Onward and upward for 2021. Thank you Laurie!
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What a great accomplishment Linda! Happy Walking in 2021! 🥾🥾
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Thanks Sabine! I am glad I made it, pandemic, heat and all. I ended up walking yesterday, so three more miles and walked this morning as well. Onward and upward for 2021!
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Miss Linda……………………….congratulations!…………………………..when are you getting a new pair of walking shoes?……………………………thank you for the beautiful animated Happy New Year………………………………do you have to pay extra for those?…………………………..Onward and Upward in 2021………………………………
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Thanks Ann Marie. I have actually been wearing lug-soled hiking boots many days as we get this snow or ice, it’s not plowed there and a few days later it is gone, but to be on the safe side, I just wear the lug -soled hiking boots. I am glad you liked the card – I do pay for a subscription for those cards. They had a beautiful advent card to load onto my desktop this year which I really enjoyed, but unfortunately couldn’t share. Onward and upward in 2021 for both of us. At least we eked out a walk today, the next few days, not likely!
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That’s great! Congrats, and Happy New Year!
And Bob Seger! That’s pretty darn cool.
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Thanks Rachel – yes it was fun. He was already popular and he actually is from my neck of the woods, born here, went to high school, one year I believe, then moved to Ann Arbor and that’s where he got his initial start in the music biz. 🙂
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Again I say: cool. :😄
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It was – Alice Cooper and Bob Seger used to play in local high schools when I was growing up. They were not really famous yet!
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Well done and as always a great post.
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Thank you Barbara.
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Happy New Year, Linda! YAY – I knew you’d meet your walking goal. I’m SO impressed that you took that photo and remembered how you wanted to use it for a future post. I hope the weather permits you to get out and walk this winter too so you get a head start on the extra ‘1’ in your goal for 2021. That’s awesome you saved that certificate – such fun memories.
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Thanks Shelley – when I saw that ceramic boot, and how we all felt about the year 2020 … I figured it was a good time to bring up that certificate. That is why I have clutter … I am a saver, not a thrower. I am hoping since we have a “dry week” I can get out and start rackin’ up the miles.
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You’re so darn clever! I save too much too – and always praise myself for doing so, especially when it comes in handy someday.
I hope you do get out and walk. It’s been chilly here for walking, but bearable if bundled up properly. Happy walking to you!
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Thanks but it is messy here right now, plus extra groceries around to avoid going out all Winter due to COVID and weather. I did get out this morning – icy on one side of the walking loop as it’s close to the Creek, but I walked on the grass. The welcoming committee was there with tummies growling!
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Way to plan groceries for the world we’re stuck in right now. That’s great that you did get out for a little walk. Fresh air and seeing the welcoming committee had to have brightened your day I hope!
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You know Shelley, my mom started doing that many years ago when I was young. She didn’t drive and before they built a mall with a grocery store nearby, they had to go into town for groceries, so she started buying in bulk to avoid trips in the Winter. Also, my father worked six days a week, so they would go on Sunday, his only day off, so she started doing bigger shoppings for Winter. Yes, the welcoming committee do brighten my day – especially when we’ve had such gray and dismal days … we rarely see the sun these days.
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It might be an interesting post for you to share how you stock up for different seasons. 😉
It’s been gray here, but with very interesting frost. So there are glimpses of winter beauty. And we’ve been able to walk in the cold too.
Yesterday, there was a glimpse of the sun. I sure miss the sun!
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Yes, “The Peanut Lady” creating her own hoard of food for the Winter. 🙂 Your frost was very interesting looking Shelley. We had some freezing fog the other day and I took some pictures. It came up quickly as it was fine when I left the house, but misty at the Park and some heavy frost-like condensation on the grass. Maybe sun on Friday … in the afternoon, but that’s about it.
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Congrats on reaching – and exceeding – your walking goal! I remember those walk-a-thons. I did many of them for a variety if charities in Junior High and High School. Sore feet afterwards, for sure, but it was always fun to walk with a big group of friends. Unlike you, those certificates are long gone. I hope you are able to get a good start on this year’s goal!
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Thanks Janis – I was pleased as a few times I wondered if COVID restrictions would force me into hibernation for a while, but I was excited to exceed my goal. Yes, we walked as a group too, but our high school class was very large (613) and none of my close friends were walking, so just a few classmates I knew walked the duration together. I will bet we couldn’t do that now. I am amazed at the people who walk the 60-mile Susan G. Komen Three-Day Walk every Summer. It’s always early August, our worst month for heat and humidity. I know I could not walk 20 miles per day now, even for this worthwhile cause. I did get out today and New Year’s Day, but that’s it so far as the wintry weather intruded.
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Yes, indeed, it was time to give 2020 the boot! Even though some wonderful things happened I’m glad it’s over. Congratulations on meeting your walking goals and thank you for the New Year e-card! (I’m trying to catch up…) The ceramic boot and rock with a smiley face was an inspired choice to head a year-end post. 🙂 Happy New Year, Linda!!
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Thanks Barbara. It sure was time to give 2020 the boot. I sometimes have posts in the back of my mind before I do them, like my year-end post reporting on my miles. I saw that boot – decided it was perfect and last minute decided to include the March of Dimes certificate. Glad you liked the card as well. I’ve only been walking three-mile trips because the weather, although clear, has been very gray and you really have to watch where you walk. Happy New Year back at you Barbara!
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Hi Linda
It would have been nice if you had your Kodak camera with you for walk photos – but some memories are just in the head and with maybe a certificate or momento
That was cool that you reached out to the march of dimes and surprises records started in 2002? Seems late
–
And cheers to reaching your walking goals – you are an inspiration
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Yvette – I always had that pocket camera with me, for years, so I’m not sure why I didn’t have it that day. luckily I had saved the certificate that said I completed the Walk-a-Thon. I was surprised the March of Dimes didn’t have records before 2002, but Jamie, the person that helped me went the extra mile to help out. Thank you – I hope to reach 1,256 miles this year (2,021 kilometers … for the year).
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