Day 1 - October 1, 2005
Barbara Sears, an old friend from my CU days, picked me up and dropped me off at the starting point, 10th Street and A1A, in Miami Beach. She's going to join me for part of my walk on Wednesday. It was 76 degrees when I started and by 4 in the pm it was 87. Humidity over 75 percent. I walked up A1A for 12 miles and switched over to USH 1 for the last 9 miles. I walked through Hispanic neighborhoods, black neighborhoods, rich neighborhoods and regular neighborhoods. There is a lot of money in Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale.
My water bottles were frozen solid when I started and they were warm by 11 a.m.. The folks at McDonalds didn't like it when I went in and got some ice for the water. Wouldn't sell me the ice. Said I had to order some food. They were having a $1 special so I ordered a dollar cheeseburger. About 45 minutes later the Taco Bell people gave me as much ice as I wanted and some water. All right Taco Bell!
Big Rain today. Only lasted 20 minutes. Dumped an inch or so and moved on. Just made it that much muggier.
The heat killed me. AND my left great toe is red, puffy and I can't put any weight on it. I've never had a blister on a toe before but that's what it looks like. I may not be able to walk manana. I did however get 21 miles in. I may have to slow down the pace.
Take care and keep on howling! - Buckwheat
ON THE BEACH - Buckwheat faces north on Miami Beach at the start of his Heartbeat Trail walk on Saturday, Oct. 1, and commences walking with a big howl.
Photos by Barbara Sears.