May 15 - Hitting the Buckeye Trail
15th May 2019
In the 4 months Blue and I have been on this wellness journey together, we've learned a lot about each other, about what works on the trail and what doesn't, and about just how fast one good dog can make progress if a great team lines up behind him.
As we posted here a few weeks ago, last month's weigh-ins, for both of us, were pretty encouraging, and Blue keeps getting compliments on his slim new look. More importantly, Blue now really enjoys getting out in the woods, climbing hills, fording streams, and even crossing bridges, which he was a little unsure of at first. In other words, it's all coming together for Blue, who's growing into a first-class hiking companion.
Which is all great, of course, but, Blue is still looking for his forever home. And although we're grateful for every dime that has been donated so far, Blue and I know we need to step up on the fundraising side of this, as well. Finally, Blue and his human (well, OK, just his human), as much as they've enjoyed their hikes on trails all over the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Summit Metroparks, now need a bigger goal to work towards.
Which is where the Buckeye Trail comes in.
Most people don't realize that Ohio is home to the largest loop trail in the United States, if not the world. From the Buckeye Trail Association's website. "For nearly 1444 miles, the Buckeye Trail winds around Ohio, reaching into every corner of the state. From a beachhead on Lake Erie near Cleveland, to a hilltop overlooking the Ohio River in Cincinnati, a hiker can experience a little of all that Ohio has to offer".
And that's exactly what Blue and I are going to do, starting right here in Summit County, which contains about 40 miles or so of this amazing hiking adventure. Some parts will be easier than others, and we'll eventually need some help along the way from Blue's many new friends. But, starting this Sunday, we're going to walk together across as much of this state as we need to until somebody who can offer Blue a permanent home can take the other end of the leash away from me.
It's a big goal, it's intimidating and exciting, all at once, and Blue's up for it. Me too.
How does all this help us with fundraising and getting Blue into his forever home? We're hoping you'll sponsor Blue by the mile, and that he'll get some attention once he proves he's serious about this. The sponsorship is the easy part. How about we start with $10 per mile for every Buckeye Trail mile in Summit County? That's $400 to walk from one end of the county to the other. Sounds fair, don't you think? Sponsor a mile by clicking the "DONATE!" below! (And please don't wait until we're done. Blue and his friends could use that $400 right away. Trust us, if you donate it, we'll earn it.)
Like always, Blue and I will keep you posted on the progress we make and on the planning and help we're going to need to pull this off. Maybe even some of you can get involved. I'll explain more about that in future Facebook posts. (And I haven't forgotten about the commitment I made to give all of you a few tips from the experts on hiking with dogs and healthy eating on the trail. More about that in the weeks to come, as well.)
Wish us luck, and see you right back here on May 28 for the big weigh-in!
And, maybe, see you on the trail, too!
Ted
