Today was the Walk and Roll for Hope which was celebrating
their 45th anniversary! Hundreds of people came to a park in
Anchorage to walk, run, and bicycle on three trails that spanned the coast near
the city. We got up early to continue to
prepare for the event at 7 AM this morning.
The boys from the Alaskan Military Youth Academy also joined us with the
final set-up. With the run starting at 9
AM, people started coming to the park at 8 AM.
Participants could buy bright green Walk and Roll t-shirts, get free
massages, receive certificates after completing the trail, take pictures with
storm troopers, and enjoy complimentary hotdogs, water, and coffee. Wartburg
students helped with selling t-shirts, writing certificates of completion, and
serving hotdogs, water and coffee. A few
students also walked down the trail for a little bit to experience the Walk and
Roll.
“I just really enjoyed myself. It feels so good to give
back.”
“It was such a good fundraiser because it brought the
community together. How often do you
think they get out into the community? There were so many people at the walk. Everyone
was so friendly and just wanted to get to know everybody else.”
After the walk, we stayed to take down the tents with the
military cadets and also bonded with them one last time. We took a group photo and almost had a rap
battle and a dance off, but the cadets needs to be on their way.
Getting back to the house, everyone was exhausted. A few people had suggestions to hike or cook
out, but no one had the motivation to get out of their seats. Finally, a few students mustered the energy
to go to Walmart and purchase food for brunch tomorrow as well as supplies for
a barbeque, s’mores, root beer floats, and chili dogs. The plan for brunch is pancakes and French toast
with eggs and sausage. About half of the
students stayed back at the house to journal and relax outside. With the WiFi
still a problem, many gave up on connecting to the internet and left to enjoy
the Alaskan environment, which is probably for the better.
After the group returned from Walmart, about half of the
students went out to hike Rendezvous Ridge. After driving on a horrific
washboard road that almost shook the van to pieces, we arrived at a muddy,
snowy trail. After slowly starting out,
the group broke into two groups to conquer a different peak. Some made it to the top while others did not;
however we all enjoyed the trip. Once
back at the house, people changed out of their wet, muddy shoes and prepared
dinner. Everyone was ready to actually
unwind and be done for the day.
(C) 2014. All photos are the property of Benjamin Bogard. All rights reserved.
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