"Certain people have a way of saying things that shakes us at the core. Even when the words do not seem harsh or offensive, the impact is shattering. What we could be experiencing is the intent behind the words. When we intend to do good, we do. When we intend to do harm, it happens. What each of us must come to realize is that our intent always comes through."

- Thurgood Marshall

Day 49 - Thursday, August 10, 1995 - From the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, Sherry Noser called me in New Hampshire to give a status report over the phone: "It was another lovely walk, a quiet walk," she said. "We were able to keep our focus on our prayer as we went along.”

The walk progresssed another 12 miles, ending up beyond Rocky Knob and the Mayberry Mill Museum. Base camp moved south to Christiansburg, Virginia, where the walkers established themselves comfortably.

Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

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Regula Vellacott took the phone from Sherry, and offered additional detail. She said that after reading about the Sunbow walk on the Internet a couple of weeks ago, she flew from her home in Switzerland to America, and joined the walk in Washington, D.C. She said she must return home to Switzerland this coming Saturday, but that she will come back in a few months to walk further. She very much feels herself to be part of the group, and to be aligned with our purpose.

Regula, who everyone has taken to calling Rella, said, "The walk has been different than I thought it would be. I’ve met some very interesting people, been touched by the open-hearted hospitality of people along the way.

She also learned that this is a spiritual walk, not just an environmental walk, or even a religious walk. That has really become clear, the spiritual focus of what we are doing.

"There are struggles in the group, as in any group,” Rella said, “but there are also solutions. The group has a basic understanding of respect, and it's nice to be in it. It's very loving, like a family.

“One thing: I found it hard walking on all the asphalt. It was especially hard for me in the beginning in Washington. I thought I couldn't do it after the first day, but I found that I could. The group was very supportive, and that made it easier. I'm glad I came and did it."

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Copyright 2006 by Steven McFadden

Read Day 50 -- Odyssey of the 8th Fire