Forward in 2011

I have lined up a new destination for 2011's walk. To be revealed -- amid no fanfare -- on January 1.

Day 356

DATE: December 22

MILES: 1,077.1

I'm here, at Lafitte's in the French Quarter. Not only am I nine days ahead of schedule, but I counted 29 days I didn't walk at all. That means I only spent 329 days on the road.

Walking between now and Dec. 31 will count for next year's walk. Where to? Check back Jan. 1.

Day 348

DATE: December 14

MILES: 1,050.8

I'm in the home stretch, now entering the greater New Orleans area.

I've got 26 miles to go, though according to my map-tracking, I seem a lot closer than that to the French Quarter. Over the year, I've been following several pages of walking directions, and there's a good chance I flubbed a turn or two.

In any case, the goal is still 1,077 miles by Dec. 31, so if I have to virtually walk around the block a few times to hit that distance, I'll do so. The good news is, I'm ahead by 6 miles currently, and well on track to hit the bar before New Year's Eve.