NORTHERLY ISLAND (DAY 62)

I definitely had an extra bounce in my step from the moment I stepped on my scale on Saturday morning. The euphoria that I felt, realizing just how much weight I have shed since July 31st made me feel terrific. The last seven days included another drop of 4.4 lbs. I am officially in the 230's. Nine weeks ago, I was an astounding 283.6 lbs. I literally was having trouble just walking around the corner. I set out for a walk on Saturday morning, with the intention of talking a ten mile urban hike with Northerly Island as a destination.  By the time I returned home, I had logged fifteen miles. 

And here's a fact that just about no one in the universe could possibly care about but I do.  This weekend marks the third anniversary since I successfully made the summit at Half-Dome in Yosemite.  It was one of the most memorable and best days of my life. On that day, I weighed 227 lbs. Just ten months prior to the epic climb, I had weighed 309 lbs.  I had shed 82 lbs when I climbed that rock in Yosemite, and on that day I weighed 227 lbs.  Today it is three years later and I am only 11.2 lbs from that weight.  I might return to that weight before the month of October ends. That ain't bad.

.

.

INDIANA DUNES STATE PARK (DAY 61)

Saturday Morning.
The day I step on the scale.

I have lost 45.4 lbs since my disgust overwhelmed my fat lackadaisical slothful condition and made the decision, that enough was enough! 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I only had one appointment in Northern Indiana on Friday morning.
So before heading home, I made a stop at Indiana Dunes.
It has been quite a long time since I have been to the Dunes.
When my hike was completed, I had trekked 14 miles.
When the day was over, I had completed my 61st consecutive day of low calorie consumption.
My definition of low calorie consumption has been what I describe as the 'neighborhood of 1000 calories'  During these past 61 days I think I have consumed as low as 800 calories in a day but nothing higher than 1400. That's the neighborhood that I have remained in for these past seven weeks.

I spotted a PRAYING MANTIS along the trail

.

During my hike I 'discovered' something that I was not aware of... There are five 'Homes of the Future' along the lake that were moved from the Chicago CENTURY OF PROGRESS World's Fair that took place 1933-1934.   I love discovering new things by accident.

PLYMOUTH, INDIANA (DAY 60)

After scooting into Ohio for one day, I was back in Indiana by late Thursday afternoon.
I arrived at my hotel in Plymouth, Indiana just before dark.
Undeterred, I changed by clothes, grabbed my headlamp and flashlight and set out for a hike.
When I returned, I had logged 7 miles.
My caloric consumption, could arguably be said to be in the neighborhood of 1000.
And that was that.
DAY 60
One more day, and I get to weigh myself on Saturday morning...

DAYTON, OHIO (DAY 59)

My second appointment of the day put me within range of Dayton, Ohio.
So, I am made an appointment in Dayton on Thursday morning.
I checked into a Dayton hotel Wednesday late afternoon and immediately set out on foot.
This hike which took me into the woods a bit in Taylorsville Metro Park concluded after 11 miles.
Calorie consumption was once again in the neighborhood of 1000 (just under 1300)
Yet another very productive day in the march towards thinness and fitness.

.

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER (DAY 58) MADISON, INDIANA

Day 58 started in Lawrenceville, Indiana and ended in Madison, Indiana.
Finished my last appointment around 5PM.
Scurried to my hotel, quick change of clothes and noticed the Ohio River was about 4 miles away.
So I had a destination.
By the time I returned to my hotel, I had logged 9 miles.
Great Hike.
Great Business Day.
Great calorie consumption day.
Day 58 was much like the 57 days that preceded it.

GREENDALE, INDIANA (DAY 57)

Woke up in Chicago.
Had an appointment in northwestern Indiana.
Criss crossed the state to plant myself in southeastern Indiana where I arrived at 7:15PM
Checked in and changed clothes and walked 6 miles.
Another day, on the program.
The program is a bit of exercise with calorie consumption in the neighborhood of approx 1000.