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Showing posts with label FL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FL. Show all posts
Friday, May 6, 2011
Find Out About Katherine's Time in St. Augustine!
Check out the WOCN Cycling YouTube channel and the WOCN Flickr page to see the new clips and pictures of Katherine's time in St. Augustine!
Friday, April 29, 2011
We Did It!
As Katherine rolled into St. Augustine, Florida and completed her cross-country cycling tour, the WOCN Society counted the donations for a final time. We exceeded our fundraising goal of $200,000 with a grand total of $214,252!
Cycling for Scholarships has undoubtedly been the Society's most comprehensive fundraising effort to date and we owe our success to our member supporters. By meeting our goal, the WOCN Foundation can fund educational scholarships for another five years and award an additional 100 scholarships. What an amazing accomplishment thanks to YOU!
Through it all, Katherine has endured the hot deserts of Arizona, the dusty hills of Texas, and the thick Florida humidity. She truly had an amazing journey. The WOCN Society applauds Katherine for her tremendous sacrifice and determination to raise awareness of WOC nursing. We are forever grateful to her generosity and example.
The bike pedals may stop, but the needs don't stop. If you'd like to continuing donating to the WOCN's Cycling for Scholarships campaign, please visit http://www.wocnfoundation.org/.
**Amount updated 5/23
Cycling for Scholarships has undoubtedly been the Society's most comprehensive fundraising effort to date and we owe our success to our member supporters. By meeting our goal, the WOCN Foundation can fund educational scholarships for another five years and award an additional 100 scholarships. What an amazing accomplishment thanks to YOU!
Through it all, Katherine has endured the hot deserts of Arizona, the dusty hills of Texas, and the thick Florida humidity. She truly had an amazing journey. The WOCN Society applauds Katherine for her tremendous sacrifice and determination to raise awareness of WOC nursing. We are forever grateful to her generosity and example.
The bike pedals may stop, but the needs don't stop. If you'd like to continuing donating to the WOCN's Cycling for Scholarships campaign, please visit http://www.wocnfoundation.org/.
**Amount updated 5/23
According to Katherine: Day 56 Recap
It was easy to fly out of bed at 5:15 for a 6:00 breakfast and 6:45 departure. This was our LAST day. Many emotions were merging and colliding as we loaded luggage and pumped tires for the last time. I had some grapes and a banana for breakfast. Best I could do with all the butterflies.
The ride was 40 miles to the St. John's Fire Department where we reassembled for the 7-mile parade through town and to the beach. On the way, we rode under gorgeous trees draped in Spanish moss, by the banks of the mighty St. John's River, and past acres of potatoes growing. I thought Idaho had the corner on potatoes.
The men at the fire station were most hospitable. Our police escorts positioned themselves in front and back of our column of 17 cyclists with one guide driving the SAG Wagon. People along the way cheered boisterously without knowing what for! We loved it anyway! Most of us cried. Cycling over the Bridge of Lions was a thrill.
And then, there we were. There were our families, friends and, for me, members of WOCN, management staff and our generous corporate sponsors. I felt so proud to be wearing the Convatec and Hollister, Inc. logos.
After all the hugs and kisses, we carried our bikes to the ocean where we ceremoniously dipped our front tire in the surf. Before it was over, most of us dipped half or all of ourselves into the cool Atlantic waters. Dr. Phyllis Bonham gave me the glorious news that we had met our goal of $200,000 for the Cycling for Scholarships Foundation. We toasted with champagne that Jack Jeter had brought for everyone.
We all enjoyed a picnic lunch and then dispersed to regroup later in the evening. WomanTours hosted a final dinner for "just us" or the 16 cyclists and two guides who completed the 3,100-mile tour. Everyone had an opportunity to reflect, remember, and to say good-bye and thank you.
Then we left that party to attend the grand WOCN celebration at the Leitner Museum. What a fabulous occasion that featured a cake, more champagne, the official announcement that to date $208,613 has been raised, and a fun slide show from the ride. I was amazed to be so honored. The Mayor had proclaimed the day as WOC Nursing Day in St. Augustine. Our sons presented me with a colorful metal cyclist sculpture. With their sister and Jack they had sent cards of encouragement nearly every day of the trip. It was fun to have them participating in all the festivities.
If I've ever been so thankful and satisfied, I don't remember when. We fell into bed at 10:00, so I would be up for a ride in the morning with our sons. We did it! So many people had a hand in it and deserve resounding applause. I can't imagine how long it will take to put the whole experience into perspective and to be able to express what it has meant and will continue to mean in years to come.
I am so grateful to so many.
The ride was 40 miles to the St. John's Fire Department where we reassembled for the 7-mile parade through town and to the beach. On the way, we rode under gorgeous trees draped in Spanish moss, by the banks of the mighty St. John's River, and past acres of potatoes growing. I thought Idaho had the corner on potatoes.
The men at the fire station were most hospitable. Our police escorts positioned themselves in front and back of our column of 17 cyclists with one guide driving the SAG Wagon. People along the way cheered boisterously without knowing what for! We loved it anyway! Most of us cried. Cycling over the Bridge of Lions was a thrill.
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| We all gathered here to begin our 7-mile ride with police escort through St. Augustine, over the Bridge of Lions, to Anastasia Beach where our family and friends were waiting. Sixteen women now always bonded in friendship by the extraordinary journey we shared. |
And then, there we were. There were our families, friends and, for me, members of WOCN, management staff and our generous corporate sponsors. I felt so proud to be wearing the Convatec and Hollister, Inc. logos.
After all the hugs and kisses, we carried our bikes to the ocean where we ceremoniously dipped our front tire in the surf. Before it was over, most of us dipped half or all of ourselves into the cool Atlantic waters. Dr. Phyllis Bonham gave me the glorious news that we had met our goal of $200,000 for the Cycling for Scholarships Foundation. We toasted with champagne that Jack Jeter had brought for everyone.
 |
| Marge and I at the finish line! |
We all enjoyed a picnic lunch and then dispersed to regroup later in the evening. WomanTours hosted a final dinner for "just us" or the 16 cyclists and two guides who completed the 3,100-mile tour. Everyone had an opportunity to reflect, remember, and to say good-bye and thank you.
Then we left that party to attend the grand WOCN celebration at the Leitner Museum. What a fabulous occasion that featured a cake, more champagne, the official announcement that to date $208,613 has been raised, and a fun slide show from the ride. I was amazed to be so honored. The Mayor had proclaimed the day as WOC Nursing Day in St. Augustine. Our sons presented me with a colorful metal cyclist sculpture. With their sister and Jack they had sent cards of encouragement nearly every day of the trip. It was fun to have them participating in all the festivities.
If I've ever been so thankful and satisfied, I don't remember when. We fell into bed at 10:00, so I would be up for a ride in the morning with our sons. We did it! So many people had a hand in it and deserve resounding applause. I can't imagine how long it will take to put the whole experience into perspective and to be able to express what it has meant and will continue to mean in years to come.
I am so grateful to so many.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 54
The day began with the temperature at 69 degrees and the humidity, 86 per cent. I had yogurt, fresh fruit, and a Lärabar for breakfast and was the first one out of the parking lot at 7:15. That would have been swell if I had gone the right direction!
I got about 5 bonus miles before getting back on the route. The predicted southeasterly winds slowed me down considerably in spots. The rain laden clouds hung low to keep us cool but dissipated by noon. It was our turn to SAG, so Marge and I split the 76 mile ride. We enjoyed pastoral scenes most of the day: cows grazing, sheep and goats munching in their pens, miniature horses, acres of pine forests, irrigation pivots watering newly planted fields, and beautiful wild flowers.
The stench of the chicken megafarms as we passed them was a shock to the nose and reinforced my determination to remain a vegetarian! The highlight of the day was the visit to Ichetucknee Springs State Park. The water was clear, turquoise, and cold. I resisted the temptation to swim in my bike clothes. I ate my PB&J like I did yesterday: a quarter every ten miles for the first 40 miles. I had nuts and Endurolytes and lots of energy drink while riding.
It was a hot 88 degrees when we arrived in High Springs. I had an iced cold Diet Dr. Pepper when we got into our room. I don't usually do that, but it seemed like a good idea. Dinner was chicken in almond butter sauce (tofu for Lisa and me), a variation on Asian slaw, fresh cubed pineapple, and banana pudding. I had a few bites of that and deemed it too high in calories for me!
2987 miles behind us. 113 miles to pedal. 2 days to go.
I got about 5 bonus miles before getting back on the route. The predicted southeasterly winds slowed me down considerably in spots. The rain laden clouds hung low to keep us cool but dissipated by noon. It was our turn to SAG, so Marge and I split the 76 mile ride. We enjoyed pastoral scenes most of the day: cows grazing, sheep and goats munching in their pens, miniature horses, acres of pine forests, irrigation pivots watering newly planted fields, and beautiful wild flowers.
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| Among the most impressive sights we've seen all across the country are the County Courthouses. This is the Lafayette County Courthouse in Mayo, FL |
The stench of the chicken megafarms as we passed them was a shock to the nose and reinforced my determination to remain a vegetarian! The highlight of the day was the visit to Ichetucknee Springs State Park. The water was clear, turquoise, and cold. I resisted the temptation to swim in my bike clothes. I ate my PB&J like I did yesterday: a quarter every ten miles for the first 40 miles. I had nuts and Endurolytes and lots of energy drink while riding.
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| So wanted to go swimming in the cold spring water! |
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| Ichetucknee Springs State Park |
2987 miles behind us. 113 miles to pedal. 2 days to go.
Bring Out The Bubbly!
We're so pleased to announce WOCN's Cycling for Scholarships initiative has surpassed its $200,000 goal, raising a total of $208,613. We truly appreciate everyone who participated in this 3,100-mile journey to share their enthusiasm for the amazing care WOC nurses provide, and to make this career pathway for future nursing professionals.
Donating does not have to stop! If you wish to donate to this great cause, please visit: http://www.wocnfoundation.com/.
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| Katherine and friends toast to the good news! |
Donating does not have to stop! If you wish to donate to this great cause, please visit: http://www.wocnfoundation.com/.
According to Katherine: Day 53
This was Monday mourning coming down. How can we be so close to finished? The first day of our last week. The tear-open oatmeal was particularly awful. I had a little cup of fruit and a not-so-good English muffin. After we packed our PB&J and nuts we were off for the 54 mile ride to Perry, FL.
The temperature was 69 degrees and the clouds helped keep us cool. The head winds annoyed us from time to time but the roads were smooth and the shoulders, wide. It was absolutely flat, which challenges the legs of a 72-year-old. No coasting. Pedaling every minute.
We ate our PB&J in quarters at mile 10, 20, 30, and 40! The temperature had risen into the mid 80s when Marge and I arrived at the Hampton Inn at 12:30. The desk clerk could not understand why we were so elated that our room wasn't ready. We explained that we had never gotten in so early before! We got to have a fun lunch with most of the group at Mama's Italian Restaurant. I had a grilled veggie panini and home made, just fried, potato chips.
There was time to do our laundry and take a nap and time for me to receive the wonderful news that we are only $9,000 from our $200,000 goal for the WOCN Scholarship Fund. I spent an hour or so e-mailing friends and colleagues asking them to call others to donate for the first time or donate a little more to help us "bring it home." Since our chef, Linda, had the night off we ordered pizza and had our supper in the motel lobby.
Our table tried to articulate the lessons we have learned on our journey. So many and yet still not clear enough to express. The motel had large fresh strawberries with white and dark chocolate for dipping. I helped myself to a half dozen of those! This was a night to put our tired bodies in the bed early to be ready for a an even longer flat ride tomorrow.
2911 miles behind us. 189 to pedal. 3 days to go.
The temperature was 69 degrees and the clouds helped keep us cool. The head winds annoyed us from time to time but the roads were smooth and the shoulders, wide. It was absolutely flat, which challenges the legs of a 72-year-old. No coasting. Pedaling every minute.
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| You wouldn't see THIS from your car: manatees swimming in the Wakulla River. |
There was time to do our laundry and take a nap and time for me to receive the wonderful news that we are only $9,000 from our $200,000 goal for the WOCN Scholarship Fund. I spent an hour or so e-mailing friends and colleagues asking them to call others to donate for the first time or donate a little more to help us "bring it home." Since our chef, Linda, had the night off we ordered pizza and had our supper in the motel lobby.
Our table tried to articulate the lessons we have learned on our journey. So many and yet still not clear enough to express. The motel had large fresh strawberries with white and dark chocolate for dipping. I helped myself to a half dozen of those! This was a night to put our tired bodies in the bed early to be ready for a an even longer flat ride tomorrow.
2911 miles behind us. 189 to pedal. 3 days to go.
According to Katherine: Day 52
It was a glorious Easter morning in Florida. Two members of the Crawfordville United Methodist Church came to get eight of us for their 8:00 service. Marge had found the church on line and I had called the pastor last week and asked if we could attend in our "unchurch" attire. We enjoyed the service and a lavish brunch afterward. Southern church food is so good: macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs, monkey bread, biscuits, fresh fruit, and more.
We felt so welcomed by the pastor and the members. I spent the entire rest of this rest day on the bed talking to family and catching up on my blogs. Marge went to the pool. We enjoyed a couple of ginger snaps with our 4 o'clock coffee. The group gathered for dinner at 5:30 for pan seared grouper, quinoa salad, garlic mashed potatoes, and asparagus. We all are beginning to ruminate about life after. Our lights were out by 9:00.
Only 4 more days.
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| They may not have Easter frocks, but Kathy and Fiona have the bonnets! |
We felt so welcomed by the pastor and the members. I spent the entire rest of this rest day on the bed talking to family and catching up on my blogs. Marge went to the pool. We enjoyed a couple of ginger snaps with our 4 o'clock coffee. The group gathered for dinner at 5:30 for pan seared grouper, quinoa salad, garlic mashed potatoes, and asparagus. We all are beginning to ruminate about life after. Our lights were out by 9:00.
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| It was a joy to worship and be welcomed at Crawfordville United Methodist Church on Easter Sunday. |
Only 4 more days.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 48 Recap
It was 74 degrees with very high humidity and a little fog when we started out for Crestview. I had choked down one hard boiled egg and some oatmeal before we left. I made a PB&J and packed some nuts for the 68-mile ride.
It was so much fun shifting gears that work and I am so grateful to Dave Naderman of Trek Bicycles of Raleigh, NC for helping someone he's never met and stepping in to deal with a bike he didn't sell. Eric of Bikes Plus in Pensacola, FL did the fixing and I was over the moon knowing that the last nine days would be smooth riding.
We enjoyed some nice rolling terrain, which I didn't realize Florida had. We were really good about hydrating, swigging on our energy drink, and eating on this hot, humid day with temperatures in the high 80s. Floridians tell us this isn't hot!
As we rode through Crestview a Sonic called our name. We had to have a Mocha Java Chiller to celebrate gears that shifted properly and 68 miles well done.
I was amazed and delighted to see ski friends Jack and Sharon Godwin from Niceville, FL waiting to welcome us in front of the Hampton Inn. We had a fun brief visit. We needed to get laundry done and shower before dinner. They promised to return later.
Dinner was a fabulous variation of Shepherd's Pie with vegetables and sweet potatoes, salad, and fruit. After the dinner dishes were done, I had another visit with the Godwins and welcomed sleep the minute my head hit the pillow.
2,661 miles behind us. 439 miles to pedal. 8 days to go.
It was so much fun shifting gears that work and I am so grateful to Dave Naderman of Trek Bicycles of Raleigh, NC for helping someone he's never met and stepping in to deal with a bike he didn't sell. Eric of Bikes Plus in Pensacola, FL did the fixing and I was over the moon knowing that the last nine days would be smooth riding.
We enjoyed some nice rolling terrain, which I didn't realize Florida had. We were really good about hydrating, swigging on our energy drink, and eating on this hot, humid day with temperatures in the high 80s. Floridians tell us this isn't hot!
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| Just one of the beautiful scenes during our ride to Crestview. We were still so close to the ocean. |
As we rode through Crestview a Sonic called our name. We had to have a Mocha Java Chiller to celebrate gears that shifted properly and 68 miles well done.
I was amazed and delighted to see ski friends Jack and Sharon Godwin from Niceville, FL waiting to welcome us in front of the Hampton Inn. We had a fun brief visit. We needed to get laundry done and shower before dinner. They promised to return later.
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| Jack and Sharon Godwin drove from Niceville, FL to celebrate our amazing adventure. Such a compliment. |
Dinner was a fabulous variation of Shepherd's Pie with vegetables and sweet potatoes, salad, and fruit. After the dinner dishes were done, I had another visit with the Godwins and welcomed sleep the minute my head hit the pillow.
2,661 miles behind us. 439 miles to pedal. 8 days to go.
Cheerin' for the Gearin'
I am powerless to resist Mocha Java Chillers from Sonic. They are the perfect tonic for frustration and the most exquisite elixir for celebration. I indulged in this Chiller because I'm cheerin' for the gearin'. Thanks to Dave Naderman at Trek Bicycles of Raleigh, NC and Eric at Bikes Plus in Pensacola, FL, my shifter is working better than ever.
I love these guys for getting the shifter shifting and giving me another excuse for slurping down a Mocha Java Chiller!
I love these guys for getting the shifter shifting and giving me another excuse for slurping down a Mocha Java Chiller!
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| Enjoying my Mocha Java Chiller! |
Thursday, April 7, 2011
You're Invited...
...to mix and mingle with local WOC Nurses as we celebrate the conclusion of Katherine's Cycling for Scholarships journey with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres!
Click here to view the evite. And please note, you must RSVP by April 15. We hope to see you in St. Augustine!
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