Their Shoes

Camping In The Wind from Benjamin Dawes on Vimeo.

Yep. You guessed it. Stuck again waiting for the van to be fixed.

It seems my legs are outrunning the vehicles. I champing at the bit to get moving.

Day 12 – La Paz – El Nacional = 35km (256km/ 159 miles overall)

Back on the road at last.

Bill was walking with me today, my friend and fellow volunteer for Grupo de Apoyo Ray Thomas. We were also joined by a young fellow who we gradually discover is the son of La Paz’s President and also an Olympic Marathon walker!

Jason gets his first day walking and filming too. Falling short of 1km at the end of the day, I think I’ve earned his respect at last.

Walk 1000 miles on a shoestring.. from Benjamin Dawes on Vimeo.

Back in the pits by the end of the day.

As David came to collect us 35km outside of La Paz, the little old white van coughs and splutters into the dust once again. It’s not looking good.

Break it down from Benjamin Dawes on Vimeo.

Day 7,8,9,10 & 11 – La Paz = 0km (221km/ 137 miles overall(still))

La Paz means peace right? Not on this blog.. 5 days of drama as we’re stuck in Baja California Sur’s capitol city..

As our lovely old van is rendered unusable by some sort of mechanical problem that I don’t understand Read the rest »

Day 6 – Just passed El Triunfo – La Paz = 55km (221km/ 137 miles overall)

The less said about this day the better.

Due to crew sickness and my naivety, I found myself walking 55km with only a banana and 3 litres of water. Arriving in La Paz dry retching and dehydrated I begged a man on a ladder for some water. He gladly helped out and pointed me in the direction of my crew. We had a hotel but I slept in the van in a big childish mood.

Yes, I’m proud of the mileage. No, I didn’t enjoy today.

Here is a little trailer that summarizes the first week in their shoes.. Melancholy isn’t it..

Walk 1000 Miles In Their Shoes Trailer from Benjamin Dawes on Vimeo.

David Wants Football from Benjamin Dawes on Vimeo.

Day 5 – La Venta – Just passed El Triunfo = 30km (166km/ 103 miles overall)

Walking and talking, two of my favourite pastimes that when combined are a beautiful way to get to know someone.

Today I walked with David on a rare day off for him. Normally he is dutifully tied to the mobile home, where he keeps Read the rest »

Lazar Quest from Benjamin Dawes on Vimeo.

Day 4 – Los Barilles – La Venta = 30km (136km/ 84 miles overall)

No more Police. First few decent ascents as I bounce off the cortez coast and burrow back inland in a northeast to northwest pinball motion. Winding hills – The National on my Ipod. Gritting my teeth as I walk out the damage I did with the boots. I know the arch of my foot is re aligning so I crunch through the aches and pangs. Leafy forest with cool rocks to lay on.. Little restaurant for Tamales.. Finish at the pacifico restaurant. Feeling some pride now, feeling strong again and gathering momentum. The big toe on my left foot has gone numb but I’ve beaten the pain again. BBQ with the arts society.. Jim’s video update..

Dream Team grafting hard.

Day 3 – Miraflores – Los Barilles = 35km (106km/ 66 miles overall)

Start at the Pemex bright eyed and bushy tailed. Still being tailed by the feds. Foot causing a shooting pain up my leg and I’m feeling like a burden on the police department.. Tropic of cancer line is crossed.. Read the rest »

Federalis!! from Benjamin Dawes on Vimeo.

Day 2 – San Jose – Miraflores = 36km (71km/44miles overall)

Getting out of town now.. Left foot starting to hurt, like the amateur I am, I thought that the tightness of the walking boots will aid in the avoidance of friction blisters.. I see my first snake seeing me.. The police are Read the rest »

Day 1 – Cabo San Lucas to San Jose Del Cabo = 35km/22 miles + The Rock

The first bold step was true to form a bit of a stumble. As I disembarked the boat without shoes or dignity I managed to douse my shoes, GPS and ego in seawater. Unfortunately this wasn’t caught on film but I’m sure there will be plenty more opportunity to capture my clumsiness.

We set off from Casa Dorada, the hotel that had shown us Read the rest »