MARCH FOR TIBET'S INDEPENDENCE: FLORIDA 2004
–A Fifty-Five Mile March For The Six Million Who Cannot–

Monday: September 20, 2004

Day One: From: Anchor Park, Delray Beach, Florida

To: Alsdorf Park, Pompano Beach, Florida

Distance: 15 Miles

Topography: Flat, Route A1A runs along the Atlantic Coast throughout Florida.

Recently, this area of Florida was ravaged by Hurricane Frances but also received heavy rains and strong winds from Hurricane Charlie. Although they were spared the full brunt of Frances and the horrific damage of Hurricane Ivan, which obliterated Florida¹s Pan Handle and Alabama, it is yet to learn of its fate as Tropical Storm Jeanne approaches. Fallen palms and clearly damaged homes with wooden planks still covering the windows and doors tell of season to end all seasons. Huge puddles of stagnant water and high breaking waves a few hundred yards off the route make for quite a breathtaking backdrop.

Weather: Heavy rains accompanied the Marchers as they began to ply A1A, but after the first hour the storm clouds continued their own march north and the sun came out something fierce. Temps pushed towards the 90¹s and the infamous Florida burning began. By the conclusion of the March around dusk another storm system entered the area and came down hard bringing the March to a temporary halt approximately three miles from the conclusion of the first leg. Pressing through the winds and strong rain the Marchers continued on to Alsdorf Park in Pompano Beach, and completed Leg One of Three. We¹ve got pictures to prove it.

Landmarks: Heading south on A1A the Marchers pressed through the weather and several famous beach communities along the Atlantic Coast. Starting in Delray Beach, the March proceeded through Highland Beach, past Spanish River Park, South Inlet Park, Gumbo Jumbo Environmental Complex, and Red Reef Park before entering Broward County and Boca Raton. High-Rise Beach Front Resorts and Inlet Mansions with Yachts parked out back checkered both sides of the road as the roaring Atlantic beckoned a litany of sea rats eager to test their skills on the pounding surf. After a late afternoon break in Camino Real, where the surfers and fishermen littered the horizon, the Marchers continued south along A1A and extended themselves back into a driving rain as they passed through Hillsboro Beach, Hillsboro Bay, and finally ended the Leg in a complete downpour at Alsdorf Park in Pompano Beach.

The March:
Press: 1:00pm
Start: 2:00pm
Break: 5:00pm
2nd Half: 5:30pm
Finish: 7:30pm

Avg. Time:
1st Half: 2.66mph (8miles in 3Hrs)
2nd Half: 3.50mph (7miles in 2Hrs)

Total Time: 5 Hrs

Marchers:
Core: 4; Ani Kalsang Palmo, Jigme Norbu, Tenzin Namgyal, Yeshi Gyaltsen
Guest: 4; Risha (DeerPark Dharma Center), Adam Byrn Tritt (Unitarian Universalist Church of Ft. Lauderdale); Julie Selvaggi, and Jeremy Ferderber

Casualties: Ani Kalsang Palmo suffered back spasms and blisters from improper walking shoes. However, she completed the first 12 miles before the rain increased in severity. Most of the Marchers now have at least one blister if not more.

Stand Outs: Everybody! It wasn¹t a Hurricane but it still takes a lot to March in weather like that.

Rating: A Great Start!

Host Families: Sunday 19th: Jeremy Ferderber and Julie Selvaggi; Oakland Park, Ft. Lauderdale

Monday 20th: Lee and Adam Byrn Tritt; Unitarian Universalist Church of Ft. Lauderdale

Meals:
Lunch: Salvatore¹s Pizza and Italian Restaurant: NE 5th St, Delray Beach
Dinner: Provided by Lee and Adam at the UU Church of Ft. Lauderdale

Leg Two:
Distance: 20 Miles
Wake Time: 6:30am
March Start: 9:00am
Alsdorf Park, Pompano Beach
Est Finish: 5:00pm Haulover Park, Bal Harbour

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