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Mile 942.  Tortoise walked 0.83 miles this afternoon to the playground at the elementary school and back with some very special people.  Later that evening, he did a second 1.61 mile walk in a loop from his house.  There were 102 feet climbed in 1.23 miles along the way, for an average 5.3 tortoise rating.  The rest of the path was flat or downhill.  Lou burned 368 calories in 49:59 minutes doing this.

Please click below for maps, more pictures and today's walking thought by John Groberg ...

Cheerio!

Create Maps or Search for a route from millions at MapMyFitness

Create Maps or Search for a route from millions at MapMyFitness

2014 Stats:

942.67 miles walked, which is 94.17% of my 2014 goal.

297:07:40 hours walked, which is 94.93% of my 2014 goal

46,127 total feet climbed 

149,502 calories burned
91.05% of the year has passed

I've walked 59 consecutive non-Sundays since my last missed day on September 20, and overall have walked on 272 of the 285 non-Sundays thus far in 2014, a 95.44% consistency rating.

The purpose of the percentages is to have a higher percentage of distance and time walked than of the year. This tells Tortoise that he is on track. Yes, this is more numbers than you are likely interested in, all Tortoise can say is he's really good at setting high goals and having them slip away because he doesn't do them every, every day.

And now for today's walking thought, originally presented in October 1993:

"Those familiar with sailing know that to get anywhere, you need wind. Sometimes there are good breezes without storms and heavy seas, but often they go together. Sailors do not fear storms, for they contain the lifeblood of sailing—wind. What sailors fear is no wind, or being becalmed.

"Time passed. The sun got higher, the sea calmer. Nothing moved. We soon realized that unless something changed, we would not arrive by sundown. I suggested that we pray and plead with the Lord to send some wind. What more righteous desire could a group of men have? I offered a prayer. When I finished, things seemed calmer than ever. We continued drifting.

"Time was moving, and we were getting desperate. This same man now suggested that everyone kneel again in prayer and each person in turn offer a vocal prayer for the whole group. Many beautiful, pleading, faithful prayers ascended to heaven. But when the last one finished and everyone opened their eyes, the sun was still burning down with greater intensity than before. The ocean was like a giant mirror. It was almost as though Satan was laughing, saying, “See, you can’t go anywhere. There is no wind. You are in my power.”

As I was so wondering, I noticed this faithful older brother move to the rear of the boat. I watched as he unlashed the tiny lifeboat, placed two oars with pins in their places, and carefully lowered it over the side.

He looked at me and softly said, “Get in.”

I answered, “What are you doing? There is hardly room for two people in that tiny thing!”

“Don’t waste any time or effort. Just get in. I am going to row you to shore, and we need to leave now to make it by sundown.”

I looked at him incredulously, “Row me where?”

“To the family that wants to hear the gospel. We have an assignment from the Lord. Get in.”

I was dumbfounded. It was miles to shore. The sun was hot, and this man was old. But as I looked into the face of that faithful brother, I sensed an intensity in his gaze, an iron will in his very being, and a fixed determination in his voice as he said, “Before the sun sets this day, you will be teaching the gospel and bearing testimony to a family who wants to listen.”

I again objected, “Look, you’re over three times my age. If this is to be, let me row.”

With that same look of determination and faith-induced will, the old man replied, “No. Leave it to me. Get in the boat. Don’t waste more time talking. Let’s go!” At his direction we got into the boat, with me in the front and the old man in the middle, his feet stretching to the end of the boat, his back to me.

I waded ashore, met the family, went to their home, and taught them the gospel. As I bore testimony of the power of God in this church, my mind saw an old Tongan man rowing to a distant harbor and waiting patiently there. I testified with a fervor as great as any I have ever felt that God does give power to men and women to do His will if they will have faith in Him. I told the family, “When we exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we can do things we could not otherwise do. When our hearts are determined to do right, the Lord gives us the power to do so.”

The family believed and eventually was baptized.

In the annals of history, few will be aware of this small incident. Hardly anyone will know about this insignificant island, the family who waited, or the obscure, old man who never once complained of fatigue, aching arms, painful back, or a hurting body. He never talked about thirst, the scorching sun, or the heat of the day as he relentlessly rowed uncomplainingly hour after hour. He referred only to the privilege of being God’s agent in bringing a missionary to teach the truth to those who desired to hear. But God knows! He gave him the strength to be His wind that day, and He will give us the strength to be His wind when necessary.

How often do we not do more because we pray for wind and none comes? We pray for good things and they don’t seem to happen, so we sit and wait and do no more. We should always pray for help, but we should always listen for inspiration and impressions to proceed in ways different from those we may have thought of. On the boat, five men prayed, but only one heard and acted. God does hear our prayers. God knows more than we do. He has infinitely greater experience than we have. We should never stop moving because we think our way is barred or the only door we can go through is closed.

No matter what our trials, we should never say, “It is enough.” Only God is entitled to say that. Our responsibility is to ask, “What more can I do?” then listen for the answer, and do it!

I’ll never forget that old man.

To watch, listen to, or read this message in its entirety, please visit https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1993/10/the-lords-wind?lang=eng

The tortoise is smiling!