Throughout the Million Step March, Kathy and Gary are joined by at least one "guest walker" each week from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Kim Ashley, program manager in Commercial and Government Operations, joined the walk recently and gave us this report from the road:

Old U.S. 70 ended at the Pisgah National Forest "Old Fort" picnic area where we met up with the support van. From there, we walked into the town of Old Fort. Unable to resist, we stopped in for a quick break at a local coffee/art house, and ended up spending quite a while there. Good coffee, interesting local art and crafts, and very interesting people.

It's always fun to watch people's faces when they ask how far we're hiking, and the answer is "to Wilmington." Everyone is interested in the story and seems to be captivated by the idea of walking across the state. We often hand out pedometers and give the Web site URL out, and I believe the folks we talk with will participate.

Not only am I enjoying myself in this portion of the walk, I'm developing a greater respect for and understanding of the work that the company is doing toward cultivating healthy lifestyles and choices. Conversations on the road are giving me a glimpse into the motivations and passions that drive our viewpoint, and I find that I 100 percent agree with and support those motivations. What a good feeling!

During the final mile of the day, the rain that's been predicted since Monday finally hit. The worst part of the rain may be the splashing as the cars go past. Ick.

One piece of advice for the walkers: Jacuzzi! After a 13-mile hike, you must take advantage of the hotel Jacuzzi. It does wonders for the muscles and the spirit.

Kim Ashley

Posted by BCBSNC on April 15, 2008