Fourth Day In England

Greetings from the Quaker Meeting House in Wigton, England! I am not walking today due to the distance (up to 20 miles) to Maryport, which would challenge my ankle too much and the group's capacity to make the distance. We are a few days from Sellafield, which turns out to be a nuclear waste "reprossessing site", notorious for radiating the Irish Sea affecting England, Irish, Norweigan, and all unsuspecting species. I have much reading to do about these realities before we come to the facility. (I am reminded continually of the work of Dr. Rosalie Bertell, a scientist and Grey nun, whose latest book, Planet Earth, The Latest Weapon of War, opens by describing the earth as looking well, but in the throws of sickness due to the military preparations for war and weapons experimentation.) I want to be in shape for Sellafield.




The Sellafield security staff have been checking us out, anticipating what our actions might be when we arrive. They tell us we will be alright as long as we keep in front of the base which has three plus miles between its gates.



I have not mentioned the walk's organizers, Marcus and KA. They do tremendous work juggling organizing walkers, food and supplies, trip arrangements, media, etc, etc. Their stories are awesome too. For example, they led a nine month walk, four and a half in Australia and four and a half in Japan ending up in Hiroshima. Australia and Canada have half the world,s supply of uranium. The mining of uranium requires huge amounts of water, which is being taken from an ancient aquifer in Australia. This not only affects the lives of the indigenous peoples, but pollutes the environment. Marcus and KA are from Australia, and bring stories, songs, and character to our discussions. The walk through Japan carries the same energy. Marcus once led a walk from Auschwitz, through the Bosnian conflict in the 90's to Hiroshima. Talk about living on the edge! In so doing they connect the mining, production, use, and waste of the nuclear system.



They set a determined pace too. In averaging at least 15 miles a day, they reach their destinations. Gandhi did the Salt Walk in 30 days (241 miles), Foot Prints For Peace did it in 12 days! Marcus and KA once ran 74 miles in 24 hours with a group according to set rules.



I urge you to check out their website for more about their walks, etc. This morning KA shared greetings of support from all over the world for our walk.



Update about Gandhi response: People in Carlisle on Monday in the downtown square and in Wigton yesterday generally do not recognize the Gandhi impersonator. Most avert their eyes. Many respond to my greetings courteously. Some youth snicker. Others inquire about the meaning. One man said that I was Hare Krishna, and refused to accept that I was Gandhi. Our activist hosts honor and encourage me with appreciation.



We have seven walkers at present. Marcus and KA, Jamie from Boston, Cameron from Bainbridge Island (across from Seattle), Liana from eastern US, Dan from London, and me. Each bring rich and interesting stories, despite those with youth. Individuals keep coming and going with us. They are very supportive of me and my presence as Gandhi with limits. Of course, everyone in the group has limits and experience the usual stresses of such and undertaking. the group spirit is strong and very peaceful. KA directly criticised Marcus this morning for first commenting that he would like to spend the day hanging out, later mentioning that the weather looks wet and dreary. "You are some motivator, Marcus." Both these individuals have great sense of humor, strong voices and always responsive. They set the tone.