tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77389041154782940132024-03-13T03:03:53.586-07:00444 Parkinson's TravelerMarcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-55483158819320617552017-03-11T17:24:00.000-08:002017-03-11T17:24:30.165-08:00Perseverance and my next Path through the Pacific<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When the World Parkinson Congress in Portland closed back in September, I was excited about the wonderful experiences I had, the great people I had met, and some potential new projects. However, I was also in need of a break from focusing on Parkinson’s Disease. Fortunately, an increased medication dose and a near void of any significant workplace stressors eliminated most of Parkinson’s impact on my life. So, with minimal symptoms and no major responsibilities or expectations – I fell off the Parkinson’s promotion grid and tried to spend my time on family needs and my non-PD related hobbies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> One of my endeavors was to start playing soccer again. Over the past decade, since “retiring” from coaching my daughters’ youth teams, my soccer experiences have been limited to occasional parking lot kick-arounds as Eagleman.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> With an abundance of organized soccer in Portland, including an over-50 league, I was excited to return to the pitch. My club choice was obvious. Old Growth FC is affiliated with the Portland Timber’s supporter’s group and a true underdog, without a single win over the last few seasons. After a couple months of physical therapy to rehab the knee that had kept me from running for over a year, I turned out for the season’s last game. Almost immediately, I reinjured the knee and end up on crutches for the next few days. Not to be defeated, two months later I enjoyed an injury-free game as goalkeeper in a US supporter’s club event with the legend, Landon Donovan, as one of my teammates. The next week, I returned to the field for my club. My knee did fine, but ten minutes into the game I ruptured my plantar fascia (ligaments in the arch of the foot) and was back on crutches.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Now, six weeks later I’m finally walking normally, but still a month or so away from any running. Although I’m determined to return to soccer. this latest set-back has allowed me to return to swimming and plan my next travel/exercise adventure. For this year’s World Parkinson’s Day on April 11th, I’ve decided to pursue a short 6 day trip that will allow me to achieve 3 major travel goals:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Explore Taipei - making Taiwan the 124th country I've visited.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Swim a mile in </span><span style="font-size: large;">Palau - making it 3rd on</span><span style="font-size: large;"> my list of 11 “Swim the Pacific” countries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tour International Stadium Yokohama, Japan – leaving only 2 more World Cup finals sites to visit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In the coming weeks, I look forward to sharing my experiences and reengaging with many of the wonderful people in the World Parkinson’s Community!!</span></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-54401152960126684722016-10-16T11:30:00.000-07:002016-10-20T13:10:52.592-07:00WPC 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When I attended the World Parkinson Congress in Montreal 2013, I had known about the conference for only a couple months and really didn't know what to expect before I arrived. After spending days attending sessions as both a patient and physician, I realized this was a very special meeting that brought together clinicians, researchers and those with Parkinson's. Therefore when I left Montreal I was already looking forward to WPC2016 in Portland.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In the 3 years between conferences, I completed my travel and exercise challenges and I saw the need for Parkinson's awareness firsthand. This experience made me determined to do my part to spread this message at WPC2016. I was able to raise $5000 to contribute to the WPC Travel Grant Fund, became an Official WPC Blogger, had my video selected as a top 12 video in the WPC Video Competition, submitted an abstract for poster presentation and agreed to provide the introduction talk for the WPC Leadership Forum. Needless to say I was as full of anticipation as the conference approached.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In the days before WPC2016, family and friends began to arrive in Portland...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The weekend before WPC2016, PRO held their annual Sole Support Walk in Portland...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Then the wait was finally over and WPC2016 was here at last...</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It was a chance to look back on the fund raising activities of the past 3 years...</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtCSw4eyNRA/V-c4lnRQ38I/AAAAAAAAEWs/LeAoVos4VIMSsZ3N90Ou5Hh6egbs0HszACEw/s1600/IMG_2561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtCSw4eyNRA/V-c4lnRQ38I/AAAAAAAAEWs/LeAoVos4VIMSsZ3N90Ou5Hh6egbs0HszACEw/s320/IMG_2561.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFhRNA1cq60/V-c5KvIWk4I/AAAAAAAAEW4/63WydTLfqVAmeFZ6EPb8i3tWsnZ1IQjJgCLcB/s1600/IMG_9635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFhRNA1cq60/V-c5KvIWk4I/AAAAAAAAEW4/63WydTLfqVAmeFZ6EPb8i3tWsnZ1IQjJgCLcB/s320/IMG_9635.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I finally got to meet some of my fellow bloggers...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I also got to catch up with many of those I had met over the past few years who are doing amazing things for the Parkinson's community...</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XemjdVYF4OA/WAPDMa7xzdI/AAAAAAAAEdI/mk9mw-8VYUEERfoyOe0hEwmGEUMJYEclQCLcB/s1600/WPC%2BPower%2Bfor%2BPD%2Bphoto%2Bcropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XemjdVYF4OA/WAPDMa7xzdI/AAAAAAAAEdI/mk9mw-8VYUEERfoyOe0hEwmGEUMJYEclQCLcB/s320/WPC%2BPower%2Bfor%2BPD%2Bphoto%2Bcropped.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2KLmA1MHIM/V_62eOyI2KI/AAAAAAAAEbo/d54fUoJZ2JAzHbIdknwWIeMcAg4zyAv5gCLcB/s1600/WPC%2Btree%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2KLmA1MHIM/V_62eOyI2KI/AAAAAAAAEbo/d54fUoJZ2JAzHbIdknwWIeMcAg4zyAv5gCLcB/s320/WPC%2Btree%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> And I met many new friends and potential future collaborators...</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4-m9KpgDHo/V-gLXxh91qI/AAAAAAAAEXs/ipuwl5BRzgwXO-BdDi7GR7A_4m-lkpK_wCLcB/s1600/Intl%2BPD%2Bsupport%2Bgroup%2Bleaders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4-m9KpgDHo/V-gLXxh91qI/AAAAAAAAEXs/ipuwl5BRzgwXO-BdDi7GR7A_4m-lkpK_wCLcB/s320/Intl%2BPD%2Bsupport%2Bgroup%2Bleaders.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8QKqLOavQaw/WAPCwlb7NCI/AAAAAAAAEdE/tA36xvhLp6wYVZJVJ1iCyzUzFNO5ZNsBwCLcB/s1600/brian%2Bgrant%2Bcropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8QKqLOavQaw/WAPCwlb7NCI/AAAAAAAAEdE/tA36xvhLp6wYVZJVJ1iCyzUzFNO5ZNsBwCLcB/s320/brian%2Bgrant%2Bcropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Now having attended the past two World Parkinson Congresses...</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79s-t9sgy0k/V-gMSv4EvbI/AAAAAAAAEX4/_C0LufljOP08x_FAy8EfaSUjAxhTdOeRACLcB/s1600/DSCN4510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79s-t9sgy0k/V-gMSv4EvbI/AAAAAAAAEX4/_C0LufljOP08x_FAy8EfaSUjAxhTdOeRACLcB/s320/DSCN4510.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6k3MmJWmbs/V-gMB3oxrbI/AAAAAAAAEX0/jgJ0-O3Kyo01eJQ5tVYdVa7kqp7rwR9fwCEw/s1600/IMG_2587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6k3MmJWmbs/V-gMB3oxrbI/AAAAAAAAEX0/jgJ0-O3Kyo01eJQ5tVYdVa7kqp7rwR9fwCEw/s320/IMG_2587.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">...I'm really looking forward WPC 2016 in Kyoto</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xff2o4ItdUI/WAO3FLhXPUI/AAAAAAAAEcU/SqnSDaeLwb0wiZhnm4drqClrIr-svLc1QCLcB/s1600/wpc2019_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xff2o4ItdUI/WAO3FLhXPUI/AAAAAAAAEcU/SqnSDaeLwb0wiZhnm4drqClrIr-svLc1QCLcB/s320/wpc2019_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">...and so is Parky!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDk9cOHuy94/V-c5-XhD5xI/AAAAAAAAEXc/pplBEQawDtsGFduC5Luly3mBxBDNoIISACEw/s1600/Parky%2BSumo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDk9cOHuy94/V-c5-XhD5xI/AAAAAAAAEXc/pplBEQawDtsGFduC5Luly3mBxBDNoIISACEw/s320/Parky%2BSumo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-39472187417429546842016-08-04T18:30:00.000-07:002016-08-04T18:30:48.203-07:00Ten Tips for Traveling with Parkinson’s Disease<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9643hbZiwiE/V6JF8_t7SSI/AAAAAAAAERc/rs8o-xtc10wOqWkzAVHnQSRKvORBxA2IACLcB/s1600/Parky%2BTimbers%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9643hbZiwiE/V6JF8_t7SSI/AAAAAAAAERc/rs8o-xtc10wOqWkzAVHnQSRKvORBxA2IACLcB/s320/Parky%2BTimbers%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> With little
over a month until the start of the World Parkinson Congress, I am sure many of
you are busy planning your trip to Portland. This is likely a time of excitement, mixed
with at least a little anxiety. I’m
fortunate to be able to look out my window and see the Convention Center just
across the Willamette River and know my commute to WPC will only take a few
minutes each day. However, it’s easy to
look back on my previous travels and think about the many “I wish I had known better”
moments - so I thought I’d share a few of my thoughts here.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxywZKvX17E/V6JKY9eSR7I/AAAAAAAAERo/yQhYU6NqJG4m0vxGu9J_vR9jyl3mZtZtgCLcB/s1600/Elkins%2Bpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxywZKvX17E/V6JKY9eSR7I/AAAAAAAAERo/yQhYU6NqJG4m0vxGu9J_vR9jyl3mZtZtgCLcB/s1600/Elkins%2Bpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxywZKvX17E/V6JKY9eSR7I/AAAAAAAAERo/yQhYU6NqJG4m0vxGu9J_vR9jyl3mZtZtgCLcB/s400/Elkins%2Bpaper.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxywZKvX17E/V6JKY9eSR7I/AAAAAAAAERo/yQhYU6NqJG4m0vxGu9J_vR9jyl3mZtZtgCLcB/s1600/Elkins%2Bpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Years ago when I
was on the Air Force Endocrinology fellowship </span><span style="font-size: large;">teaching staff,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> I designed a study to exam the interactions between those traveling with
diabetes and their providers.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> L</span><span style="font-size: large;">ike Parkinson’s, diabetes is a disease in which care is greatly
affected by travel.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">One of our
fellows eventually published the study: <a href="http://www.omicsgroup.org/journals/how-do-you-get-there-with-diabetes-results-of-a-survey-of-diabetic-travelers-2167-0269.1000128.pdf">"How Do You Get There With Diabetes?"</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">The major takeaway point was that medical treatment is often disregarded when people
plan their travels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cm0EtuzS77o/V6JKev07YDI/AAAAAAAAERs/PYHFSyt_f6QpTWf8wTzqYquDbrwx7RTygCLcB/s1600/More%2BMotion%2Bmag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cm0EtuzS77o/V6JKev07YDI/AAAAAAAAERs/PYHFSyt_f6QpTWf8wTzqYquDbrwx7RTygCLcB/s200/More%2BMotion%2Bmag.jpg" width="145" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Given my recent
travel challenges, I’ve fielded a number of questions in different forums that deal with the impact of travel on Parkinson’s management and some of my responses are highlighted in this
month’s edition of “More Than Motion”.
You can find out more about this publication and sign up for free copies
of the magazine here: <a href="http://www.parkinsonsmorethanmotion.com/">"More Than Motion"</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> If
you are planning to travel to WPC 2106 next month or have other
future travel plans on your mind – here are some things to consider.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ten Tips for Traveling with
Parkinson’s</span></b></u><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b> </b></u> </span></div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">Discuss your travel plans with your provider,
with special attention to any need for adjustments in medication doses or
timing of doses.</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Research medical clinics and pharmacies at your
destination, in case a need for care arises while traveling.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ensure your travel companions and guides are
aware of any medical needs you have.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pack medications in multiple bags, in case one
is lost or stolen.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Carry a medical alert bracelet or other form of
notification for emergency personnel.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you have a medical device, take appropriate documents to allow you to clear security.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you have</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> mobility issues, p</span><span style="font-size: large;">lan ahead to coordinate any assistance you may need en route and at your destination. </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Make sure your itinerary accounts for fatigue
associated with “jet lag”, Parkinson’s, medications, etc.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plan to meet with Parkinson’s support groups at
your destination. It’s a great way to
meet locals who can immerse you in the culture.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Know your true limitations, but don’t
overestimate them. Most “limitations” to
travel are actually challenges that can be overcome by appropriate planning</span></span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> For those wanting to read more about
traveling with Parkinson’s, there are a number of articles that can be found on Parkinson’s
organizations’ websites. Here are a few:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/foundation/news-detail.php?tips-on-traveling-with-parkinson-disease">Michael J Fox Foundation</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.pdf.org/en/traveling_pd">Parkinson's Disease Foundation</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/newly-diagnosed/traveling-with-parkinsons">National Parkinson Foundation</a></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Of course, no
article on travel and Parkinson’s would be complete without mentioning the true
champion of those who have Parkinson's and want to travel….Parky! Check out his website and see where he’s been
lately at <a href="http://whereisparky.org/">Where is Parky?</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com73tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-47338800373120704252016-07-17T20:52:00.000-07:002016-07-17T20:52:02.983-07:00Moving to Portland….via the Long Way Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> It’s now only 2
months before the World Parkinson Congress and I hope many of you will be
traveling to Portland in September. I’ve
gotten a head start on the travel to Portland by actually moving there - 23 years ago after graduating from medical school. Since I took a rather unique route to Portland
that took me over a month to complete, I thought I share some of my travel
images here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> My trek started
with a 1000 mile road trip to move a dog and two fish from Las Vegas to
Portland and allow me to meet the first shipment of our household goods. I was fortunate to have companions, because
my path took me along a lot of open roads including “The Loneliest Road in
America” – US Route 50 in Nevada. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QiiBNOHGkmE/V4xEvfXKU1I/AAAAAAAAEOI/oGPYsmyimIcdxqPFgYXHeVHbpKSPjzkzgCLcB/s1600/photo%2B2%2B%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QiiBNOHGkmE/V4xEvfXKU1I/AAAAAAAAEOI/oGPYsmyimIcdxqPFgYXHeVHbpKSPjzkzgCLcB/s320/photo%2B2%2B%252818%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THByRESFMbs/V4xEeYoLueI/AAAAAAAAEOE/O07r3_7jUP88Qek3Yz2KUjXKOxypvjZMQCLcB/s1600/photo%2B1%2B%252819%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THByRESFMbs/V4xEeYoLueI/AAAAAAAAEOE/O07r3_7jUP88Qek3Yz2KUjXKOxypvjZMQCLcB/s320/photo%2B1%2B%252819%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Two days after
reaching Portland, I flew back to Las Vegas to begin a
journey to attend six US National Team soccer games within a month’s time. We flew to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the
first game and the start of a week long journey to visit three of the major cities in Caribbean. The other two cities were Santo
Domingo in the Dominican Republic and Port au Prince – with this stop in Haiti
added one more countries to the list of those I’ve visited</span>.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a5dKx4XdZBs/V4xGGoYw6PI/AAAAAAAAEOY/8tDlJMHnbRcPe0CsNhsvrH9fxF05DHczgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a5dKx4XdZBs/V4xGGoYw6PI/AAAAAAAAEOY/8tDlJMHnbRcPe0CsNhsvrH9fxF05DHczgCLcB/s320/IMG_6416.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emH4rNxQ4FI/V4xGaJi6O_I/AAAAAAAAEOc/44rOtT7Kzw8l9DWBC0x_MiEfs3RVNDGLgCLcB/s1600/DSC01594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emH4rNxQ4FI/V4xGaJi6O_I/AAAAAAAAEOc/44rOtT7Kzw8l9DWBC0x_MiEfs3RVNDGLgCLcB/s320/DSC01594.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Puerto Rico Dominican Republic</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c16_l9klp_4/V4xH79mII8I/AAAAAAAAEO0/woUqjGQJU7QcIb_pkWL8I9GHNxLgbd52QCLcB/s1600/IMG_6757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c16_l9klp_4/V4xH79mII8I/AAAAAAAAEO0/woUqjGQJU7QcIb_pkWL8I9GHNxLgbd52QCLcB/s320/IMG_6757.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LMq7U6E--Q/V4xG9MePPfI/AAAAAAAAEOk/MZ-sd7N-_4Qx02HDFz9oTKdGwwsQ1H6wQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LMq7U6E--Q/V4xG9MePPfI/AAAAAAAAEOk/MZ-sd7N-_4Qx02HDFz9oTKdGwwsQ1H6wQCLcB/s320/IMG_6821.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Haiti Haiti</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> After a brief two
day stop in Portland to begin unpacking, I traveled to work a few days in
Seattle and Denver. Then we were off on
a cross country journey to watch Copa America games in four US cities: Santa Clara, Chicago, Philadelphia and Argentina<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wALjRBWCFow/V4xMVuiXDtI/AAAAAAAAEPg/mJKBxKMTMYE5v_FB0EEx5iLjlOTs8qvDQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wALjRBWCFow/V4xMVuiXDtI/AAAAAAAAEPg/mJKBxKMTMYE5v_FB0EEx5iLjlOTs8qvDQCLcB/s200/IMG_7661.JPG" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzlVFGaW4Zg/V4xMqj4Q-LI/AAAAAAAAEPo/a4dB3LhtkucX0re0z1T4rlWRSEola5ZcgCLcB/s1600/Dempsey%2Bgoal%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzlVFGaW4Zg/V4xMqj4Q-LI/AAAAAAAAEPo/a4dB3LhtkucX0re0z1T4rlWRSEola5ZcgCLcB/s200/Dempsey%2Bgoal%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-779RQqlwCi4/V4xMhP_lGLI/AAAAAAAAEPk/DddZ-5QRgNgUxS5_Hm8er81htCxd5lpWACLcB/s1600/IMG_7315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-779RQqlwCi4/V4xMhP_lGLI/AAAAAAAAEPk/DddZ-5QRgNgUxS5_Hm8er81htCxd5lpWACLcB/s200/IMG_7315.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Our month of travels culminated is a very special
event when Lila and I spent 4 days in Bermuda to
renew our wedding vows and celebrate of our 25<sup>th</sup> wedding anniversary.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4UkqYB1V98/V4xPKiwMeJI/AAAAAAAAEP4/UdtFQhCzWScNVWejC0euAm9zU4_dJ7B6gCLcB/s1600/vows%2Bat%2Bchurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4UkqYB1V98/V4xPKiwMeJI/AAAAAAAAEP4/UdtFQhCzWScNVWejC0euAm9zU4_dJ7B6gCLcB/s320/vows%2Bat%2Bchurch.jpg" width="320" /> </a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z922RrMOIiE/V4xPKs5AuVI/AAAAAAAAEP8/jeMbT6eJN6UbbgXLvgVt9TKEOgycwvCZwCLcB/s1600/anniversary%2Brocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z922RrMOIiE/V4xPKs5AuVI/AAAAAAAAEP8/jeMbT6eJN6UbbgXLvgVt9TKEOgycwvCZwCLcB/s320/anniversary%2Brocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Our return to the
States was then followed by another 1000 mile drive from Las Vegas to Portland
to move our second vehicle and finally unload the second shipment of house
goods in Portland. Now that we are somewhat
settled back in Portland I am beginning to plan for some activities during WPC 2016. Here are a few highlights:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">- </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I will be emcee for the Parkinson’s
Resources of Oregon Sole Support walk on the weekend leading up to WPC. I hope to see many of you there, so here is the
link to further information: </span> <a href="http://parkinsonsresources.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.home">Sole Support for Parkinson's</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">- </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I’m looking forwarding to coordinating
get-togethers for my fellow WPC bloggers and those that have been involved with my
travel challenges in the past...more to come later.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- </o:p><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Finally, I was fortunate to have my video for WPC
selected to the top 12 and therefore, eligible for “People’s
Choice Award” voting. You can view all of the top 12 videos and place your vote at the
following link: <a href="http://www.wpc2016.org/page/top12">WPC Video Competition voting</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">- Mark</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-887676036835417312016-05-02T20:36:00.000-07:002016-05-04T16:01:48.331-07:00Views from Portland and the Parkinson's Resources of Oregon Gala<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> For all those planning to travel to the World Parkinson's Congress in September and those already living in the Northwest...here are some images that you might enjoy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Parkinson's Resources of Oregon Gala 2016</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pre-party with my wife and Parky</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bweb_gx4HfE/VygTzthkgUI/AAAAAAAAD6U/y5Tw9Mp24BY5ZZq8pJeAbCORT-kK--A_wCLcB/s1600/IMG_6022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bweb_gx4HfE/VygTzthkgUI/AAAAAAAAD6U/y5Tw9Mp24BY5ZZq8pJeAbCORT-kK--A_wCLcB/s320/IMG_6022.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TINRIRgQuCo/VygTryFckII/AAAAAAAAD6Q/G8acnqhkUvY_nqlumxlzgdVbfiXhO446ACLcB/s1600/IMG_6030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TINRIRgQuCo/VygTryFckII/AAAAAAAAD6Q/G8acnqhkUvY_nqlumxlzgdVbfiXhO446ACLcB/s320/IMG_6030.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">An opportunity to share my thoughts on Parkinson's awareness</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y4WAAR23qw/VygU7JVTquI/AAAAAAAAD6c/MR4w42-Bsyw8CEX2qYwWx2KcGOy_VqP-wCLcB/s1600/IMG_6045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y4WAAR23qw/VygU7JVTquI/AAAAAAAAD6c/MR4w42-Bsyw8CEX2qYwWx2KcGOy_VqP-wCLcB/s400/IMG_6045.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOiP57fgegM/VygVORK4k5I/AAAAAAAAD6k/M2zORPURrR47DPWdKnUAfVYwmq-oEqsBACLcB/s1600/IMG_6043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOiP57fgegM/VygVORK4k5I/AAAAAAAAD6k/M2zORPURrR47DPWdKnUAfVYwmq-oEqsBACLcB/s320/IMG_6043.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's nothing like the support of family and friends</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEDhgxcdpAc/VygV5rr6nZI/AAAAAAAAD6s/a0xZY8uqQcYMVvJGNlqAXA68_Z-iZFdggCLcB/s1600/IMG_6095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEDhgxcdpAc/VygV5rr6nZI/AAAAAAAAD6s/a0xZY8uqQcYMVvJGNlqAXA68_Z-iZFdggCLcB/s320/IMG_6095.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OuVHYI-TL04/VygWJgo26wI/AAAAAAAAD60/VQ9bzX5RscUq97pqtUlgOyuE_JI9NTiGQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OuVHYI-TL04/VygWJgo26wI/AAAAAAAAD60/VQ9bzX5RscUq97pqtUlgOyuE_JI9NTiGQCLcB/s320/IMG_6065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Things Not to Miss While in Portland During WPC 2016</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take in views from the waterfront</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BS2wO9-NQzE/VygWs4fcFDI/AAAAAAAAD68/Q7gEr_KM7Q4LkssE199Jb1S777VCkKmIQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BS2wO9-NQzE/VygWs4fcFDI/AAAAAAAAD68/Q7gEr_KM7Q4LkssE199Jb1S777VCkKmIQCLcB/s320/IMG_6110.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq0vq4d-NQw/VygW1nvXmVI/AAAAAAAAD7A/L1copoBTIYo-l-0Nh1TMz-wzfqKBiKsnwCLcB/s1600/IMG_6125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq0vq4d-NQw/VygW1nvXmVI/AAAAAAAAD7A/L1copoBTIYo-l-0Nh1TMz-wzfqKBiKsnwCLcB/s320/IMG_6125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Get a bite to eat from the food carts</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rvI5D-ssfBM/VygXPM2tBnI/AAAAAAAAD7I/0fuGmcXD-VM3xMlp6Q9eNHQf1vQmF0gbQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rvI5D-ssfBM/VygXPM2tBnI/AAAAAAAAD7I/0fuGmcXD-VM3xMlp6Q9eNHQf1vQmF0gbQCLcB/s320/IMG_6099.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywxjCCegd8M/VygXTkri60I/AAAAAAAAD7M/1LssYTTmt2sSFhxb1WM_leYnxQ9BlxY-QCLcB/s1600/IMG_6106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywxjCCegd8M/VygXTkri60I/AAAAAAAAD7M/1LssYTTmt2sSFhxb1WM_leYnxQ9BlxY-QCLcB/s320/IMG_6106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stop to smell the Rose City roses...and other flowers</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-devHobtNblk/VygXoJCNRCI/AAAAAAAAD7U/7KgASDUhihoys8PJiP8YX10GeyI4TmmvgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-devHobtNblk/VygXoJCNRCI/AAAAAAAAD7U/7KgASDUhihoys8PJiP8YX10GeyI4TmmvgCLcB/s320/IMG_6102.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WgbTh_CNSR0/VygXsxxhOKI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/JdAibAhkY_A5JCbEcW3DAJsPAR3410o-ACLcB/s1600/IMG_6159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WgbTh_CNSR0/VygXsxxhOKI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/JdAibAhkY_A5JCbEcW3DAJsPAR3410o-ACLcB/s320/IMG_6159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Attend a Timbers game</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_Ao4gpiZhQ/VygYViPmpRI/AAAAAAAAD7k/DEGL6DC1WyA_Fi_j2dDSKjBhWORCQHqGACLcB/s1600/IMG_6136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_Ao4gpiZhQ/VygYViPmpRI/AAAAAAAAD7k/DEGL6DC1WyA_Fi_j2dDSKjBhWORCQHqGACLcB/s320/IMG_6136.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8BPL-ApqIV4/VygYZw-kyZI/AAAAAAAAD7s/v6GmU6KESj0ShaLxFeQXYrSbV38KqqL_QCLcB/s1600/IMG_6146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8BPL-ApqIV4/VygYZw-kyZI/AAAAAAAAD7s/v6GmU6KESj0ShaLxFeQXYrSbV38KqqL_QCLcB/s320/IMG_6146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-25172087409977444032016-04-21T15:06:00.002-07:002016-05-04T15:58:35.450-07:00Forging Resilience....Near My Hometown<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> With the World Parkinson Congress just months away, I'm constantly learning about wonderful projects being put in place for the conference.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> It's exciting to hear of activities in many of the countries I've visited during my travels. This week I had an even more amazing experience...discovering an endeavor near my hometown in Montana.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Just minutes before I boarded a flight to Butte, Montana, I read an email requesting WPC bloggers help get the word out about "Forging Resilience", a program that is gathering stories and quotes from those with Parkinson's around the world. The quotes are being placed on the leaves of their "tree" that will be on display at WPC 2016 in Portland. I was then surprised to read that the artists, Carolyn and Hadley, were in Missoula, Montana -- just a few miles from my childhood home in the tiny town of Frenchtown.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> After a few emails and phone calls, I was fortunate to get a behind-the-scenes look at the production of this piece of art. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Here's a quick photo journey through that</span><span style="font-size: large;"> process...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Quotes from PwP are gathered through an online submission form <i>(Click here to add your quote to the tree - <a href="http://www.forgingresilience.com/your-story.html">Submit your Story</a>)</i>. The printed quotes are then torn into leaf shapes using pre-cut templates. I found out this is not as easy as it looks and gained much respect for the 19 volunteers who have donated countless hours to the project to date.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy1WM4waWVw/VxjfpD2zh4I/AAAAAAAAD4g/iZamc63w42kzh7NMOn6uT0wFs2cSzX2QgCLcB/s1600/quotes%2Bcropped2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy1WM4waWVw/VxjfpD2zh4I/AAAAAAAAD4g/iZamc63w42kzh7NMOn6uT0wFs2cSzX2QgCLcB/s320/quotes%2Bcropped2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6OmwxCAv-Q/VxhiNsSDvjI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/g4PlYONF3n8eiTVtlSabz0rOHp52T1dVACLcB/s1600/tearing%2Bcropped%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6OmwxCAv-Q/VxhiNsSDvjI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/g4PlYONF3n8eiTVtlSabz0rOHp52T1dVACLcB/s320/tearing%2Bcropped%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Each quote is placed on a wire mesh leaf and t</span><span style="font-size: large;">he leaves are then attached to wire branches.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXg5suuxBFc/VxheYUcngYI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/m0k0w8zJ11I8AFQHhcHI4VbEqJA0Jh2sgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXg5suuxBFc/VxheYUcngYI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/m0k0w8zJ11I8AFQHhcHI4VbEqJA0Jh2sgCLcB/s320/IMG_1792.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhnoFSv5FoA/Vxhedm9zEGI/AAAAAAAAD3U/GwaCrCFRrbUDSuJkuXFjaMcmxkGy6YxGACLcB/s1600/IMG_1791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jhnoFSv5FoA/Vxhedm9zEGI/AAAAAAAAD3U/GwaCrCFRrbUDSuJkuXFjaMcmxkGy6YxGACLcB/s320/IMG_1791.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnBi09kkmyg/Vxjgv9P7E5I/AAAAAAAAD4o/A6Bhs6SLJoYZFxr-W3BY8VwI4pPeecf3QCLcB/s1600/branches%2Bcropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnBi09kkmyg/Vxjgv9P7E5I/AAAAAAAAD4o/A6Bhs6SLJoYZFxr-W3BY8VwI4pPeecf3QCLcB/s640/branches%2Bcropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Meanwhile, on the other side of the city the metal tree trunk is being fashioned together with the welder using Hadley and Carolyn's sketch as a guide. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hTeOO2ggKZU/VxhfrGgOp9I/AAAAAAAAD3s/Lv_gmRba5EA9_AACLFbNLXZEbRJ00o_mACLcB/s1600/IMG_1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hTeOO2ggKZU/VxhfrGgOp9I/AAAAAAAAD3s/Lv_gmRba5EA9_AACLFbNLXZEbRJ00o_mACLcB/s320/IMG_1811.JPG" width="238" /></a> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Y_gYe2jKWk/Vxhgb6NRSBI/AAAAAAAAD38/9gQimGEATQUNy12WBB4pXBi9LUIETMgFQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Y_gYe2jKWk/Vxhgb6NRSBI/AAAAAAAAD38/9gQimGEATQUNy12WBB4pXBi9LUIETMgFQCLcB/s320/IMG_1796.JPG" width="238" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> In addition to the tree, the artists will present a series of black and white photos with accompanying stories depicting the lives of those with Parkinson's.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21ZR_m8EBbg/VxwzJAJWPMI/AAAAAAAAD5E/2c5PpqCH5e0BRSMuoBEg94LPt8IoTDUCwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21ZR_m8EBbg/VxwzJAJWPMI/AAAAAAAAD5E/2c5PpqCH5e0BRSMuoBEg94LPt8IoTDUCwCLcB/s320/IMG_1787.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr_A4ZsHVec/VxwzJX2DPDI/AAAAAAAAD5I/QqZn_xbc6Js_MyfDd25jUwGvvotbFNOcwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7150%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr_A4ZsHVec/VxwzJX2DPDI/AAAAAAAAD5I/QqZn_xbc6Js_MyfDd25jUwGvvotbFNOcwCLcB/s320/IMG_7150%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> There are now just a few weeks until the exhibit opens under the title, "Capturing Moments: Living Life with Parkinson's" in Missoula. The art instillation will be at the Montana Museum of Art and Culture, May 9-31, 2016. The tree will then be expanded in height and travel to Portland for the World Parkinson Congress, September 20-23, 2016. There it will become an interactive display, allowing WPC attendees to add their own quotes to garlands that will hang near the tree.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YXs8BSR8Wcc/Vxhg97WAYuI/AAAAAAAAD4E/FPX18MTBEr4JvJB1I8Zs7zR6A-QjBZdigCLcB/s1600/20160420_180016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YXs8BSR8Wcc/Vxhg97WAYuI/AAAAAAAAD4E/FPX18MTBEr4JvJB1I8Zs7zR6A-QjBZdigCLcB/s640/20160420_180016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I highly encourage <b>everyone</b> to contribute to this project by submitting your story now. You can also visit the <a href="http://www.forgingresilience.com/">Forging Resilience website</a> to learn more about this and the groups' other projects.</span></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-26743495562230871412016-04-12T21:02:00.001-07:002016-05-04T15:57:57.503-07:00444 Parkinson’s Foundation, Parky and WPC Travel Grants Program<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> As I travel the world,
I’m often asked, “How do you pay for travel?” and “Do you have a sponsor?” I actually pay my own travel expenses, which is
only possible because I make travel a priority and have become a savvy
budget traveler. For example, I keep a spreadsheet with my frequent flyer
account balances, research programs’ credit card and mileage partners and have acquired a detailed understanding of airline mile rewards. This often means I select routes between less visited cities in regions with low mileage
requirements to allow stop-overs in new destinations. In 2013, I was fortunate to find flights into
Ottawa and out of Quebec, so I could visit these beautiful
cities and also save on airfare to the WPC in
Montreal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89nNId41kRA/Vw2W_w1QxvI/AAAAAAAAD1c/3hOlFrNXYIkJBvj0up-aec2F8Jk4akXAACLcB/s1600/DSCN4482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89nNId41kRA/Vw2W_w1QxvI/AAAAAAAAD1c/3hOlFrNXYIkJBvj0up-aec2F8Jk4akXAACLcB/s320/DSCN4482.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3g-DXP9IZlg/Vw2Y717R_EI/AAAAAAAAD1o/nctbiqMkNYU4a9adazAq0wtpHZWgl8ppwCLcB/s1600/Montreal%2B1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3g-DXP9IZlg/Vw2Y717R_EI/AAAAAAAAD1o/nctbiqMkNYU4a9adazAq0wtpHZWgl8ppwCLcB/s320/Montreal%2B1976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Despite my efforts,
there is still a significant cost associated with travel - as those planning to
attend WPC 2016 in Portland are well aware. Fortunately, there is some assistance available.
When I planned Run-the-World 4 Parkinson’s I decided to try to raise funds
for Parkinson’s-related projects and created the non-profit, 444 Parkinson’s
Foundation. In January 2016, we were able to contribute $5000 to the WPC Travel Grants Program. Many other organizations and individuals have also submitted donations. In addition, you can purchase a Parky stuffed animal at the <a href="https://worldpdcongress.site-ym.com/store/ViewProduct.aspx?ID=4126782">WPC Online Store</a> and the</span><span style="font-size: large;"> proceeds will go to the WPC Travel Grants Program.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6MKTe27Q4s/Vw2cDpmyK-I/AAAAAAAAD10/DhTrkcGqnI0nArYoi6qZXxA6r5Br4Et2gCLcB/s1600/444%2BParkinsons%2BFoundation%2BLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6MKTe27Q4s/Vw2cDpmyK-I/AAAAAAAAD10/DhTrkcGqnI0nArYoi6qZXxA6r5Br4Et2gCLcB/s400/444%2BParkinsons%2BFoundation%2BLogo.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nEA1T7TySiY/Vw2cSISDH6I/AAAAAAAAD14/d5Ku5xIYdMsvIT9H9BAcIeB_aSu6ZvdFwCLcB/s1600/Cartoon%2BParky.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nEA1T7TySiY/Vw2cSISDH6I/AAAAAAAAD14/d5Ku5xIYdMsvIT9H9BAcIeB_aSu6ZvdFwCLcB/s200/Cartoon%2BParky.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> So what is the WPC Travel Grants Program? This program
provides an opportunity for those that need some assistance to attend the WPC,
with awards available for researchers, health care professionals, those with
Parkinson’s and their care-givers. You
can find out more about this program and apply for WPC travel funding by visiting the <a href="http://www.wpc2016.org/?page=TravelGrants">WPC 2016 Travel Grants page</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The following are some of the details regarding the program from the WPC:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Travel grants to attend the WPC 2016 are available on a
limited basis</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">Scholarships will support one or more of the following expenses based on need: registration fees, lodging and travel expenses</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">Travel grants will be offered to three groups</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">those who
reside outside Oregon/SW Washington</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">those who reside in Oregon/SW
Washington</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">those who reside in British Columbia</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The application processes for these three groups are different</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Group 1: WPC applications for citizens outside Oregon - open until April 25, 2016</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Oregon and British Colombia scholarships are offered by other
organizations and links their websites are:</span></li>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.parkinsonsresources.org/?wSectionID=4819"><span style="font-size: large;">Parkinson's Resources of Oregon</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.parkinson.bc.ca/events/wpc-scholarship-program/"><span style="font-size: large;">Parkinson Society British Colombia</span></a></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-17576336924319083042016-04-01T19:43:00.001-07:002016-04-02T22:58:48.785-07:00Expanding the WORLD of the World Parkinson Congress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> One of my lasting memories from the World Parkinson Congress in Montreal in 2013 was viewing the videos in the WPC video competition. I particularly remember the video "Power Forward" that documented a group, including former-NBA player Brian Grant, hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro. The video had both beautiful images and an inspiring message.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When the video competition was announced for WPC 2016, I considered sharing my travel and Parkinson's support experiences from around the world. However, having only a self-taught, rudimentary knowledge of Windows Movie Marker and very little (if any) artistic ability - I didn't think I'd be able to put together anything worthy of presenting. Later I heard there would be an amateur category, so I played around with my many files of photos and video clips and came up this...</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4WJnFTp2VAY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4WJnFTp2VAY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">P.S. When I loaded my video to YouTube I got the notification from YouTube seen in this screenshot...how did they know that my video might be "shaky" - ha, ha.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1n2VPC2qKY4/Vv8warEFu7I/AAAAAAAAD0k/6g3WBheTM60trUT4GtVglLzqHXkJf0rnQ/s1600/YouTube%2Bshaky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1n2VPC2qKY4/Vv8warEFu7I/AAAAAAAAD0k/6g3WBheTM60trUT4GtVglLzqHXkJf0rnQ/s400/YouTube%2Bshaky.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-69355823240228095002016-03-20T18:53:00.001-07:002016-04-12T21:04:13.798-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Parky: World Traveler</i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Those who have not read the
epic novel, <a href="http://www.worldpdcoalition.org/resource/resmgr/media_kit/about_parky_the_raccoon.docx"><span style="color: #ffd966;">"The Story Behind Parky the Raccoon"</span></a> may have questions about the
World Parkinson Congress mascot – so here are some interesting facts about this cuddly masked mammal.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVN46oD5ZlU/Vu7YzJR-HNI/AAAAAAAADuw/K1wwEZgosAs2Sgx8gnUoUA4n22NjcwYLw/s1600/Petey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVN46oD5ZlU/Vu7YzJR-HNI/AAAAAAAADuw/K1wwEZgosAs2Sgx8gnUoUA4n22NjcwYLw/s200/Petey.png" width="168" /></a> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHuX5_l9Shg/Vu8iw_1oiMI/AAAAAAAADwo/EO_6_j-MYiYK_9wAikGKj3SgrYh3TVNYQ/s1600/Cartoon%2BParky%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHuX5_l9Shg/Vu8iw_1oiMI/AAAAAAAADwo/EO_6_j-MYiYK_9wAikGKj3SgrYh3TVNYQ/s1600/Cartoon%2BParky%2B2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Who?</span></u></i></b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Bob Kuhn, a person with Parkinson’s from British Columbia, Canada, created the concept of Parky prior to the World Parkinson Congress in Montreal. Bob's travel partner for his 70 day world tour was originally named Petey. However, when he discovered Petey pronounced in French would be interpreted as “passing gas”, he announced a name-that-mascot contest and Petey became Parky. You can still find posts from Bob’s journey on his blog, <a href="http://www.positivelyparkinsons.blogspot.ca/">“Positively Parkinson’s”</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCg7vc5igtI/Vu7rxpuwX2I/AAAAAAAADvE/pbYuib3Kz4oAr5mV19GXCMkO5um59NgAg/s1600/Bob%2BIsrael.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCg7vc5igtI/Vu7rxpuwX2I/AAAAAAAADvE/pbYuib3Kz4oAr5mV19GXCMkO5um59NgAg/s320/Bob%2BIsrael.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4SBNtXIttA/Vu7tFDpmGdI/AAAAAAAADvM/SVGG9QGyBWMdRB8SydwYAR8VzPCoK3-1g/s1600/bob%2Bkuhn%2B-%2Bpetey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4SBNtXIttA/Vu7tFDpmGdI/AAAAAAAADvM/SVGG9QGyBWMdRB8SydwYAR8VzPCoK3-1g/s1600/bob%2Bkuhn%2B-%2Bpetey.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><b><u><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">What?</span></i></u></b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> A raccoon, of course. Bob associated the raccoon with his childhood, when other kids often spelled his last name as it sounded: c-o-o-n. Meanwhile, WPC explains why a raccoon was the perfect choice for a mascot as follows: “First, was the distinctive mask, which represented the “Parkinson’s
mask”. Second, the raccoon is inventive
when faced with challenges. They are excellent problem solvers, and have a high
level of curiosity and ability to survive in highly diverse environments. Raccoons are considered to be one of the most
intelligent mammals.” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Why?</u></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Parky began as a way for Bob to stay in touch with his grandson, Patrick. Bob sent photos home as he and his buddy traveled the world. In addition, it gave him an opportunity to inform others about the World Parkinson Congress 2013. He used photos with Parky in his blog posts and presentations. He even handed out baggage tags with pictures of Parky and WPC 2013 information. Today Parky continues to be a big part of WPC promotional campaigns.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>When?</u></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Parky traveled with Bob, May-July 2012. Then he served as mascot for WPC 2013 in
Montreal. Now he is gearing up for his duties associated with WPC 2016, this September in </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Portland.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>How?</u></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The first image of Parky was designed
by Laura Vanderwel, a </span><span style="font-size: large;">graphic artist</span><span style="font-size: large;"> from British Columbia. In order to
limit luggage space and make him durable, he was flat and laminated. Plush toy versions of Parky have since been made to allow him to fulfill his WPC mascot role.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Which?</u></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Both are adorable, but can you can spot the differences between Montreal and Portland Parky?</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0w7jUeEUbAM/Vu72iicziWI/AAAAAAAADvc/bt90dqUaGTAEcs_y3c2Xsts5SCMk11zkg/s1600/Parkys%2Blinked%2Bin%2BElizabeth%2BPollard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0w7jUeEUbAM/Vu72iicziWI/AAAAAAAADvc/bt90dqUaGTAEcs_y3c2Xsts5SCMk11zkg/s320/Parkys%2Blinked%2Bin%2BElizabeth%2BPollard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Where?</u></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This question will take a
more detailed explanation…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I’ll start with a quick overview of my own travels with Parky. About a year ago, I was planning my challenge, "Run-the-Carribean 4 Parkinson’s" - attempting to run across 5 Caribbean islands in 5 days. I wanted to use my
travels to provide added publicity for WPC, given that relatively few PwP from </span><span style="font-size: large;">the Caribbean</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">had attended WPC in the past. When I
talked to Eli Pollard, WPC Executive Director, she mentioned that they were expecting a new prototype of the WPC 2016 Parky any day. This seemed like a great opportunity for me to provide Parky with a new adventure and allow him to build on his prior promotional/travel experiences with Bob Kuhn. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Parky arrived in Las Vegas just in time to joined me. Before starting our "Run-the-Caribbean" challenge, we had a stopover in Trinidad, attended the first Parkinson’s Support
Run in Barbados, toured Paramaribo, Suriname and traveled to Kaieteur Falls in the center of
Guyana. After all that - we ran 55 miles in 5 days, crossing 5 Caribbean islands.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-4p5t5EPKg/Vu9N3UO4OfI/AAAAAAAADw4/KwEoAASeqXQvEazO0g56emYUQ5NKCTQbA/s1600/DSC01052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-4p5t5EPKg/Vu9N3UO4OfI/AAAAAAAADw4/KwEoAASeqXQvEazO0g56emYUQ5NKCTQbA/s200/DSC01052.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ClcfniMNXGA/Vu8E_0vsPYI/AAAAAAAADv4/o0xaLQDMRE8kK9Xt5pYNKlOKe47KmAUwQ/s1600/DSC01138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ClcfniMNXGA/Vu8E_0vsPYI/AAAAAAAADv4/o0xaLQDMRE8kK9Xt5pYNKlOKe47KmAUwQ/s200/DSC01138.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7CwmlmerKw/Vu8FwYfPYTI/AAAAAAAADwA/pP5LLDQ-xQA27aOofEC4sQz_URvnsTBJA/s1600/Parky-falls-cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7CwmlmerKw/Vu8FwYfPYTI/AAAAAAAADwA/pP5LLDQ-xQA27aOofEC4sQz_URvnsTBJA/s200/Parky-falls-cropped.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wsYTpKo1aQ8/Vu8D4VwnwJI/AAAAAAAADvs/-UC8vXfaFMANuYJxkVb8hfHAmZEyfBluw/s1600/RTC%2Bcombo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wsYTpKo1aQ8/Vu8D4VwnwJI/AAAAAAAADvs/-UC8vXfaFMANuYJxkVb8hfHAmZEyfBluw/s640/RTC%2Bcombo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Later in 2105, Parky
accompanied me on travels through China, Japan, North Korea and Hawaii. Then helped me launch "Swim-the-Pacific-4-Parkinson’s" - an attempt to swim 1 mile in 11 different Pacific island nations. He joined me for my </span><span style="font-size: large;">first two swims</span><span style="font-size: large;"> in the Federated States of Micronesia and the
Marshall Island.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nh-5HOQYr1Y/Vu8fe_WPRFI/AAAAAAAADwU/3MBsr0Jfb_E3ZQ2X411_Cf7Mo1Ax0TGwg/s1600/Pacific%2Bcombo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nh-5HOQYr1Y/Vu8fe_WPRFI/AAAAAAAADwU/3MBsr0Jfb_E3ZQ2X411_Cf7Mo1Ax0TGwg/s640/Pacific%2Bcombo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> His t</span><span style="font-size: large;">ravels with me would seem to be a full year for most raccoons, but not Parky. This was just a glimpse of his 2015-2016 travels. In fact, he's been so busy traveling the world...he's had to start his own website to document his journeys. To find out where he's been, just go to the appropriately named <a href="http://whereisparky.org/">WhereIsParky.org</a>. There you can read more about Parky's background, travels and see photos and stories about him and his other travel partners. </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmw1GD4q9H0/Vu8f6KRzrFI/AAAAAAAADwY/sSp_1fkZdq8fjLkTPL6KeB8evd7JjvbuA/s1600/WhereIsParky%2Bimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmw1GD4q9H0/Vu8f6KRzrFI/AAAAAAAADwY/sSp_1fkZdq8fjLkTPL6KeB8evd7JjvbuA/s400/WhereIsParky%2Bimage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Most importantly this website is where you can order your very own Parky and start your own adventures. Adventures that will hopefully include a trip to Portland in Sept 2016 for WPC!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6B3zl7jkzic/Vu9SgiiyKtI/AAAAAAAADxE/FeEa9NuHvUYMNh6h3z9zwWEf8-CHou6SA/s1600/timbers%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6B3zl7jkzic/Vu9SgiiyKtI/AAAAAAAADxE/FeEa9NuHvUYMNh6h3z9zwWEf8-CHou6SA/s400/timbers%2Bpic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-65497117837951062302015-12-11T09:28:00.000-08:002015-12-11T09:28:41.739-08:00Parky in Pyongyang<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nb4Syag_VQY/VlpnTnmlZlI/AAAAAAAADd8/BEXq5Dw_zTg/s1600/Palace%2Bcropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nb4Syag_VQY/VlpnTnmlZlI/AAAAAAAADd8/BEXq5Dw_zTg/s320/Palace%2Bcropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In choosing to attempt to travel to every nation in the world, I realize that visiting some countries will involve some difficult decisions due to safety issues, isolated locations, transportation/lodging expenses or, as in the case of North Korea, political controversy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Although there are legitimate concerns regarding economic support for the DPRK government being provided by the few who travel there as tourists, there's also a difficult to quantify impact on those living within North Korea that can be contributed to these highly censored interactions.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> There is no way to put into written words the experience of observing North Korea society, architecture and geography - even from a guarded distance.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Here I've included a few photos of Parky and a short, poor quality, hastily edited video to give you a small glimpse of the images that I saw, but only in person could I ever begin to try to explain this experience.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4TySE6sKOQ"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: large;"><b>Click here to see video of my visit to North Korea</b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Parky in the DPRK</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Parky in Pyongyang International Airport Parky in the Pyongyang Metro</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Parky in Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery Parky in the DMZ</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Parky in Pyongyang by day Parky in Pyongyang by night</span></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-41807756526381353792015-12-08T09:15:00.001-08:002015-12-11T08:08:42.750-08:00Marshaling on through the Marshall Islands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> My arrival in the Marshall Islands was much different than my arrival in Pohnpei, where I had prearranged an airport transfer. Flights to Kwajalein Atoll land on Kwajalein Island, which is controlled by the US military. Security on Kwajalein is tight with measures including prohibiting photos during landing and not allowing onward passengers from deplaning. Immigration and military inspections are carried out immediately on arrival and those without orders to stay on Kwajalein then board a shuttle bus to another building to wait for the ferry to the island of Ebeye. This process is confusing for new arrivals, of which I appeared to be the only one. It is even more confusing for officials and other persons faced with someone who appears to be obviously going to the military base, but is actually trying to get to Ebeye. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The officials repeated asked for my orders. <span style="font-family: inherit;">The shuttle bus drive asked "What's your address?", assuming I needed a ride to my house on the military base. A friendly lady, who had been living on Kwajalein for 4 months asked, “Why are you going to Ebeye?” and then tried to answer her own question with the only reasonable answer she could imagine..."are you a </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">missionary?” Eventually I made it to the pier, waited over an hour for the ferry and arrived on Ebeye after dark - happy to find that it was indeed a simple walk from the dock to the only hotel on the island, as I had been reassured by everyone I had asked.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YxbXeFYcoaw/VmRtiEQP2HI/AAAAAAAADnE/H9hBaSOQN6A/s1600/DSC00566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YxbXeFYcoaw/VmRtiEQP2HI/AAAAAAAADnE/H9hBaSOQN6A/s320/DSC00566.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Ebeye is truly like no other place I have been in the world and the unfortunate nickname of "the slum of the Pacific" is all too appropriate. A few facts may help to explain Ebeye. It is one of the top 10 most densely populated islands in the world, ranked up there with Manhattan and Hong Kong. This is despite the fact that only the rare building has even a second floor. The population of over 15,000 lives on only 0.14 square miles, with a large proportion of families having been relocated from other islands in the 1950-60s due to US nuclear and missile testing. The most shocking aspect of the population is the number of children, as over half of the population is under the age of 16. Children are everywhere – lots and lots of children are everywhere. Rarely did I see children outside with adults. Just hundreds of children, even toddlers, hanging out with other children. To attempt to quantify the number of kids in this town/island, when I walked to the hotel after swimming I counted the children I saw on the first block of the main street. The final tally was 106! I counted the next block and came up with 87. The kids seemed happy - playing, joking and always smiling – only one of the thousands of children I saw was crying. That being said, many of these children are living in poverty and they often greeted me with...“one dollar?”</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> During my one full day on Ebeye, I decided to go for a walk…a long walk. My guidebook, that was a dozen years old, mentioned a “poorly maintained causeway” that linked Ebeye to some other islands of the atoll. So I set off with two goals in mind – </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">find the remains of a World War II Japanese armored personnel carrier and </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">reach the end of the causeway. I met the first of these goals, but despite walking for over 2 hours to the north and having the road become just a small trail I never did find the end of the causeway linking the tiny islands to Ebeye. I finally turned back, prevented from going further by sore legs and an emerging sunburn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I knew before arriving on Ebeye that my swimming options would likely be two - a public beach or a snorkeling tour. When I inquired at the hotel desk, it was clear that there were no regular snorkeling tours to be had in Ebeye, but "the beach" was apparently quite easy to locate. "Just turn right when you go out the door and follow the street to the end, you can't miss it". Or in case I did miss it, "you can ask anyone where "the beach" is and they will tell you". As advertised, "the beach" was simple to find and though not nearly as picturesque as many of the other beaches that I had passed on my walk earlier in the day, "the beach" provided easy access to the calm waters of the lagoon and a small audience, of course made up solely of children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vGy1RYSxfcM/VmSeWpv1ppI/AAAAAAAADn4/CfGsBdSt9V0/s1600/sign%2Bcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vGy1RYSxfcM/VmSeWpv1ppI/AAAAAAAADn4/CfGsBdSt9V0/s1600/sign%2Bcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vGy1RYSxfcM/VmSeWpv1ppI/AAAAAAAADn4/CfGsBdSt9V0/s200/sign%2Bcrop.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> As I travel and consider the level of Parkinson’s awareness and care in each country, I understand that the money available for healthcare is always limited and there are other competing priorities. In the hotel lobby in Ebeye there was a sign for a diabetes program, which is not surprising given the probable high prevalence of the disease in this population. The town had a small hospital and was in the process of building a Wellness Center, but you can image where Parkinson’s disease would rank as a healthcare priority in a town with so many needs and a generally young population. In Pohnpei, my guide let me know that those who</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> require specialty care in the region travel to places like Manila, Honolulu or Guam. He also told me that hourly jobs often start at $1.75/hour – so most people needing to see a specialist, like those with Parkinson's, cannot even afford the travel expense.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Air links to Marshall Islands have long been limited to the United Airlines "island hopper" (previously Continental Micronesia). This flight from Guam to Honolulu stops in Kwajalein and Majuro, along with other stops in the islands of the Federated States of Micronesia. Our stop in Majuro was scheduled to be less than hour, before continuing on to Honolulu. When the time on the ground to address a mechanical issue stretched to two and then three hours, we all became a little ansy. At four hours, we were relieved that we were allowed to reboard the plane. However, our joy was short-lived when the captain informed us that they had run into crew rest issues. Given that there were no other flights and therefore no other planes or pilots arriving in Majuro, we would simple have to wait on the island until the crew had there prescribed time to sleep. This meant the airport staff had to scramble to find hotel rooms on the small island for all of those on the plane. I finally arrived at a hotel room around 1:00 AM, spent the next hour on the internet trying to arranged a new flight from Hawaii back to the mainland and then got about 4 hours of sleep before preparing to return to the airport. My extended stay in the Marshall Islands turned out to have two benefits. First, I was made aware that not everywhere in the Marshall Islands resembled Ebeye. Majuro, the capital, had well built housing, well maintain roads and plenty of tourism infrastructure. However, my stop also v</span><span style="font-size: large;">erify the challenges to providing healthcare in this part of the world. I met two individuals who worked in different capacities with an NGO and a public health program and both spoke of difficulties trying to deliver specialty care. An epidemiologist, who worked with diabetes programs throughout the islands of the Pacific happened to have a family member with Parkinson's. Having curiosity about the prevalence of Parkinson's among Pacific Islanders, she had specifically looked for the diagnosis when performing medical records reviews for other projects. S</span><span style="font-size: large;">he found a number people from her native Samoa who had developed Parkinson's, but noted that ALL had been diagnosed while living in the US. </span><span style="font-size: large;">These observations during my travels once again highlight the large gap between the needs and access to care for those impacted by Parkinson's in remote, economically deprived nations, such as the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b>Ebeye</b> <b>Majuro</b></span></span></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-12868082556670362252015-12-05T12:17:00.002-08:002015-12-07T22:11:35.478-08:00Taking the Plunge in Pohnpei<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fv-MkubjKJY/VmEGjhyw2UI/AAAAAAAADh4/5m2vkwBvXA4/s1600/HI%2Bboarding%2Bpasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fv-MkubjKJY/VmEGjhyw2UI/AAAAAAAADh4/5m2vkwBvXA4/s320/HI%2Bboarding%2Bpasses.jpg" width="186" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> I'm always amused by the little ridiculous moments associated with travel. After saying good-bye to my family in Honolulu, I dropped off the rental car and went to check in. I was particularly proud of myself for finding a one-way frequent flyer ticket from Hawaii to Kwajalein, Marshall Islands with a 13-hour stopover that allowed me to visit Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. However, it wasn’t until I printed my boarding pass that I fully realized the extent of travel planned for the next couple days. When I clicked on "print", the boarding passes just kept coming…FIVE in total!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> My first transit was in Guam and there I had one mission…find cookies. I was determined to get Chamorro chip cookies for the people from Guam that I work with and despite a short late-night stop, I was successful. The next stop was Chuuk (a little more exotic, or maybe rustic). It was a short 40-minute stop for the "island-hopper" and only two of us chose to deplane and join 3 others in the departure hall. When time to reboard, the airport agent proceeded with a very formal announcement, pausing and waiting after calling out each boarding zone - even though none of the five of us were disabled, traveling with children, military in uniform, business class or in zones 1, 2 or 3.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> My time in Chuuk allowed me to complete customs and immigration forms. This was my 120th country to visit, but the Federated States of Micronesia version of these forms still presented me with a few unique challenges. The immigration form was straight-forward, but the customs form was a full 2-page, 8.5 x 11 inch paper form with some questions that puzzled me. The third question on the form asked how long I was staying, with two options for answers. I could list the number of days or check a box stating I was transiting for a “few hours". By checking the transit box, which was technical correct, I could “stop here”, even though the rest of the questions clearly applied to me. Once again my idea of a transit stop didn’t conform to the norms of travel. Next, identifying my residence didn’t involve entering my address (as in pretty much all other countries I’ve been to), but rather selecting from a limited list of countries, which I assume represent the most common countries that send tourists to FSM. If you select USA, you then have to choose a region: Pacific, Mountain, Midwest or Atlantic. Which one is Las Vegas in? And what would I have done if I still lived in Mississippi? And what if my wife and I had stop here for our honeymoon after getting married in Malaysia, back when she was still a Malaysian citizen?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2LPrea1z5Q/VmIgR6Bt4cI/AAAAAAAADjA/oXwKJO8tA18/s1600/waterfall%2Bcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2LPrea1z5Q/VmIgR6Bt4cI/AAAAAAAADjA/oXwKJO8tA18/s200/waterfall%2Bcrop.jpg" width="200" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I finally arrived in Pohnpei around 1:00 AM. I was very happy to see Robert, who gave me a ride to the hotel and let me know that he would be my guide the next day. I wasn’t so happy to hear we needed to leave at 6:30 AM, due to my limited time on the island. The next morning, when I asked Robert how long it would take to get to the ruins of Nan Madol, he said 1-2 hours - depending on “if you drive fast”. I was frightened by flashbacks to some of my other “drive fast” experiences, in places like Guatemala, Portugal and Georgia. I was even more alarmed when he spent the first 20 minutes following a car at 20 mph – thinking I would surely miss my flight that afternoon. However, when the lead car exited, I found out that “fast” was only around 30 mph. This turned out to be for the best considering the number of children, chickens and dogs on the road. In fact the only speed limit sign I saw was posted on the best stretch road and listed a max speed of 25 mph. Driving fast has a whole different meaning here and we ended up having plenty of time for sightseeing and swimming.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dh1XuOOyxpg/VmNAF3FSdSI/AAAAAAAADj8/Q-w124lq35Y/s1600/DSC00487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dh1XuOOyxpg/VmNAF3FSdSI/AAAAAAAADj8/Q-w124lq35Y/s1600/DSC00487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Nan Madol is an archaeological site with similarity to places I've been visited in the Americas, like Tikal, Machu Picchu or Chichen Itza. However, the unique isolated location on the water off a Micronesian island make this a place like no other. Without written references, not much is known about the history of Nan Madol. It is thought to have been built as far back as 900 years ago and was used for religious ceremonies and rulers' houses until the beginning of the 19th century. It wasn't until 1828 that Westerners discovered the site that had been abandoned relatively recently. Today you can reach the ruins by land and walk through many of the site's 92 artificial islets or at high tide, you can take a boat through the canals that have earned Nan Madol the nickname, "Venice of Micronesia". When I went I was the ONLY tourist there the whole morning. The only other people I saw where the desendents of the ruling class that collected 3 separate payments of $2-4 on the short hike to the site. There are not many places left in the world where you can have a world-class archaeological site all to yourself - a truly special experience.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqkL0gckp_U/VmEH9meYbPI/AAAAAAAADiU/uc9MRYUI-CQ/s1600/swim%2Bpohnpei%2Bcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqkL0gckp_U/VmEH9meYbPI/AAAAAAAADiU/uc9MRYUI-CQ/s200/swim%2Bpohnpei%2Bcrop.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> After Nan Madol and a quick stop at an amazing waterfall, I had just enough time to for a mile swim before going straight to the airport. Since Pohnpei is a volcanic island, there are not sandy beaches and activities like snorkeling and surfing are done at a significant distance off-shore. Therefore, we went to a pier where locals gather to swim on weekends and this turned out to be an ideal location for me. Warm, clear and calm water and as Robert put it, “none of the scary sharks."</span><br />
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-82867690032368356612015-12-01T16:12:00.000-08:002015-12-07T22:10:37.399-08:00Parky's Pacific Postcards<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Once again I've had the honor of sharing my travel experiences with, and having the support of, my fellow Parkies...including "Parky".</span></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-33607493576129389912015-11-21T15:25:00.003-08:002015-12-07T22:09:47.078-08:00Power Through Project – The Effects of Exercise on the (your) Brain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Parky and I after 12+ hr flight to Beijing</span></td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> For November, PTP
diary writers are exploring the effects of exercise on the brain – a topic that
has stimulated much research in recent years. It is also a question that I’m frequently asked during my Parkinson’s
awareness activities and my standard response is based on my experiences as
both, a patient and a physician.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Fatigue is among
the most prominent symptoms of Parkinson’s that I have experienced, although it
is often difficult to determine what is truly due to Parkinson’s, a medication
side effect or part of everyday life activities (such as the 12+ hour flight to
Beijing I am on while writing this post). Regardless, I have found exercise to
be a very effective way to combat fatigue. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The joy of realizing an exercise goal</span></td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Despite the recent
surge in research to better understand the effects of exercise on those with Parkinson’s,
the variety of symptoms and stages of progression make it difficult to
predict the effect of a specific exercise activity on a particular Parkinson’s
patient. This fact frustrates many who want to answer the “what exercise is
best for me” question. I suggest that focusing on this question is not necessary
and recommend a simple 3-step approach to choosing an exercise routine. First, make
sure the activity is safe - with special consideration to any Parkinson’s-related
physical limitations you may have. Second,
pick something you are likely to enjoy, so you will want to continue to do it. Finally, assess any benefits of exercise
yourself. In other words, do not be <i>dependent</i> on medical research to tell
you what dancing, biking, walking…or swimming a mile in a Pacific island will
do for your Parkinson’s symptoms…go ahead and find out for yourself</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"> Once you’ve
chosen an exercise routine, there are many barriers to maintaining the program.
This is where I’ve found goals to be particularly useful. Whether training for
a triathlon or a travel/exercise challenge, these targets keep me motivated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"> I
recommend everyone try setting an exercise goal to spur them on, and what could
be more motivating than joining a program specifically designed to get everyone
with Parkinson’s exercising regularly - the Parkinson Power Through Project?</span></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-38372818256779111092015-11-10T16:47:00.001-08:002015-11-21T15:17:21.771-08:00Power Through Project – Beginning a New Exercise<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The October PTP diary topic was “Beginning to Exercise”. I’ve revised this slightly to discuss a <i>new</i> exercise. In the coming weeks I begin my challenge to complete 11 one mile swims in 11 Pacific islands. I feel confident that I can <b>slowly</b> complete a one mile ocean swim, but it wasn’t always that way.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PltbRMAqn5U/VkKHez5v_TI/AAAAAAAADbg/9EPyTqy7Voo/s1600/Swim%2Bpractice%2Bcropped.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PltbRMAqn5U/VkKHez5v_TI/AAAAAAAADbg/9EPyTqy7Voo/s320/Swim%2Bpractice%2Bcropped.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> As we face every changing physical challenges related to Parkinson’s, it can be difficult to maintain exercise schedules. Fortunately, many exercise options have been adapted to the needs of those with Parkinson’s, such as dance, tai chi, and boxing. However, even with specialized activities it can be intimidating to try a new exercise. This was my experience with swimming…even before I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Years ago a recurrent knee injury limited my running, so I began swimming in the neighborhood pool. My unstructured workouts consisted of only a few laps, but the following year I decided to enter my first “mini-triathlon” with a 200 yard pool swim. As the race date approached I felt confident and signed up for a nearby sprint triathlon with a 500 yard pond swim. The moment the starter's gun went off, was the moment swimming became a true challenge for me. My only prior open water swimming experience was as a child in the rivers and lakes of Montana. When I put my face into the murky pond water, I immediately forgot how to swim, and more importantly how to breathe. In the next 15-20 minutes, a combination of freestyle, dog-paddle and back-stroke got me around the swim course of my first triathlon. Since then I have slowly gained confidence in swimming.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> To this date, I still feel intimidated when I swim at a new location or attempt a new distance. But when I follow through and complete the challenge the feeling is so rewarding. So I strongly recommend that everyone with Parkinson’s, especially those joining PTP, attempt a new exercise and enjoy the feeling accomplishment you get when you successfully meet a new challenge.</span></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-19451686913446550762015-11-08T19:18:00.000-08:002015-11-21T15:16:06.035-08:00Power Through Project – Team 444<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6R0Ns0lhFCU/VkAPOPuDAaI/AAAAAAAADaU/yKagY3EcABY/s1600/PTP%2Btimbers%2Bcropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6R0Ns0lhFCU/VkAPOPuDAaI/AAAAAAAADaU/yKagY3EcABY/s400/PTP%2Btimbers%2Bcropped.jpg" width="391" /></a> As I join the Parkinson Power Through Project
as a diary writer, I’d like to take a minute to introduce myself to those I’ve
yet to meet and reintroduce myself to the many wonderful people that I have met
through my journeys to raise Parkinson’s awareness. I’d also like to introduce
everyone to the Parkinson Power Through Project. I invite everyone to participate
in this wonderful event and also follow me as I take on the challenge with a unique
twist.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I grew up in a small Montana town,
attended college and medical school in Oregon, and then spent over 21 years as
an Air Force physician. In 2010, at the age of 44, I was diagnosed with
Parkinson’s Disease. The disease that threatened to take away my two favorite
hobbies, sports and travel, has given me a cause toward which to apply my
experience and interest in medicine and humanitarian relief.</div>
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In April 2014, I completed an individual
challenge to raise Parkinson’s awareness and research funding by running 4
miles in 44 different countries in 4 weeks – “Run-the-World 4 Parkinson
Disease”. After circling the globe,
meeting Presidents, running with Olympic athletes and interacting with so many
people dedicated to helping those with Parkinson’s, I’ve been inspired to
continue efforts to further Parkinson’s awareness. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In 2015, I took on another challenge,
“Run-the-Caribbean 4 Parkinson’s Disease” – running across 5 Caribbean islands
in 5 days. My current exercise/travel endeavor is titled, “Swim-the-Pacific 4
Parkinson’s Disease”. Beginning in
November 2015, I plan to complete one mile swims in 11 Pacific island nations.
Having set a goal to visit every country in the world and by
choosing some of the most isolated countries in the world for this
challenge, I hope to bring attention to those with Parkinson’s who don’t have
access to the needed medical care and support systems.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHkovZnCLik/Vj90Q9yE3HI/AAAAAAAADZ0/C2UxzXnPXNY/s1600/logo-ptp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHkovZnCLik/Vj90Q9yE3HI/AAAAAAAADZ0/C2UxzXnPXNY/s200/logo-ptp.gif" width="200" /></a> I see my participation in Power Through Project as a natural extension of my current awareness activities. Hopefully, in a small way I will be able to add a inspiration and motivation to help others complete the PTP challenge to
accumulate 100 hours of physical activity, and cover 3,000 virtual miles from
Montreal, Canada, home of the WPC 2013, to Portland, Oregon, USA, home of the
WPC 2016. Having attended medical school in Portland and having my daughter
currently in college there, I could agree more with the PTP statement: “What
better finish line to a life-changing project, than the 4th World Parkinson
Congress held in Portland, Oregon, USA.”
<o:p></o:p></div>
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In order to add my own brand to the
challenge, I’ve devised a special, expanded Power Through Project venture. As Team
444, my challenge (and that of anyone else that wishes to attempt it) will be
to complete a virtual journey between all 4 World Parkinson Congress host
cities - using the mileage conversion and timeline for the Power Through
Project: 1 hour exercise = 30 miles from January 1, 2016 to September 20, 2016.
The virtual segments will be as follows:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Washington, DC to Glascow = 3500 miles</div>
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<span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">- Washington, Lisbon, Madrid, Rome, Munich, Paris,
Brussels, Amsterdam, London, Dublin, Glascow</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Glascow to Montreal = 3000 miles</div>
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<span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">- Glascow, Berlin, Copenhagen, Helsinki,
Stockholm, Oslo, Reykjavik, Nuuk, Halifax, Quebec, Montreal</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Montreal to Portland, OR = 3000 miles</div>
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<span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">- Montreal, Toronto, New York, Miami, Houston,
Detroit, Denver, Calgary, Phoenix, Sacramento, Portland</span></div>
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I invite everyone to sign up now for the
Parkinson Power Through Project by going to the website: <a href="https://www.powerthroughproject.org/en/home">www.powerthroughproject.org</a>. You will be able to find more about the Team
444 challenge and follow my progress on my blog: <a href="http://www.444parkinsonstraveler.org/">www.444parkinsonstraveler.org</a> and Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/444ParkinsonsTraveler/?ref=hl">www.facebook.com/444ParkinsonsTraveler</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-63847736814746278052015-10-16T20:56:00.002-07:002015-11-08T19:18:59.905-08:00Swim-the-Pacific 4 Parkinson’s Disease<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I made a personal commitment to take on a
travel/exercise challenge for Parkinson’s awareness each year, I imagined
selecting sites based on my goal of visiting all the world’s sovereign
nations and I envisioned the exercise activities would be a variety of running
tasks.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vq8QhggPrZE/ViG_wJAXIwI/AAAAAAAADWs/sqs5RRbZVgg/s1600/STP%2Blogo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vq8QhggPrZE/ViG_wJAXIwI/AAAAAAAADWs/sqs5RRbZVgg/s200/STP%2Blogo1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This summer when I looked at my world map – the natural
destination for my next journey seemed to be Africa. In addition, I had thoughts of incorporating
an element of speed into my running, rather than solely focusing on endurance.
However, my wife’s legitimate concern of having two family members in Africa
for extended periods this year (my daughter is currently studying in Tanzania)
and a knee injury that made my immediate running future uncertain, led me to
look for a plan B. Thus was born...“Swim-the-Pacific 4
Parkinson’s Disease”. The plan for this venture combines my personal
travel/exercise goals with my desire to contribute to Parkinson’s awareness,
especially in areas where those affected by Parkinson’s currently have the least
opportunities for support.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMeWg8LQbAU/ViHCnuznk6I/AAAAAAAADW4/bl43gR5B81U/s1600/tri%2Bswim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMeWg8LQbAU/ViHCnuznk6I/AAAAAAAADW4/bl43gR5B81U/s320/tri%2Bswim.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> The swimming challenge is the most straight forward aspect
of the plan. I will attempt to swim 1
mile in each country. A few years ago when a knee injury forced me to limit my
running, I took up swimming to allow me to compete in triathlons. Although, I’m far from mastering the sport, I’ve
developed a slow, steady stoke and I’ve already started training to be able to
complete a 1 mile ocean swim. I’ve also begun the task of identifying locals at
each stop to guide me to safe swimming spots in order to avoid headlines like…“Parkinson’s
advocate attacked by shark” or “Man with Parkinson who spent 4 years on
deserted island after being swept away by current during Parkinson’s awareness
swim, set to attend World Parkinson Congress 2020”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> After Africa - where I have only been to 9 of 54 nations - Oceania
is the region with the most countries that I have left to visit. The 11 Pacific
island nations on my “yet-to-be-seen list” span a huge geographic area from the
Marshall Islands in the North to Tonga in the South to Samoa in the East and
Palau in the West. Airline routes here are largely designed to reach a single
island and definitely not set up for “island hopping”. Therefore, my most difficult task will likely
be finding an itinerary to reach all the islands in a reasonable amount of
time. I will be starting with the 2 easiest to reach islands. United Airlines, and before the merger Continental,
has a long history of flying from Hawaii to Guam with multiple stops in the
Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia. I will be taking advantage of this route, making
stops to swim in Pohnpei, and Kwajalein on Nov 30 and Dec 1, respectively. This is part of a larger trip in which I’ll spend 1 week in “the
world’s most isolated nation” for my 50<sup>th</sup> birthday present to myself
and a week with my wife and younger daughter in Japan and Hawaii for Thanksgiving.
The remaining 9 Pacific island nations I hope to visit during the next couple years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> As I’ve had the opportunity to travel and observe those
affected by Parkinson’s around the world over the past 2 years, I’ve come to
realize that my best role as a voice for Parkinson’s awareness is to draw
attention to those without access to support due primarily to the part of world in which they live. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Therefore, it seems fitting that this journey to raising Parkinson’s awareness will have a backdrop of isolation, as t</span><span style="font-size: large;">he Pacific island nations are some of the world’s most difficult to reach countries. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In the coming weeks and months, I’ll be writing about my
preparations and travels and look forward to sharing this journey with all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> -Mark</span></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-79484381918498074122015-08-26T19:19:00.000-07:002015-10-16T20:57:44.742-07:00Eagleman gets Blue Ribbon with Tour de Fox<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This week my daughters returned to school and since I haven't written a post all summer, I feel the need to answer the infamous back-to-school writing prompt, "What did you do for summer vacation?" It turns out my activities this summer have been </span><span style="font-size: large;">riddled with many of those "it's a small world", unlikely connections.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGH_gm7tKQQ/Vdn9E08IF5I/AAAAAAAADPA/fI55iSp0NP0/s1600/BR%2Bbikes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGH_gm7tKQQ/Vdn9E08IF5I/AAAAAAAADPA/fI55iSp0NP0/s320/BR%2Bbikes.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGH_gm7tKQQ/Vdn9E08IF5I/AAAAAAAADPA/fI55iSp0NP0/s1600/BR%2Bbikes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Two years ago, when I was planning Run-the-World 4 Parkinson's, I contacted Team Fox to find out how to use my project to raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Everyone I spoke with said, "You need to talk to Sam". Sam is Sam Fox, the Michael J Foundation's Outreach and Engagement Officer. Motivated by a mother with Parkinson's, in 2011 he ran from Canada to Mexico raising $300,000 for Parkinson's research. At that time, Sam was planning an ambitious challenge to climb the highest peak in each state, while biking much of the distance between mountains. Since then Tour de Fox has become a reality. A journey that began in June and will end in September, brought him to Las Vegas on August 16th...in between running across the Grand Canyon and cycling through Death Valley. In Vegas, Sam and a support crew of three, met up with about 20 locals to walk, run or bike and then eat breakfast at Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken.</span></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jRhnz0Sr-U/Vdn97KK7RtI/AAAAAAAADPI/Ih3Li7LmRFQ/s1600/photo%2B3%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Before I begin "the rest of the story", I want to urge everyone to read more about <a href="http://www2.michaeljfox.org/site/TR/Athletic/General?sid=1070&type=fr_informational&pg=informational&fr_id=1440" target="_blank">Tour de Fox</a> And for anyone who wants to donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, you can do so at our Event Page: <a href="http://www2.michaeljfox.org/site/TR/Athletic/TeamFox?team_id=16961&pg=team&fr_id=1440" target="_blank">Tour de Fox - Las Vegas</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jRhnz0Sr-U/Vdn97KK7RtI/AAAAAAAADPI/Ih3Li7LmRFQ/s1600/photo%2B3%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jRhnz0Sr-U/Vdn97KK7RtI/AAAAAAAADPI/Ih3Li7LmRFQ/s320/photo%2B3%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> When we planned to host Tour de Fox in Las Vegas, we didn't have enough lead time to secure a permit for any of the local hiking sites. However, as luck would have it, we were put in touch with Ed Cecchi. Ed works with some non-profits organizations in Las Vegas and knew the owners of Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken. They were interested in working with Tour de Fox and their Downtown Summerlin location is a perfect place to access walking, running and biking routes. Plus the offer of free breakfast was too good to pass up. When we first met, Ed mentioned the New York City origins of the Blue Ribbon restaurants, an intriguing story that we would soon get to see first-hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I was apprehensive two years ago when I announced on-line that I had Parkinson's disease and now I have similar emotions as I make another disclosure...I am Eagleman. </span><span style="font-size: large;">You may know that I'm a big soccer </span><span style="font-size: large;">fan from some of my prior posts. My loyalties are to the Portland Timbers - the team from the city hosting the <a href="http://www.wpc2016.org/" target="_blank">World Parkinson Congress 2016</a> - and the US National Team</span><span style="font-size: large;">. What you probably didn't know is that over the past year that my wife and I have been running around Brazil and the United States dressed as Eagleman and Wonder Women, m<span style="text-align: left;">aking friends, appearing on tv and in other media and taking thousands of photos with other fans. We even started to chronicle our travels on facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/eaglemanandwonderwoman" target="_blank">EaglemanandWonderWomen</a>) and a blog (<a href="http://eaglemanandwonderwoman.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Eaglemanandwonderwoman.com</a>).</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">This summer we followed the US through the CONCACAF Gold Cup with games in five US cities.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcUN4V6gavo/VdohtmHUXMI/AAAAAAAADPY/RzoqxBso0uA/s1600/BPI_KM_BELGIUM_USA_010714_064.2808147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcUN4V6gavo/VdohtmHUXMI/AAAAAAAADPY/RzoqxBso0uA/s320/BPI_KM_BELGIUM_USA_010714_064.2808147.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jepqXI2-qwU/VdokcLIXeBI/AAAAAAAADPk/7SRwq7nsaoQ/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jepqXI2-qwU/VdokcLIXeBI/AAAAAAAADPk/7SRwq7nsaoQ/s320/collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Our travels this summer included a stop in New York City to see friends we met at the World Cup in Brazil last summer. This stop gave us an </span><span style="font-size: large;">opportunity to get an intimate look at the Blue Ribbon brand. </span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSdWU9s3WfU/Vd52feVYxSI/AAAAAAAADQY/K7hpO0tjFSU/s1600/NYC%2Bselfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSdWU9s3WfU/Vd52feVYxSI/AAAAAAAADQY/K7hpO0tjFSU/s320/NYC%2Bselfie.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> L</span><span style="font-size: large;">ate one night as were discussing where to eat, our friends mentioned "Blue Ribbon". </span><span style="font-size: large;">I asked if they were talking about Blue Ribbon Chicken. After I explained the connection to Tour de Fox, our friends went on to explain the amazing story of how the Blue Ribbon Bakery Kitchen had restored a 135 year-old brick oven in basement of their old apartment building. At that point there was no question where we had to go eat. We ended up having an amazing late night dinner and got to see the famous Blue Ribbon Bakery Kitchen kitchen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> In case you are wondering just how good the fried chicken was, I </span><span style="font-size: large;">will let my wife describe it. Not only is she a gorgeous Wonder Women, but she writes her own food blog: <a href="http://www.seasiaeats.com/" target="_blank">SE Asia Eats</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQwzfyWo8yY/VdomgmExdxI/AAAAAAAADQA/Zw4tpBreLzw/s1600/BRC%2BNYC%2Bchicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QQwzfyWo8yY/VdomgmExdxI/AAAAAAAADQA/Zw4tpBreLzw/s320/BRC%2BNYC%2Bchicken.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Lila: <i>"</i></span><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Blue Ribbon Restaurant is a New York City based restaurant group which was founded in 1992 by chefs and co-owners Bruce and Eric Bromberg. </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">The bakery is in an old brownstone in Greenwich village which houses a 135 year old brick oven which produces different breads which are used in house and also sold to different restaurants around the city.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"> The restaurant has been on the top 10 lists numerous times on publications such as Zagat and New York Magazine. They have also been singled out multiple times in Gourmet and Food and Wine magazine. Both brothers have also been selected for James Beard Restauranteur awards several times. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> So how was the chicken? It truly was amazing. The coating was nicely flavored and crispy and the meat juicy. The mashed potatoes with the accompanying gravy were a sheer delight and you could not have found a happier diner than me that night in the village."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> If this story hasn't already convinced you that you have to try one the Blue Ribbon restaurants, let me introduce you to the staff at the Downtown Summerlin Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken location. These guys were the best hosts imaginable as they cooked up a great breakfast to fuel the Tour de Fox team. You can click here to find out more about: <a href="http://www.blueribbonrestaurants.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Blue Ribbon Restaurants</a></span></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-51232204041638161122015-06-16T09:16:00.000-07:002015-08-26T19:20:57.046-07:00Parky of the Caribbean<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Last week, Parky and I made it to 6 Caribbean nations. For those of us counting countries, that's 11 for Parky and 118 for me. Don't forget to start making your plans to join Parky in Portland, Oregon for the <a href="http://www.wpc2016.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Parkinson Congress</a> in September 2016!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Grenada</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>St. Vincent</u></b></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">St. Lucia</span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">St. Kitts</span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Dominica</span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Antigua</span></u></b></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-90476943753734898672015-06-13T20:04:00.000-07:002015-06-16T09:07:43.873-07:00Running Across Antigua...searching for the finish line<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Given that I had missed my flight to Antigua, my run there started later than planned and I finished after sunset. However, the added challenge made the satisfaction even greater when I completed my run across the fifth island in five days. The next morning I was able to walk around the town of St. Johns, before catching my flight back to the States. Here are a few of the images:</span></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-89325220202213634452015-06-12T09:56:00.002-07:002015-06-13T20:06:18.096-07:00Driving Across Dominica...in search of a soccer game<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">This morning I woke to find that my rental car battery was dead. I left the car in Roseau, took an hour-plus taxi ride across the island to the airport and still ended up missing my flight and radio interview. On the bright side I had plenty of time to put up a post while waiting for the next flight from Dominica to Antigua.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8_JHdreIVIg/VXrnbf_h1eI/AAAAAAAACrw/V-Q4b44iQEY/s1600/timbers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8_JHdreIVIg/VXrnbf_h1eI/AAAAAAAACrw/V-Q4b44iQEY/s200/timbers2.jpg" width="163" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8_JHdreIVIg/VXrnbf_h1eI/AAAAAAAACrw/V-Q4b44iQEY/s1600/timbers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> My wife has long accused me of planning all our travel around soccer games. This is not actually true...sometimes I plan the travel first and then look for the soccer later. That was the case with Run-the-Caribbean. After I selected the countries that I planned to run across - I became aware that regional qualifying for the 2018 World Cup would occur while I was in the islands. When I scanned the list of fixtures, I found the perfect one - Canada vs. Dominica. This was ideal because Dominica didn't have a reasonable running route across the island, it had a number of natural sites that I wanted to visit and Canada featured a player from my favorite club, Portland Timbers. So my schedule was set to ensure I would be in Roseau on June 11th.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFi-xZ4FzoQ/VXrwNOHzZbI/AAAAAAAACso/I92eeFjYTPo/s1600/DSC01460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFi-xZ4FzoQ/VXrwNOHzZbI/AAAAAAAACso/I92eeFjYTPo/s200/DSC01460.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> My travel from St. Kitts, started with another ridiculous exchange with airport security. I arrived at the modern, comfortable St. Kitts airport only an hour and half before departure, but was happy to find that I was the only person in the check-in line for Liat Airlines, the only person in line to have their boarding documents reviewed, the only person in line for emigration, and most importantly - the only person in the security line. As the four security staff members stood up from their chairs I placed my laptop and cellphone in a bin and then asked if they wanted me to take out liquids. When the answer was "yes", I place my bag containing 3 packets of laundry soap, a nearly empty sunscreen bottle and a small shaving cream can in a second bin. That's when the security staff asked me if I had a smaller bag. I was puzzled. She gestured to a "smaller bag" with some items inside hanging from the wall, and stated, "You should use a quart bag. You have a gallon bag". Thinking this was a suggestion, I thanked her for the information. She then asked me, "So do you want to go back out and see if you can get a bag?" Now in most places in the world this strict enforcement of "the rules" meant one of two things. Either we were about to have a stand-off to see if I would flinch and pay a bribe or there was a near-by shop/stand in which the owner sells nothing but quart-sized zip-lock bags at an astronomical mark-up. In this case, the official seemed not to be looking to profit, but just requiring strict adherence with "the rules". I surveyed the situation. The cost of the items in my bag was approximately $4US. Even if I could find a quart bag, I didn't know what the cost would be. Without laundry soap, I could wash my clothes with shampoo (which is what I usually do anyway), sunscreen could be purchased anywhere in the Caribbean, without shaving cream I would have one more excuse for not shaving, and getting rid of the bag of liquids would simplify procedures during my connection in Antigua. Realizing the clear benefits, I let the security staff know - "thanks, I'll just leave this stuff for you". Thus allowing me to clear security and allowing the staff to sit down and plan their next "shake-down".</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Once in Dominica, it was immediately evident why this island is known as the undeveloped, natural gem of the Caribbean. I was only a few miles down the road in my rental car, when I felt the need to pull over and snap a few pictures of a beautiful, deserted beach. After driving across the island, I had one place to visit before checking into the hotel. Trafalgar Falls was on all the lists of top sites in Dominica and it was definitely worth the trip.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OB5vIaHLoIs/VXsDqNPjgtI/AAAAAAAACuQ/QaPiB6Nr_i8/s1600/DSC01532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OB5vIaHLoIs/VXsDqNPjgtI/AAAAAAAACuQ/QaPiB6Nr_i8/s320/DSC01532.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> When I returned to Roseau, I had two things to do. First, I walked over to Windsor Park to buy a ticket for the game. When I asked the ticket seller if there was a section for the away fans, he chuckled and informed me, "you sit wherever you want". In response to my inquiry about ticket prices, he simply stated "very cheap". He was correct. For $15 EC (about $6 US), I had a ticket for any seat in the stadium. Of note, the stadium itself was built as gift from the People's Republic of China - evidence of the ongoing rivalry between China and Taiwan for UN votes that can be seen in many Caribbean island nations. With my ticket in hand I only needed one more thing, a red shirt to identify myself as a Canadian fan that night. This turned out to be good investment. As soon as I passed though the ticket stiles I was noticed by the lone person at the game in a Canadian jersey. Dan from Vancouver recruited myself, 2 Germans and 3 Dominicans to form the Canadian fan section. Canada won 2-0 and it was thoroughly enjoyable evening that end at the Canadian team's hotel listening to stories that ranged from Canadian soccer fan exploits to the adventures of a physician during the Rhodesian (Zimbabwe) civil war...and even included a brief discussion with Will Johnston about living in Portland and playing for the Timbers.</span></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-15232151418779140842015-06-10T17:39:00.000-07:002015-06-12T09:56:47.169-07:00Running across St. Lucia and St. Kitts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Fortunately, my runs across St. Lucia and St Kitts did not bring me any misfortune. After about 20 more miles of running, I just had more soreness in my muscles, more great images of the islands and one proud moment. As I completed immigration in St. Lucia, the official found that my passport was too thick to squeeze through the little slit in the window typically used for this exchange. He looked perplexed for a moment, then defeated - got out of his seat and walked around to the other side of the glass to hand me my passport. I'll have to added this to the, "You know you are obsessed with travel when _______" list.</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Running and Recovering in St. Lucia</span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Running and Recovering in St. Kitts</span></u></b></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-4743925118239762522015-06-09T19:34:00.002-07:002015-06-12T09:58:38.482-07:00Running Across St. Vincent...taking selfies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> As I stated in my last post, my plan for blogging this trip was to post a series on photos from each island...I had not planned for those photos to be limited to selfies. In St. Vincent, that's what happened - here are the images and the explanation.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_9vaXKt5oo/VXYyoG6A-YI/AAAAAAAACmY/Jt3A4q2TSLw/s1600/photo%2B%252816%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_9vaXKt5oo/VXYyoG6A-YI/AAAAAAAACmY/Jt3A4q2TSLw/s320/photo%2B%252816%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The West Coast and the new airport under contrustion</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing the mountains...again</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, the safety of a narrow sidewalk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9bK4uQEHQU/VXYzPmrzaZI/AAAAAAAACmo/saZGiYI7Hy0/s1600/photo%2B%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9bK4uQEHQU/VXYzPmrzaZI/AAAAAAAACmo/saZGiYI7Hy0/s320/photo%2B%252818%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The East Coast, the current airport and National Stadium</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itY6x4YH5qM/VXYzexxL05I/AAAAAAAACm4/F-ILCwSH3Cg/s1600/photo%2B%252819%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itY6x4YH5qM/VXYzexxL05I/AAAAAAAACm4/F-ILCwSH3Cg/s320/photo%2B%252819%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reaching the outskirts of Kingstown</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Returning to Kingstown just before sunset</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Through my travels, I've created a system for loading up my backpack. Given the running distances involved on this trip, I've come up with a system for packing for each run, too. My camelback is filled with ice and then water. It has a small pocket, which I use for emergency items I don't expect need frequently while I run - phone, room key and wet wipes. Then I use a running belt for other items - camera, snacks, money, credit card, id, and map. This gives me a compact, comfortable way to carry everything I need while running.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> My run in St. Vincent was planned for the evening. In addition to the usual heat, mountain climbing and sore muscles, I was a bit concerned about finding transportation to my starting point on the other side of the island. St. Vincent has two basic bus routes - the Windward Highway and the Leeward Highway. I just needed to find a Windward Highway bus and make sure it dropped me off at the Calder Road intersection. The hotel staff gave me basic directions to the bus station and it actually sounded quite simple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I walked the half mile to where I expected to find the bus station, only to see minivans zooming in all directions, blaring music, honking, and shouting at potential customers. I knew that minivans would be the "buses", but was concerned that there was no specific "bus station". The minivans appeared to be stopping at a number of places over a few block. There were a few other complicating factors. One, none of the minivans with were marked with directions. Second, it was now rush hour and there were a couple hundred people standing around waiting for a "bus" and all that passed seemed to be full.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I waited a few minutes in the area with the largest crowd to try to pick up the proper procedures by observing the locals. But there were no lines and no clear reason why certain people piled into certain vans. I finally asked a lady, who kindly let me know that the buses to Calder Road stopped a couple blocks away, by the fish market. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I moved to the area behind the fish market and after asking people in three separate lines whether this stop was for Calder Road and then being directed to another area stop in the large parking lot - I finally found the right stop. The driver of the first van in line pointed me to the van behind him. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, that van was full. But when the doorman shouted, "Calder Road?" and I nodded - the door flung open, he jumped out and motioned for me to get into the already full van.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQEf-AX_Kq0/VXeIWuspfXI/AAAAAAAACno/oJ7f68A1iao/s1600/DSC01381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQEf-AX_Kq0/VXeIWuspfXI/AAAAAAAACno/oJ7f68A1iao/s320/DSC01381.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In case you haven't had the pleasure of riding a minvan, as public transportation, let me outline the system. The driver is typically a young male. Imagine a 25 year-old guy with the belief that with all his driving experience, he should really be on the Formula 1 circuit - and he is out to prove it. The doorman sits in the second row on the opposite side of the driver. He is a true multi-tasker. His jobs include: advertising, notify the driver of pick-ups and drop-offs, manning the door and collect fares. The van itself is a standard minivan with four rows of seats. However, the from row is fitted with a seat between the driver and passenger seats, the back row has a full bench across, and the second and third rows are fitted with jump seats (a seat that folds up to allow passengers to reach the rows behind, but then prevents passengers behind from exiting in case of an emergency when the seat is down and occupied). All-in-all the modifications increase the seating capacity from a standard, tightly fit 12, to an extremely tightly fit 15.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When the van to Calder Road arrived, I was pretty certain all seats were taken, but a couple people jumped out to raise their jump seats and reveal that there were only 3 in the third row, so I was very fortunate to get the last seat on this bus. I was surprised when the van stopped again a few blocks away to allow 2 more people to get on, but no one else flinched and the 2 smallest children simply climbed on to the laps of their mother and older sister. At this point I decided to count...we had 20 people total on board. Then as if trying to set a new Guinness World Record, the van stopped for one more passenger. To make room the doorman gave up his jump seat to the new passenger. He then "sat" horizontally between the first and second row with his backside hanging out the window - the classic "mooning" position.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> At that point I thought I should get a photo, because words just can't fully describe the situation. That's when panic set in. I realized I didn't have my running belt. At least, I didn't think I had my running belt. I was wedged into the van and couldn't get my hand around to check. When I was able to "adjust", my fear was confirmed. No money to pay the driver, no snacks to sustain my energy during the run, no map to guide me back and no camera to capture my run and the landscape. However, after the initial wave of panic passed, I remembered to two critical facts. First, I had put 5 East Caribbean dollars in my shorts pocket, so I wouldn't have to dig into my running belt while in a crowd to get out my bus fare. And thanks to my packing "system", I had put my phone in the pocket on my camelback - and thus my photos from my run across St. Vincent were destined to be a series of selfies.</span><br />
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-77306213533375488152015-06-08T08:21:00.002-07:002015-06-12T09:58:23.692-07:00Running Across Grenada...in search of food<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> My brief stop in Grenada found me wandering historic St. Georges on a sleepy weekend, struggling to run-hike 15 miles over the island's central mountain range and enjoying the quiet, beautiful beach near my hotel...and hunting for food. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some the images from my time in Grenada...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of St. Georges</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My travel buddy - Parky</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grenville - my East Coast starting line</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing the mountains</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reaching the top</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBKzECeTmFg/VXTM5PU9P1I/AAAAAAAACkU/Suz1z-bO3PU/s1600/DSC01347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBKzECeTmFg/VXTM5PU9P1I/AAAAAAAACkU/Suz1z-bO3PU/s320/DSC01347.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1OxuCYAFdw/VXTOY4a9xDI/AAAAAAAACko/aRB6zKBYSEE/s1600/DSC01349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1OxuCYAFdw/VXTOY4a9xDI/AAAAAAAACko/aRB6zKBYSEE/s320/DSC01349.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending through Grand Etang National Forest</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VMPpb0K6yIM/VXTOZnEikKI/AAAAAAAACkw/iwLF3wDytOo/s1600/DSC01351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VMPpb0K6yIM/VXTOZnEikKI/AAAAAAAACkw/iwLF3wDytOo/s320/DSC01351.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reaching St. Georges and the National Stadium</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aE5cH_j1gNc/VXTPW3brS5I/AAAAAAAACk8/DTqGGP0v8Vc/s1600/DSC01352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aE5cH_j1gNc/VXTPW3brS5I/AAAAAAAACk8/DTqGGP0v8Vc/s320/DSC01352.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Georges - West Coast finish line</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> When I left the States for this trip, my blogging plan was to limit myself to posting a series of photos from each island. Tonight I finished uploading photos, did a telephone interview for a local radio show and then left to get dinner with plans to publish the post while eating. When the story of my hunt for food became more ridiculous, I couldn't help but try to tell it</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I landed in Grenada at 1 PM on Saturday, having left Las Vegas at 10 PM the night before. Having only eaten a bag of M&M en route - I was a bit hungry on arrival. My first thought was to grab something inside the airport. When I cleared immigration and customs (the customs office hitting me up with usual "is that all of your luggage" question) - I found this was not an option...as there was nothing inside the airport. Outside there were a few stalls across the street, but at a distance glance they appeared to just have drinks and snacks. So I decided I'd grab something quick by the hotel and then go into St. Georges to find a place to have a meal and watch the Championship League Final. After walking the half mile from the airport to the hotel, it was evident that there was nothing near the hotel and I'd have to wait to eat in St. Georges.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCCpVMmFoRI/VXWlD9iORKI/AAAAAAAAClk/5CvW_OoVoCw/s1600/photo%2B%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCCpVMmFoRI/VXWlD9iORKI/AAAAAAAAClk/5CvW_OoVoCw/s320/photo%2B%252812%2529.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> After the typical white-knuckled minivan ride - known simply as a bus ride to locals - I was in the center of St. Georges. Not a single restaurant was in sight. I decided on a walking route straight up the hill to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Even if I didn't find food, I'd be able to check one of the local sites off my list. An hour later I was rounding the harbor area, known as Carenage, in the direction of a place that I had seen from my hilltop vantage point </span><span style="font-size: large;">called the Tropicana Inn</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">. I had figured I'd find a bar somewhere along the way that would be showing the game. No such luck, and when I reached the Tropicana Inn, it looked sure to be closed. However, there was a young girl in the small bar area cleaning dishes and she let me know they were open, but the menu was limited to the "specials" on the chalkboard in the corner. Obviously not the daily specials, because the writing appeared to have been made well over a month ago. I chose the stewed turkey and was rewarded with a really good meal. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyZRFATcJ2s/VXWmS7i-LCI/AAAAAAAACls/PBLb3a71kqA/s1600/beach%2Bhouse%2Bsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyZRFATcJ2s/VXWmS7i-LCI/AAAAAAAACls/PBLb3a71kqA/s320/beach%2Bhouse%2Bsign.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Later that afternoon, the hotel staff let me know that there was a highly recommended restaurant just around the corner from the hotel, so I planned to go there for dinner. When I saw the sign advertising the restaurant, I thought this was just the place for me (check out the phone number). But once again I was w</span><span style="font-size: large;">rong. The Beach House was only for those attending a private function that night.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Shhq3x8kO-I/VXWmfQuc9-I/AAAAAAAACl0/IiI0aQwZXNU/s1600/photo%2B%252813%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Shhq3x8kO-I/VXWmfQuc9-I/AAAAAAAACl0/IiI0aQwZXNU/s320/photo%2B%252813%2529.JPG" width="238" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> There was another option. A couple hundred yards early I had passed the Old Skool Pub, whose motto was "the name says everything". The problems with this option were twofold. One, it looked closed. Two, the decor and spelling of school as S-K-O-O-L, made me worry that the motto may hold a secret of something a bit sinister. But at that point my stomach was much stronger than my brain. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Inside the place, the couple guys playing pool and the one guy who occasionally banged on the bongo, suggested Carib beer may not have been the only substance influencing the clientele that evening. The extremely friendly bartender and the extremely friendly waitress conferenced when I asked if they served food. She went back to the kitchen and returned to let me know she could make BBQ chicken and fries for me. I happily thanked her and she returned awhile later with the two biggest drumsticks I have ever seen in my life. It made me wonder if the delay in the kitchen earlier was due to her trying to figure out if she had BBQ chicken, BBQ turkey or BBQ some-other-bird-meat to offer me. In the end, I had another great meal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I was a little concerned about what I would do for food prior to my run on Sunday AM. There wasn't a convenience store near the hotel, so decided to pack my CliffBar Shot Blocks and hope to get some carbs when the taxi dropped me off in Grenville on the other side of the island. Without a restaurant or bakery insight, I settled for a convenience store stop - eating a Snickers bar and packing some trail mix for later. Although the route was grueling, I made it across the island on the Shot Blocks alone and once in St. Georges, I resumed the search for food. I made the error of passing up a KFC and a Subway, in hopes of a better option that never materialized. I finally ended up in a small grocery store with plans to go to the Beach House for an early dinner. The chocolate milk, guava juice, Gatorade, crackers and leftover trail mix got me through the afternoon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6oAaO2d5K0/VXWtZD_aa_I/AAAAAAAACmE/5RVb6wLTkBw/s1600/DSC01357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6oAaO2d5K0/VXWtZD_aa_I/AAAAAAAACmE/5RVb6wLTkBw/s320/DSC01357.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I was a little alarmed when I approached the Beach House and there were no cars in the parking lot, but as passed by to take a photo on the beach I could see that the doors to the restaurant were open. When came back and entered the Beach House I was happy to see a man sitting at a table drinking a beer. Not seeing anyone else around, I asked him if the place was open. He delivered the terrible news that they were closed on Sundays. This was especially concerning, because I have walked past the Old Skool Pub and there was a paddle lock on the gate there.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The was again, one more potential option. On my short walk from the hotel I had passed, Grooms Beach Villas. In the dark the night before I had not noticed this place, but with music blaring and people scream - it was impossible to miss this day. After weaving my way through the dancing, and obviously quite drunk crowd around the pool and bar, I was able to find out from the wait staff that they would be serving dinner in the restaurant later that evening, beginning at 7:00. As I walked back to the hotel I was a bit worried when I heard the DJ announce to a moaning crowd that they would have to leave now, because there was another party booked for 7:00 that night. Would my dinner plans be undone by a private party again?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Around 7:30, I headed back to Grooms Beach. I could hear the live band as soon as I left my hotel and pessimistically assumed I would be turn away on arrival, due to the restaurant's private function. However, the wait staff assured me that the restaurant was open and seated me. A waitress quickly returned to let me know something about filming a television ad. I didn't understand at first and I thought the restaurant was closed for the filming. But the staff just wanted to know if I was okay with the filming. As far as I was concerned they could put on a circus around me, as long as I could finally get some food. I was relieve that I would be having a nice, normal meal this evening. That's when the waitress returned with the menu...and cameraman in tow. The camera was rolling and I quickly realized that as the only foreigner present, I had been cast as the leading man for the restaurant ad. It was a bit amusing and figured my acting work was complete after they got their obligatory video shot of a tourist. But when the waitress came back to take my order...and when she brought my drink...and when she finally brought my linguine with shrimp - this was all elaborately captured on film. In the end, the food was amazing and I if I had another night in Grenada I would have gone back for seconds. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> As the band finished at 9:30 and thanked the small crowd remaining, they made an announcement. They would be flying back to England in the morning, but before that they had one more gig to play in Grenada. In the next hour, they would be moving over to the Old Skool Pub and once there would play "til". It was tempting, but I'd had enough excitement for one day - and definitely wasn't in need of another travel story.</span></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7738904115478294013.post-72670639356642836452015-06-06T21:19:00.001-07:002015-06-08T08:24:21.143-07:00Solo Running<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This afternoon I arrived in Grenada for the start of my short, but intense, run through the Caribbean. Since I planned my Run-the Caribbean 2.0 itinerary, the goals for this journey haven't changed. Over the next week, I will be traveling to six island nations that I have not visited in the past. During five of the days, I have runs planned to cross islands from shore to shore.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKdz7hwnGKM/VXOr2M28MqI/AAAAAAAACic/wFtWvycB2WM/s1600/RTC%2BMAPS%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKdz7hwnGKM/VXOr2M28MqI/AAAAAAAACic/wFtWvycB2WM/s320/RTC%2BMAPS%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8AWXIGIVM0/VXOr2jQ3Z2I/AAAAAAAACig/5JGjRStGQmE/s1600/RTC%2BMAPS%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8AWXIGIVM0/VXOr2jQ3Z2I/AAAAAAAACig/5JGjRStGQmE/s320/RTC%2BMAPS%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> From my prior travels through smaller countries and my earlier contacts in the Caribbean, I was aware that it would be a long shot to identify Parkinson's support groups on any of the islands. This has proven to be the case. Whether hidden from me or, more likely, not yet established - it's clear I won't have any such groups to partner with over the next week. On the other hand, I have been fortunate to become acquainted with a few journalists and have tentative plans for some broadcast interviews. Over the past year, I have had a number of chance connections facilitated by media spots that have led to fruitful relationships to help further Parkinson's awareness - so I'm hopeful this will also be the case in the islands that I visit.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVS2OEOoK1w/VXO6wT_EoEI/AAAAAAAACjI/_-HXgRGxIVk/s1600/grenada1%2Bcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVS2OEOoK1w/VXO6wT_EoEI/AAAAAAAACjI/_-HXgRGxIVk/s320/grenada1%2Bcrop.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9w5RYGDaBQ/VXO6r5dOPZI/AAAAAAAACjA/6uvCQT2U-WM/s1600/Grenada%2Bport%2B-%2Bcropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9w5RYGDaBQ/VXO6r5dOPZI/AAAAAAAACjA/6uvCQT2U-WM/s320/Grenada%2Bport%2B-%2Bcropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Running solo - is not necessarily a negative to me. It adds one more element to the challenge. A challenge that is totally under my control. The goals are clearly established. Start and finish points are set for each island. Dates and times of day for each run are determined. Now it is just a matter of completing each run. The distances will be challenging, ranging from 6 to 14 miles. The topography will require a few "mountain climbs". The weather will, of course, be hot and humid. But the most concerning for me is my compact timeline. At nearly 50 years-old, running an average of 10 miles/day for 5 straight dates will certainly result in some knee pain, tendon and muscle soreness and generalized fatigue. In addition, my attempts to do some sight-seeing will limit the time for rest and recovery. However, it is each of these factors that adds to the challenge and makes me more excited about the endeavor. Hopefully I will be able to finish the running challenge successfully and then look back on how each of these factors made completing the journey even more satisfying.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQg2OqycVJU/VXOvXlSxOyI/AAAAAAAACiw/JC2wTxVssAk/s1600/Snapshot%2B-Guyana%2Bmarket.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQg2OqycVJU/VXOvXlSxOyI/AAAAAAAACiw/JC2wTxVssAk/s320/Snapshot%2B-Guyana%2Bmarket.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Amidst the attempts to contact those with Parkinson's and media outlets, planning the travel logistics, and setting up and preparing for the running challenge - I have relegated the tourist activities to the backseat. Although my time is limited to an overnight on each island this week, I'm trying to insure that I satisfy my travel bug too- by creating a list with a single "must see site" for each island:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Grenada: Underwater Sculpture Park</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- St. Vincent: Fort Charlotte</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- St. Lucia: Soufriere</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- St. Kitts: Brimstone Hill Fortress</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Dominica: Emerald Pool</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Antigua: Nelson's Dockyard</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OimTQ2d8SsQ/VXO8YHsu75I/AAAAAAAACjU/jAWWxksuI78/s1600/DSC01313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OimTQ2d8SsQ/VXO8YHsu75I/AAAAAAAACjU/jAWWxksuI78/s320/DSC01313.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-ezZh1SxmI/VXO8YCg1VyI/AAAAAAAACjY/r3-YPf-CP9s/s1600/DSC01317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-ezZh1SxmI/VXO8YCg1VyI/AAAAAAAACjY/r3-YPf-CP9s/s320/DSC01317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> As night sets in St. Georges, Grenada - with my physical challenge defined, my limited local contacts arranged and my tourist activities outlined - I'm ready to begin a journey that will hopefully allow me to: prove to myself and others with Parkinson's what one person with Parkinson's can do, allow me to see a little bit more of the world, and in some small way bring more awareness of the needs of those with Parkinson's.</span></div>
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Marcus Cranstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512856199989662739noreply@blogger.com0