I woke up this morning to find an incrediblty enthusiastic voicemail left on my phone. Dan let me know that the guys are about 30 miles into their first stretch and are taking turns driving for about 10 miles a clip. Although I didn't speak with Dan, I can imagine how this morning's preparations went...
Carson furiously pumped out 1,000 push ups before donning his most skimpy (revealing) tank top... Streich searched frantically for his lucky Canadian flag boxers (which he never found)... Orto shaved his head for better aerodyanmics... and Tatar... hmmm, we can only wonder.
But in all seriousness, the boys are on the road and doing great. I'm sure one of them will check in tonight and let you know about it firsthand. As always, thanks for your support, and keep checking in for the latest from the road.
Cheers,
John S.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Preparing for Tomorrow's Beginnings
Today was a long day, beginning at a 4:30 A.M. wake up call, so we could leave the hotel by 5 for a television appearance on "Good Morning Jacksonville." I don't know about the other guys, but while skating around the studio I was worried that I was going to trip over the wires for the cameras. Leaving there around 7 in the morning (earlier than I usually woke up for school), we drove to visit with children at Bayview Elementary School. We then met up with the C.A.R.D. center to talk with local centers about the spectrum of the disorder. We learned about Laura Sanders' Little Star Center, which she began from the ground up. She is an extremely charismatic person who shows a passion for her students that I have never seen before, and it gives an excellent reinforced the reason we are skating all these miles, the children and those who help them daily. Marlena Fuller, who is the educational coordinator for C.A.R.D., was a fantastic person to meet and is a truly caring and enjoyable person.
We got back to the hotel, after lunch, around 3ish and I hit the pillow and slept soundly for about an hour. The guys woke me up abruptly for the convention at the Journey Church (set up by our local surrogate mom, Marianna McInytre). The showing was far greater than I ever expected and the people have all welcomed us with open arms. After the gathering, we went out to dinner at Barbara Jean's restaurant. I ate some of the best crab cakes I have ever had and a tuna steak that was just amazing. Everything to this point has just been fantastic, much better than I ever expected when we began this journey. It's now almost 10 P.M. and we are getting ready to begin the actual skating portion of the trip (40 miles tomorrow morning). Tatar is on the bed doing some reading and writing, while Streich is showering up and getting ready to hit the sack. Strang kicking back relaxing right now and watching a little television. I am off to get my blades ready for the haul tomorrow, shower and stretch before hitting the sack myself. Off to begin the trek tomorrow. Thank you very much to everybody for their support; keep up the good work everybody.
Best wishes,
Jason O.
We got back to the hotel, after lunch, around 3ish and I hit the pillow and slept soundly for about an hour. The guys woke me up abruptly for the convention at the Journey Church (set up by our local surrogate mom, Marianna McInytre). The showing was far greater than I ever expected and the people have all welcomed us with open arms. After the gathering, we went out to dinner at Barbara Jean's restaurant. I ate some of the best crab cakes I have ever had and a tuna steak that was just amazing. Everything to this point has just been fantastic, much better than I ever expected when we began this journey. It's now almost 10 P.M. and we are getting ready to begin the actual skating portion of the trip (40 miles tomorrow morning). Tatar is on the bed doing some reading and writing, while Streich is showering up and getting ready to hit the sack. Strang kicking back relaxing right now and watching a little television. I am off to get my blades ready for the haul tomorrow, shower and stretch before hitting the sack myself. Off to begin the trek tomorrow. Thank you very much to everybody for their support; keep up the good work everybody.
Best wishes,
Jason O.
Jacksonville/Amelia Island Reception
Today's RollingForAutism Reception will be Wednesday, June 27th at 4pm at the Journey Church located at 869 Sadler Road, Suite 5, Fernandina Beach. Next to Blockbuster video.
Also, we'd like to thank the Crab Trap and CedarRiver Seafoods for yesterday's meals.
-Sean S.
Also, we'd like to thank the Crab Trap and CedarRiver Seafoods for yesterday's meals.
-Sean S.
Monday, June 25, 2007
What the boys packed!
Hello from the command center.
Are you wondering what the boys packed with them for this 54 day adventure?
Well, living on the road is no easy feat! And with four full-grown boys there was not too much extra room in the mini-van, which was kindly donated by Enterprise. They each packed a range of clothing specific to the hot Southern climate, including tee-shirts, sport shorts, hats, and many, many pairs of socks. They also packed clothing for guest appearances on television and for their meetings with different autistic societies up the Eastern coast.
They have every color of Gatorade known to man in their van as well. Each boy picked a favorite energy drink or bar to bring with them, and they also snuck some favorite foods in as well! I think I saw some carb-loaded cookies which will surely help them have calories to burn-off on their strenuous route each day. Along with their food, they are well stocked with water supplies and medical supplies. They have hundreds of bandaids and some large ice packs. Their athletic trainer also stuffed a bag full of wraps and blister-prevention cream! There was some room left in the van for a couple of sleeping bags (just in case) and a fancy laptop system.
As for their personal items, the report is that Dan Tatar brought an ipod that shows videos; Sean Streich snuck his favorite stuffed animal into his bag (his "cuddle bear"); Carson Strang packed stacks of library books; and, Jason Ortolano brought along a few Red Sox good luck charms for the road.
More details are to come!
From Massachusetts,
Lauren F.
Are you wondering what the boys packed with them for this 54 day adventure?
Well, living on the road is no easy feat! And with four full-grown boys there was not too much extra room in the mini-van, which was kindly donated by Enterprise. They each packed a range of clothing specific to the hot Southern climate, including tee-shirts, sport shorts, hats, and many, many pairs of socks. They also packed clothing for guest appearances on television and for their meetings with different autistic societies up the Eastern coast.
They have every color of Gatorade known to man in their van as well. Each boy picked a favorite energy drink or bar to bring with them, and they also snuck some favorite foods in as well! I think I saw some carb-loaded cookies which will surely help them have calories to burn-off on their strenuous route each day. Along with their food, they are well stocked with water supplies and medical supplies. They have hundreds of bandaids and some large ice packs. Their athletic trainer also stuffed a bag full of wraps and blister-prevention cream! There was some room left in the van for a couple of sleeping bags (just in case) and a fancy laptop system.
As for their personal items, the report is that Dan Tatar brought an ipod that shows videos; Sean Streich snuck his favorite stuffed animal into his bag (his "cuddle bear"); Carson Strang packed stacks of library books; and, Jason Ortolano brought along a few Red Sox good luck charms for the road.
More details are to come!
From Massachusetts,
Lauren F.
Headin' South
Good afternoon,
After a week of solid packing and final preparations, we are finally on our way to Florida. I must admit that I am impressed by the technology brought on this trip, as I write this entry from the passenger seat of our sweet red minivan. I didn't know one could access the Internet from a car on the highway. We're currently in Maryland, about thirty miles north of Baltimore. We're thinking of stopping in Charleston, South Carolina for the night to visit some friends and to have some fun.
A lot has been planned for the first few days in Florida, and we're grateful to the group of parents that have taken us under their wings to make sure our experience is a great one. We have an appearance on Good Morning Jacksonville, a pizza party with area families impacted by autism, a tour of local autism programs with CARD, and an invitation to the Heal Foundation's fundraising party at TPC Sawgrass....not to mention the beach is about a block from our hotel, so we'll have to make some time for the sun.
Carson's about to read us a passage from Neil Strauss' "The Game" to pass the time. I'm sure a lengthy and intellectually charged group discussion session will follow.
Bests,
Dan T. and Streich from the Driver Seat
After a week of solid packing and final preparations, we are finally on our way to Florida. I must admit that I am impressed by the technology brought on this trip, as I write this entry from the passenger seat of our sweet red minivan. I didn't know one could access the Internet from a car on the highway. We're currently in Maryland, about thirty miles north of Baltimore. We're thinking of stopping in Charleston, South Carolina for the night to visit some friends and to have some fun.
A lot has been planned for the first few days in Florida, and we're grateful to the group of parents that have taken us under their wings to make sure our experience is a great one. We have an appearance on Good Morning Jacksonville, a pizza party with area families impacted by autism, a tour of local autism programs with CARD, and an invitation to the Heal Foundation's fundraising party at TPC Sawgrass....not to mention the beach is about a block from our hotel, so we'll have to make some time for the sun.
Carson's about to read us a passage from Neil Strauss' "The Game" to pass the time. I'm sure a lengthy and intellectually charged group discussion session will follow.
Bests,
Dan T. and Streich from the Driver Seat
Friday, June 22, 2007
Kickin Off
Hi folks,
The Center for the Disabled in Albany threw a massive kickoff event for our trip yesterday morning. Over one hundred people lined the center's parking lot to cheer us on and offer words of encouragement for our upcoming journey. The story was captured by three news stations, and Tatar's smiling face was interviewed for the Capital District to see.
Many of the kids at the Center made signs with words of encouragement and "good luck cards." We plan to take several of these cards on the road this summer, and use them for encouragement when times get tough. The excitement everyone brought to the kickoff will be recollected and used as motivation when the hills get steep, the blisters get sore, and the southern heat becomes too hot to handle.
The response to our efforts is incredible. We've been in contact with many parents and organizations over the last few days as we network in the cities through which we are skating. It is amazing how committed these parents are towards improving the lives of their children....It's an honor for us to be able to work with so many committed parents.
This blog is going to get real interesting....real soon.
Bests,
Dan T. and Carson S.
The Center for the Disabled in Albany threw a massive kickoff event for our trip yesterday morning. Over one hundred people lined the center's parking lot to cheer us on and offer words of encouragement for our upcoming journey. The story was captured by three news stations, and Tatar's smiling face was interviewed for the Capital District to see.
Many of the kids at the Center made signs with words of encouragement and "good luck cards." We plan to take several of these cards on the road this summer, and use them for encouragement when times get tough. The excitement everyone brought to the kickoff will be recollected and used as motivation when the hills get steep, the blisters get sore, and the southern heat becomes too hot to handle.
The response to our efforts is incredible. We've been in contact with many parents and organizations over the last few days as we network in the cities through which we are skating. It is amazing how committed these parents are towards improving the lives of their children....It's an honor for us to be able to work with so many committed parents.
This blog is going to get real interesting....real soon.
Bests,
Dan T. and Carson S.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Five Days till Departure....
Hi all,
We're leaving in less than five days, and our days couldn't be any busier...Graduation last week and RollingForAutism next week. Graduation was incredible, and our speaker, Charles Gibson, formerly the host of Good Morning America and the current host of ABC Nightly News was absolutely brilliant. If you receive the opportunity to hear Gibson speak, you owe it to yourself to attend.
Today, Carson and I received Tea Tree Therapy from Spa Li Ve'. This morning we did not know Tea Trees existed, let alone were used to create therapeutic hair and scalp products. We each received a stress releasing treatment, professional hair cut, and some products to take with us this summer. A big thank you to Manolo, Maureen, Liberty, and Renee for making sure we look our sharpest on the road this summer.
We've got our Albany kickoff party tomorrow morning at the Center for the Disabled in Albany. We look forward to meeting everyone that comes out to support us. Details to follow....
Cheers,
Dan T. and Carson S.
We're leaving in less than five days, and our days couldn't be any busier...Graduation last week and RollingForAutism next week. Graduation was incredible, and our speaker, Charles Gibson, formerly the host of Good Morning America and the current host of ABC Nightly News was absolutely brilliant. If you receive the opportunity to hear Gibson speak, you owe it to yourself to attend.
Today, Carson and I received Tea Tree Therapy from Spa Li Ve'. This morning we did not know Tea Trees existed, let alone were used to create therapeutic hair and scalp products. We each received a stress releasing treatment, professional hair cut, and some products to take with us this summer. A big thank you to Manolo, Maureen, Liberty, and Renee for making sure we look our sharpest on the road this summer.
We've got our Albany kickoff party tomorrow morning at the Center for the Disabled in Albany. We look forward to meeting everyone that comes out to support us. Details to follow....
Cheers,
Dan T. and Carson S.
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