It was my 34th birthday and I had to do something. I had been feeling down lately. I was struggling with my health challenges and the weight gain caused by both medication and physical limitations was negatively impacting my sense of well-being. My husband found out about a new challenge hosted by The Conqueror Virtual Challenges to follow Frodo and Sam’s journey from the Shire to Mordor to destroy the One Ring.
I read most of the books as a middle school kid (except the Silmarillion, never could get through that one). I’ve seen all of the Lord of the Rings movies both theatrical and extended edition. I’ve seen the Ents at various renaissance festivals over the years and I have personally been victimized by the ear-worm that is the “Taking the Hobbits to Isengard” youtube video: you’ve been warned! This was a challenge I couldn’t resist. Plus the medals are gorgeous!
So we did it! We signed up for the challenge and we are now well on our way to Mordor. The first leg of our journey is The Shire. Along the way, we will need to decide if we plan to take the story route: 660 total miles or the long route: 1,815 miles. So, much like the Lord of Rings trilogy began in the Shire with Bilbo’s 111th birthday, our journey begins with my 34th. 
The Shire Challenge
It was my 34th birthday and I had to do something. I had been feeling down lately. I was struggling with my health challenges and the weight gain caused by both medication and physical limitations was negatively impacting my sense of well-being. My husband found out about a new challenge hosted by The Conqueror Virtual Challenges to follow Frodo and Sam’s journey from the Shire to Mordor to destroy the One Ring.
I read most of the books as a middle school kid (except the Silmarillion, never could get through that one). I’ve seen all of the Lord of the Rings movies both theatrical and extended edition. I’ve seen the Ents at various renaissance festivals over the years and I have personally been victimized by the ear-worm that is the “Taking the Hobbits to Isengard” youtube video: you’ve been warned! This was a challenge I couldn’t resist. Plus the medals are gorgeous!
So we did it! We signed up for the challenge and we are now well on our way to Mordor. The first leg of our journey is The Shire. Along the way, we will need to decide if we plan to take the story route: 660 total miles or the long route: 1,815 miles. So, much like the Lord of Rings trilogy began in the Shire with Bilbo’s 111th birthday, our journey begins with my 34th.
Itís difficult to find educated people for this topic, however, you seem like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks