The Long Walk in the Mojave

Just because you have reached one point, it doesn't possibly mean that you can relax or stop. To stop or to quit is to die. You've got to keep pushing forward, which is what Lance is doing. Lets help him push.

Destination.

Daily Pics Lance's Blog - Spot & Route 66

Lance's Blog - Pictures Update

www.mackenziesmissingmiles.org



Let me introduce you to Spot. He is hard working, but often hardly works. Here is Spot during one of his chow breaks. For a hand held, battery operated, GPS personal tracker, he has a voracious appetite. His favorite....a juice box and a fruit cup.

Thought this was a great looking picture from the road. Route 66 between Newberry Springs and Ludlow, CA.

www.mackenziesmissingmiles.org

www.lancefrazee.blogspot.com

MAY 23RD 2010 DAY TWENTY ONE

As the famous rapper Ice Cube once said, "Today was a good day." Rest and play, Lakers lost and that's a bad thing. We will continue on and more pictures coming, I will write with more detail but this is a long stretch of nothing but desert, so I will have to conserve power to electronics and conserve water, please rain. Wish me luck, this is where it gets ugly. Thanks for being a part of day twenty one.
*Speaking of pictures, Mackenzie had one of those instant cameras that shoots the picture out of it the second you snap it, Polaroid I think its called. It was her favorite camera til the day she left us. She wanted to take it to Spain on our trip, she couldn't find it. I kind of wish she had, would have been more pictures for me.

MAY 22ND 2010 DAY TWENTY

About ten days ago. Buddha and Chaidez with Barts jeep in the back ground. A good day for sure

Today was a Lance day and it was spent doing what I wanted do. I am healthy, no hurts no issues, just enjoyed a Saturday and to be honest with you, i'm contemplating Sunday. I will be back at it Monday at the latest, but this is my last opportunity to dump some of the weight in my ruck while still near civilization, I will really be carrying ALOT of water from here on out. Thank you for being part of day twenty.

* At the age of sixteen, Mackenzie rode in the grocery cart at the store, but she was in the grocery part, not the seat. We would do that only when shopping for a couple things and we would race around the store, I enjoyed it more than she did.

MAY 21ST 2010 DAY NINETEEN

Well its another day gone in the push for Arizona. I stated in our last blog that we would walk late in the day to avoid the heat as much as possible and that's just what we did. Stepped off in the afternoon on one of the most 'desolate' legs of this journey to date. The wind, which was nonexistent all day, did decide to show up with a vengeance throughout the afternoon, evening and night. The good news is this wind was blowing hard in an easterly direction, which just so happened to be right in our back. I almost didn't write that because of the chance I might hex our good fortune, but then I thought, hey, everything has gone perfect so far, no drama and no mishaps, might as well. And if you believe that, I would like to talk to you about this beautiful piece of property that I rested at yesterday in the middle of the desert, it had a wonderful oceanfront locale and was just a minutes drive from Rodeo Drive. We all know that things haven't gone as smoothly as I had hoped but things are definitely looking up. Along the way today, I rested at a dry lake in the middle of nowhere. It was my favorite time of the day (late afternoon), and the wind was feeling good and I found that I didn't want to leave this place. I wasn't tired, sore or anything like that. I just felt at peace in this place for some reason. I forced myself to ruck up and continue but it wasn't long before stopping again and taking out my camera and snapping some shots. It was not some picturesque view or anything that resembled a painting, but there was something right there that would not let me leave, so I stayed a while and enjoyed the moment. Shortly after this, I passed a trailer that was bout 50 meters off the trail and was excited to see a sign of life. A woman and her dog were sitting on the porch as I passed and wondered why anyone would want to live out here with nothing and no one around for miles. I tipped my hat as I passed and continued to walk, and that is when the Chihuahua attacked. This 3 pound dog left the shade of the trailer and immediately sprinted to the trail, barking and growling at me. This is when it became quite apparent to me that this one of those situations where it was either him, or me. The lady could not stop or control the advance of this wild animal. This is when I tore my 14 inch knife from its sheath and struck a good fighting stance. He immediately jumped six feet into the air, going right for my throat. We continued to roll around the desert floor until nightfall, both of us physically exhausted, the beast finally fell victim to my blade. The woman was horrified and distraught but understood that the better dog won. So I continued on my way, picking up where I left off, battered and cooked well done, he was delicious. In all seriousness, the little ferocious dog ended up wagging his tail when he got to me and I petted him and made friends. As I started off down the trail, the dog followed me, refusing to go back to his home, once again, he was delicious. Sorry, he went back home eventually, but i'm sure he would of tasted delicious. Day turned to night and I continued to walk into the night and what can only be described as "darker than than three foot up a cows ass." My only problem at this point was that my phone was quickly running out of juice. Three quarters of my way to my destination, it finally ran out. I continued to walk until I realized that I had better get my phone back up and running in case of emergency, so I stopped and dug through my ruck in the darkness trying to find the wire that connects the solar charger that I carry, to the phone. Twenty minutes later I get it done, tighten everything up, and pick up movement. five minutes later I began receiving text messages and phone calls from The Mackenzie's Army night shift, asking if I had stopped for the night, and if I was done for the day and if I was taking an extended break in the middle of nowhere. Unsure of what they were talking about, I pushed on until my friend Joe called and said that spot is not working. So sure enough I look at Spot and his eyes were shut, no blinking lights. I had the choice of stopping and going through the entire sequence I had just completed for the phone, or, continuing a short distance to my destination for the night. I chose the latter and arrived at about three in the morning and went to sleep at about four. Today's lesson that I learned was this, pay attention kids, Never steal the batteries from the TV remote control from a cheap motel and put them in your GPS to try and save time and money. Thanks for being a part of day nineteen and know that I am going to have some Lance time on Saturday.
*Mackenzie always knew that she was the most important thing in my life and it showed. Sometimes she would come to my office after I would pick her up from school and do her homework at my desk while I was in a meeting down the hall in the conference room. She would get bored and come down to the conference room and poke her head in to see what was going on, never worrying about who was there or what the situation was. When she was with me, she always felt that she had the right to be with me anytime or place she saw fit and I felt the same.

MAY 20TH 2010 DAY EIGHTEEN

Today was an extremely long day but a very productive one. I not only logged some positive miles, but became more acclimated to this ridiculously hot weather. I also came up with a better way to negotiate this weather and miles of nothingness. This next stretch will be challenging because there is nothing and I do mean nothing, for thirty miles. No gas stations, structures or shade the entire leg. I learned last night that it wasn't bad as I walked into darkness. I will walk my next leg in the afternoon, evening and night to escape some of this heat. The wind was strong but helpful on this leg, but will be absent on the next leg and the temperature is expected to increase. Today I was turned around at a Marine base gate and told I had to walk all the way back around. As I got to the freeway I decided the hell with this and began to walk up the on ramp. I continued on to the freeway and kicked it in to high gear. As I walked, I was worried about getting stopped by the California Highway Patrol for being on THEIR highway. Halfway through my short time on the freeway, I was passed by some lost bicyclist, whom by the way, was all outfitted in his Tour De France garb and seemed to be on the wrong continent and a month early. As he passed by me, I couldn't help but think, that I was going to be okay because if he was on here, I can be on here. Just as I began to feel more comfortable, officer Pauncherello rolls up on me and pulls me over, or whatever you want to call it. He asked if I was okay and wanted to know if I was out for a walk. I replied with, "I guess you could say that," and ended up explaining my situation. In a three minute conversation with him, he used the word 'desolate' with me on three different occasions and asked how much water I had on me three more times. I appreciated and understood his concern for me, and he eventually holstered his weapon, took his foot off the back of my neck, uncuffed me and allowed me to stand up. Only kidding, he was professional and sympathetic and allowed me to stay on the freeway until the next off ramp. He wished me well, and I told him how much I loved his TV show. Once I reached the off ramp, I found a trail and pushed on. I wish there were fun or interesting facts to write about but it is just what you might imagine, an unbearable heat filled route with nothing in sight for miles. I get to look forward of days of the same. I will try and stir up some trouble or kick a bees nest, so I have something more to write about. It is miserable walking, but the desert has a beautiful landscape and I am happy to be here. Thanks for being a part of day eighteen.

*Mackenzie learned on her travel to Germany and Spain what Nutella was. She fell in love immediately. I remember when a security member at the airport told her she could not bring her open jar on the aircraft and that she would have to throw it in his trash can. The look she gave me was one of pure shock. You would have thought that he had just told her she wasn't allowed to leave the country, which I actually thought might end up happening before she would part with her jar. The only way I got her on the aircraft was by assuring her that Nutella is now available in the U.S. The bottom line is Kenzie loved Nutella... straight out of the jar.

One step at a time.

Never quit. . Set a goal and don't quit until you reach it. When you do attain it, set another goal, and don't quit until you reach it. Never quit. Rest when you need to brother.

COMMITTMENT

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTEREST AND COMMITTMENT. WHEN YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SOMETHING, YOU DO IT WHEN CONVENIENT. WHEN YOU'RE COMMITTED TO SOMETHING, YOU ACCEPT NO EXCUSES, ONLY RESULTS. DRIVE ON LANCE.

DESTINATION

MAY 19TH 2010 DAY SEVENTEEN

This is actually the day that was written about in the day fifteen blog. Confusing, huh? Its on me, Things were turned around a bit but if you are unsure of what is happening, join the club. Only kidding, I know what is going on, if you don't, go directly backwards two days, to the blog of day fifteen and get caught up. The scary thing is, that this is starting to make sense to me. This is gotta be short, have to be up in three hours. Thank you to all who are still here, we both appreciate it. Got a text from my Platoon Sergeant today and he told me to move my ass, thanks SFC Dorsey, WILCO( will comply). I'm sure Mackenzie wishes that she was piloting this ship because she would of had us to Texas by now, hold on baby girl, I will get us there, just help me out and shine your light, I will do the rest. My life changes tomorrow. Thanks for being part of whatever day this is.

*Mackenzie and I would always go to Soup Plantation after I would pick her up from school. It was her favorite place to eat and mine too, only because the company I was keeping. I cant drive past it without thinking of us, and her crazy ice cream concoctions she would come up with. Never noticed another person there, it was only me and her.

MAY 18TH 2010 DAY SIXTEEN

Doctor stuff and a little bit frustrated but had to be sure that there was going to be nothing else that I could do to make this issue better before being out in the middle of nowhere. Bad day mentally and emotionally, but one of my soldiers came by from nearby Ft. Irwin and brought me some items that were military things and I immediately quit feeling sorry for myself and refocused. Thanks SFC Leo Chaidez, it meant a lot to me, you are a great soldier, still. I am glad we were both operating in the same AO. I went to bed and thought about the day to come. Thank you for being part of day sixteen

*Mackenzie was an ice cream hound. When I saw her pictures from her camera after our trip to Spain, I noticed that she had taken pictures of the Ben and Jerrys that was still in the freezer in the store. Why? I dont know... but she did.

MAY 17TH 2010 DAY FIFTEEN

Well this is going to be news to many and old news to a few. It seems the cat is out of the bag and I must now let everyone know what others already do. I am in Barstow and I heard from my Doc and it seems that my leg issue was more than I let on. I was trying to keep my family from worrying, so I played the leg issue off a little. I have been experiencing something weird since I began training for this walk. It was a burning feeling in my right thigh that would run down my leg and stop above my knee. It is like my leg was set on fire. It was followed by, what I can best describe as a hot knife being put into the burn, and then followed by the entire area going numb. At first I could walk through it and then it got to the point that I would have to rest to make it go away. Ten minutes of rest and good to go. It has become more intense as the days pass. Nothing I cant handle but bothersome to say the least. The Doc said that it is my sciatic nerve that is causing it. So i have seen a doctor here and he has been helping me figure a way to ease some of this. I am writing this real time so the next blog will probably be shorter. I was prescribed Naproxen and Neurontin to reduce swelling and whatever else it is supposed to do. I am sorry that I didn't give everyone the full details earlier but ,as I said before, I didn't want people to worry. My family was pushing me around in a wheelchair just two years ago and I know that their minds would have ran wild. Here is the bottom line. I will leave at 0430 tomorrow morning and continue harder and faster than ever. I will not stop. I am good to go, and the only way I will not complete this mission on my own, is if I am dead, and if that happens, one of my friends better come drag my dead body and Mackenzie the rest of the way. I am not worried, so no one else need worry. The medicine and stretching will be enough. Once again I apologize for the delay, but there will be no more. The weather is very hot, so I will walk mornings and evenings as I continue to advance through the desert. I will spend the heat of the day, which is near 100 degrees right now, in some type of shade, be it natural or man made. I will be in Arizona within three days or so. There will be no looking back, only forward. This is where the journey gets fun for everyone. Jeff drove out for some admin issues, and for technical support. He brought me my mini laptop and I bought a WIFI stick so we can keep this rolling. He also showed me how to post pictures on the blog and we went ahead and got it started tonight. There are several pictures now posted and many more to come. I am very excited and motivated to get going, so stay with us, and hold on because its going to be a wild trip. Please understand that nothing will stop us. Thanks for being a part of day fifteen, sixteen and seventeen.
*Mackenzie always called me Daddy until the day she left us. Not Dad, but Daddy, what I would give to hear that angelic voice say it one more time. She occasionally called me Pops, when she was in one of her funny moods and a couple of times she called me Fahja after the Austin Powers movies came out, but I beamed with pride and would immediately melt EVERY TIME that she said Daddy. Never wanted to be called anything else.

Daily Photos - Lance's Blog - The Bear Spray Incident and More

Mackenzie's Missing Miles

Lance's Blog Pictures - The Bear Spray Incident, Gus Chiggins, and the ever elusive Chupacabra

Gus Chiggins getting ready to do some prospecting with his donkey pal, Burrito. We spoke briefly and I mentioned that I had already ran across several rattle snakes along the trail so far. He quickly replied with, "Snakes? I'd be more worried about them coyotes if I was you."



There is a funny story behind this picture, well at least that's what everyone else thinks. I wasn't able to see if it was a good picture , so I just aimed the camera in its general direction and took the picture. If you don't know what this is, read the blogs and you will get the picture. I cant even look at this, that red color, was what I wore for two days, by the way, the bottle is empty. I am sure Mackenzie got a big a kick out of this as all of you did. She is the only one who saw it all.

I had to get a picture of Gus Chiggins. If you don't know....you better ask somebody, Awwwww Peaches! Get introduced to Gus Chiggins

The ever elusive Chupacabra, lives in the tunnels under the 15 Fwy, I gave him a taste of his own medicine, I sucked his blood right out of him, he was delicious, tasted nothing like chicken.

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Daily Pictures Week 2 - Lance's Blog - Old Route 66

Mackenzie's Missing Miles

Lance's Blog - Pics from my walk through the desert....and I'm still walking through the desert.


This one is for my mom and dad. I wanted to see some of Route 66 in honor of them and their travels back in the day. Lots of great stories about this historical highway from them.

SERIOUSLY? Side note: I never found it.

A look at an area I definitely was glad to skirt around. Lots of trails out here, easy to get turned around if you are not familiar with the area. Thanks Bart, had fun in your old stomping grounds.

www.mackenziesmissingmiles.org

Daily Pictures Week 1 and 2 - Lance's Blog - On the road

Mackenzie's Missing Miles

Lance's Blog - Daily Photos from Weeks 1 and 2 - On the road through the desert.....


The long way around the Cajon Pass, glad there was a trail and plenty of mountain lion scat to keep me from getting lonely. Enroute to the San Andreas Fault line.

Dried up rocky creekbed, but still a beautiful place. Completely quiet and peaceful up here

Better look at the fault line, glad she was sleeping. Was careful not to disturb her slumber.

Daily Pictures - Week 1 Laguna Beach - Lance's Blog

Mackenzie's Missing Miles

Lance's Blog - Photos from Week 1 - Laguna Beach, CA - My Start Point

Main Beach in downtown Laguna Beach before step off on Day 1

Main Beach Lifeguard Tower, Laguna Beach, CA - The starting point for me and Mackenzie's journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic

Daily Pictures - Mackenzie's Missing Miles

Hello Friends,

This will be the first of many Daily Pictures blog posts. Lance will be periodically posting photos throughout his walk across the country. As I am currently waiting to receive his first batch of pics, I thought I would post a few photos of Mackenzie.

Mackenzie, Summer, and Eden clowning it up at Romeo Cucina's in Laguna Beach.

Lance home on leave with Mackenzie during the Holidays.

Mackenzie watching the sunset in Laguna Beach.

Pics posted by Jeff Spencer

MAY 16TH 2010 DAY FOURTEEN

Today was spent on feet, weather acclimation and administrative issues. I walked some but not for the journey, just for testing new insoles, loosening up and climatizing more. We are good and will continue harder than ever tomorrow. I am using this blog to clarify some things that might be in question. I have heard from friends that someone has been posting negative comments on the site. Apparently someone thinks that I am not honoring my daughter on this walk. They think that I am out here "thinking that I am on television." and that my blogging is disrespectful. I want this person and any others who may feel this way to understand something. This is my daughter and I am the person who knew her best. Hopefully everyone can start to see what kind of girl she was by now. She was like me. She liked to meet other people and had no problems doing it. She loved anything funny and loved to make people laugh. Anyone who ever knew her, knew that she was just like me. I know if she was carrying my ashes that she would be doing the same, whatever it takes to help her and help me. I never said that I was going to do a 3000 mile funeral procession. I said that I was going to take my daughters ashes and travel the country for her as well as me. This was never meant to be a silent walk, swallowing the pain that I have been swallowing for the last year and a half. I write as if Mackenzie is looking over my shoulder and laughing along and understanding how I try to compensate for my feelings and reading how I am doing EVERYTHING I can to keep her memory alive and introduce her to people she never met. To the person who wrote the negative comments on the site, not only do you disrespect my daughter by posting on HER website, you also disrespect me and our memories. I notice everyone that signed the guestbook left there real name, with the exception of you. If you have the guts to comment, have the guts to leave your name. Is your life so small and uneventful that you feel the need to lash out at others. You obviously have done nothing in your life and will never do anything in your life. You wrote that 90% of what I say is B.S. and 10% is true, than know that the following is part of that 10%. I truly feel sorry for you, but know this, if this continues, I will take a personal interest in making you my follow on mission and exploiting you for what you really are, someone who obviously didn't get enough attention growing up and someone who wants to try and add to the sorrow that a mourning family is already going through. If you think you know a way to better memorialize her, get off your ass and do it. I will take all the help I can get. If you were family, friend or enemy, you obviously didn't know her, so you have no right disturbing this site or the people who have whole heartedly support this journey and Mackenzie's memory. Its a shame that a young girl so full of promise and dreams is gone and a person full of hate and ignorance still walks the earth. To all of the normal people that frequent this site, I apologize that you have to read this but it is my only way to let this person know that this is not acceptable behavior and that it will not be tolerated. My web guy has already deleted the absurd comments and will continue to if necessary. I am so pleased that we have your support and I am forever grateful. I already have my friends in law enforcement researching the IP address and will post the info once I have it. We will continue to march and we hope that you all stay with us. I hope this didn't come across wrong and thank you for being a part of day fourteen.
*It always made me proud when someone would say that I was just like Mackenzie or she was just like me, or, "you can see where she got that from." She only got the good parts of me, and thank God, none of the bad parts. She was and is, what I wished I could be.

MAY 15TH 2010 DAY THIRTEEN

Hopefully I can transition this one from yesterday without losing anybody. On this morning I had just finished being butchered by Buddha, while he drained my blood blisters, still kidding Buddha. Now comes the part where I knew better. I did not let my feet and blisters dry out and socked and booted up and continued into the desert. This day was hotter than the previous and I immediately regretted walking back into the desert, knowing there was no place to get out of the sun and heat to tend to my feet. Buddha was on his way back to his family and we were once again on our own, or were we? Enter Bart and family on their way to Barstow. I guess I should mention that Troy and Cheryl and Scott and Heidi were also passing by on their way to Vegas but that was more of an opportunity for Troy to do a "drive by harassing" than anything else. See Troy is one of those buddies, which I am sure we all have, that likes to make sure you are as miserable as possible. Texting about how cold the air conditioning is, and what to get off the menu for breakfast at Bobs Big Boy, and of course, numerous phone pictures of his middle finger. I grew up with him and love him, but not as nearly as much as I am going to love dragging him around by his nostrils the next time I see him. I also had another friend that was on her way to the River and was going to come by and say goodbye but that never materialized, just a drive by texting. Anyways, I continued into the desert on a route that Bart had recommended earlier. Just to remind you, Bart grew up in this godforsaken place, which explains a lot. I think that he used to play under the power lines or there wasn't a roof on his bedroom, or something like that. I guess it would be unfair if I didn't mention that when in Bart's jeep last week, I smacked a mosquito that was on the inside of his windshield, and completely shattered the whole thing. Like the bear spray incident, it wasn't funny until the next day. Moving along, I made my way into the desert and could feel my feet sliding in my socks and creating hot spots that I couldn't afford having turn into blisters, so I sat down and changed my socks and continued mission. I realized with each step, that I really should have been more concerned with my feet, seeing as they are the only thing I have to depend on to get us across. When in the military, people would ask us how we would travel so far, and we would reply, "LPCs," which sounded like a military vehicle, but was really us being funny, it stood for Leather Personnel Carriers aka boots. So you see, I really do know better but walked anyways. I realized that I should do a little more climatizing and dry the feet out some more before finishing the leg. I spent the rest of the evening and today climatizing and drying out my feet. I am now going to travel the rest of the Deserts in early mornings and late afternoons, unless of course the weather cools off but I see no sign of this happening. I will be able to get more mileage and be more comfortable by doing this. Starting tomorrow, I will see no more friends or family, so it will be lots of walking and lots of time with just me and Kenz. I look forward to this and consider this the real start of our journey. It has been great seeing everyone and the distance they will go to say goodbye in person or just to offer help. Like everyones comments and well wishes, I appreciate them more than words can say, even Troy. I knew it would take a couple of weeks to get through the growing pains and back into the swing of how it used to be, and now with each day we will be stronger and wiser. Thank you for being a part of day thirteen.
*Regardless of the size of the bed Mackenzie slept in, she took up the entire bed. Sometimes I would go in to wake her up and her feet would be where her head was when she fell asleep.

MAY 14TH 2010 DAY TWELVE

Okay so I didn't quite get the posts done in the morning but it is happening nonetheless. Day twelve began only hours after ending day eleven. Not much sleep but it was worth it to spend time with some guys I chewed the same dirt with for years. Leo had to go back to Ft. Irwin and Buddha decided to drive some point and set some mileage phase lines. We started off the day knowing we had to get through Hesperia and Victorville, so that's what we set our sites on and we stopped short of the long stretch of desert before Barstow. The weather was perfect for an air conditioned car or a camel, we had neither, so we pushed on with what we had, sore feet and an uncooperative spot, who has decided he will work when he wants to (thinking about getting him a job at the DMV when this is over). It is actually on me to see if he is tracking all the time and if he has any food in his bowl (batteries). It is still early and I am still learning but I think we are going to be okay. Anyways, got through the two desert towns and advanced to a staging point that would allow us to prep before continuing in to the stretch of no buildings, trees, shade or people, that we would have to negotiate the next day. I'm not sure how the weather is where you are, but it is, and has been, absolutely miserable here. No surprise though, I knew what I was getting us into, just hoped that I was going to be wrong. During today's leg, we crossed out of the towns by catching another piece of Route 66 and exiting out and over the Mohave River and out to Stoddard Wells. Buddha stuck around for the night and helped with prep and even drained some blood blisters for me and disinfected them the following morning. Buddha was our platoons CLS (combat life saver) guy and hasn't lost his touch with a needle, he is still the guy who used to lose at pin the tail on the donkey when he was a kid. Next time Buddah, take the blindfold off, my feet look like a pin cushion, just kidding Buddha, you still got it. I would like to say how much I appreciate him actually rolling down the window an inch, as not to let the cool air out of his SUV, when stopping along the way to give me updates. Maybe it was the fact that I still have some bear spray hanging around on me and he didn't want anymore than he had already been exposed to, just a thought. Thank you for being part of day twelve.
*Mackenzie became a part time vegetarian at the age of fourteen and then at fifteen took the big step and became a part time vegan. I never got it, but she was happy. Part time may have been an exaggeration.

MAY 13TH 2010 DAY ELEVEN

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MAY 12TH 2010 DAY TEN

This is going to be short and painful. For those who do not know yet, the day began like any other, running down a hotel hallway, screaming like a suicide bomber. Yes while packing my ruck, I gently tossed a metal entrenching tool ( small shovel ), onto the bed. I was separating heavy from light before filling up Santa's bag with nice little toys for all the good boys and girls. The e tools first point of contact on the bed, just so happened to be the industrial size and strength bear repellent spray. I now know that it isn't meant to discourage bears, its meant to kill them. So the second it hits, it is absolutely exploding and spraying as high as the ceiling, too bad it was aimed right at me. First thing I do is try and reduce the threat by grabbing it (bad idea), and throwing it in to the bathroom. Now I am actually sucking on this toxic, super big gulp as I blindly sprint for the bathroom tripping over anything and everything that I now cant see. I throw it in the bathroom, fumble for my room key and bolt outside. Realizing Mackenzie's picture and ashes are still in there, i go right back in for a second helping. As I come back out, i see what can only be described, as a scene from some zombie movie mixed with a scene from Gladiator. The zombie movie because everyone is coming out of their rooms, down the hallway, moaning, bent over, and bouncing off the walls. Gladiator because the maids had their carts, pushing them around the hallway so fast, it looked like some Roman chariot race. The manager lady comes up, and goes directly back down, dry heaving sneezing and crying the whole way. Now the elevator is no longer an option, people scrambling for the stairs, others trying to get the windows in the hall open, you know, the ones in hotels that don't open but an inch. Have you ever seen six people per window, stacked on top of each other, all trying to fit their faces in that little one inch gap? Looked like a bunch of junkies at a Amsterdam hash bar at last call. Anyways, I continue to go back for leftovers, while trying to retrieve my crap, which is now strewn across the entire room and I can still hear the hiss coming from the bathroom. I end up pulling the screen off the fourth floor window and take up a good door position (something you do when preparing to jump from a C130 aircraft). While in the window, I notice, what can only be described as some type of formation mustering in the parking lot. I imagine it must of been what a Grateful Dead concert looked like, people with red faces, throwing up and trying to rub the sting off on the concrete surface. I end up pulling the linen off the bed and opening the porthole to hell, aka the bathroom door, and being reintroduced to a bears worst enemy. I grab the towels too, now understand that everything is a rust colored mess that is kicking the living crap out of me. I make my way to the window and throw everything out to the waiting parking lot below. The crowd immediately relocates. So now I have the entire fourth floor to myself, as well as the south parking lot. I spent the next two hours cleaning the room to the best of my ability because it would not have been fair to the employees to have to deal with that. When in the Army, we used to have competitions, to see who could stay in the gas chamber the longest without a mask, so I figured, I got this. I soon remembered that we wore full uniforms and boots, not boxers, a t-shirt and barefoot. So I quickly grabbed a pair of shorts from the bed, yes the same bed that the spray had just shot all over. I threw on the shorts, and as of 11:51 PST, I can still not sit down or think impure thoughts. After going down stairs and checking out of the room, I realized that I wasn't the most popular patron of the hotel. I heard many comments but didn't catch their faces, because I am blind. I can say with all certainty, that it will be a long time before someone has to worry about being attacked by a bear in room 436. My friend Bart showed up for an immediate extraction mission and immediately regretted it. I threw my things into Bart's Jeep and he subsequently began to show the effects of being exposed to a nerve agent. We drove around for a couple of hours trying to find a laundry mat, all the while burning, crying and sneezing. We finally arrived to our destination, a crowded laundry mat. It was amazing, everyone was finished and leaving within minutes of our arrival. We completely cleaned and scoured all clothing and equipment. I visited the bathroom with a tub of baby wipes, word to the wise, NEVER use alcohol based baby wipes on sensitive areas after being doused in riot control gas. We had the whole laundry mat to ourselves, so it took little time to clean and repack. We then drove to where I stopped walking a few days ago and are now waiting for the burn to stop so we can sleep and I can see what tomorrow holds in store for us. Know this, if I have to, I will crawl out of this @#^%@ing place if I have to. Tomorrow will yield big miles but I am sure it will be mixed with some type of freak heatwave or natural disaster. I will do this, with or without a seeing eye dog. Thanks for being part of day ten.
*Mackenzie loved animals, when we were Mammoth walking on the side of the San Joaquin River, a snake shot out on a trail, as I pushed her backward, she immediately pushed me back and chased after the snake wanting to hold it. She had been walking in the river for the previous hour. She was twelve years old.

DAY 10 UPDATE

This morning was the ultimate CF disaster. While packing up my ruck this morning , I accidentally threw my e tool on top of my giant can of bear spray, aka pepper spray on steroids, it punctured and blew up. I tried to get it to the bathroom and shut the door , eventually succeeding. I took the brunt of it but the fourth floor was evacuated, and I was left with all my equipment and clothes covered in it. I will blog later with the whole story. My body is on fire and I cant see for shit. I am at a laundry mat trying to remedy my situation.

MAY 11TH 2010 DAY NINE

I almost didn't post tonight because it was an uneventful day, for blogging I mean. My day started early with friends leaving to go back to the OC this morning. I want to thank John, Steve and Angela one more time, as well as Luciano and Lara, for making last night possible. It all started out with two girls and four guys. There is a jacuzzi downstairs and no one had a bathing suit. Now this is where the story really gets interesting, somebody accidentally...well never mind, all I can remember is waking up with a chicken claw, a radiator hose and a ninety five year old woman in a viking suit and a clown nose, sleeping next to me. Now we all know that this didn't happen, I told you that there wasn't much to write about, so I thought I would try something new. In truth, we had a nice dinner and everyone went home or back to their respective room. Sorry your wife couldn't be here John and I think I may have just gotten you into hotter water, no pun intended. What really happened today was just working on logistics, refitting my load telephonically with Rory Fanning and a quick trip to a leg specialist. I didn't have the time to stay around, so I will find out more down the road from the good doctor. It is what he thinks to be, a nerve damage issue from always doing right side PLFs ( parachute landing falls ) and having my dip can leave circular bruises on my thigh underneath my cargo pocket. Not really from that, but possibly from the multiple surgeries I had to rebuild my ankle on the same leg. There was a nerve disconnected last year and stuffed into a muscle in my lower leg and he is consulting with my Doc back home to get the particulars and will hopefully have an answer for me by Arizona. The good news is that it comes and always goes. Enough on that subject, it is starting to get old. I have spoken with a couple of my soldiers from Panama and they are going to possibly join us this week in getting our boots dirty again, while spending some quality time in the desert. If I could get a few hundred more volunteers to follow me around in the desert for a while, I think it would be just Biblical. Holy Moses is this going to be fun. As everyone is aware by now, I no longer have the walking staff that I started with, so there will be no Sea partings for this guy, but I do plan on parting my hair, right down the middle, just like Marsha Brady. And if by chance we have a fire at night and it catches a bush on fire, I will ensure that I am well hydrated so I can put it out. In all seriousness, the next days will be challenging but I look forward to sharing them with all of you. I know that the Journey is finally about to really start for us, and I cant wait. Thanks for being a part of day nine.
*When Mackenzie was little, she used to sit in the back seat of the car in her baby seat singing to the radio and whatever was on. She used to make up words, and when I would say, " What was that part Again?" She would immediately bust into uncontrollable laughter. This was a game we shared until she left us.

MAY 1OTH 2010 DAY EIGHT

Day two of Spots down time. Don't worry he will be back tomorrow, up and running, he is excited like I am. I ended up spending the day recovering from some type of right leg issue and contrary to popular belief, not a hang over. I have had an issue with my right leg since I first started preparing for our journey. It is very painful but is manageable until today. It felt like I had a softball behind my right knee. This is still not the reason for not advancing on our journey. I was waiting for a delivery from a very close friend. The area that I move into tomorrow and the following days is an extremely dangerous section of my journey due to the fact I have to bypass the pass of a freeway that gains serious altitude in an area rich with wild animals coming out of hibernation and that are extremely hungry and curious. The area I am walking through had fifteen sightings of mountain lions over the weekend, or so I was told by one of the locals today. I have spent the majority of my adult life in the "bush," be it desert, jungle, woods or hostile built up areas. I lived daily amongst some of the most dangerous wildlife anyone could imagine. Ninety percent of the time, wildlife will try everything they can to avoid humans. The remaining ten percent is why I waited today for a friend to come visit me, before taking my daughters ashes into this area. Usually I would not think twice about going in to this area with only my hands but the previous week has shown me that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. I have a mission to complete and i will do anything necessary to protect and complete this mission. I also have good news, my friends brought me a new walking stick. This is good news because I was starting to feel silly walking with two ski poles. I look like a member of the Polish Downhill Ski Team, just kidding Anna (my previous girlfriend from Poland). I know you guys have one ski also, even though you where it backwards. Anyways I will meet my newer and final walking stick (I hope) in a few days. It is being sent from Ft Bragg NC from one of the closest friends and brothers I have in my life. His name is Robert McBride and he was the point man on my Recon team for years. He and his beautiful wife are who we are trying to get to in Ft Bragg. He has been, and always will be, one of the most important people in my life. He and his wife Andy knew, loved, protected and watched over Mackenzie for the first years of her life, from ft Bragg NC to Monterey Ca. and then some. Rob is the one who will call me and tell me suck it up Staff Sergeant and keep moving. I am fortunate to have several brothers in arms that I actually look forward to telephonically putting a boot in my ass and keep the mission moving. I also look forward to all of you pushing and supporting us to complete the mission. I could NOT do it without you guys, thank you. To all of my military subordinates, don't get any ideas of trying to put a boot in my ass, or I will end up putting my boot so far up your asses that you will all get athletes throat. In all seriousness, keep the support up if possible, I miss you all and I will continue to drive on and attack the hills. Thanks for being a part of day eight.
*Robert Stevenson McBride is the only other person to have spanked Mackenzie besides myself. She thought that he wouldn't and that's why he did. She loved him til the day she left us, and she was a better person because of him. We both love and miss you Rob. I can't wait to get moving again, though it will be slower and more difficult, I am excited to get us to you guys Rob.

MAY 9TH 2010 DAY SEVEN

Well as the first week of our journey comes to an end, I am happy to let you know that I am well rested. Today was mothers day and I worked my way back to the freeway, which by the way, wasn't far at all, after the previous nights debacle. My friend and brother Bart Bullington and his beautiful wife, Jen, and their two glorious daughters, picked me up and drove me to Barstow to see his mother and family. I was so excited to see his mom because she has been a second mom to me for years. She is from Panama, a place that is very near and dear to my heart. She was married to Bart Bullington Sr. until his tragic and untimely death in the 1970's. Barts dad was a warrior who was part of the United States Special Operations Command in Vietnam ,and later became one of the founding members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights, which is the Army's free fall parachute team. They own every world record that has to do with team free fall parachuting, an elite unit with an unbelievable history to say the least. Barts dad was killed when the teams aircraft malfunctioned and crashed with a group of team members preparing to jump. I have known of this for the majority of my adult life but it never meant so much to me as it did yesterday. As I sat at Barts mothers house with Bart and Jens two beautiful daughters on my lap, I was looking at the photo albums of Barts dad and his fellow paratroopers. I couldn't help but notice his mother staring at me, as though no one had ever looked at these albums before. Her family was steadily carrying on in conversation and normal interaction that a family will on a special day such as this. I noticed that Barts mom, who I have known for years, never took her eyes off of what I was doing, as if she was still standing guard over her husbands memories and his legacy. His mom lives right outside the gates of Ft. Irwin in Barstow California, still staying as close to the memory of her husband and father of her children as she possibly can. She never remarried and is what I consider, one of the most devoted and strongest women that I have ever known. Of anyone has ever held those albums, pictures and articles, I consider myself to be one of the most qualified to do so, but still not deserving. I was so amazed to see her across the room, staring at me as I did, ignoring everything else going on and watching over me with the love and concern that only a woman who has experienced that type of love and loss could. I was honored and proud to see that she is everything I knew she was and that true love never dies. I am proud to know Bart and his family and even prouder to be able to be afforded the opportunity that few are allowed, to better know this husband, father, warrior and hero, gracias Abuela. I hope this hasn't overshadowed the rest of this day, which was just as inspirational. While in Barstow, I was greeted by my mother, sister and niece. They met us in Calico Ghost Town for a Mothers Day Bluegrass Festival. We walked the streets of the old mining town, listening to bands both young and old, singing and playing some remarkable music from our country's past and present. We shopped and ate and just spent time together, a day that I will never forget. Of course my mom being her usual mom self, brought fruits, nuts, and candy and ten tons of other food products to make sure I had enough to eat on my journey. Just like my mom, on a day meant to honor her, she turns it in a day of worry about one of her own. We took a lot of pictures and I hope to post them soon. Thanks mom, I love you more than words could ever say and it is your love that will give me the strength to make it. On my way back to my drop off point, I received a phone call from my great friends, John, Steve and Angela. They informed me that they were on their way to say goodbye one last time before I got to far away. We met up in Victorville and had a late dinner that continued into the wee hours of the night. Music and memories of Mackenzie is what the night consisted of. Two things that could have kept me there forever. We ended up getting hotel rooms and having breakfast this morning. Overall, a very emotional day, but one I would not trade for all the tea in China. Thank you for being a part of day seven, and yes, I gave Spot the day off.
*Mackenzie throughout her life, called our country's flag, "The grand Old Flag." She really thought that was what it was called. I never told her any different....why would I?

MAY 8TH 2010 DAY SIX

Hey everybody. Day six was one of ups and downs, well actually more craziness than anything else. Woke up this morning in a hotel (still taking advantage), and immediately started my laundry. It consisted of a bathroom sink, a bar of soap and a hair dryer. In case anyone is interested, I am thinking of starting a dry cleaning business when I get back. Think I will call it Hop Sinks (everyone in Laguna is really laughing at that one because we have hop sings). Anyways, everything was going great until I burned out the hair dryer from running it for an hour straight. After climbing out the window, I started walking. I actually had to adjust my route so that I could go to REI to get new walking poles and a new water bladder and some hiking shoes (which will also be donated to the streets of the 909 piece by piece also), and some sun screen, which I found out in tonight's hot shower, was purchased way too late. So you see, we are not really so different, you and I. I too spent my Saturday shopping in a crowded store. I also found out that REI stands for, Really Expensive Items. I am a member there and I still am a bit shocked at the register. I had to check to see if said Versace on the damn walking poles. So once again I was stepping off into the heat. I was fortunate enough to meet a woman on a trail who told me about a short cut. My military buddies and I call this a "partisan link up." I believe she was part of the 909 resistance and helped me infiltrate the next city. I never got her, or her beautiful daughters names, but i told her thanks and viva la resistaunce. After infilling under the darkening sky or as we call it, hours of limited visibility, all hell broke loose. As i'm sure most could tell by seeing the locate Lance page, Spot got off his leash and started chasing some sexy little hand held GPS that he spotted, he ended up humping the owners leg becuse the GPS was up too high. In between guys flashing gang signs at me and chasing Spot, I some how ended up, going backwards and ended up here. Actually i was trying to make a smiley face with my Spot coordinates for my mom for mothers day but it ended up looking like that Gretta lady from CNN. Just so we have this straight , I was not lost. Tomorrow is mothers day and I would like to take the opportunity to wish all you moms and soon to be moms and past moms, a very Happy Mothers Day. And to my mom, if you are reading this, thank you for always being there and supporting my journey, even though I know you are worried about me. You know that I have been in worse situations and I have always come home. I think of you always and I love you and miss you most, at the dimming of the day. Moms and dads, hug those kids and don't let go. Thanks for being a part of day six.

*One in honor of Mothers Day. Mackenzie's nickname from her mom was Gooders. I never knew why and I never asked, it was between a mother and her daughter.

MAY 7TH 2010 DAY FIVE

Ready? Here we go. Day five started out by me answering my hotel door, and yes I said hotel. I am taking advantage of the occasional hotel why I can. Anyways, two of my friends came to say goodbye and take me to breakfast. Wondering how they found me? Spot of course, he cant keep a secret and he makes me paranoid that someone is watching me. So, needless to say, it was a late start but I appreciated the fact they came all the way out from Laguna to say goodbye. First stop was a seven eleven where I bought water, Gatorade and baby powder(its a sore subject). After going outside and sighting the only shade I would see all day at the side of the building, I decided to fill my water blivet and pack everything away. Three minutes into this, Corona California's finest rolls up on me and parks his patrol car in front of me. I was on the phone and ignored him until he grabbed my walking stick off of the wall and began to talk to me. I hung up and asked what I could do for him and he replied with, "walking stick, huh?" to this I could only come up with, "yes." Original wasn't it? He asked where it was I was walking to, which I immediately translated to, what are you doing scaring the locals you homeless vagrant? I thought that the GPS (Spot) on my shoulder strap or the I pod in my arm band or the blue tooth in my ear or the cell phone in my hand, would ease his mind of me being of me being a threat. He is lucky Spot doesn't bite. After explaining what it was I was doing, I could see that he understood the situation and was very respectful. He then entered the store while I stretched and came back out within two minutes with nothing in his hands. This tells me that the family of eight manning the store must have called him after I spent 45 seconds in their store and giving them my business. The bottom line here is that I guess I am going have to get used to being considered a vagrant or a threat. Officer Martinez shook my hand(shook not cuffed) and wished me luck. He is a young, professional officer and Corona Ca is in good hands. The 909 area code was "Africa" hot today and it didn't help that it was all streets for the route. I was stopped along the way by two teenagers that wanted to know if I was the guy from the news. I told them I was and I was excited to hear they knew the story and why I was doing it. I couldn't believe that kids about the age of what Kenzie would have been, knew, remembered and recognized me. That tells me what were doing is already getting the attention of young drivers and I couldn't be happier. Shortly after, I ran into one of my best friends from when I was younger, he somehow knew where I was and found me on his way home from work. In between the time i saw him and walked to a restaurant to join him for dinner, the worst thing so far on our journey happened. My walking stick broke into two pieces without even striking the ground. As it broke, so did my spirit and motivation. That stick was taken from a wooded area in Seattle on one of my walks while visiting there five weeks ago. I had hoped it would hold up the entire journey, as it had up to today. My friend Jeff put some serious time in carving Mackenzie's website and name on it as well as cord hand grip etc. I just had the hardest time letting it go but I did. I gave it to my friend to take back to the OC for another one of my friends kids I told could have it when it was over. Now what am I going to fight the mountain lions with tomorrow? I guess I am going to have to let Spot off his leash if there is any trouble. I really am disappointed and sad that the stick is gone. I no longer cared how far I had come or how far I had left to go today, I was done for the day. That brings me to where I am now, but with a better attitude. I once again want to thank ALL of you for having me and Kenzie's back and listening to me whine about, what must seem trivial things. I also want to say what no paper would print or interviewer would air, for whatever reason, and that is, that this IS and ALWAYS has been about Mackenzie and has nothing to do with me. I ask that when you picture this journey in your mind, that you picture her and not me. Thank you for being part of day five.

*Mackenzie had ten pillows on her bed when she was with me at my house and we had a ritual every night of lining them up and having her pick what pillows she would use that night. I would stand over her while she said her prayers and sneak back in later to watch her sleep. It was my favorite thing to do and it is what I miss the most.

MAY 6TH 2010 DAY FOUR

I am racing with a battery so this should be interesting. The day began yesterday, if that makes any sense. Spot started tracking when he felt like it, so you couldn't see where the day began. I will tell you this much, in order to make up some time and to make up for lack of progress for everybody and actually to take out some frustration, I threw up just under forty today. Kobbee Bryant don't even do that anymore. Lot of miles, but they really did feel good, well most of them. True story from today, I went into a sporting goods store to get an arm band for my Ipod and the geek manager told me he would not watch the condo and Spot while I shopped. He told me it was against store regulations. He then treated me like I was a vagrant and asked "what is it you want anyways?" I told him and he replied with "I don't believe we have those." He treated me like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman before the makeover. Afterwards my sister Nicolle joined me for lunch and one last visit before I got any further out of my area code. The walk was long and hot, but was surprised by my friend Joe at the end and had dinner and is actually finishing this for me as the battery died on the laptop. All in all, good day. Tomorrow I cross the border of "still want to see you and see you when you get back." The miles and hours should increase.
Thank you for being part of day 4. By the way, Spot is to me what Wilson was to Hanks in Castaway.

*Mackenzie sang a solo when she was about 5 for the Christmas show and sang "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth." At the time she REALLY did need need her two front teeth.

MAY 6TH 2010 DAY THREE PART II

Sorry about the delay, but i cant walk and chew gum.......wait, I meant walk and text a blog on a cell phone, at the same time. As by now, hopefully everybody can see that Spot got his act together and started being part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Most of you who know me, probably thought the delay had something to do with Cinco de Mayo, this is not the case. This year was actually " Stinko de Mayo. " Please bear with me, I am a bit out of it tonight. We will get to that on the blog that immediately follows this one. As far as day three goes, it was painful but overall successful. My web guy didn't get the news that we fixed spot at 1:00 am the night before or the news that I went back to Laguna and re walked the beginning of day one to get the start of the journey documented. He called me yesterday morning and said, " hey Lance, I think I got it, I deleted everything and started a new page." Now this one was on me, my mind was everywhere except where it needed to be. Regardless, I wasn't going back to Laguna again. I had enough walking the wrong way. So I took of last night with Spot and my mobile condominium that is located on the corner of, Myshoulders Ave. and Thesmallofmyback Blvd. As I walked this morning, I decided to start taking things out of the condo but it was like throwing deck furniture off The Queen Mary, it really wasn't going to make much of a difference. Thanks for being part of day two.
*Bonus Kenzie fact. Mackenzie nicknamed herself and I don't know why, Bonita Applebum.

HOW TO LOCATE LANCE

Want to follow Lance on his walk from the Pacific to the Atlantic? Or maybe you're just curious about his current whereabouts?

go to mackenziesmissingmiles.org and click on the locate lance button on the left hand side.

Once clicked, it will open up a mapping page with a map of the world. On the bottom of the map click full screen and you will get a close up view of his route and current location.

If you can't access the page or it won't work for some reason please email
Jeff at jeff@mackenziesmissingmiles.org for help.

DAY THREE PART I

Still Walking, check back shortly
*Mackenzie's dog named Roxie

MAY 4TH 2010 DAY TWO

Well day two has come and gone and I couldn't be happier too see it go. I spent the day trying to get my tracking system, aka Spot, out of his dog house and onto the road. I started at first light and worked the entire day on it. From customer service representatives, my website guru Sean Foote of SC Services, to personally kicking it down the street to see if that would work. Once we thought we had it working, I took it on numerous test walks and it seemed we were on line and ready to roll. I immediately drove back to Laguna and walked the first portion of yesterdays walk so it would register on the website. I called Jeff, who was tracking me by computer, and he said we were good to go. I came back and we found out that Spot had quit on us again after registering only one way point. I know this probably doesn't seem important to most, but it was and is, extremely important to me. We built this entire website and Journey for Mackenzie and I want it to be perfect and I want it to do what I said it would do. I told everyone that they would be able to track me on the website and that is exactly what is going to happen. This is not just Mackenzie and my journey, it belongs to all of us. This is why I am so adamant on having this work like I said it would. I tested it on many training walks and it performed as advertised. As of 1:00 am, we are officially back on line. My walk tonight in Laguna provided us only one way point but it was the important one, my and Macks house and where this journey began. I am sorry that the rest of day one wont show up on the site but I don't have the time to waste somehow trying to document it. As far as walking for me today, a meager 10 miles or so, all dedicated to Spot and trying to get him to heel. I am truly sorry for the glitch and the lack of meaningful miles. The good news is we are up and running and should be good to go from here on out. The bad news is that I have some serious miles to make up. The funny news is, all spot needed was a bone. I walked to, and around the crash site tonight and refocused and calmed down and made the decision to not wait on the day one info to come through. I will continue on with the hopes that Mackenzie understands I am only in control of the miles we walk, as far as everything else, though I wanted perfect, probably wont be. I want to once again thank everyone for keeping me motivated and showing their support, it will carry me. So that is all I have to report for today and I sincerely wish it was more. Tomorrow is another day and it will be a better one, I guarantee it. Thanks for being a part of day two.

*Mackenzie was born on the 4th of July, and when she was little we would watch fireworks sitting on the roof together. She thought that everyone was celebrating her birthday. I never told her any different.

Mackenzie's Website

MONDAY MAY 3RD DAY ONE

Hope this thing works, as this is my first time trying to use my blog. All prior posts have been done by Jeff Spencer, as well as the entire set up and all content. Looks like I am on my own tonight, but Jeff will be taking care of a lot of my correspondence in my absence. I owe Jeff a lot for his help and his unwavering loyalty. As for today, well the morning started off early and eventful on Main Beach in Laguna, as a drunk, homeless, racist with a forty ounce can of beer, opened his beer and his mouth, when both should have remained shut. Chased him off like the guy who tries to wash your windshield in the middle of a crowded city street, while you are driving. Afterwards I met up with the send off crew, took some pictures, which I will try to post also, and I was off and walking. Today I had someone join me on the first leg that we will just call " Joe " because his name is Joe. He was one of the first to Mackenzie on the night of the accident. He lives 30 feet from where Mackenzie was found that night. I was honored, as well as I am sure Mack was, to have him walk with us. it was the single ' longest 20+ mile walk I have ever been a part of. Not because of the distance but because of the time it took. We were greeted by numerous supporters pulling their cars over and giving words of encouragement and lots of hugs. We were tracked down by a CBS news team in a van and an escort vehicle while negotiating Laguna Canyon road. We were stopped and interviewed by a very professional and respectful news team that I will always remember fondly. This morning my cell phone was fully charged upon my departure but it would not stay that way long. The only time my phone was not ringing is when it was receiving countless text messages. Three quarters of the way through, my cell phone finally succumbed to exhaustion and died. All of the calls were well wishers showing their support for Mackenzie and the journey. I have never been so overwhelmed by kindness and crazy, beautiful people. We arrived at the crash site at around 3:oo pm to a large welcoming party and our favorite news team steadily working in the news van. They waited for us while they edited their story just so that I could see it before it aired at 3, 4, 5, and 6pm and again tonight at 9, 10 and11pm on CBS and KCAL 9 news. The rest of the crowd consisted of friends and family and that filled me with pride and honor just to know them and the rest of you out there who have sent your kind words of encouragement and donations to Mackenzie's Foundation. The flowers and baloons were beautiful. I am speechless and amazed at the outpouring of love and support and I cannot find the words to express my gratitude. Tomorrow will be a later start because my tracking system, or my trusty travel companion, "Spot " as I call him, decided to malfunction on the biggest day so far. I will have him up and running and will go back to Laguna to redo the route, so it will show on the map and the overall journey. I apologize for the inconvenience and I will actually drive to do this and get dropped off at today's end point and continue from there. By the way, who turned up the heat 20 degrees from the day before? I really appreciate it. Thanks for being a part of day one.
* Mackenzie had many nicknames from me, but the most frequent one she heard was " Monkey Butt. " I miss her so much that I want to lay down and die.

Walking the Miles with Mackenzie - OC Register story

Hello All,

A local columnist from the Orange County Register came over to the house last week and wanted find out the real story about Mackenzie and why I decided to honor her memory by walking from coast to coast. The author of the story, David Whiting is an incredibly compassionate and caring individual, who was genuinely concerned about getting to the core of Mackenzie's story. The link to the story is below. Again, I truly appreciate all of the support and love I have received regarding all of this. Mackenzie and I have been truly gifted with the best friends and family anyone could want or ask for.

"WALKING THE MILES WITH MACKENZIE"

Kindest Regards,

Lance Frazee
www.mackenziesmissingmiles.org
lance@mackenziesmissingmiles.org

If you would like to follow the journey, please find me on www.facebook.com and/or www.twitter.com under Lance Frazee.

We have also created a blog www.lancefrazee.blogspot.com