Steps for Recovery
A Coast to Coast Walk for Suburban North Club
At Suburban North Club, we believe in the life-changing power of 12 Step Recovery—not just for individuals, but for families and entire communities. That’s why we, Jamie and Bill, proudly serve on the SNC Board of Directors. We’ve seen firsthand how vital this work is, and we’re stepping up in a big way—literally.
This summer, we are embarking on an epic 182 mile trek across England, walking from one British coast to the other. We are covering all our own travel and training costs, and we’re inviting Suburban North Club to walk alongside us in spirit. The goal? Raise $18,200 to support recovery, one step at a time. One mile at a time. For 182 miles in 16 days.
SNC is fortunate to be mortgage-free, keeping our doors open 365 days a year takes more than covering the rent. From utilities and snow removal to essential building maintenance and staffing, our annual expenses add up quickly. Meeting donations help cover wages, and SNC keeps the literature prices low to ensure accessibility—not profit.
Thanks to generous grants, SNC typically receives about $20,000 annually to help with major upkeep. Last year, we re-sealed the sidewalks. This year, it’s the parking lot—another $20,000 investment in safety and accessibility.
But Suburban North Club is dreaming bigger this year. The Board is looking for new ways to raise an additional $50,000 to support our mission of safe recovery for all. As the building ages, we will start to experience larger expenses. Window repairs, equipment replacement, increase in day to day costs - all impacting the budget. These all add up while SNC is also serving more and more people each year.
About the Walk
From Instagram Scroll to Epic Stroll: A Journey Across England for a Cause
We aren’t exactly Anglophiles. We don’t follow British soccer, sip tea at 4 p.m., or keep up with the Royals. But in June 2023, something unexpected happened. I, Jamie, was casually scrolling through Instagram when I stumbled upon a friend’s photos—breathtaking snapshots of rolling green hills, dramatic coastlines, and charming English villages. It wasn’t the London I had imagined. It was something else entirely—wild, peaceful, and utterly captivating.
Each day, my friend posted new images from a journey that seemed to unfold like a storybook. She was walking across England. Literally. From the Irish Sea to the North Sea. I was hooked. The route? The legendary Wainwright Coast to Coast Walk—a 193-mile trek dreamed up by British fell-walking icon Alfred Wainwright. It weaves through three of England’s most stunning national parks: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors. Since Wainwright first published his guide in 1973, the walk has become a bucket-list pilgrimage for hikers around the world.
For perspective: imagine walking from Suburban North Club to Evanston, Illinois—while climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest along the way. And I couldn’t stop thinking about it. One night, she said aloud, “This looks amazing.” Bill, ever the supporter, agreed. “Let’s do it,” he said. You have to know that we were also not (yet!) avid hikers. But just like that, a dream was born. Dreams don’t always come easy. I have battled a chronic foot injury for over a decade. Bill had both knees replaced in 2022. Add in full-time jobs and the logistics of taking weeks off, and the idea seemed impossible.
And yet—here we are. Every obstacle has been met with determination. Every “maybe someday” has turned into “why not now?” Every obstacle has been removed, as if by a Higher Power. We are not just walking for the views. We’re walking for Steps for Recovery, raising funds for a cause close to our hearts. This isn’t just a hike. It’s a testament to resilience, to second chances, and to the power of saying yes to doing something one step at a time. Just like recovery.
Training Journey
From Concrete Trails to Coastal Dreams: Our Journey to the Coast to Coast Walk
Training for a 182-mile trek across England isn’t just about lacing up your boots—it’s about grit, growth, and a whole lot of heart. Over the past two years, we’ve transformed from hopeful hikers into determined walkers, ready to take on the legendary Coast to Coast Walk.
The Challenge
The Coast to Coast has no set path—each day offers choices: steep climbs or longer routes, lakeside strolls or rugged hills. Some days are a manageable 7 miles, others stretch beyond 15. It’s a test of endurance, flexibility, and mental strength.
The Beginning
In summer 2023, I (Jamie) tackled one last round of physical therapy, determined to overcome a chronic foot injury. With the help of a dedicated therapist at IU Health, I finally found healing and hope. Both of us also committed to significant weight loss, knowing every pound shed would make each step easier.
The Wake-Up Call
In May 2024, we tested our readiness on the 7-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail. It was humbling. Our shoes failed us, our stamina faltered—but our resolve only grew stronger. That summer became a season of neighborhood walks and soul-searching.
Turning Point
A vacation to a walkable island off Virginia’s coast became our proving ground. We walked every day, even logging 15 miles on sand. For the first time, we believed: We can do this.
Springing Into Action
With time off approved, Spring 2025 became our training crucible. We started with long local walks, then added backpacks—gradually increasing to 25 pounds. We tackled rugged trails, then leaned into hill training in the rolling terrain of southern Indiana.
Ready to Rise
Now, with Memorial Day weekend ahead, we’re preparing for our final test: back-to-back long-distance hikes. We’ve trained our bodies, tested our gear, and strengthened our spirits. We’re not just ready—we’re excited.
Steps for Recovery Donations
Important Dates
Travel to England begins June 24
Walk begins 26 June
Walk concludes 11 July
Travel back to US begins 12 July
Donations Due: July 19
Gifts Distributed: Week of July 21
Join us in supporting Suburban North Club as we embark on a 182-mile hike to raise $18,200—$100 for every mile walked—to support recovery and community. Through Facebook and blog updates, we’ll take you along every step of the way.
How You Can Support
You can pledge your support in two meaningful ways:
1. Pledge for the Whole Journey
Prefer to support the entire hike? You can pledge a set amount per mile:
$0.25/mile = $45.50
$0.50/mile = $91.00
$1.00/mile = $182.00
Every step we take will be powered by your generosity.
2. Support a Specific Mile (or miles)
Every mile of our journey represents a step in recovery—and you can make one of those steps yours.
Choose a mile that speaks to you: Maybe Mile 1 represents the 1st Step toward your recovery, or Mile 12 reminds you of the 12th Step being practiced in all of our affairs. Perhaps you want to carry us across the finish line with Mile 182.
Each mile is capped at $100. Want to pledge less? No problem—we’ll pair your pledge with another supporter to fully fund that mile.
Claim your mile early to ensure you get the ones that matters most to you!
Some will sponsor all of the miles on a given day and we will be forever grateful for that! Maybe you want to support all of Day 4 - it sure will be a doozie. Or maybe Day 10 has significant meaning to you?
Your name (or anonymous dedication) will be featured in our daily updates when your mile is walked.
Thank You Gifts
We’re deeply grateful for your support—and we want to show it:
| Donation Amount | Thank You Gift (First Come-First Served while they last) |
|---|---|
| $25+ | Commemorative short-sleeved T-shirt |
| $50+ | Commemorative long-sleeved T-shirt |
| $75+ | Lightweight commemorative hoodie |
| $100+ | Invitation to our Celebration Supper at SNC in early August, featuring an English-style meal and a Q&A with Bill & Jamie |
Why It Matters
Your pledge supports Suburban North Club, a vital space for recovery, connection, and hope. Every dollar helps us continue our mission—and every mile brings us closer to healing.
Support a Specific Mile (or Miles)
Support the Journey
Pledge and Donation Dashboard
Journey Blog
Day 6: Bampton to Orton
Steps for Recovery – Day 6
Opening Reflection
Sometimes shit just happens. Other times…
We found ourselves in a muddy spot and Bill had gotten out with a nimble hop, skip, and a jump. I wasn’t really sure how he had done that, but I noticed a spot where the mud looked much different and I assumed that different was good, so I aimed my foot directly for it. It was not mud. We have transitioned from sheep to cows as the primary livestock in the area and I was ankle deep in a cow pie. What a mess! There is probably an analogy for life in this story somewhere.
Today’s Journey
We left Bampton this morning after talking with the hikers we had met before that are from Washington, DC. We had planned a bit of a similar route, but we left far enough ahead that we never crossed paths, but we did see them settling in for supper. It was a pretty morning but then it turned a little gloomy and finally the rain came. Today’s trek was not too difficult, we had some time on the pavement getting to the trail, we had time in pastures where the grass can be a little taller and harder to get through. Our hotel room is a walk up several flights of stairs and my heart sunk at carrying all of gear up here, but the hotel clerk carried it all but one bag.
Today’s Challenge
We have got to get more sleep. Bill has been sleeping longer, but not well. I have been sleeping well but not long enough. The rooms are not air conditioned and at about 3:30 in the morning I just can’t stand it anymore. I had read that Americans really do struggle with this so I brought us cooling blankets. We tried those last night and it did help more than I figured it would.
Steps for Recovery Update
We are almost to 50% support of the goal and we are almost to 50% of the days walked. We need a few more pledges to come in. Steps for Recovery — Suburban North Club Pledges submitted now do not need to be completely paid for a couple more weeks so feel free to pledge now and donate later. We are so thankful for all of the support we have gotten for Suburban North Club so far.
Tomorrow’s Preview
Tomorrow we walk from Orton to Kirkby Stephen. It is the equivalent of walking from SNC to St. Elizabeth Seton. It is the equivalent of going from our god son’s house to Pop Donuts. (Donuts sound really good) With the lakes behind us we have some bigger mile days coming up but a bit less elevation change. It will be just over 11 miles so we figure it will take us about 6 hours counting breaks.
Journey Blog
Day 5: Patterdale to Bampton
Steps for Recovery – Day 5
Today’s Journey
Today we took the opportunity to experience the Lake District via boat and it was fantastic. Walking around the lakes it is hard to recognize how big they are. It is much easier to comprehend the amount of ground we have covered now.
The paths are very rocky. This helps them fight against erosion, but it makes it difficult hiking. We must focus on our feet rather than taking in the views. The boat was a great option for us.
People Along the Way
The trails are not full but we are starting to see some of the same people over and over. Today we ran into a family from the Washington, DC, area that we had met yesterday.
Today’s Challenge
We are starting to find our rhythm – changing hotels every day is necessary so we don’t waste time going back and forth to different places along the trail. But, it means we have to unpack everything each evening when we arrive and then pack everything again in the morning. We have opted to have a luggage transfer service move our bags for us and they require we don’t exceed our weight limit. Wet clothes weigh more! This has been a difficult math problem to master, but we are getting better and better. As we progress, we will use up more and more of the snacks and supplements we brought. The hope is we can be done to only 3 duffle bags by the end.
Steps for Recovery Update
We are approaching the half way mark for our days walking and for the fundraising goal! We are so excited to be serving Suburban North Club while we are on this adventure. Thank you so much for all of the support we have gotten so far, it really does mean the world to us. If you feel inclined to do so, you are encouraged to share the website with others.
Tomorrow’s Preview
Tomorrow we go from Bampton to Burnbanks, to Abbey Wood, through Shap, and on to Orton. It will be about 13 miles, the equivalent of going from SNC to Castleton Mall. In Alabama it is just about the same as going from our godson’s home to their airport. We should have a pretty morning. We need to have fast feet because the afternoon will include some rain and the less of that the better. We are going to go up and down, up and down all day. Most of the rises don’t look too intense, but they may feel different in the rain. Off to get some rest!
Journey Blog
Day 4: Grasamere to Patterdale
Steps for Recovery – Day 4
Opening Reflection
Bill and I needed a quick supper last night. We stopped in a grocery store for take away options and headed to our hotel for an in room picnic. When we were done eating, I bagged up the trash from the meal and the bag was too big to fit in our in room trash cans. The Bed and Breakfast we stayed in is not staffed overnight. When I went downstairs to find a larger trash can, I couldn’t locate one. So, I hung the bag on the Staff Office door. I wondered how weird they would think that was when they arrived in the morning.
All of our gear was drenched in the rainstorm on Friday, and our hiking boots had not yet dried out on Saturday evening. I decided to shove the nozzle of the hair dryer in a boot and let ‘er go a while. I shifted from the first boot to the second, and then to the third and I started to wonder how long I should let this go on. At some point this poor little hair dryer is going to give up on me. About that time the whole thing blew with a loud pop. I had toasted it.
You all have taught me not to live with regrets, guilt, shame, or remorse. I am to acknowledge these feelings, discuss them with a trusted advisor, and work through the next steps which may include making amends to someone.
The Bed & Breakfast we stayed in also operates a cute little café that serves breakfast and lunch. We ate there this morning. We were greeted by a friendly man who was already hard at work and wanted to make us coffee. When he brought them over to our seats, I acknowledged the awkward trash greeting and he just laughed. He said it was rather honest of me to even bring it up. When he came back around with our breakfast, I explained that the hair dryer broke last night and he assumed it had been faulty equipment. I corrected him, that I was trying to dry our boots and I had over committed. He was astounded that I even bothered to mention it. I could have left that hair dryer in the drawer and no one would have ever known it was me that made the mistake. But I offered to make it right and he wouldn’t hear it.
Thank you for teaching me that paying a small price for a simple mistake is worth the opportunity to lighten someone else’s load. The next guest that goes to use the hair dryer in that room will have one that works rather than be left in a lurch that he would have had to handle with no notice. Thank you for teaching me that I should always be able to hold my head high, and when it tilts down there are things I can do to raise it back up.
Today’s Journey
We had a lovely hike planned but my knees just wouldn’t play along. We got about a quarter of the way through the day when I felt we should turn back. Instead of taking in sweeping valley views, we got to hang out in a café and a park and wait for our transportation to the next spot. And my goodness, this place is grand! The service has been fantastic, and the property is amazing. This is our favorite yet because we are nestled at the bottom of a beautiful mountainside, but we have the most up to date amenities – best of the old world and the new world.
The weather sidelining us on Saturday and knees taking us out for the day were a little disappointing, but we are playing the long game. With two weeks yet to go, we must be smart.
Tomorrow’s Preview
Tomorrow we leave the Lake District and are heading into the Yorkshire Dales. We get to hike, take a steamer boat across a lake, and then hike a bit more. The hike will be relatively short, but it will be in the blazing afternoon sun – yes, we get sun tomorrow! The hike will be about the equivalent of walking from Suburban North Club to Fairbanks. For our family in Alabama, it would be like walking from your current house to your old house.
Journey Blog
Day 3: Seatoller to Grasamere
Steps for Recovery – Day 3
Opening Reflection
We can’t control the weather, but we can control our reaction to it. We are a little disappointed that the weather was so severe today, but we made the best of it. A slow morning in Seatoller led gently into a slow afternoon in Grasmere. Grasmere is an idyllic village with narrow streets and lots of people milling about. We didn’t have to worry about big winds or slick rocks today! Instead, we got to drive through the beautiful valley and see the area from a different point of view. I have fought off the false pressure to do this exactly as planned and we have enjoyed the day drying our gear and stretching our sore muscles.
Tomorrow’s Preview
We have started to stuff our backpacks ready for another day walking across England. We will remain in the Lake District tomorrow and then things start to get a little easier. Tomorrow starts with a wild climb like we had yesterday but I think we are better prepared for it. When we did our training hikes the climbs really did get easier each time we went out. We will walk from Grasmere to Patterdale. We will reach amazing heights and see some spectacular views over the course of 8 miles. For those in Noblesville, this is the equivalent of walking from SNC to Koteewi State Park. For our family in Alabama, this is the equivalent of driving from our godsons’ home to the Bass Pro Shop.
Journey Blog
Day 2: Ennerdale Bridge to Seatoller
Steps for Recovery – Day 2
Opening Reflection
I was having a hard time with my backpack during our Day 2 hike. It felt SO heavy. Not like I was tired, even though I was.
Jon Delony talks about the baggage we all carry. He likens it to bricks we keep in a backpack. He says that we choose to wear the backpack, and we choose to keep the bricks in it. He goes on to say that it is our job to identify the bricks and make decisions about them. If we want to be rid of them we have to choose to do the work to get them out of our backpack, to lay those bricks down.
I realized I was squirming in my backpack, and I figured out it was sitting too low on my hips. I asked Bill to tighten / shorten those straps for me and immediately I felt the relief. The weight was no longer burrowing into my shoulders, it was now distributed across my whole core.
What weight do we carry? What baggage do we bring with us? What bricks should we lay down? Are you willing to ask for help? That is not always easy for me.
Today’s Journey
Friday we hiked from Ennerdale Bridge, through Broadmoor, pass Bowness Plantation, into Wild Ennerdale, we took a break at Black Sail Hut, and carried on up Moses Trod to Honister Pass and Slate Mine, then into Seatoller. We covered 14 miles, climbed 3,173 feet, and it took us 11 hours including our breaks.
The weather was just awful. The sustained 40 mph winds made progress difficult, and the 50 mph gusts were terrifying. The constant rains drenched everything – us, the ground, the streams overflowed their banks, every layer of our clothes all soaked.
Trail Lessons
On a day to day basis, mainstream weather apps work great. We didn’t account for the difference between ‘city’ weather and how much more severe weather is at the top of these summits. We also didn’t account for unpredicted weather. While the weather apps told us the day looked gloomy, maybe even miserable, we didn’t realize that the Mountain Information Service indicated something far more grim. And then it was actually worse.
We didn’t pack our backpacks for this amount of wind and rain. We need to put everything in plastic bags. I had worn the proper amount of layers – base layer, t shirt, top layer, rain coat. I had brought an extra warm shirt but it was drenched. As we prepared to finish the hike after our break, I had to make the decision to shed two drenched layers and wear just the one drenched base layer with the rain coat that I knew was not going to keep me dry or warm. We would have to commit to keeping me moving for body heat. This would burn more energy so I was going to fight a calorie battle through the end.
Lessons learned – we have to have the right tools AND we have to use them correctly.
People Along the Way
Again, it was as if the Universe was here to tend to our needs. We were walking a lovely path where the locals walk their dogs and a nice man started up a conversation with us, asking where we were going. We told him our plans for the day and he seriously asked us to reconsider the route. We hadn’t understood the amount of rain they had already gotten and he said the way we had planned was just not safe. So he redirected us and it was still a fantastic opportunity to see Ennerdale Water.
We had met a nice couple from Holland on Monday. They helped us manage an encounter with cows blocking our way. We saw them again at the Black Sail Hut. BSH is a hikers haven – you can get warm water for coffee, they sell simple snacks, they have a wood stove and functioning bathrooms. If you book 6 months in advance, you can even sleep in one of their 3 hostel rooms. While talking at the BSH with the nice couple from Holland, I mentioned that the swift water scared me because I was afraid we could get swept away. She explained that we could get toppled over, but likely could fight the current because of how shallow the water is. We saw them again out on the trail and she remembered my fear as we approached a swollen stream. She waited a moment and offered me a hand across. This helped then, but also gave me more confidence for the many more streams we would cross in the afternoon.
As the hike was nearing the last 5 miles the weather was truly dangerous when combined with the rain and waning energies. We came across some other hikers that were also concerned about how to proceed. We decided to move forward together offering encouragement and sharing thoughts on the best route to take with limited visibility. We shared snacks and waited if one needed a break. We saw them again at supper in the hotel. We are all safe now.
Today’s Challenge
This was not a safe hike for us. Maybe others would be wise to proceed, but we did not have sufficient experience to endure that kind of weather. We talked to God a lot out there. He listened and answered.
Steps for Recovery Update
We have accomplished the first 29 or so miles of our Coast to Coast journey, Steps for Recovery, in support of the miracles that happen every day at Suburban North Club. 2 days done.
Journey Blog
Day 1: St. Bees to Ennerdale Bridge
Steps for Recovery – Day 1
We were walking along St Bees Head and it was rainy and so windy and chilly. I had noticed that the ocean sounded powerful and the sheep were bleating. The grass was so green. I found myself thinking it would be beautiful if the sun were shining. But I had asked myself earlier in the morning to be pleased with it all, so I corrected myself. Wasn’t it already beautiful even if the sun wasn’t out? How often do we miss the good because we had a particular idea already in mind and that clouds our perspective… The sun did eventually come out and we did have some nice weather after all.
Today’s Journey
We covered 14.6 miles going from St Bees, to Sandwith, then Moor-Row, Cleator, Ennerdale, and we stopped at Ennerdale Bridge. It took us 9 hours, and we hiked up 1896 feet which is our biggest climb ever. The terrain was challenging but I only fell once. Bill is more nimble than me.
We picked up our rocks. More on that when we tell you about our last day. SPOILER ALERT: We get to drop our rocks.
People Along the Way
The British people are so very encouraging. One man stopped his car to give us a small token of his excitement for us. He could probably see the weary written all over my face. He jumps out and asked if we were doing Coast to Coast. We talked for a few and he gave us a small note pad to write things down so we could remember things later. Other walkers were staying at the same hotel we were in last night. We had a nice chat with them this morning before we all set out.
Today’s Challenge
Long distance travel is a real strain on your body, so we knew we would be starting off in the hole having just come from the US. I slept poorly last night – I was too excited to fall asleep. Even with all that, today went fine. Rain didn’t stop us, even my achey knees held up pretty well. But we are pretty tired now and I imagine sleep will come easier tonight.
Steps for Recovery Update
We had pledged support today from Tom, Leigh, Holly, and Harold. We are up to 45% of our pledge goal! There is still time to support Steps for Recovery.
Tomorrow’s Preview
Tomorrow is another big day – lots of miles, many feet to climb. We will also have rain all day. (We have changed our route to a safer option.) Tomorrow’s hike is the equivalent of walking from SNC to the Carvel Club. For our godchildren – the hike is the equivalent of walking to your airport.
Journey Blog
Day 0: Travel Day (Depart)
Steps for Recovery – Day 0
Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, page 77
Today was about service. Bill and I were continually checking in on each other to make sure we were doing ok with the journey, had gotten some sleep, didn’t need another water. Looking outside of myself made the travel more bearable – had I been focused on my cranky shoulder or that guy that kept nodding off onto that shoulder, everyone would have suffered for it.
Acts of service came to us, though, too. There was a service representative that wasn’t confident she was being clear in her directions to ‘go around that corner and off to the left and then take a lift and then you will see…’. Instead, she left her post and walked us a block away to where she intended us to get. On several occasions the ticket takers would wave us through the queue so we wouldn’t have to stop to pluck our tickets from our pockets – they just kept us moving toward our goal. Another story of a human being kind to another human was after we had already changed train stations 3 times and I was getting fed up with the hustle and bustle. This particular train station didn’t have lifts (elevators) so we were lugging our 6 bags up and down regular stairs. Ugh, that inner dialogue was starting. And right when I needed it, a stranger / commuter picked up one of bags and winked at me. She carried it one flight of stairs without a word or another glance.
“We are all just walking each other home.” Ram Dass. How lovely is this world when we all behave as if we are in each other’s homes. That sentiment is probably worthy of its own post…
Today’s Journey
Starting Wednesday at 8 AM Eastern, we went from home to Indianapolis airport, to Atlanta airport, to London’s Heathrow airport. From there we stopped at several train stations to eventually land at the Stone House Farm Bed & Breakfast.
Jamie has never been to England before; Bill hasn’t been here in over twenty years When Bill has here it was all related to the US Navy and there was no time for tourism. Going from metropolitan London to the beautiful countryside was a lovely site from the trains. We saw cows and sheep, fields, and many hills. We passed through an area we will see again while on foot in a few days.
People Along the Way
There are two things we are very much looking forward to. One is to see an entire country by foot. To experience its highs and lows – mountains and valleys – seems unimaginable yet here we are. The other is the Coast to Coast banter each evening.
The journey we have decided to undertake is a Coast to Coast Walk from St. Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay. There is no official right way to do it but there are some typical approaches that many adhere to. Some folks camp, and others have lodging like we do. Each evening folks gather and talk about where they came from and about their plans for the next day. Will they take the high route and risk exposure to weather to experience the expansive sights? Or will they take the low route and experience a challenging rocky climb earning some bragging rights? Tonight is our first night to gather with the locals and other walkers.
Steps for Recovery Update
Thank you for the support we have already gotten for Steps for Recovery. We are already 45% to our pledge goal!! We continue to accept pledges while we are out here.
Tomorrow’s Preview
Tomorrow we expect rain and winds at about 15 mph. We expect to start at 50 degrees Fahrenheit and never pass 70. It will be mostly cloudy all day.
The journey from St Bees to Ennerdale bridge is about 14 miles and it should take us at least 7 hours. For those in the Noblesville area, this is the equivalent of walking from Suburban North Club to Wilson’s Farmer’s Market. Some of our family is Alabama is also rooting for us. We have three sweet godsons now, and another on the way. This would be the equivalent of them walking from their house to their dentist appointment.
Journey Blog
Packing and Preparation
Packing with Purpose: Gearing Up for 182 Miles of Recovery
When you’re walking across an entire country—182 miles from the Irish Sea to the North Sea—you don’t just throw a few things in a backpack and hope for the best. You prepare. You plan. You pack like your feet (and your mission) depend on it.
Because they do.
As we count down the final days before we begin our Steps for Recovery hike across England, we wanted to give you a peek behind the scenes at what it takes to gear up for 16 days of walking—and why every item in our packs is a step toward supporting recovery at Suburban North Club.
The Essentials: More Than Just Boots
We’ve spent the past year breaking in our hiking boots—because nothing says “I’m not ready” like a blister on Day 1. But boots are just the beginning. We’ve packed:
Four days of hiking clothes each (because laundry is a luxury, not a guarantee)
Rain pants and jackets (because England is charmingly unpredictable)
Gloves, hats, and base layers (for those brisk, windy mornings)
Sunscreen and sun hats (for the rare but glorious sunny days)
So. Many. Kleenex. (Seriously, why does Jamie’s nose run every time we hike?)
Evening attire - not your typical formal wear! One of the things we are looking forward to most is talking with the local folks about the area we just went through and what we have to look forward to the next day. We hope to make it to our next hotel with time to get cleaned up and have a nice hearty meal and get to know the area a bit.
Fueling the Journey
We’re carrying 16 days of electrolyte replacements to stay hydrated and energized, plus trail snacks to keep us moving between breakfast and our packed hotel lunches. We gravitate toward snack bars and jerky - nicely portable, small, and full of energy. And yes, we’re bringing Epsom salts—because after 15+ miles a day, a hot bath isn’t just a treat, it’s a recovery tool.
Safety First
We’re not just walking—we’re walking smart. Our daypacks (each about 20 pounds) include:
First aid kits with a variety of over the counter remedies for bug bites, congestion, and rumbly tummies.
Whistles and emergency blankets
Flashlights and backup batteries
Map apps and printed guides (because technology is great—until it isn’t)
And while we’ll carry the essentials, a luggage transfer service will move the rest of our gear from hotel to hotel. That means we can focus on the trail, the mission, and the people we’re walking for.
Breakfasts, Backpacks, and Big Goals
Each morning starts with a proper English breakfast (yes, we’re excited), and most days we’ll head out with a packed lunch in hand. But this isn’t a vacation—it’s a fundraising mission.
We’re walking to raise $18,200—one hundred dollars for every mile—for recovery programs that change lives. Every step we take is a tribute to the strength, courage, and hope found in 12 Step communities.
Help Us Carry the Load
We’ve packed our bags. We’ve trained our bodies. We’ve prepared our hearts. Now we’re asking you to walk with us—by pledging your support to Steps for Recovery.
Donate now and help us reach our goal. Every dollar supports the life-changing work of Suburban North Club.
Because recovery is a shared journey, no one recovers alone.
Journey Blog
Training Summary
Every Step Counts: A Year of Training for a Cause That Matters
When we first dreamed of walking across England—182 miles from the Irish Sea to the North Sea—we knew it would take more than just a good pair of boots and a plane ticket. It would take commitment, consistency, and a whole lot of steps. Over the past year, we’ve poured our time, energy, and hearts into preparing for this journey—not just for ourselves, but for everyone walking the path of recovery.
Training with Purpose
Our goal wasn’t just to get in shape. It was to build the physical and mental endurance needed to complete the Coast to Coast Walk—and to do it in a way that honors the spirit of recovery. Every hike, every neighborhood walk, every sore muscle was a step toward raising $18,200—one hundred dollars for every mile—for recovery programs that change lives.
We trained to:
Master hydration management—learning how to fuel our bodies mile after mile.
Use trekking poles effectively—to protect our joints and keep our rhythm.
Break in our boots—because blisters on Day 2 of a 16-day hike? Not ideal.
Build up mileage and elevation—gradually increasing distance and incline to prepare for the rugged English countryside.
The Miles Behind Us
We’ve logged hundreds of miles across trails, parks, forests, and city streets. From the flat paths of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail to the steep climbs of Low Gap Trail in Monroe County, we’ve walked through every season and every kind of weather. Some highlights:
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, VA – 15.2 miles of coastal beauty
Yellowwood State Forest, IN – 9.5 miles and 564 feet of elevation
Three Lakes Trail, Martinsville, IN – 11 miles with over 1,200 feet of climb
Low Gap Trail, Monroe County, IN – 10.75 miles and 1,575 feet of elevation gain
And countless more: neighborhood loops, greenways, and forest trails that tested our endurance and deepened our resolve.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just a hike. It’s a symbol of recovery—of taking life one step at a time, even when the path is steep. It’s about showing that with support, structure, and a little faith, we can go farther than we ever imagined.
We’re walking for everyone who’s ever taken that first brave step into recovery. And we’re inviting you to walk with us—by pledging your support to the Steps for Recovery campaign.
Join Us
Every dollar raised goes toward supporting recovery programs that offer hope, healing, and a second chance. Whether you give $10 or $100, your support helps us reach our goal—and reminds us that we’re never walking alone. We are 40% to our goal and there is still time for you to pledge your support. To pledge, Reply to this email or fill out a Pledge Form at Steps for Recovery — Suburban North Club
Donate now and help us reach $18,200—one step at a time.
Thank you for being part of this journey. We are so glad you are on this journey with us.