• MARCH 7, 2004

• MARCH 1, 2004

My focus has turned to logistics and partners (sponsors). We have one major partner, New Balance. They're contributing shoes. (Perhaps we can convince them to take out some ads in participating newspapers.)

We've started inquiries with a car company and a computer company. Next comes a camera maker. In-kind contributions from them would be a windfall and we're still looking for a bank to donate financial services.

We have a new brochure (geared to potential sponsors/partners) and I'm working with the chairman of the National Council of State Tourism Directors to form links with state and local tourism organizations. Perhaps through them we can get local hotels and restaurants to chip in meals and accommodations.

I've been training and should have a number of 20-mile walks, some of them back-to-back, under my belt before the trip starts. The New England weather has not been very cooperative lately. "spring is just a round the corner," I keep reminding myself.

We'll be doing more on the website later in the month. I'm also investigating the business aspects of the venture. I doubt that I'll be incorporating, but I might have a doing-business-as designation.

Suggestions, comments, emails welcome: japhurley@hotmail.com or 860-354-1389.