A whole week now that Jean has left for his journey around the world. It sure seems a lot longer than that... the way we all miss him... but let me tell you that there are a lot of things happening in one week!!!
First of all, Jean now has a Website:
http://www.geocities.com/marathon_monde
This Website is brand new... still warm... so there will be changes to be made for sure.
Well, let us sum up Jean's first week.
His first step around the world was done in Montreal, Friday, August 18th 2000 at 9:10 am. He spent the first night a little bit past Napierreville, Qc., around 50 km from his starting point.
Around noon, Saturday, August 19th, he crossed the American border without any problem. Of course, his letter of introduction, signed by the Mayor of Montreal, Mr. Pierre Bourque adds a great deal to his credibility. He then spent the night at the Bechard's home where they fed him diner and a hearty breakfast the next morning.
On Sunday, the 20th, he went through Plattsburg, then through Keeseville where he made First Page on the local paper "Press Republican" He then went to Wesport and on the 22nd, he spent the night in Ticonderoga where he was the guest of Mrs. Jeanne Bennett who treated him like a Prince... Starting from there all his lodging was reserved in advance for a few days; Mrs. Bennett called her relatives, the Gordons in Whitehall, Jean's next stop. In Whitehall, he was again treated like a king and there was another story in the local paper about him.
Finally, Thursday, the 24th, he spent the night in Hudson Falls at the Stoughtons who had called the preceding hostess to have Jean stop at their home when he got to Hudson Falls.
The whole world, well... New York State at least is full of friends!!!
Jean walks and/or runs around 40 to 50 km a day. He is in great shape physically and psychologically and says that he is living " something unique " People know him with the coverage from the newspapers so, they acclaim him in the streets, give him money and food, ask for autographs take photos etc...