"We have promises to keep and miles to go before we sleep" was the reminder given to more than 100,000 people participating in the Project '70's May 9 North Suburban Walk for Development, the largest of its kind in the world. Sponsored by the American Freedom From Hunger Foundation, the North Suburban Walk was one of 400 walks in at least 40 countries in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

Despite blisters, cuts, aching muscles, hot, sweaty feet, and a general lack of washroom facilities, the major number of people who began walking at Niles North and Old Orchard parking lot also ended their walk there, completing the full 30 miles. It is estimated that approximately one million dollars was raised by the hike. Although most participants in the North Suburban Walk were teenagers and young adults, people of all other age groups were among the ranks of the hikers, ranging from small children to senior citizens.

There were 16 checkpoints along the hike route, which took participants through 11 suburbs. At each checkpoint hikers were required to have their

sponsor sheets stamped as proof of how far they had walked. Also along the route and at checkpoints were first aid stations, free food in limited quantities, several rock bands to entertain resting hikers, and towcars looking for injured hikers and shouting encouraging words over loud-speakers.

Although the walk began officially at 8 a.m., there was no official ending time. Some participants who ran the entire route had completed all 30 miles by 1 p.m., while others were still coming in at midnight. While walking, hikers received plenty of attention. There were hordes of ice cream trucks following every inch of the route; home owners set up free lemonade stands; and hoses were left out for the use of hikers who wanted drinks of water.

At the end of the hike, all participants were left with the feeling that they had constructively attacked the cause of domestic and international poverty. They were also left with exhaustion and sore muscles beginning to stiffen. Regardless of all this, most participants agreed that they had enjoyed hiking and planned to be a part of the hike next year.