START HERE, WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Then, go on to the maps and timetables, all of which you can download. See the sidebar.
SAFETY: The Big Parade is a big walk in a big city. It requires self-sufficiency. We walk together, at a pace that invites everyone. You're responsible for keeping up with our reasonable pace, for your health and safety, and your transportation to and from the route.
STAYING HEALTHY: It is July in Los Angeles. You need to bring water and drink it. You need to wear a hat. You need to stop when your body tells you to stop. You need to bring a friend. These are requirements, not options. Read "How to Protect Yourself in the Sun," below.
JOINING US: The absolute easiest method would be to meet us at the two specified five-mile walk meeting points, one on Saturday, and one on Sunday. These are:
- SATURDAY, JULY 18, ECHO PARK, MEET US AT CHANGO COFFEE SHOP, 1559 ECHO PARK AVENUE (AT DELTA) AT 11:00AM.
- SUNDAY, JULY 19, SILVERLAKE MEET US AT LA MILL COFFEE, 1633 SILVERLAKE BLVD (AT EFFIE) AT 8:30 AM.
But there are much more interesting ways to come along. They're spelled out on our timetables, with suggested routes and join-points, and when we'll be there. Read them through, and read the "What You'll See" section on the website to find out what might appeal to you.
Here's how to join us based on the timetables, which are arranged with a Stairway Number, Location, and Estimated Time of Arrival. Some of our pre-determined join points are not at stairways. These have ETAs, as well. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TIMETABLES are a sort of voodoo. This is the first time we're doing this, and we don't know how it will work. We will be Twittering our arrival at every stairway. If you can't follow us that way, we will never leave a stairway before a planned arrival, and we will try to leave word or some indication at most stairways - if possible - that we've passed by.
- STEP ONE: Choose your method. You can meet us at our pre-selected join points or anywhere along the route. If you choose the latter, we recommend stairways, because they are numbered on both our maps and timetables.
- STEP TWO: Find your join point. Use the maps and the timetable, which have specific join and stairway locations. If you can, print a zoomed copy of the map section you’ll be following. We always walk together as a group, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost or left behind, but you should have a sense of where you’ll be going, since in some cases you may need to find your way back (see Step Four.)
- STEP THREE: Figure out how you’ll get there. The join points have various qualities, including ease of route, scenery, neighborhood, and accessibility. The revised timetables will help you choose which point is best for you and how to get there.
- STEP FOUR: Figure out how you’ll get back. You’re responsible for returning to wherever you met us. For most of the join points, that’s easy; we’ve set it up so that you’ll either retrace a few of your steps, or have a simple walk of five or ten minutes, with directions spelled out on the timetable. If you’re coming along at non-designated join points, you’ll need to get back via other methods. You can arrange a car shuttle with friends, or use mass transit. A downloadable transit info sheet is available on the website. The walk up to the Hollywood Sign requires special consideration, as there's no mass transit, and it is a long way back.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF IN THE SUN: The most important thing for you to remember is that it is going to be hot. Here’s what you need to do:
- Stay hydrated. There's water available at some places on the route, and not at others. Don't count on it. You need to bring at least 48 ounces of water for each hour you plan to walk (that's two Arrowhead sport bottles.)
- Minimize your body temperature. DON’T WEAR DARK CLOTHING OR A DARK HAT. Light-colored garments will keep you cooler.
- Wear a hat. A baseball cap is OK, but it will leave your neck exposed. A full brim is better.
- Use sunscreen. Lots. Reapply frequently.
- Bring snacks or lunch. We’ve got a few designated rest stops, but they’re short. You may not have the opportunity to purchase anything substantial. Bring what you need.
- Have a buddy. If you get tired, feel sick, or otherwise feel like you can’t go on, you’ll need somebody to take care of you.
- Soothe your feet. Wear shoes that you know are comfortable walking in. You might consider rubbing some lotion on your feet before you put your socks on; it can help avoid blisters.
ABOUT CAMPING. Camping is closed.
AND REMEMBER THAT THERE’S NO WHIP-CRACKING IN THE PARADE. Though we have a timetable to meet, we’ve set it up for a slow and easy pace. Endurance is required based on the time you want to spend with us, not the speed at which you walk.