Inspired by the legend of George McCormick’s famed walk around Vashon’s shoreline in 1938, Islanders Toby and Amy Holmes plan to recreate the event for Toby’s 50th birthday, raising money for local organizations and charities in the process.

After reading this article and speaking with Vashon Heritage Museum Board President Bruce Haulman, Toby decided to give the long, challenging walk a go on Labor Day Weekend.

Says Toby: “The article about George McCormick’s walk mentions that it was a very significant event that brought the island together as one community.”

Toby serves on the Vashon Island School District Board and Amy serves on the board of the Vashon Island Land Trust, two of the organizations for which they are raising funds. Additionally, they are raising money for the Vashon Heritage Museum, Vashon Food Bank, and Vashon Rowing Club. Toby is aiming to raise $50,000 for the 50th birthday jaunt, and the money will be equally distributed between the five organizations.

Toby and Amy are poring over maps and tide charts to plot the launch time and location. Toby noted it is important to make it all the way through Quartermaster Harbor at the lowest tide, and there are other spots in which they will likely have to swim or wade at the highest tides. Amy recently plotted the shoreline in detail with a GIS tool and calculated just over 50 miles of shoreline. The perfect number for the 50th birthday.

Please click here to view Toby and Amy’s fundraising website.