Neighbors walked together every day for 25 years

Lois Litalien and Anna May Spalding have developed a habit they can’t walk away from.

Litalien, 70, and Spalding, 71, for 25 years have taken 3 1/2-mile daily walks. The Bonners Ferry women rarely miss their 5:45 a.m. outings.

“That’s the best time to walk,” Spalding said. “It’s beautiful.”

They have walked on minus 10-degree days, in the rain and through 8 to 10 inches of snow. They never hesitate, no matter what the weather.

“I know I’m going to feel so much better when I get back,” Spalding said. “Once you get out there, you warm up.”

They do not walk on Sundays.

“Sunday is a day of rest,” Spalding said.

Litalien and Spalding have known each other since attending Bonners Ferry High School. Both married 52 years ago and raised their families in the same South Hill neighborhood. Their oldest daughters were roommates at a business school in Spokane, Wash.

Litalien and Spalding began walking together in 1984. Their route — in a nutshell — takes them across Highway 95 to the Bonners Ferry swimming pool and back across the highway to Valley View Elementary School.

In the mornings, the women flick on their porch light when they are ready to go.

In the winter, the bundle up in hats and gloves and wear cleats for traction. In the summer, it’s T-shirts and shorts.

Conversation often focuses on the weather, gossip, current events and politics.

“We’re not Obama fans,” Spalding said.

Even illness doesn’t stop the pair from their daily walks. While going through six weeks of radiation for breast cancer, Litalien still got out there. Spalding underwent two surgeries last year and only took off from walking for a week or so.

“”I think it’s habit,” Litalien said. “You know ever day when you come home, you’re glad you went.”

The women will walk as long as they are able.

“I will do it until I can’t,” Spalding said. “It clears your head.”

“And it helps you keep weight off,” Litalien added.