If Peter Jenkins' book about his walk across America planted the seed for this adventure, the movie Australia provided the right conditions for that seed to germinate and grow. The movie didn't get great reviews, but I have watched it maybe 4-6 times. It has most of the elements that makes a movie good for me: adventure, big country, a "western flavor", action, interesting characters, and a dab of romance. And, the cutest little boy who plays an Aboriginal child who wants to go "walkabout"with his grandfather.
When thinking about a possible walking companion, my first thought was of a friend from work, Shawn Holden. Shawn would have been the perfect companion for a long trip....he loved an adventure, and could talk for hours on most any subject. Shawn loved a good debate, and if you ever started to agree with him, he would immediately change sides and debate the other side. It wasn't about who was right or wrong, it was the debate that he sought. It took a while to understand this and not get upset with him, and I wish he could go along this time. His energy would help with such an effort. Unfortunately Shawn left this world at a much too young age, but maybe he'll be watching from somewhere and urging me on.
I thought about my brother-in-law, Roger Davis. Roger has been a health nut all his life, and kept himself in great physical condition. He loved running, nice cars, his family, and the Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately, Roger currently has another challenge in his life......he developed cancer a while back, and while his spirit is still willing, his body is a little weak right now for the rigors of a long walk.
I also thought of another friend from work, Tom Hawthorne. Tom and I competed in local foot races around the Roanoke Valley. He would almost always beat me, and I never understood why, because he didn't seem to run very fast. But he was usually waiting at the finish line. Tom can't walk this time, because many years back he was stricken with MS and is confined to a wheelchair. His legs are not what they once were, but his spirit remains as strong as ever.
Tom, Roger, and Shawn are just some of the people from my past who loved the outdoors and a good adventure. And three of the many reasons I feel so very thankful I am physically able to undertake this journey.
Although the walk is still several months away, I am spending lots of time looking over the old faithful Rand McNally atlas, trying to find a good route. The toughest part of the trip will be the western states.....California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Not many roads (or towns) out there, and each state has restrictions about walking on interstate highways. If I take along a cart to carry supplies, I'll need a hard surface. Sometimes, other than an interstate, they are just not available. And if available, they might add many miles (and days) to the trip. Ed Bixler, a former co-worker, lived in California for a number of years, and is helping with the planning on this part of the trip. He knows lots about sleeping in the desert with snakes and scorpions crawling about.
In addition to advice from Ed, I've also talked a lot with Skip Potts. Skip successfully walked across the country in 2008-2009. His trip was east to west, and more southernly than I plan, but he has much good ideas and advice.....and willing to share. And, there's much info on-line about walking across the country.
I've also found someone very interested in going along on the trip. He's from East London, lots of education, currently not much prospect of a job. Instead of sitting around, decided to have an adventure instead. Not yet a 100% done deal, but looks promising. It would be nice to have company.
As the route stand now, it's approx 2800 miles. It would be nice to complete it in 7 months, but will go longer if that's what it takes. Walking fifteen miles per day with a day of rest every 10 days, is about 210 days. Maybe as the walk progresses, and I get stronger, and east of Dallas where there are more roads and towns, more than 15mpd will be possible.
Some days I get up in the morning so excited about this walk, I can hardly wait for September. Other times I wake up in the night, and it's so dark outside I get scared just thinking about sleeping in the middle of nowhere, alone.....and those scorpions. Why did Ed have to mention that? But, that's what adventures are about, to raise the level of all our emotions.
More soon..........
When thinking about a possible walking companion, my first thought was of a friend from work, Shawn Holden. Shawn would have been the perfect companion for a long trip....he loved an adventure, and could talk for hours on most any subject. Shawn loved a good debate, and if you ever started to agree with him, he would immediately change sides and debate the other side. It wasn't about who was right or wrong, it was the debate that he sought. It took a while to understand this and not get upset with him, and I wish he could go along this time. His energy would help with such an effort. Unfortunately Shawn left this world at a much too young age, but maybe he'll be watching from somewhere and urging me on.
I thought about my brother-in-law, Roger Davis. Roger has been a health nut all his life, and kept himself in great physical condition. He loved running, nice cars, his family, and the Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately, Roger currently has another challenge in his life......he developed cancer a while back, and while his spirit is still willing, his body is a little weak right now for the rigors of a long walk.
I also thought of another friend from work, Tom Hawthorne. Tom and I competed in local foot races around the Roanoke Valley. He would almost always beat me, and I never understood why, because he didn't seem to run very fast. But he was usually waiting at the finish line. Tom can't walk this time, because many years back he was stricken with MS and is confined to a wheelchair. His legs are not what they once were, but his spirit remains as strong as ever.
Tom, Roger, and Shawn are just some of the people from my past who loved the outdoors and a good adventure. And three of the many reasons I feel so very thankful I am physically able to undertake this journey.
Although the walk is still several months away, I am spending lots of time looking over the old faithful Rand McNally atlas, trying to find a good route. The toughest part of the trip will be the western states.....California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Not many roads (or towns) out there, and each state has restrictions about walking on interstate highways. If I take along a cart to carry supplies, I'll need a hard surface. Sometimes, other than an interstate, they are just not available. And if available, they might add many miles (and days) to the trip. Ed Bixler, a former co-worker, lived in California for a number of years, and is helping with the planning on this part of the trip. He knows lots about sleeping in the desert with snakes and scorpions crawling about.
In addition to advice from Ed, I've also talked a lot with Skip Potts. Skip successfully walked across the country in 2008-2009. His trip was east to west, and more southernly than I plan, but he has much good ideas and advice.....and willing to share. And, there's much info on-line about walking across the country.
I've also found someone very interested in going along on the trip. He's from East London, lots of education, currently not much prospect of a job. Instead of sitting around, decided to have an adventure instead. Not yet a 100% done deal, but looks promising. It would be nice to have company.
As the route stand now, it's approx 2800 miles. It would be nice to complete it in 7 months, but will go longer if that's what it takes. Walking fifteen miles per day with a day of rest every 10 days, is about 210 days. Maybe as the walk progresses, and I get stronger, and east of Dallas where there are more roads and towns, more than 15mpd will be possible.
Some days I get up in the morning so excited about this walk, I can hardly wait for September. Other times I wake up in the night, and it's so dark outside I get scared just thinking about sleeping in the middle of nowhere, alone.....and those scorpions. Why did Ed have to mention that? But, that's what adventures are about, to raise the level of all our emotions.
More soon..........
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteThis might be my second comment - I tried to post a comment, but I don't think that I was successful. Anyway, the trip sounds exciting (I'm a little jealous) and I will certainly follow along. Thanks for thinking of Roger - I know it will lift his spirits.
Nan