I'm not sure who gets credit for this saying, but the person must be Chinese. Only they seem to have a gift for putting complex things in the most basic terms. In 1973, a guy named Peter Jenkins set out to discover America by walking across the country. He documented his journey which later appeared in National Geographic magazine. From the time I first read of his adventures until now, the thought of doing this has occupied a small space in my mind.
Many "stars" have to align for an adventure like this to be successful: it take time (a minimum of 6-8 months); some amount of money depending on how much comfort one seeks; reasonably good health; willingness to leave one's comfort zone; a small amount of courage; a spirit of adventure; and lots of stubborness and determination. Most important, it takes the support of those who care about us to handle the things we leave behind while we pursue what some might consider a "senseless" activity.
Those stars seem to have aligned for me...... I have the time, my health seems to be good, my family's health is good, and other things in my life have settled down. If all goes as planned, the walk will start on Sept 1, 2010, from Dana Point, CA, and end some time in 2011 at Emerald Isle, NC......total distance approx. 2800 miles. I decided to travel during winter months because Spring, Summer, and Fall, are busy around the house, and that would place too much of a burden on others. Hopefully by taking a more southernly route, extreme weather can be avoided.
The plan is to walk 15-20 miles per day, with a day of rest every 10 days. I will walk roads, not trails, and use some type of cart to carry the gear. Some people who have made the trip use a jogging stroller or something similar. This keeps the weight off the legs and knees, and also allows for carrying extra water and food thru the southwestern states where supplies are few and far between. I have sought advice from people who have made the trip, and am searching for a traveling companion.
I'm not going to over analyze this trip, nor do "practice" walks. Just try to use common sense to get thru safely. Actually, I walk across America most every year, just do it 8-10 miles a day over the same route. So, I am reasonably confident the trip is doable, barring some unforeseen something.
Why do this? Maybe a better question is why doesn't everyone do it? Since this country was discovered, people have walked across it in search of something. I have no causes and won't wear any "ribbons." Just doing it because being outdoors and seeing new things and people energizes me and adds joy to my life; because to really appreciate all the things and people we have in our lives, we sometimes have to leave them behind; and most importantly, for my family and friends, especially the granddchildren: Ragan, Kevin, Lauren, David, Abby, Carly, Jack, and Emma. Even if they can't go along this time, they will always be part of it because they will share and experience it with me. And, it'll show them that most anything can be accomplished by hard work and determination.
Wish me luck and enjoy the adventure with me......Jeff.
