We did it !!! We walked the length of the United States from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. I have reflected somewhat about what we did and I'm sure other thoughts will come in the days ahead.
What was planned as a nine month walking adventure, actually took three years and nine months. Obviously things didn't go as planned. We had medical problems, a freak accident and a broken arm. And, although it didn't slow us down, we had damage to our motorhome which left our poor dog a bit shell shocked.
At some point we decided to divide the walk in four phases. Phase One began at Capistrano Beach, California and ended 800 miles later at San Antonio, New Mexico. Phase Two started where we left off and ended 600 miles later at the Texas/Oklahoma state line near Vernon, Texas. Phase Three started at the state line and went to Winona, Mississippi, another 700 miles. And finally, Phase Four started at Winona and ended at North Dunes Beach, Jekyyl Island, Georgia. Total miles walked were 2612.
We had for the most part very agreeable weather, however, we did walk in the rain, snow, sleet, cold and wind. We walked in the mountains, desert, the great plains, the Mississippi delta and the piney woods. And I think the worst part of all of it was the wind. Out west it never lets up and it blows hard and unrelenting. The only time we tried to cook outside, we burned one of our chairs trying to use it as a windbreak.
Along the way we met some most interesting and wonderful people. Everyone we met wanted to help or encourage us in some way. We didn't meet one mean person. We did however meet some mean dogs. But thanks to strong fences, leashes and chains, we received no dog bites, just had the **** scared out of us. Now ... what will I do with this small canister of pepper spray.
Thank you John and Ruth Goodman, what great friends and walking partners. Maybe we'll have another adventure, but right now, I want to rest.
Thank you Carol !! You are the best wife, friend and walking across America support team person. I could not have done this without you.
Thanks to everyone that supported our walk and financially supported Habitat for Humanity. Your donations helped build three Habitat houses in Hot Springs. Now, three families that were living in sub-standard, poverty level housing, are living in decent, affordable and safe homes.
Total money found during Phase Four, $10.69 and a half cent, (I can prove it) and a Mexican Peso.
It's been a great ride ! (make that walk)
Signing off
