hello there. 04/08/2010
 
Hey everyone... that is if there is anyone who still look at this. I know it's been more than a few days or even weeks, but alas, I've finally updated this here site. Check out "Photos 3" for new pics ranging from Oklahoma City to Oceanside, California. All is well with me, though reentry into the real world has been rough. I've been putting some work into the book. I'm up to chapter 9 now, which geographically puts me in Pennsylvania, so I've still got alot of work ahead of me. Anyway, hope you enjoy the pics. I think of you all often- sometimes I still find myself shaking my head in disbelief of the many kindnesses shown me. Take care everyone. God bless. 
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words 12/26/2009
 
Two hundred and thirty four days ago I stepped off a bus and into the drizzle of a grey Maine morning. I bounced my pack to get it settled into position and watched the pillar of my breath float off as I exhaled through the circle of my lips. I nearly died of hypothermia that first night. "What on earth are you doing, idiot?", I remember asking myself. Well, that was 234 days ago. In those days I've seen rain (lots of it), I've heard mysterious creatures of the night, I've been hot and thirsty and cold and tired and sore and smelly... Someone once asked me if it's been what I thought it would be. Well, NO. Absolutely not. It's been more miserable than I ever imagined it could be. But.... it's also been more beautiful than I could ever have comprehended. I've met so many wonderful people, I've seen so much of God's created splendor, I've had the opportunity to see the world through different eyes- I'm not the same person I was when I left. And when I topped that hill this morning and saw that wall of deep blue out there ahead of me my insides crumbled. I walked down that last hill in America to the beach, and when that foamy water rolled up over my ankles I just bent over and laughed. I had imagined this moment a thousand times. Sometimes it's all that kept me going. It was going to be the epic reward for all these months of toil. But as i stood there I realized that i'd already recieved the reward. God had allowed me this experience. What a priviledge it's been to know you all. Words fall far short at times like these. How can "joy" encapsulate the entirety of this feeling. How can "thanks" express my gratitude to all those who've been a part of this journey. Indeed, words are insufficient , but if there's one that I can think of to describe the way I feel at this moment, it's this: "blessed".
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I remember lying on the floor of an old trailer. I was entirely conscious of every ancient crumb, hair...who even knows what else, pressing against my head and bare arms as I lay there. But it didn't matter, I couldn't move anyway. It had rained for days. There wasn't a dry place to be found anywhere. My feet had been wet for days and my body throbbed as I hobbled, literally bent over at the waist, along the muddy Pennsylvania road. Finally, after dark, I came across an abandoned sawmill. There was an an old office trailer sitting adjacent to it at the edge of the endless Pennsylvania woods. Exhausted, I collapsed on the floor. Every pore on my body ached, blisters had formed under the callouses on my feet, and I laid there motionless, staring at the ceiling. I was too exhausted to even move my eyes. My mind was in some altered state - half-spinning, yet almost heightened in sensitivity, entirely aware of every breath that tugged at my chest. I remember my body telling me to cry, but I just couldn't. I knew then that it was over. I would never make it to the Pacific.
That was in June. The next day was Saturday. I trudged into Altoona. I distinctly remember a girl sticking her head out of a car window and barking at me like a dog. When Sunday came along , I made it to the church building. Then something happened- I got exactly what I needed. Somehow, after that day, I was so encouraged by the worship, the fellowship... I'm not even exactly sure what it was, but I had the will to go on. That's been the story of this walk. Every time I've been at the breaking point, I got exactly what I needed. It's been the same story a hundred times; just the people or the need are different. Maybe it was a hug, maybe it was a meal, or a few dollars, or a glass of water, or a soft bed, or just knowing that someone genuinely cared about me... that's what kept me going. Now I'm just a few miles from the Pacific, and I know without a doubt that I wouldn't be here had it not been for the love and care of a lot of people. But even more than that, I know that I never took a single step alone. Someone was looking out for me. This is in all liklihood the last time I'll be on here before I reach my destination. I can never express the gratitute and love I feel for all you who have been there along the way- who've helped make my dream a reality. You are all a part of me, and you'll be with me when that salty water rolls over my boots. I thank you for taking a chance on me.
This being the holiday season, I may not be able to get access to the internet before I head home. Just keep checking back in- I'll let you know how it goes.
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Well, I've made it to Banning. The only way to get here way I-10. A cop stopped me just before the freeway entrance and told me I couldn't walk there, but he made an exception- that being that I could walk along the freeway if I walked off the road and as close to the fence as possible. I appreciated that, but it meant scrambling over boulders and wading through cactus in the blackness of the night for ridiculous numbers of hours. I finally settled in for the night. It was remarkably warm- I barely needed my sleeping bag. There was a ferocious wind, and at about 3 a.m. I heard a gentle pattering against my bag. "Please, no." I murmured. I stuck my head out and felt a couple tiny drops of water hit my face. "One more time, huh?", I laughed in disbelief. Moments later I was stumbling over more boulders, sopping wet with my extremities freezing. By now, rain is my mortal enemy. It knows it can't break me, but it sure knows it can make these last days miserable. Eventually it let up, but as I trudged on, an enormous black wall of cloud was rumbling across the valley toward me. I rushed over to a 130 store outlet mall just as the deluge began. I knew I shouldn't peruse the stores because I'd be tempted, but as I walked past the rows of window displays and saw all the discount signs, I abandoned my better sense. As I wandered through the aisles of shiny new t-shirts and blue jeans I looked down at my tattered green pants and sniffed at my dingy old shirt. I've been wearing the same ones for all these months. sigh. I miss my cotton underwear. I suppose this is happening to reinforce what I already know for certain- I'm ready for this to end. It's been an amazing, even life-changing journey, but I'm ready- more than that, it's time. Thanks for the comments (and prayers) everyone. God bless.
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Here we go. 12/19/2009
 
After 4 days of walking I reached the first town in California. The 100 mile stretch of road between Parker and here had been lurking around in the back of my mind since before I started the walk. I knew it would be the toughest stretch- I'd have to carry extra food and water, and battle heat and cold and lonliness... it was intense. I left Parker tuesday afternoon and started through the winding California desert. To my horror, the iPod had mysteriously stopped working- that meant 30+ mile days with nothing to occupy my mind except my own thoughts... that used to be ok, I had plenty of thoughts to get me through, but these days... I'm about dry. As I walked through the absolute barrenness, I passed by a barbed wire fence. Hundreds of pairs of shoes had been draped over the wire. It was sort of a quirky desert landmark. Memoirs of relationships and roadtrips past were inked  on most of them. I was still carrying my 2nd pair- the ones I'd had since Washington, PA. I had considered throwing them away, then I had considered taking them home as a souvenir, but when I saw the fence I knew. I scribbled my name and a farewell across their worn sole, and flung them o'er the wire. I dragged my fingers across them one last time. "Well, my faithful companions...here we are", I whispered. "You've carried this tired body over 1000 miles, but now it's time. It's time." To some, a pair of shoes is just a pair of shoes. But are Michael Jordan's shoes just shoes? No! They are the instruments by which great things are accomplished. "I commit your bodies to the desert", I said as I forced a smile, " your soles shall remain with me. You're home...", I blinked away the tears. "You're home." Onward I walked till at the end of 4 agonizing days, I  topped a hill overlooking Twentynine Palms. The scents of fast food wafted up the hill to tease me and tempt me and lenghten the endless descent into the valley. Finally I made it. I headed straight for McDonalds. While I was waiting in line, i chatted briefly with the lady behind me. After I left, i was heading back to a tree I'd seen earlier for the night. As I passed a hotel, she pulled up and (to make a long story short) gave me money for a room. WOW! What a sweetheart! It never ceases to amaze me. When I turned on the TV, the Los Angeles news was on. Things go so slow, it's sometimes hard to realize how far I've come. it kind of hit me last night. I plugged the iPod in. It worked. Whew. It hadturned into a pretty good evening. Emotions are running pretty high right now. Well, better hit that road. Aiming for Yucca Valley for church tomorrow. I'm glad you're all with me. Thanks for your encouragement and prayers.
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Goodbye AZ 12/15/2009
 
Well, I'm just a stones throw from california. Yeah, it's Tuesday. I'd intended to be there yesterday, but Victor, from the church in Wenden took me to Phoenix to speak to a group of preachers from around the state. It went really well. And let me just say, if you're ever near Wenden, AZ, visit the church of Christ there. Visiting with Victor is an experience that you'll never forget. Well, I've got to pick up some supplies and start putting some miles in. it's great to hear from everyone. I don't know how long it'll take me to write the book, but I'll definitely let you know about it. God bless. Much love.
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Oh my. 12/12/2009
 
I was beginning to think that this trip was quietly dying- that it was just sort of winding down, going through its methodical routine... I was beginning to think that I'd seen everything i needed to see and that these last miles were just kind of lying there... then this week happened. I've met so many great people. I've got the best adventure story of the entire walk (you'll have to buy the book. haha.) I met one of the most passionate, genuine, inspiring Christians I've ever met, and then had an emotional roadside embrace with a complete stranger. Wow! There's much to be thankful for. I walked through Phoenix- that was scary. I've wound my way through the western portion of Arizona and now I'm 11 miles from the California line. Oh my. I almost can't believe it. There's a bus ticket waiting for me in Oceanside with a departure date of Dec. 28th. 2 more weeks. Wish I could write more, but I've gotta go for now. Thanks for all your comments. Hopefully I can write again soon. Much love.   
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It's been quite a week. I met some great people Wednesday night in Show Low- the Ridgely's, who invited me to spend the night and have Thanksgiving dinner with them. Unfortunately, there being 90 miles between Show Low and Globe made it impossible for me to take Thursday off. But, out of the kindness of their hearts, they came and picked me up Thursday evening, after I'd walked all day, and took me back to their house for my Thanksgiving meal. Oh... turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, fruit salad, apple pie...wow. Then the next morning they dropped me back where they'd picked me up the night before. The road between Show Low and mesa was glorious. From walls of evergreens, to beautiful red canyons, to green mountains, it was fantastic. Then I descended into Salt River Canyon- the most beautiful thing i've ever seen. The day before I'd said "Wow!" probably a hundred times, but when I rounded a bend and saw it I was just awestruck. Words can't even describe it's beauty. The next day I spent a good portion of the day furious at the Arizona highway department. Now I'm not an expert mathematician by any means, but no matter how many times I go over it in my head, I still can't understand how 30 miles plus 38 miles equals 62 miles... I guess Arizona is like a pretty girl who thinks she can just get by on her good looks. And while 6 extra miles may not be a big deal to someone driving 70 mph, it's kind of a huge deal when your going about 3, and after putting in 31 already, it's kind of the end of the world. So I put on the angriest song i could find on the iPod, and scowled all the way to Globe. but, alas, i made it, and the church in nearby Miami took good care of me that night and the next. After Globe, I continued my descent through rugged desert mountains and a labyrinth of spectacular red rock walls that climbed forever into the sky. As I neared Superior, I could see the unmistakable silhouettes of the saguaro's against the pale moonlit sky. From there, I headed through the beautiful desert till I landed in the valley and rolled into Mesa at about 9 o'clock last night. I called the Cox's, whom I'd met at church in Springerville, and they gladly welcomed me into their home. If all goes well, I should be in San Diego by Christmas Day. Whew... Reliving the last week of my journey has worn me out. Gonna go for now. As always, thanks for writing. Much love.
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Show Low 11/25/2009
 
I'm sure you're all surprised to hear from me so soon. I put in another 35 mile day yesterday. Somehow I was just in another gear- I did it in only 12 total hours. I don't know what got into me. Anyway, the scenery between here and Springerville was beautiful. Big golden fields with soft rounded hills and black rock outcroppings. About halfway I topped a hill and looking west beheld an endless blanket of green. I managed to survive another night in the cold. Monday I was hoping to find some trees so I could make another fire. Unfortunately, as the sun sank below the horizon, I was still in the middle of a vast expanse of nothing. I crawled into a concrete tunnel beneath the road, and went to the southside corner where the sun had most recently shone. Then I slipped back up to the road and snagged about three quarters of a bale of straw which I'd seen as I walked along. I think it was there to prevent erosion. I guess if Arizona washes away it'll be my fault. I  made a nice bed of it and slept on top with a couple heating pads in my bag. When I woke up in the morning my water bottles were frozen, but I had managed to sleep pretty well all night. Rolled into Show Low lafter dark. Looks like i'm taking an easy day. The stress of not being sure where i'm going to sleep on the cold nights is getting to me. I'll be in the desert shortly, though. Average Nov and Dec lows there are in the 40's. Can't wait. thanks for the great comments last time. I got a good laugh out of them. i may have even blushed a little. Take care everyone!
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Alive 11/23/2009
 
I am, I promise. It's been a long week. I just walked the 150+ mile stretch between Socorro and Springerville. It was many things: scenic, tedious, cold, inspiring, frustrating.... Here's a brief rundown of the week.  Monday: Shortly after leaving Socorro, as i walked amongst beautiful red mountains and yellow fields, my camera disintegrated in my hands. I was so mad I almost smashed it on the ground and stomped its accursed parts. But, as i passed an awesome canyon, I decided that i wouldn't let it beat me. So, I fashioned a screwdriver out of some nail clippers and disassembled it, fixed it, and reassembled it. Haha!! My manhood has come full circle! I'm not much of a hunter, I'm no mechanic, I'm a laughable carpenter.... but today, TODAY where strength, wisdom, and ingenuity collided at my two hands, I AM MAN!...I'm choreographing a ballet in celebration of this realization. Caleb, who i met rather randomly, arranged for me to have a place to stay the night in magdalena. Tuesday: Walked 35 agonizing miles to Datil. Got a hotel room. I know--pansy. Wednesday: Walked through glorious country. Saw incredible wildlife and beautiful sawtooth mountains. About sundown, I crossed the continental divide with great feelings of arrogance. Two miles later, I was in Pie Town, where it had been arranged for me by Jennifer, from Magdalena, to stay the night in a hostel. At the Pie'o'neer restaurant I met Megan and Ty. They kept me company all evening. Ah, we all played guitar and sang till almost midnight- great evening! No church nearby though. Hated that I had to miss. Thursday: Had pie in Pie Town (at $4.75 a slice, they know you can't leave town without saying you've eaten pie in Pie Town). Walked to Quamado. Caleb had arranged for me to stay with Bill Green,  the school superintendent, so I had another bed. Crazy...3 nights this week I had a free, warm bed, while outside the temps were in the teens and single digits- all because I met Caleb for one hour of my life. To think, meeting him literally hinged on the flip of a coin back in Portales (there's much more to this story, just didn't have the time here). Friday: Walked more lovely country to Red Hill. Slept out for the first time in 6 days. I slept with a heating pad (thank you Jon Riddle!) in my bag and kept a fire burning all night. Saturday: Finally crossed into Arizona. it gets the award for most beautiful state line. I couldn't believe the change in scenery. Red rock everywhere, weird rock outcroppings, big green mesas, Wow! Stumbled into Springerville and headed straight for McDonalds. Slept under a trailer. Thought I'd see if i could survive without heating pads or fire. Barely made it. Got to 14 degrees according to most people. Most miserable night since the first one back in Maine. Sunday: My body weary and my spirits low, I headed to church. What a great congregation! It refreshed my spirit, and I got a bed and great company last night. Oh, it's just what I needed! getting ready to head to Show Low, then get out of the mountains. Gotta go. Thanks for writing everyone!
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