Day 61
A foggy morning
May 26th, 2010
I'm walking across America.
That's the idea, at least. I'm walking westward from New York City for nine months or so. If everything goes according to plan, I'll be in Oregon when the clock runs out. If nothing goes according to plan, maybe I'll end up in Peru or Mongolia or Pennsylvania. You can read all about the details of my trip if you're so inclined.
Email me at matt@imjustwalkin.com
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Here's my progress so far:
Hi Mat,
keep going dude.
-Wu
Great effort! Wish you all success in achieving this feat in a safe and purposeful manner.
May I suggest something that would keep you company in the loneliest and desolate of places…
Contemplate on who you actually are … think about the body that is doing the walking and the soul within …that is the real you… this is not a nut job writing this… you would actually start seeing even more in the souls that you meet on your journey…
it can open up your intellect to a higher being… and also benefit the souls that you meet.
Hey just read about your adventure on verizon homepage – AWESOME!!! A few times I have thought how crazy, cool this would be to do! I am 48 and not sure I will ever get to do it – so will follow your adventure and NEVER let anyone tell you you’re crazy! You have the rest of your life to “work”!
Awesome photo! Good luck on your journey. What an amazing thing to be able to tell your kids & grandkids. I think, secretly, we all wish we had the fortitude to take on this kind of journey. Blessings to you.
As an avid walker myself, I am jealous! If you come through Nampa Idaho, you are welcome to stay at my place. Big yard, little garden.
Very cool photo. The early mornings have to be the best. If you come through Billings, MT, let me know and you can stay at my place west of Billings about 5 miles. I have 10 acres so plenty of places to set up a tent. Enjoy your walk. I’m jealous. I hike a great deal in the mountains and its the best times I’ve ever had.
Great photo could almost feel and smell the cool foggy air. Keep up the great work and do NOT let anyone purposely get in your way. Safe and happy trips to you and to all the beautiful spirits you meet on your trip.
Matt…I love what you are doing and really enjoy your pictures. Just found the story about you today so I plan on keeping up on your progress. You also are now in my “book of quotes” for your statement about living your whole life preparing for the few years at the end…how true. I see people that don’t retire but change directions as the happiest and with the best health of anyone. I will stay tuned to your adventure in life…totally cool.
Dan
Beautiful picture. You don’t know me, but I like your story and I like what you’re doing! Ever hear the song “Walking is still honest” by Against Me! ? Do you listen to music while you walk, or just the sounds around you? Have a safe trip, and enjoy! Wish you the best on your travels.
Erin
Hey, Matt. I saw day 62 pictures. Beautiful! May the Lord and Lady be with you all the way. My daughter told me that if my car could go on forever without having to stop for fuel, I would drive forever. I felt such a happiness to see you push your cart and travel like you are. Keep safe and well.
I love the pictures, and this is a great thing (the walk) you are doing. Too bad you did not pass through Delaware I would have love to walk in my neighborhood with you. Keep going and I will follow you until your journey is complete.
Beautiful pictures indeed, wish you well. That picture book at the end of your jurney will be priceless. from Oakland, California.
May the roads rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And until you are with your loved ones again
May God hold you in the hallow of His hand.
Have a great, rewarding trip. Stay safe.
wow! I admire your enthusiasm for life! I wish I could do something of that sort! just live.. and appreicate the simple yet beautiful wonders of life instead of being stuck in a cubicle working my life away for a cause that I’m not even passionate about. Have a safe trip, best of luck! may you find what you’re seeking :)
May the grace of our Lord jesus Christ and the love of God and the [sweet, sweet] fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all the way.
Victor
Wow, what a great adventure, enjoy every step you make and every person you meet . America is full of kind people that will help you along if you need it, there is no need to worry about anything.
have a pleasant journey
I love what your doing! Walking is wonderful and across the US is AWESOME! I’d love to have done something like that. I’m sure its an amazing journey. Best of luck along the way. I’ll keep watching.
I wish our 23 year old unemployed college grad UVA was walking right alongside of you….I’d feel a lot better than his playing computer games. Best wishes…I will wait for the book!
Great photos. Keep them coming. You will never regret this. It will assume more importance to you when you get into your 70s and 80s. You are experiencing a great country and a great people. good luck.
Wow! what a great adventure. I pray that God will protect you and you keep meeting good and interesting people along the way. Great pictures. Keep us posted about everything. Enjoy and be safe
have safe trip
good luck
and post pictures along the way u go ahead
Matt,
This is great what you are doing! I am 33, with 3 kids so I don’t think it’s in the cards for me! But, good for you! You’ll always be able to get a job as an engineer!
I LOVE walking so this adventure of yours I can trully appreciate. Awesome that you stepped out of your “should be doing” zone and just went for it, just because. How many things have we all not done (and wished we had) because we thought we should be doing something else. Sometimes its just healthier to sieze the “just because” moments. The simpler joys. Ah, I’m smiling thinking of your journey. Good luck my new friend.
“Be Here Now”!
namaste
Dear Matt,
What an incredibly powerful journey you’re making – both on the road and within yourself! You have opened youself up to such an abundance of knowledge, awareness, friendship, good health and so many other blessings, all of which will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life.
Well done you!
Stay safe and well and strong, and do keep those beautiful pictures coming.
All the very best.
Hey Matt,
My wife just put me on to your journey. I’ll follow and comment as I become more informed about your adventure. Be careful and watch out for Bigfoot and UFO’s.
DT
From small town Ohio, best wishes on your trip. My wife, Donna, and I will be watching your site, with some real jealousy . God bless.
Heey~~ I wanna do that. ummmmm….I could I guess but not brave enough like you. God speed…er-a…..just be blessed! I am Bettyjean, just a songwriter at the moment and residing in beautiful Cumberland County, TN. Wished you could trip down to the Cumberland Plateau ’cause it is beautiful here. It is 1,800 feet elevation. You could Google this area. This is the golf capital of Tennessee! (I don’t play golf, this is just where my father’s heritage began, where my ancestors came to settle down and set up their camps). Pioneers used virgin pine for building houses so the they would last over a hundred years. I have my grandparents house and working to refurbish it. All the wood is yet sturdy and strong. I’ve seen some old houses bull dozed. Maybe you will be on trails where old houses and barns are still standing, good and strong like the backs of those who built them. I want to say just in case you need a home remedy for poison bites, psyllium seed (from a health foodstore), crushed and mixed with water & powered charcoal is great for drawing it out. It is also wise to swollow charcoal tabs or capsules thruout the day and on till all is better. A doctor might need to help with any infections and administer anti-venom later as you can get to one but the salve I mentioned is a key factor in helping yourself thru anything difficult such as a sting or bite. You will have to get energized after a bite so be prepared with a drink that can provide that for you. I would tell you this if I was on your path and meeting you today. Sorry this was so lengthy ~ Take care and have a safe walk!!! God bless America and you!!
Matt, my son lives in Corvallis, Or. He would love to greet you on your final leg of your journey. Just don’t give him any ideas about walking back with you :-)
Seriously, wishing you safe travels. And as a pro photog. myself, I would love to publish your images.
See you tomorrow!
Awsome!! Just read about yu! Congratulation and my GOD watch over you on this lovely journey! Great Pictures too! Keep them coming!
This would be so awesome to do. Were I younger and in better health I think I’d really consider doing it. I love walking and used to so a lot of it when I could.
I live 20 miles south of the Rockaway Beach you’re headed to. Perhaps you would like to stop in Tillamook and have a cup of coffee, tea or water with my husband and I. :D I’ll be following your adventures.
Take care!
Elizabeth
Matt
Just came across this today. I think what you’re doing is admirable, not many people have the guts to do something like this. For me, it’s road trips. To get away, to think, to find myself again. Sometimes in these days you lose track of who you are and really have to take time to look within and get back in touch with yourself, you need time alone to reflect on where you’ve been and where you want to be. I’m not sure if that comes close to the purpose of your travels, it’s the purpose for mine when I get to that point to just leave…and just drive. I wish you the best, I will be watching your progress. Awesome photo, I love it! =)
Fantastic! Walking is the best mode for an adventure for everyone. I am tickled to see that your route took you through the best parts of Western Wisconsin. The “Driftless Region”, the Mississippi River, Coon Valley, LaCroose, Westby, Viroqua, the scandianavian historical area…. are a hidden treasure that many folks don’t realize or appreciate. How did you enjoy the WORLD’S largest sixpack….well atleast in Wisconsin anyway. I look forward to following your journey with all the pictures. Stay safe. I know you will be successful to the finish. BUt obviously don’t be in any too hurry. Amazing how far you have traveled in only 60 days. Blows my mind how far you have yet to go and the vast amount of terrain you still will encounter.
CARRY ON !!!
Matt,
You are doing what 95% of the world’s population would like to do, themselves. (Myself included) I wish you a joyous trip and a safe return. God Speed and God Bless!
Wow! What an inspiring story. Wishing you the best during this incredible chapter of your life. May your health remain good and your spirit stay strong. May those you come across treat you with kindness and generosity. Looking forward to tracking your efforts along this journey.
God Bless!
Awesome adventure!! Keep up the good work for all of us, who always wanted to do something like this, but never had the drive to get out there and make it happen. All the best in your journey!!
Hi Matt,
I totally appreciate what you’re doing. I’ve done a lot of trekking in Nepal, and am now preparing for my own cross country journey. However, I’m not quite as ambitious as you. I will be driving from the east coast of Canada, and eventually end up on the west coast. I’ll keep track of your travels, as I’m planning on going through the US as well. Maybe we’ll meet somewhere along the way. Take very good care of yourself. God Bless.
You are living my dream! You can be the updated Peter Jenkins and I can walk vicariously through you! Good Luck!
beautiful.
Awesome shot Matt.
I know this area well because my sister has lived down the road, in Readstown, for the past 30 years. The photograph captures its early morning beauty. If I’d known you were passing so close, I would have told her. She would have enjoyed meeting you. What a wonderful adventure. I love walking, and long-distance treks are my favorite. I wish you a safe and interesting journey!
almost caught up with u at day 61 not giving yet.
Beautiful photo – I’m enjoying YOUR adventure immensely – Still trying to catch up with your current day’s journey.