Day 62

Credits

May 27th, 2010



I just wanted to take this opportunity to publicly thank a few people for their help in putting this whole thing together.

Jason Eppink: Site designer and vigilant webmaster

Roger Berg: Designer and generous donor of the Runabout stroller I'm using as my cart

Posterchild: Originator of the "imjustwalkin" website name

Bill Wetzel: Originator of the "We May Never Meet Again" sign on the front of my cart

Gary Hause: The man who convinced me I could do it


142 Comments

  1. Ronnie says:

    It is refreshing to see someone who is not afraid to “slow down” and sample all that there is to see. You’re wonderful pictures show that some much is missed in the daily hustle of life. This truly a case of not just the destination but the journey itself. I wish you the best of luck and safe travel.

  2. Cheri Spain says:

    I absolutely love this! Thank you all whom has brought this to us for reflection. What is there to do in life but to live it…Be free!
    Thanks,
    Cheri

  3. kelli says:

    I just finished catching up on your journey. how marvelous to see this snapshot of our nation, and all the many people who make it what it is. I find myself wistful for the slower paced life and rural towns. I live in CA and its not so rural, you know? lots of fam in OK, and i love it there. some of your photos remind of it. cant wait to see what the next few days brings you. HAVE FUN!!!!!

  4. Sabrina says:

    I’m amazed at these pictures. Most people who travel do it so quickly, they don’t get to really SEE these things. I think what you’re doing is wonderful and beautiful. Happy trails!

  5. SUZANNE says:

    I just read of your adventure today. I have dreams of one day doing the Appalachian Trail so I get what you are doing. I will continue to watch and think of your safety. Good luck! Suzanne
    p.s. for good reading look at http://www.walkingtheamazon.com Ed Stafford is walking the Amazon and having an amazing adventure!

  6. Melanie says:

    Your journey is amazing! Thank you for sharing it!

  7. Mike K says:

    Reading about your journey has left me completely speechless. It is so awesome that you are out there living out your dream and doing what you love. Best of luck and safe travels.

  8. titi says:

    This is an amazing thing to do for oneself, I truely envy you. I am real fun of the movie,forest gump. I agree with you there is this thing that makes you calm and content when you walk, my favourite hobby…..

    Goodluck, may God be with you!!

  9. Heidi Ceruto says:

    It’s my dream to walk the AT too. Thanks for the inspiration. I know one day I’ll do it! May you stay safe and content.

  10. Aatif says:

    I just read your story and LOVED it. An Engineer colleague of mine walked across Colorado, and I have been impressed with his story every since.

    I am so happy for you that you had the courage to take some time off from the regimented work life, and are doing what makes you happy. I hope and pray that you stay safe in this journy.

    I really wish that I could go for an adventure like yours some day, but I am afraid that a middle eastern looking Muslim man like my self cannot walk across US with out getting harmed. Sigh! Some day I hope I will.

    • CHARITY says:

      This is for Aatif: Unfortunatly you are probably right about your safety and that as an American breaks my heart! The ignorance and fear of so many makes me very sad, but you know what? I would love to travel like this and i wouldn’t be safe either, not because of my ethnicity but because I am a woman. So sad!

      • Aatif says:

        CHARITY: “not because of my ethnicity but because I am a woman.”

        Totally understand your concern. I hope some day, the society could evolve to the level that no woman has to be afraid for her safety. We don’t live in jungles any more, and physical might should not be right any more.

        Any ways, I would steer this convo in the “happy” direction and savor this inspirational story. Dude! your story has made my day, I just walked over to my Colorado crossing colleague’s office, and have tried to convince him to walk to West Coast with me :D

      • Heidi C says:

        Charity being a woman has kept me from many adventures. We women need to get together. An army of us would have to be safe.

  11. Carry says:

    BEST WISHES ON YOUR TREK! :)

  12. godwin says:

    You will never know how much your story inspired me today. I think you are doing a great thing. I wish you the very best on your journey. Be safe.

  13. Jen S says:

    I love what you are doing! Enjoy your journey. Be safe and keep us all posted!

  14. Melisa says:

    I am thrilled, and excited for your adventure. It lifts my heart to see such life, and an opportunity for people’s kindness to come forward. It is shaking people up, tearing down walls and preparing a way for some kind of good life to come shining through. I have made this page, a favorite and it will be added to sites I check daily. If you pass through Portland Oregon, I will be watching to maybe say hi. Good for you. Enjoy it all…have a good time…thank you for the inspiration.

  15. Tia says:

    People like you amaze me! I wish you the best of luck and will keep checking in on your progress.

  16. Gena says:

    I would love to be able to do what you are doing. May God Bless You and Keep You Safe! I will keep you in my prayers that no harm finds you. Good Luck and have lots of fun…

  17. Deanne Willis says:

    Like most everyone else I just read an article on yahoo and thought *what a fantastic thing to do* so I came to the website to wish you safe journey!

  18. Laura says:

    Thanks for the inspiration today!

  19. Eric says:

    You are indeed an inspiration, especially since I look out my cube every day and go walking outside just to be free and reflect on the goodness of life and try so hard not to get wrapped up in all the commercialism. Thanks for sharing.

  20. CHARITY says:

    Oh how I envy your world right now! You are truly a gift. As a mother I totally understand your parents fears but bless their hearts for raising such a beautiful spirit!!! You are in my thoughts and prayers, GOD SPEED AND HAVE A BLAST!!!!

  21. Lisa says:

    I just read the article from Avalon, WI and had to check out the website. I have spent the last 2 hours starting from the beginning and becoming current. I’m in Texas and you won’t be coming way, but I’ll be keeping up with you. Good Luck and thank you.

    • Gayle Opie says:

      I happened on this blog just this morning, too, and have spent several hours catching up from day 1 to today. I’m also in Texas but I was hoping his trip would take him through South Dakota because I could alert several people along the way from Sioux Falls to Rapid City — oh well.

  22. Kryss says:

    Leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time & take nothing but pictures. Your journey my be of your own inspiration, but because of it, you have inspired others. I wish you the best of luck Mr. Green. Every now-&-then don’t forget to look behind you, sometimes it’s hard to know where your going, if you don’t know where you’ve been.

  23. Yusuf says:

    Just came across an article about you on Yahoo! news and I have to say this quite an ambitious under-taking. Wish you were coming through Houston however I am sure the summer heat would have fried you brain! You have awesome pictures and seem to be having an amazing journey. You are quite an inspiration for those who are stuck in their same old routine. Be safe!

  24. Josh says:

    I have to say, it takes alot to do what your doing. Keep up the good work man, and Ill keep you in my prayers. If more people in this world would do things like what your doing and encountering it would be a better world. I give you alot of credit for just up and quitting your job and doing this. Hopefully when you get back you will still have a job there for you if you want it. I am in Northern California, to bad your not coming out this way. Ill be keeping up with your site. Good luck man.

  25. David says:

    Very inspiring to me, what a way to meet people, and see what kindness people are willing to share. I know this journey will change your life forever and will inspire you to see the good in people. God Bless you on your journey!

  26. christian says:

    Wow. I’m impressed with your intreped journey. Best of luck and safe travels to you. I echo everyone’s sentiments – we’re all envious and longing to get out of cubicle junction. Thank you for your inspirational journey…..please take more pictures. I’ll be back to watch the rest of your trip!

  27. Peggy Grossenbacher says:

    I just read about your story…it came up on my homepage…front page news! As a mother, I would be worried sick, I fully admit that. I still hope that my son will someday experience this great country and it’s people the way you are. I was reassured to see that there are still good, kind people out there like the ones who have opened there homes to you along the way. I knew they were out there…I just wish the news would tell us more about them and less about the worst of our citizens. I will be praying every night that you return safe and sound to your mother and father…and that somewhere along the way you find what you are looking for. Keep the sun on your face and the wind at your back!

  28. Toni says:

    I sure do wish you had come through my area, I would have loved to invite you to pitch your tent in our yard by the pond, and then walk a ways with you on your journey. It’s wonderful to see someone who has the nerve to fulfill their dream.

  29. David says:

    I love this; my sentiments agree with everyone’s: best of luck, very inspiring, I also believe this is an awesome showing of how versatile and beautiful our country can be both physically and in her people. Three cheers to your endeavor and your sense of adventure. I have one question though what type of shoes are you using???

    SlĂ inte!

  30. Juls says:

    Your story is so inspiring, especially with the economy the way it is and so many people in financial trouble (hardship). I put your website in my favorites and will definitely be checking it each day. The people that you are meeting along the way are extremely lucky! I am jealous! Have a safe trip….

  31. Aatif says:

    I was kinda bummed that you are not going thru Texas (it’s just a “lil” south of your route :D ). I would have hosted you here.

    • paul says:

      Hey, Aatif! You the “middle Eastern looking Muslim man” above? In Texas? I’m an “average looking American.” (Whatever that is!) Let’s walk across Texas one day! Let’s make it in the “winter” and we can do east to west or west to east. What’ll it take us? A month maybe? Maybe a bit less? (Hey! We’re a B-I-G, proud state!) Then the next year we can do Texline to Brownsville in fall? Or Brownsville to Texline in the spring? Follow the wildflowers north?

  32. Oceania says:

    Your story is great along with your photos! Have a safe and wonderful journey to Rockaway Beach, Oregon.

    I wish I could get at group of people together and walk from Sonoma Country, CA to Hudson, Fl and up from there to NYC, then on to Milford, CT! You are very brave to do this alone and take care and I will keep watching!

  33. Chris and Todd says:

    I love what you are doing! I am also not a little jealous… :) Be safe and have fun and know that you have people cheering you on and praying for you. My children are fascinated by this adventure and are very excited that you are headed for our home state of Oregon! (You can camp on our lawn any day)!

  34. Leigh says:

    OK… now having looked through a good bit of your journey today… so intriguing…. I think once you are back… you need to make a calendar of all the sweet mailboxes or at least a poster or something. I would love to see them all!! Love them..

  35. Keith says:

    Welcome to Minnesota! You picked a great time of year to visit. The state looks marvelous in late May.

  36. Courtney says:

    Wishing you all the best in your grand journey! I’d love to know what books you are reading along the way. Looking forward to following your adventure on your blog.

  37. Shannon says:

    Welcome to Minnesota! I’ll keep you in mind during my overnight shift in Rochester, MN.

  38. Alexis says:

    Just came across this – really wonderful! Keep going, we’ll all be ‘going with you!’

  39. Bubba Mahery says:

    Matt,

    Yuo lucky dog! I always wanted to do that someday but I let life get by without it. I’ll jus go with you in spirit. It wont be quite the same but it’s better than not doing a thing. Good luck my man and God’s speed. May you always have the heart you have now.

  40. John says:

    Hey Matt,

    Just found out about your walk, so I can’t say welcome to Wisconsin anymore, you’re already in Minnesota. If you’ll be near Sturgis, SD in early August we’d love to meet you. We’ll be camping out there, down by Cheyenne Crossing.

    John and Sarah

  41. Tere Kiner says:

    Oh how I wish I could have gone with! I just today learned about your beautiful journey from an internet news report. I will back track and see where you’ve been, and you can bet I will be following online and in spirit where you are going. May you be blessed with each day your are given, each step that you take, each sight that you see, and by the good people of the USA that you shall meet along the way. Enjoy! P.S. If you are planning on walking back home, please set your course, so you will pass through Kentucky, as I would love for our family to meet you, make you a meal, pour you some sweet tea and hear your tales of the road. You have my email, the offer stands! Tere K. and family

  42. Phaedra Wilkinson says:

    Hello Matt,

    My husband sent me an article about you, and I’m blown away by your bravery and your gutts to get outside of your comfort zone. I’m a happily married mom of two, who knows how it feels to follow the safe normal route…it’s amazing how hard it is to move off the beaten path. You will be an inspiration to many…including me. I hope your new route gives you many moments of reflection and helps you to meet a few of the people that make this world go around. Best of luck to you and have fun!

    P. Wilkinson
    Front Royal, VA

  43. Charity Bass says:

    God bless you and keep you safe on your trip!! You satisfy the wanderlust in all of us…

  44. Larry says:

    You’re so right – we save it all up for the end of our lives when it’s too late for real adventures. Good for you!
    Walk safe!

  45. Julie L says:

    I love to walk, it’s very therapeutic. I think it’s great what you are doing. Even if you don’t get any great epiphany on this trip you will have experiences that you will carry with you forever. Awesome!!!!

  46. Gabby says:

    I rode my motorcycle alone to 49 states, every province in Canada and one state in Mexico, trying to stay off the interstates as I went so I could really enjoy it all. You and I seem have the same spirit inside us. Sometimes I think John Colter did too. He was a member of Lewis and Clark’s Corp of Discovery and he turned around when he was almost back to St. Louis. He just had to go back to the mountains and see more of what’s out there. I have to see what’s on the other side of the horizon, what’s in the next town, how they live and all. As I go along my way I try to picture what it was like 500 years ago. Take away the power poles, driveways, ditches, fences, roads, farm fields and put back the native grasses and trees. When you get to South Dakota and in between towns stand still for a few minutes and just listen. If you’re far enough between towns all you’ll hear is the earth.

    I need to stop now or I’ll just keep going on, hence my name “Gabby”. I’m with you friend, but don’t be surprised if you see a silver scooter from Illinois stop to say hello. One question though, how many times along the way have you said, “Now that is cool.” Stay safe and have a nice walk.

  47. Angie says:

    Just started reading your blog…Love it! What a great idea and “break” from daily life. You are an inspiration to get out there and do what you want to do. I hope the trek is treating you well. When you reach Oregon (probably in Nov. or Dec.), you have a place to stay…and trust me you will probably want to stay indoors with the weather at that time. If you come across Bend, OR which is smack dab central Oregon…give me a shout! Bend is an awesome place that you wont want to miss!

    Good luck with your journey…I’ll be riding along with you (at my desk at work)! Thanks for the adventure!

    Angie
    Bend, Oregon

  48. Matt, you walk for those who cannot. You view this wonderful, wide country for those who are unable to leave their homes. The people you meet are friends you had not bumped into until now, and because both your life and your new friend’s are enriched, so are we all. I am that seashell you toss into the ocean, because it matters to me. I am the neighbor you love, the stranger you happen across, the thousand handshakes and the million smiles you encounter along the way. Thank you for you, dear Matt, for living the dream of us all.

  49. Tenoa says:

    I wonder what comes to you when you see something and reflect on it….just for a moment.

    While reading I am reflecting on my life and what to come.

    Thank you for the inspirational journey and wish all the best of luck and God bless.

    You have touched some part of us that we tend to laid them back somewhere!!!

    Be safe and looking forward to your updates.

  50. Gerald says:

    I am so glad I saw this story today on MSNBC. I do want to thank you for waisting an entire day following this website. I am sure my boss will be happy that at the very least I was inspired. Thanks so much. will not miss another day.

  51. kristi says:

    If your in Houston Texas and need a break let me know… I am a girl who likes to have fun lol.

  52. Mark says:

    Hi Matt,

    I just read an AP story about your walk. I like your insights on how fear can cut us off from life, about the illusion of safety and on being available to life now rather than living for the future.

    Have a good walk. Thanks for the images from your trip!

    health and happiness,
    Mark
    Los Angeles, CA

  53. Slawa says:

    Awesome!!!! Great story. Hope your journey takes you through Grand Canyon, hope to see there. If not, let me know if I can help. Best of everything to you!
    Slawa

  54. James Bishop says:

    Yahoo! Has your story on the home page and I was compelled to look. I have spent most of the day viewing your travels and am in awe. We are viewing your adventure and as a result you are fulfilling many of our wishful fantasies. I will come back every day… How can I help?

  55. Ridge says:

    Cool trip. Fascinating story. So, what’s the plan for getting home once you make it to Oregon?

  56. Bella says:

    Very inspiring! I can’t wait to read about your journey! Your experiences, How you feel! the feeling of being alone but not. What you’re doing is great I would do it too If my circumstances would allow. Safe keeps!

  57. SonyaJ says:

    Inspiring indeed! I’m glad Yahoo posted an article about your story. :)

    I look forward to more of your posts. Stay safe!

  58. Karen says:

    So glad to have stumbled upon this! I truly “GET” your motivation behind this walkabout. This is something I would love to try if I had the guts – more power to you… and this discovery trek of a lifetime. I will be “following” you all the way! Take care.

  59. Hayden says:

    What a fantastic journey you have embarked upon.
    I see that whether you intended to..or not, you have inspired many people to at least ponder their mundane routines.
    News of your endeavour has spread far and wide and I write this from my computer in New Zealand.

    Stay safe and enjoy the many wonderful people along the way…..I wish I could do something similar some time

  60. Nelzi says:

    Dude, awesome! My heart leapt considering your adventure; the hard work walking, the great people you will meet and the gorgeous country you will see, the tenacity and crazy endurance. Sweet.

  61. PAUL says:

    RESPECT!!

  62. Paul says:

    Just saw this on yahoo news, you sir are an inspiration!!! Many blessings and best of luck!!!

  63. Meredith says:

    Even though you’re not passing through Mankato, MN, know that there’s someone here cheering you on! I always have wanted to do something like this, only on a bike, but am unable to thanks to heath problems. Way to go! I wish you the best of luck and smooth travels across MN and beyond.

  64. Vincent says:

    I just saw this from yahoo news, and then spent the last two hours reading all your photos from day 1. You made me remember the movie “The Blind Side”. There’s still lot of kind people out there. Just remember you’re not walking alone as I’ll be following your journey from now on. Godspeed to you!

  65. Larry says:

    grew up in WI not far from where you were, thanks for the pics, always wanted to just go, like you have, but you really did it !! that takes guts, gumption, courage and a lot of other things, thanks for takin us along with you by providing pics and editorials, will be checkin your progress as you go, would like to meet you in oregon, i live in sacramento, would like to shake your hand, happy trails

  66. Jojo says:

    Dude you rock, thanks for sharing your road trip in pictures. I have never had the opportunity to see many states like you will get too so i will keep track of you daily. Thanks for sharing. Be Safe.

    Jojo

  67. I learned of your adventure just today and after following your experience over first few days, I feel so impressed by your encounters with the road, the countryside, the people and the comments on the blog …. I hope someday I shall be out there on a similar trip … keep safe and keep going!

  68. Helen says:

    I read about your journey in an online news piece just a few minutes ago. It’s so funny, no agenda? I think there is an agenda, but not so obvious … in an extremely obvious way.

    Myself, I don’t drive. I’ve never owned a car, so I walk to the store or to wherever. People respond as if I’m crazy, they can’t concieve of walking less than a half a mile to get groceries. It’s amazing to me. But, as a stream of cars buzz past me, I look up and I see the glorious sunset right in front of me and I wonder, do they see it? And then I see this perfect little flower sticking up out of the ground, or spot a kid spraying another with a waterhose and then I laugh to myself because I know the people rushing like madmen to get home have missed it all.

    Life is beautiful, if you can figure out a way to stop with the craziness, slow down and just look at it. When I start burdening myself with the fact that I can’t seem to meet expectations, or everything just seems to be going wrong, I just have to look up at the pink and purple sky and think, wow, thank you God that I saw another one.

    Your agenda? Is probably something similar to Henry David Thoreau when he said ” I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. ”

    How sad would that be? If we spent our days rushing around like madmen, meeting this deadline and that, stressed, hurried and rushed … came to the end of our lives to find we had never really lived at all?

    Enjoy the chocolate, laugh at the jokes, laugh at yourself, breath while you still have a nose, and be thankful when you can watch the sun go down, knowing it will be there tomorrow. Life is really simple – just ask the birds.

    • Wyn says:

      Hear, hear, Helen!

      Matt,

      As with Robert Frost’s better known poem, you have taken the road less traveled by… and it has made all the difference. I believe that someday, when you look back at this amazing, life-altering trek, you will come to understand that, if you have not done so already.

      I, too, read of your amazing journey on Yahoo a few hours ago. Instead of replying right away, I went back to the beginning to see your journey in a proper perspective.

      It has been inspiring. Intriguing. Humorous. Maybe even a bit melancholy in a few places here and there.

      But most of all, it has been a powerful, powerful message about Hope for humanity. About the Butterfly Effect, or the ripples in the pond. So many people come and go in our lives, and we have the ability to reach out and touch them for the better, yet so very many of us never do…

      And this? This wonderful, beautiful interaction that you have witnessed in the two months that you’ve been on the road? This is how humanity should be.

      Thank you for giving me hope once again. I look forward to following your incredible journey as it progresses, and wish you safe passage along the way.

      We may never meet… but this journey of yours has profoundly touched me.

      Thank you for that.
      ~Wyn

  69. Heather says:

    I just ran across your story on Yahoo.com…I think it’s incredible and I wish you the best of luck on your journey! It takes a leap of faith to leave everything you know and journey across the country. May God keep you safe and bless you along the way. This will be a story you will be able to share for the rest of your life!!! How amazing! Good luck to you…

  70. Kerin says:

    Oh, to be in your shoes! I’ve had an incredible wanderlust my whole life and yet can’t yet find the right time to follow it. I did, though, get rid of everything I owned at one point and moved 3,000 miles to place I’d never been before. It was the best decision of my life. I’ve been able to explore what life can really be, and it holds so much wonder. I’m proud you chose my adopted home state as your destination – Oregon, I am convinced, is the most beautiful place in the country. If you happen to be passing through Happy Valley, Oregon, on your trip, I have a lovely guest bed and veggie garden that you’re welcome to. There’s a little hill by my house that offers an amazing view of the whole valley clear into Washington. Beautiful place to watch the sun set. :)

    Safe travels, and may you always be curious.

  71. Melody says:

    You’re cool, man. Keep on keep-onning.

  72. Jenypher O. says:

    Hi Matt,

    Wow! I guess you hit prime time! I read about your travels on my phone news app and have been hooked on your blog all day (you: wind in your hair, dirt at your feet. Me: butt in my chair til the end of the week). I came here to post a comment, finally, and OMG, you have like a ton of them! I’m going to keep following you, because this is amazing and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow’s adventure will be. Thank you for showing us that Americans are still kind and generous, thank you for having the courage to do what most of us only dream about. I liked your quote asking what’s the point of living a majority of your life preparing for the small part at the end. I don’t know how many times a day that thought runs through my head. I have too many responsibilities right now, though, so I’ll just pretend I’m walking next to you, if that’s okay with you!

    Merry wishes on your travels!! I’ll keep reading, if you keep walking!

  73. chris says:

    just saw this on yahoo. hope you see some wide open county. not very much of that in california. take lots of pics. have a fun time and hope to see you finsh the walk across the u.s.

  74. Colin in Sconi says:

    Just read about your journey today and I am both impressed and awe-inspired!

    I will be sure to follow your progress across our great nation! I hope you found the great state of Wisconsin pleasant & accomodating! Enjoy Minnesota!

    Oh and sorry to hear about the heat you had to travel through in Wisconsin earlier in the week. It’s that kind of heat & humidity that wilt us too. While we tolerate the cold & frigid winters and all the snow goes with it, we are typically rewarded with mid 70s to low 80 degree days with low humidity…the early part of this week is not a typical Wisconsin summer day!!!

  75. Linda H says:

    God bless you hun. I would not mind doing this myself. Only in my car. :) This has to be the best news I have read in a very long time. Imagine. How many people wish they were in your shoes? You will see sights and talk to people you may not ever see again. Just think of the lasting memories you will always have. The best ones to boot!!

    May God and his band of Angels protect you on your journey. Enjoy for as long as you can. You are living proof that you can LIVE your dreams! You just have to want it bad enough.

  76. Christine O-HI-O says:

    What a beautiful path you have taken in life. In this day and age of war, recession and faith lost in our government you have turned it around for me. This is what America is, this is what we are fighting for. You are putting a face on America the beautiful and to you I say Thank You- for just walkin.

  77. Masha says:

    Matt, amazing website, so glad I found it while you are just beginning so that I can follow along as you go. I love your pictures and your attitude, as expressed by your comments is inspiring. Thank you for helping to show the kindness that lives in people still. I find too often that we are afraid to help someone we see simply out of fear of the unknown. On occasion I have offered help to people in carrying something up the stairs and have been refused because of their confusion as to my intentions. Too many of us no longer believe in a stranger’s genuine kindness. I have cried over and over reading about the kindness others have given you. Thank you and I hope you are safe on your journey!

  78. Gale and Laura says:

    Matt, we are two southern girls who took a month to travel cross-country from South Carolina to Washington. As women, it would not have been safe for us to walk-across to our new home, so a car-across was the next best thing. Still, we had a great adventure and a lot of fun! Laura and I learned more than we ever thought possible about our country, our “neighbors,” and ourselves. We have gained so much from our “crossing” America. We feel braver, stronger, more free, more peaceful, have more patience, more perseverance, more respect for others and ourselves, and perhaps most important of all, we found that we have more faith in a higher power, in other people, and in ourselves.

    Matt, Laura and I will be viewing and enjoying your blogging. We hope this walk-across provides the answers to your questions and is everything that you have ever dreamed it would be. And if you should find your walk-across passing through or near the Puget Sound (outside the “city” of Seattle), then please e-mail us and we will be more than happy to help you with shelter and food. Take care, stay safe, and travel well!

  79. Joan says:

    This is so terrific. I love to see all the small, out of the way places. You are getting to see them and to connect with people, which is something we don’t do nearly enough of anymore in this face-paced world. Good luck to you! I will keep checking in to see how you are doing. It warms my heart to see your pictures!

  80. Wendy says:

    What an amazing adventure…Enjoy the peace and solitude and kuddos to you for following your dreams!

  81. Tim Crawford says:

    Amazing journey and story, good luck and enjoy the rest of your trip. Thank you for the inspiration!

    “You don’t drown by falling in water. You drown by staying there”

  82. Bill Leslie says:

    We loved the AP story!

  83. Regina says:

    thank you for sharing your experiences. You take wonderful pictures. I wish you a wonderful time on your adventure. Stay safe!

  84. Pauline says:

    I think what you are doing is amazing. Thank you for this story and I will keep checking in to view/read your progress. Continue to take great pictures.

  85. Aaron says:

    Matt,

    Like others I stumbled upon an article that linked to this site and was intrigued by the premise. I just wanted to throw in my “two cents” as well by saying I may not completely understand the depth or the meaning of this journey to you, but I can certainly appreciate it and dare say am even a little jealous. As a college student, sometimes the burden of “what will happen” and “life problems” makes me yearn for just the kind of adventure you’re on. I can’t imagine all of the sights you’re getting to see, moreso than I will in my entire lifetime no doubt. I hope that you find whatever it is you may or may not be looking for, and remember, even when this journey ends, another will begin. Good luck and happy trails to you. God bless!

    Aaron

  86. Graci says:

    Matt,
    Wow. This is really incredible what you are doing. It takes guts to leave everything that you know and embark on an adventure. I wish I was as brave as you are. I would have a hard time living out of that tiny cart though! Keep living your adventure for those of us who aren’t brave enough to go ourselves! I will continue to follow your progress and I hope that your trip is a special and wonderful time for you.
    Sincerely,

    Graci

  87. Nicole says:

    Just found your site and I’m glad I spent a couple hours reading each & every post. I’ve been wondering what to do with my time & have always wanted to just escape it all. Thank you for reminding me what really matters in life.

  88. Heather says:

    Good for you! I think more people need to take time in life to do the things that make them happy. Last month some cousins and I were at a Germanfest in TX. and we met a man from Ohio named Quinten who was doing the same thing but for some reason his destination was Southern CA. which meant he was taking the hot route. His reason was “why not?” and we couldn’t have agreed more, early 20’s no wife and no kids who could blame him? I wish you luck on your travels and lots more cool stuff along the way. Did you keep the santa hat walrus toy? A neat momento I thought but I’m sure you’re limited on space. Happy Trails :)

  89. Stan Dubin says:

    Just found this site today, through a Facebook friend.

    Absolutely love the clarity of your photography.

    And of course the very best to you in your journey across this wonderful country of ours!

  90. Karen says:

    Welcome to Minnesota! We have ordered 5 days of beautiful weather for you. Best of luck
    on this fabulous journey!

  91. Debbie says:

    Very inspirational. With all the sadness, heartache of our world today it is refreshing to read about the hospitality and friendliness of our Heartland Folks. If you decide to travel back across the US and a little south…West Virginia is a beautiful state to travel through.

    God Speed to you.

  92. cheryl says:

    Just read the story about your journey. I laud you for such courage to pursue head on your passion and aspirations. If I am somewhere near you and if I had known you, I would have readily convince you to let me go with you, however, that would really ruin the fun of it and the feeling of solitude as well as the air of mystery of walking alone some untrodden paths. That being so I’ll just content myself with the snaps your feeding in your website. Enjoy your walk and savor the moment. This is Cheryl from the Philippines. Hurrah’s to you, and God Bless. Congratulations.

  93. Mama Bear says:

    Awesome trek. My family and I have driven cross-country twice now and even as we drove I longed to slow it down and just “wander”. I recently started backpacking (in my mid-40’s!) as it was always a dream as a kid to just sling on a pack and head for the hills. I hope one day to walk across country along the Discovery Trail. Currently I trek all over Virginia near home with a bunch of teens in Venture Crew 247 (part of scouting). I’l pray for your continued safety, good weather, new friends and that special inner peace one only gets from long treks…..and remember, not all who wander are lost!

  94. Kathy says:

    I am sitting at my computer, overwhelmed with work, and then I read your story. Each evening I tell myself that I MAY NOT do my 5-6 mile walk tomorrow as I have too much work to do, but I know I will get up and walk because that it when I feel happiest. May you create many keepsake memories on your trek across America! It took alot of courage to leaving what you know, in this case, “your cubical”! God Blessings to you, those you meet and those you inspire.

  95. Southerngal says:

    I found out about you through Yahoo. What a wonderful thing you are doing. I’m sure alot of us have often dreamed of just taking off & actually living life simplier. If you call all that walking simple. ha…
    I actually just finished reading a book called “The Walk” and it really got me to thinking about life…and then, here you are. I pray that you have continued good luck, a renewed look upon life & everything happening the way you want & need it to.

  96. Dana says:

    Awesome. If only there would be more with your curiosity, and human interest, and less greedy people obsesed with efficiency :) Which sometimes kills imagination and inovation. Good luck, may God watch over you so you can return safely – for the joy of your parents. And even if this does not help you figure out what you would like to do with your life, still…can this awesome adenture be compared with the routine of making a living? No, definitely not.

  97. Jake says:

    I live on a farm on state highway 109 between Wells and Easton. It’s west of Albert Lea and you will probably figure out where that is. I’m pretty sure you could camp in our yard if I can convince my parents lol.

  98. Stephanie says:

    Found you today through Yahoo. what an amazing journey and I love the photos. Wish that Texas wasn’t too far south…

    you got your very own mention on my blog today, http://worldaccordingtoher.wordpress.com/2010/05/27/take-a-walk-with-matt/

    Have many safe travels, have many brilliant memories made and be light of foot and strong in determination Matt!!!

  99. Peggy says:

    Just saw your story-clicked onto your page. Amazing thank you for letting us come along for the ride. Good luck, god bless & safe trip!

  100. Jeremy says:

    hey matt – what happened to the halcyon days when I could expect 1 or 2 comments under each pic? something weird is going on here.

  101. Kathy G says:

    I am so jealous. I have long talked about doing exactly what you are doing. Brilliant.

  102. Troy says:

    Dude, you need to be angling south. You’ll freeze come winter.

  103. Bob Vincent says:

    When I first read about you, the article said that you were pushing a cart across the country. You know I was really glad to see that you had a much nicer rig than the rusty shopping cart full of cans that I had envisioned.
    Sorry about that, it must be my urban upbringing that triggered it. Your story does my heart good. Years ago, the closest friend that I’ve ever had, one of my cousins, and I had planned to hike the Appalachian Trail since we were teenagers. We never made it. He was killed in a car accident. Good for you that you made up your mind to do something special while you still can, you’ll never regret it. -Bob

  104. Elizabeth Nickoles says:

    I think what you are doing is so amazing and so brave- you stepped outside of your comfort zone! You totally went from merely existing to living! That’s monumental! I think so many times people get wrapped up in their routines that they don’t stop and enjoy life and what all it can offer. You’re an inspiration!

  105. Lisa S says:

    Matt,

    Like most readers/commenters above, after I read the AP article today and found the link to imjustwalkin.com, I found it impossible to tear myself away and scrolled through every last post back to day 1! Thank you for sharing this experience with us fellow “wanderlusters”, for connecting us with each other and to all the generous, outstanding, warm-hearted and deep pocketed people that you have met along the way. I can’t wait to see what adventures and awesome mailboxes are yet to come!

    -Lisa

    • Pablo says:

      I did the same thing, except i read from day 1 to day 62! It gave me the feeling that i was walking by his side the entire way. I don’t know if he has thought of this, but he has touched many people thru this website. Personally, after reading about his journey, i feel that anything in life is possible as long as we are determined and motivated.

  106. Fox says:

    like the poetry i so often write your showing the world that somethings must be slowed down to truly enjoy. the hospitality of others we hardly see unless someone like you brings it to light with a solitary journy with no personal gain just something to remember. life is a meandering path i think no one shows that better than you. more often than not people rush around their daily lives not slowing down enough to even look at the beauty of the sun riseing or setting. i think the majority of america and other countries as well could learn from your simple and yet elegantly inspireing journy

  107. Sarmah says:

    Wow. I just read from day -2 to today and already you have experienced so many great things! Best of luck and will keep you in my prayers!

    P.s. If you walk back to NY, come through Arkansas! My grandma makes the BEST Beef Tips!

  108. Soo says:

    Thanks so much for sharing what you see and whom you meet with us. Every step of you inspires us so much… and every picture you upload here gives us a positive prospective of the world we are living in. I will be visiting your website everyday and looking forward to celebrating your successful finish. Safe trip!

  109. Abigail says:

    When I found out about your story in Yahoo News, I thought that what you’re trying to accomplish is very huge. I love appreciating nature, and because of the pics you’re posting, we who follow your journey get another glimpse of the blessings that we often take for granted. I pray that you’ll be safe, and stay strong. I’m pretty sure when you’ve finished this, you will never be the same again. God bless. :D

  110. Hey what’s up, that is amazing what you are doing, I wish I can do it too but I don’t have money to travel just yet, I went cross country but in car from east to west in a week, It was a lot of fun and I get to see alot of america and met some nice people along the way. Maybe one day I can do it but like you walking. Or riding a bike. If anything I would love to fly out and meet you have way finish your journey with someone that appreciates just walking. Be safe!! later!!

  111. Mike Hamilton says:

    I look at my life and wish constantly that I had had the courage to do something that matter more to me then any one particular cause. After 25 years in Law Enforcement I have seen many things. Most have robbed me of my soul . I wish you peace in your journey and hopefully a deeper enlightenment of God.. May you find what you are looking for not at the end of your journey ,but through the journey itself.. God bless you Matt and be safe. Bless all in your path who aid and comfort you. You are one of the few who will change this world, one step at a time.

    Mike..

  112. John Wilson says:

    Good luck Matt!
    I think you have a good idea going!
    And I bet you’ll see some marvelous things.
    I always admire people who are willing and able to step outside society’s box so to speak and do their own thing.

    -John

  113. angela says:

    you remind me to take chances live life now and all be as it should be. think of me as you stand near a waterfall ive always said that would be the best in my eyes! what were your dreams for this walk you had to have stayed awake at nights dreaming of this grand an adventure. please share your thoughts as to the 1st thought, most niave thought,and the last on before sleep before the trip and now. i plan on keeping you company if you dont mind maybe ill plan a journey soon

  114. Dibbee says:

    WOW!What an inspiring story.I was browsing the internet because I got really bored of the officeworks when I spotted your story in yahoo…I’m truly impressed with your personality!You are one great guy! I was touched and inspired.Hope lots of people will do too…

    Dibbee from the Philippines

  115. Michael says:

    Hi,
    You made the front page of yahoo! I find your journey truly inspirational. It takes a lot of heart and desire to do something like this and I wish you success.

  116. H.T. Kim says:

    Good luck on your journey, my friend. Your story just makes me feel calm and warm. Perhaps you are the one who can enjoy his or her assigned life for sure. ;)

  117. Sarah says:

    Matt, I just spent a few hours reading your site and I’m very inspired. I am an american living in Italy. I walk all around these beautiful italian cities but now I’m considering bringing it to a whole new level! The west coast of Portugal to the east coast of Russia, what an idea! Have to wait until my kids are older though, and maybe get a small group to walk with me, because there is safety in numbers. If you decide to walk over here, drop me a note and I’ll walk with you!

  118. My Linh Vo says:

    Hello,

    I read about you through Yahoo and just wanted to tell you- you are inspiration to us all who’ve dreamed of doing such liberating acts, but do not have the courage to leave behind our obligations/responsibilities to embark on such journey. Your walk also reminds me of the Buddha’s journey. Enjoy your trip!

  119. Carl Herring says:

    Walk hard and enjoy it, my friend! If you decide to take a detour down here to the desert in Phoenix, you got a place to stay here! Maybe for the winter though…it’s hotter than hell out here already! Enjoy Minnesota! Good luck and stay safe!

  120. yvain says:

    just finished tracing your steps from this site.
    seeing your photos and stories made me feel good about life, there are little things that need more appreciation.
    your trip proves that there are still people with good heart just need to keep the faith for humanity.
    i will be following you on your site too bad i cannot see u and talk with you personally, maybe asian trip next time? hehe…

  121. Debbie says:

    Just found out about your journey….absolutely incredible! You are doing what lots of us only dream of! Good luck to you …. I’ll be sending good thoughts your way :-) You could write a book about your adventure!

  122. Rick says:

    Thank you!!!

  123. Mae says:

    Like most people, I just found out about your story. I’m just fascinated with what you’re doing right now… a tad jealous if I may add, I’ve always wanted to do something as crazy or unexpected.

    Well, I wish you all the best Mister. May you reach your destination safe and sound. Enjoy your journey! Godspeed :)

  124. Delane says:

    I came across this by pure accident and couldn’t stop reading. You are very brave to have planned this, prepared for it and then actually went done it! My thoughts and prayers go with you. Be safe my friend a whole nation is behind you.

  125. Puspa says:

    I read about you on the internet and went through each day of your journey which I found facinating and beautiful. Flowers for your mum and the attraction for mail boxes sure puts a smile. I shall be following you on your journey on the internet (I am from Malaysia). Take care and may God keep you safe on your journey.

  126. Cathy says:

    Glad your Birthday was a memorable one! There are some very nice people in the USA and it seems you’re meeting a good bunch of them! Enjoy your travel and keep the beautiful pictures coming!

  127. This is truly amazing! It is inspirational and motivating! I especially like your quote,

    “Playing it safe isn’t really that safe,” he has concluded. “If you do that, you miss out on a lot of the great things life has to offer.”

    Always awesome to see people doing something besides the template lifestyle!

    Mark

  128. Paul says:

    Best wishes on your journey.

    Your story reminds me of one of my favorite poems:

    ITHAKA
    As you set out for Ithaka
    hope your road is a long one,
    full of adventure, full of discovery.
    Laistrygonians, Cyclops,
    angry Poseidon – don’t be afraid of them:
    you’ll never find things like that one on your way
    as long as you keep your thoughts raised high,
    as long as a rare excitement
    stirs your spirit and your body.
    Laistrygonians, Cyclops,
    wild Poseidon – you won’t encounter them
    unless you bring them along inside your soul,
    unless your soul sets them up in front of you.

    Hope your road is a long one.
    May there be many summer mornings when,
    with what pleasure, what joy,
    you enter harbours you’re seeing for the first time;
    may you stop at Phoenician trading stations
    to buy fine things,
    mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
    sensual perfumes of every kind –
    as many sensual perfumes as you can;
    and may you visit many Egyptian cities
    to learn and go on learning from their scholars.

    Keep Ithaka always in your mind.
    Arriving there is what you’re destined for.
    But don’t hurry the journey at all.
    Better if it lasts for years,
    so you’re old by the time you reach the island,
    wealthy with all you’ve gained on the way,
    not expecting Ithaka to make you rich.

    Ithaka gave you the marvellous journey.
    Without her you wouldn’t have set out.
    She has nothing left to give you now.
    And if you find her poor, Ithaka won’t have fooled you.
    Wise as you will have become, so full of experience,
    you’ll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean

    An alternative translation of “Ithaka”

    Constantine P. Cavafy

  129. Jellycbeans says:

    Matt, I just read about your adventure in an AP newsrelease. You are the imbodiment of the dreams of many who are esconced in their office cubicles around the world. What you are doing spells freedom, individualism, vigor, adventure and the American dream. Quo Vadis! You’ll probably learn a lot not only about yourself but about America, her people and more about human nature. In this digital world, you can share these impressions with millions of people who can emphatized with you during your walks. Hopefully, after these travels you will find the answers to the universal questions: Who am I; Where am I going and Why am I doing here. Good luck in your trip. Be Safe, and God Bless!

  130. Nick says:

    Matt, It’s 12:39 AM and I have read your entire journey to this point. I am inspired by your tenacity and the kindness of strangers. Have a safe trip and Godspeed!

  131. Candice in Alabama says:

    OMG – I just THOUGHT there were a lot of comments on last page – this one – whew!

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