Day 88
Dakota dirt
June 22nd, 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:
These images of ND are just so unlike what I ever imagined ND would be like. I guess I never stopped to think that ND actually had non-snow days!
Aren’t there any paved roads. I would think I was lost if I had to travel on dirt roads. I guess I’m an “Easterner”, whatever that is.
An “Easterner” is most likely a person from the East Coast of the United States. Don’t feel too out of sorts, though. There are plenty of paved roads in North Dakota. Like the ones maintained by the federal and state government (at least in my limited experience).
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
great that you thought to post this!
– Robert Frost
God speed Matt…
I have been following your travels since day one. North Dakota is starting to depress me! I mean, it’s pretty and all – but also looks very boring. I miss seeing pics of all the great people you meet. Are there any people in ND? Just kidding…. Safe travels!
How is the new sleeping pad? Have you had a chance to try it out yet?
That is one long stretch of dirt road!
Oh my goodness! My mother is from ND and I traveled 100s of times from MN to her hometown on the SW side. There is a peacefulness/serenity you will not find anywhere else. (I’ve traveled extensively all but the SW states.) The people are lovely, they actually stop to help you if you are stranded on the side of the road. You are seeing just one section off the main road. Further North the badlands are a hidden treasure, carved out by the glaciers and very different than say the glacial area in WI. But hey, what do I know I’m from MN and live in that dug out – out on the prairie…
I think its beautiful..
Just look at the view!!!
IC, UCOC, Anne? Wanna ride my C saw? I dare you!
Wow, the dirt road to infinity! As I read the comments of others here on your site, Matt, I begin to see that we’re all more alike than we are different…we yearn for peace and hope and the help of others when we need it. Thanks for giving us a chance to be a part of your walking experience, and a spiritual journey as well.
Wonderful sentiment, Jennifer in KY.
absolutely beautiful
Great shot of the “open road”. Its looks as though you are at or approaching the 1/2 way mark. Thanks for the stunning pictures and narritive.
Good old 34th street again I see. Did you ask the locals if this leads to another swamp? And did you find out why the road ended in the lake and swamps? You sure you can trust this street again? Hope so. Otherwise you may need a canoe instead of your cart! lol.
I can sleep tonight. Matt is on the move again!
Hi Matt,
I’ve been following you for about a month now after reading about you on Yahoo! I think what you are doing is wonderful! Every day I look forward to following your progress. You are an inspiration to us all.
Stay safe!
Lisa in Spring, TX
Blue skies today… no rain is nice but clouds make it cooler… I do hope you didn’t have to be to long on this dirt road. It’s beautiful but -has to be harder to push the cart on dirt! I hope you find some nice folks to stay with in the days ahead. I bet your feet appreciated the rest… take care.
Im ready to read about your few days rest. Where did you stay, who did you meet, are you healthy and safe? Im concerned:)
You’ll find in ND there is a road every mile — one north/south, one east/west — in a grid pattern all over the state. I’m not entirely sure why since that’s a lot of road to keep up tho most are not paved. Although you never have to turn around if you miss your turn — a mile down you can just take the next one. Chances are, Matt is probably within eyesight of I94 and is just on one of those section roads. This is a very wet year for us so there are probably roads underwater in a lot of places. Still not much of a downhill for the water to drain to.
Matt, Too bad you are not traveling north or south. I’m from ND and there are places where the roads don’t meet, they jog over a bit to correct for the curvature of the earth. Hope you travels are going well and it is interesting to lurk here and watch this. Cheers.