IAMA guy who walked 3,000+ miles from east coast to west coast US in 90 days with $0 in my pocket.

OH I WOULD WALK 1500 MILES AND I WILL WALK 1500 MORE

Yes bro, for that lady named Pacific!

Legit question: did you masturbate at all during this 90 day period?

LOOOOOOOOOOOL

You've mentioned the kindness of strangers. Will you share a story of such kindness?

I met kind strangers every single day. Most restaurants along route 66 gave me free food when I told them who I was and what I was doing. You can find more specific examples on my website: www.Facebook.com/AmericaOnFoot

I have no question for you, sir.

But I like AMA's, and I read on because your journey sounded intense, challenging, and one of incredible introspection.

I am no man of God, and have a lot of doubt in the concept of throwing yourself over to the notion of an omnipotent, unknowable force. But I read your kind replies, your whimsical stories, and your delight in the small kindnesses you encountered on a journey far more daunting than anything I would ever attempt, and it fills me with hope. It gives me the sense that there is perhaps something indefatigable within us. Something that is eternal. And by the extension of love, we can help others find it within themselves.

That's what I took away from your stories, anyway. Your trip seems remarkable on a number of levels. I look forward to reading your blog. Know that you doubtlessly touched many lives on your voyage, and you have touched another one here on Reddit. Thank you.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a message!

Harry! Sorry I threw a rock and hit you in the face that one time I was playing with you and your brother in our neighborhood. Still feel bad about that and I don't think I ever got to apologize. I loved following your journey. Power to you brother!

How did your family react to your decision to go? To your stories? How much of your own money did you spend on this trip?

My family loves me and tried to talk me out of it. They were always looking for updates to the journey and like to hear the stories. It was a journey for them as well in its own way.

So apology not accepted?

Aha, I hold no grudges agaisnt anyone, life is short. I'm just not sure who that is! Hodor. Character from Game of Thrones?! Love that show.

Can you now accurately tell the time by looking at the sun's position in the sky?

Yes.

3,000+ Miles in 90 days, that's over 33 miles a day for 90 days. Impressive. How many pounds did you carry on your back? How many calories did you eat a day and how did you portion you food? Did you take any days of pure rest? Is there a detailed map of where you started, stopped and finished your journey?

Well done!

It was actually a little less than 90 days. Sometimes I walked more than 60 miles a day. For example, from the last town in NW Texas to San Jon, New Mexico or between Tucumcari and Santa Rosa. Those were huge days. I didn't use a backpack at all. Carrying even 10lbs on your back (1 gallon of water and a flashlight) can create excruciating pain over a 3,000 mile journey. I used a Chariot Cougar 2 rigged to carry extra weight. Camping gear and water. I didn't portion food. I had none. Strangers would pull over and give me supplies or I wouldnt eat. I couldn't tell you about the calories but I know it was a lot. I would take my shirt off at the end of the day and it would be stiff with dried sweat.

Did you lose any weight during this time?

I actually gained weight, but have a lower body fat %. I look thinner, but weigh more.

do you have any stories of almost getting hit by a vehicle?

Too many to count. This happened several times a day for ninety days in a row.

What was the scariest moment of your trip?

Great question. The scariest moment, I don't think I can share yet. But, I will tell you I was scared of coming home. For 3 months being in need most of the time and then returning to a lifestyle with too much is a bit shocking. I don't fit in it well now. At least, I prefer less. Another time I was in fear was a point in Albuquerque when I felt I needed to flash a firearm I carried to dissuade a mugging.

Since you say you had $0 in your pocket, where did you keep your money instead?

Ahahaha, clever. I didn't bring any. I wanted to see what would happen.

Do you have any good stories to share?

Lots! Here's one: There was a stretch where I would see the same (or same types) of trains passing me for a few days. They were hugely long trains, a hundred or more cars, no joke, I was counting. One day an engineer of one of the trains must have seen me from a long way out and stopped the entire train to give me a bottle of water. It was epic. I felt like industry and commerce had stopped for me that day.

Was it cold?

Usually it was very hot. There were times in the Mojave desert were it reached 130 degrees during the day. Surprisingly it was 100 degrees even at night.

How did you keep from overheating?

You get used to it. I started in Florida where it is hot because of humidity and I had 2 months and 2,000 miles of time to adjust to the dry increasing heat. By the time I got to the Mojave desert... it was intense but I could do it. Also, I was so close to the finish line that I had momentum carrying me mentally. It was hard but not impossible.

This reminds me of that song The Gambler by Kenny Rogers

Rad!

Now this is an AMA by which I am intrigued.

• You say how you're a chef and like to be prepared, but at the same time went into this adventure just letting things happen...what were you able to plan in advance? Obviously plans change, but were you able to at least work out a route in advance?
• Did you have a phone or any communication devices with you along the way? Also, what exactly would you carry in the Chariot Cougar other than your tent? First Aid kit, perhaps?
• Best meal on the whole journey?

Glad it caught your attention!

Let's see, planning. Well, because of my profession - I tried to plan everything. Mother nature made sure to let me know that the joke was definitely on me! I tried to plan the route, pit stops, sleeping schedules. All of that went out the window. It's impossible to plan for this without a huge support team. So, I let go of that part of me for this project. I embraced the crazy storms, the crazy drivers, the long extents without food. It was a wild trip.

I tried to google walking directions to the west coast. Don't do that, it's a death trap. Google will have you walk through the most dangerous areas possible because its faster. Great company but their walking maps need adjustment ha ha!

I did have a phone but since I was often in areas with no service it would die very quickly. It was trying to find service and the battery was drained in an hour maybe. So I kept it in airplane mode and only turned it on for emergencies or updating the facebook page when I was at a place with free wi-fi.

In the cougar I started with a bunch of junk that any college kid would anticipate needing on a cross-country camping trip. I brought all sorts of stupid stuff: rope, zip-ties, tape, umbrella, lantern, pots and pans. All of that was completely useless and I donated most of it.

I stripped down to just the bare essentials: tent, tarp, bag, 2 outfits, water. Stuff like that.

Best meal... hmmmm. So many. Mudbugs in Louisiana. Navajo burgers. Green chile on EVERYTHING in New Mexico - wow. So tasty.

Maybe you could contact Google and offer your expertise to improve their walking routes. They seem to be all about continuous improvement to their products.

That would be something else, I would love to.

Yeah, the planning aspect seems to just be silly, especially when life throws us many curveballs. Good on you for making it happen and not backing out when hit with stormy roads (literally and figuratively).

I presume you had no MP3 player or anything for music, and simply just enjoyed sounds of the earth the entire way. That's pretty badass.

Also, have you seen Craigslist Joe? Pretty comparable concept in the "get up and go" adventure kind of way, but obviously different in how you both went about it. If not, definitely check it out.

Craigslist Joe is a pretty neat guy!

Certainly there were points when you wanted to give up, and clearly you didn't, but I'm curious what was your most pathetic moment? Were you ever down on your knees crying like, man fuck this, what was I thinking?

Did you ever have any stray dogs or cats start to follow you?

Did you ever stop walking for a few days because you found a place you enjoyed so much?

Great questions.

I did have MANY moments like that. Yelling at the wind till my voice was hoarse. Feeling like God or mother nature had betrayed me or that they were testing me.

One time because of fierce wind, were talking 50mph, my cart with all of its weight went off a steep hill and got caught in a barbed wire fence. The only way to get back onto the road was to climb back up. I freed my cart from the barbed wire and messed up my hands and arms. Then I began my ascent up the hill. Little did I know that it was all sugarsand. My cart became a sled and I continuously got thrown down the hill. One time I was within 2 feet of the top and my foot slipped. The cart ran over my shoulder and chest - I stopped it with my foot, severely injuring my ankle. I ended up unloading the entire cart, disassembling it and making many trips up and down the hill. I was very discouraged but I kept going.

I was no stranger to wild animals on this trip. Most of them were just curious or looking for food. My cart made me appear as a large scary animal though so they kept their distance. One small dog, a rotweiller puppy, hobbled over to me on an indian reservation one time. Named it Sazo. Miss that guy.

I never stopped walking but sometimes a place I liked was long enough to get two days of exposure, like Austin or the Navajo Reservation.

Great questions.

Oh man that sounds brutal, I'm glad you persevered. I've always wanted to try to hitch-hike across the country (inspired by a hitch-hiker I picked up outside of St. Louis this summer), but now that seems too easy. Maybe tracing the steps of Lewis and Clark would be a better challenge for me, and also be neat as I've lived both near the end of the trail and at the beginning.

Another question. Were you working prior to this, and if so did you quit your job or what? After I graduate this December I have a semester and summer off before I begin medical school (assuming I get accepted somewhere), maybe I will try to go on some sort of adventure like this.

I was the sous chef at a restaurant for two years. I walked up to my GM and told them I needed 3 months off to walk across the country or I'd have to give my two weeks. They knew I was a passionate guy and they wished me luck :)

At what point were you most and least proud to be an American?

I really am proud to be an American. Some people refused to let me sleep on the edge of their property, but I don't hold the country over their decision. Rather, I love how so many people run to help when it is needed. I feel like Americans generally really care about the person on the side of the road. I've experienced it. Even the police of different states have kind concern. I received escorts through particular areas, not because I asked, but because they wanted to see me through alright.

What body part hurts the most after 3000 miles?

My left knee blew out after the third week from an old crosscountry running injury. After that I had to implement lots of stretching and up my water intake. I also had to take lots of ibuprofein. 30 to 40 miles a day can be painful!

Have you ever considered hiking the Appalachian Trail from beginning to end?

Yes, perhaps in the future. When you have a success it seems like there are so many options that can be pursued!

Did you get bored often? If you did, how did you alleviate your boredom?

Some parts of Texas were boring because it's very flat. I walked on a road surround by barbedwire fences and empty nothingness for hundreds of miles through Texas. Once I got into New Mexico the view was much prettier. I spent a LOT of time in my head. Thinking. Sometimes hours would go by and I would realize my walking day was almost done. Other times I would sing out loud and I would even free-style rap about things I found on the side of the road.

People keep throwing out their trash, Could be useful, better add it to my stash, Oh no, dont touch that, could start a rash, Wanted to wave but they drove by too fast.

How the heck did you carry enough water on some stretches in the west? Out in the middle of the desert? The slightest mistake and you're screwed dead.

One could say the same thing driving on a one lane road. Most people don't realize the daily danger. I stayed on roads mostly so there are people passing and there were those who provided what I needed.

I carried water I received each day in the cart I pushed.

No. There is a huge, enormous difference. In terrific heat, you can die in one day without water. One day. I read about it all the time, as I live in Southern California, it happens all the time where foreigners come to the desert and die. Damn, it just happened 2 or 3 weeks ago.

Anyways, how did you pick your route? You didn't use Hwy 10. How did you know that there would be enough traffic on the road you chose? How long was it that you would go between towns?

I walked between 30 or 40 miles a day. I did highway 90 and I-10 for 1,000 miles then I-35 through waco towards Fort Worth, then 287 to amarillo and i-40 for 1,500 miles. I wanted something with enough traffic but still not so much that I would be harassed.

Ok I have to ask, whenever you went #2 in the wilderness, did you ever run out of toilet paper? And if you did, did you resort to using leaves?

I never had to use leaves. I'm very resourceful. Also, when you don't eat for two days and then eat an entire pizza your digestive system learns to adapt. Sometimes it would be 2 days before I had to go #2.

When I moved into the dorms freshman year, I didn't go #2 for 6 days. What's the longest you went without... doing your business?

Maybe 2 days

What stretch of the walk was hardest for you? i.e. physically, mentally, spiritually

There were several times when I had to walk through the night because of the weather or unsafe feeling of the area. After a 30 mile day, you just want to lay down. But I had to move on. Those were trying times.

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In Amarillo, the law enforcement staged a road block for me after several phone calls came in alerting them to a sketchy vagabond character. The arresting officer complained out loud, WHAT IS THIS JUNK ALL OVER MY HANDS?! I laughed as I informed him that I was wearing a "cake" of ten days worth of sunscreen and bugspray :)

He laughed about it afterwards!

Did they actually arrest you?

I never went to jail. :)

How many pairs of shoes did you go through?

I walked through 5 pairs of shoes.

All of them were donated to me by project followers trying to support the cause.

You mentioned you were rejected by some churches. Can you elaborate on that?

I arrived in Henrietta, Texas one half hour before sundown. I had two different contacts there but both turned their phones off. I was running out of ideas and day light very quickly. I approached a church and saw people inside. I knocked on a side door and told them my story. I asked if they had anyone who would let me just sleep in their yard. They said they would make some phone calls and advised me to wait outside for them. A few minutes later I saw them leave out of a side door and drive away. Luckily, the church of christ down the road was much more hospitable and I will be forever grateful to them.

Just realized I passed you in the Mojave on my way to northern California a few weeks ago. Congratulations - this is quite an accomplishment.

Sounds like a reddit meetup! :) Thanks for paying close attention to the road and not hitting me!

In what state did you see the most impressive sunset?

New Mexico and Arizona had the most impressive sunsets for me. The deep reds were breathtaking. There was also a lot less light pollution, so the stars were equally life changing.

Where did you sleep every day?

That was the million dollar question and what made this trip exciting and dangerous. I slept in a different place every day for 90 days straight. Usually in the woods, under bridges or behind stores. Occasionally Americans would put me up in their houses or let me pitch my tent in their yard.

Sounds like one of the more challenging parts of the trip. Did you carry around a small tent or anything like that to sleep with? Pillow? Blanket? Etc

Yes! I had a kids stroller that I used to carry one tent, one tarp, one bag, one pillow and about 50 lbs of water.

Kind of a stupid question but did anyone ever give you weird looks for using a kids stroller? To me it seems smart. Also thanks for responding :)

And my last question: What was the best/worst thing you ate/drank during the trip?

I'm sure there were plenty of strange looks, but they mostly flew by in cars! One of my favorite foods was eating anything in New Mexico with green chilis!

What gun did you carry, and which holster, did it hold up?

357 Airlite by Smith and Wesson. Still works.

And the holster, which is a big curiosity of mine. Talk about a torture test.

I had an IWB holster but the gun by nature is so light that I could just carry it in my pocket. Loved it and highly recommend it.

If you started and finished with $0, how did you get back home once you'd walked across the country?

A very wealthy lady who owns property in Los Angeles hosted a party for me at one of her restaurants and helped me with a rental car to get home

Were you ever raped arrested or assualted?

I was never raped but people tried. That's all I'll say about that. I'm glad I brought a firearm. I was assaulted and I was also handcuffed and thrown into a couple cop cars.

I am curious about those incidents. Under what pretense were you arrested? Was it just during walking or was it when 'trespassing' and sleeping on private property?

Just while walking. Law enforcement would get calls alerting them of a sketchy vagabond character walking through town and they'd come out to meet me :) When camping on private property I was usually very careful. Only had a couple run ins and they all ended decently, no injuries.

Seeing how YOU went "Into The Wild" if you will, what is your opinion on the word "society!"?

Society is important. People cling to it and need it. Most normal people cannot handle this kind of trip. 3 months of isolation is not easy by any means. It's salvation for some and ruin for others.

I do think that if each American at 18 was required to do this walk, our society would be a very different place.

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Bro, I make a mean ham sandwich! Love them!

Has it changed your life in any ways, or did you just return to your normal life when you finished your journey?

I haven't been finished with the trip for very long. Right now, I am exhausted from having so many individual conversations. I know I will need some time grow from my experiences. I am more encouraging toward kindness and generosity. I am more frugal. I trust God more and want to help others to trust him more. I see people wasting away in front of the computer and TV.

What kind of god do you believe in?

The one in the holy bible, I go to a Church of Christ in Florida. I am not the greatest Christian ever but I try. It's not easy!

Why is it not easy, by the way?

I think its a challenge because we're encouraged to be a light to others. A shining example of love and charity. Its tough to always be on your "A" game. We get down and discouraged just like everyone else. This world can be a tough and often cutthroat place to live in. It's hard enough surviving in it, let alone trying to share good news that people are resistant to. I do the best I can :)

One thing I try to do is to help others while fulfilling my selfish traveling bug. I can't help it. I want to see as many places as possible but one idea is to be charitable while doing it. Like visiting Honduras to build houses for the poor instead of the Bahamas. Both are very nice places I'm sure though.

Does this help? Of course there's always many things that are tempting to try that we are not supposed to do either. No one is perfect though! Keep trying and always try to do right by everyone. You'll mess up but that's expected.

Did you wake up one day and decide "You know what, im walking cross country" Or did you think about it for awhile?

What did your family/friends think of it?

Did you ever almost give up on it?

How did you celebrate it when you finished?

Thanks for reading/answerign this :)

My friends were pretty stoked. Family advised against it! I had a lot of discouraging days but I can't quit anything ever. I would've never given up. Rather die. I had a party at Laguna after a dip in the Pacific. So surprised just how many came to the Laguna party!

My immediate celebration was to take a dip in the pacific. My overall celebration is to share my experience and to enjoy the company of those I met along the way, those I have returned to, and a thankfulness to God.

Initially my family was warning against traveling in this way.

what was your schedule?

Schedule is very important for a trip like this when dealing with a guy like me. With my chef background I like things to be very organized and planned out. As you can imagine, planning for this sort of thing is nearly impossible but I tried. Some things I would schedule were activities like: "okay, in thirty minutes I can take a sip of water, in one hour I can stretch, in 1.5 hours I can take more ibuprofein".

I was always up before the sun and usually walked past sundown. This trip was a 90 hour a week job but one that was enjoyable most times.

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Good idea! I love Spanish cuisine and most European cuisines, I would LOVE to do that.

Too many people to credit in one place. I met hundreds of incredibly unique and inspiring individuals. We're all trying to find our own path, it was awesome sharing stories. Pirate Christ was a neat fellow - very long dreads.

Do you keep in touch with any of the people you met along your journey?

Yes! some of them will be life long friends I suspect.

I drove across the country once and noticed how the landscape from state to state could be so different. When walking across the country, and having more time to notice such things, what differences did you notice? Not only in the landscape, but the people and culture from state to state?

Good question.

Just driving to the grocery store as opposed to walking there is a critical difference. You notice everything. Moving 3mph really opens your eyes.

I felt like this was the best way to explore my home country intimately, I was right.

Love your story and the sincerity of your faith. Out of curiosity, which state did you get your CCW from? You mentioned traveling through LA, and I know firearms law can be tricky there.

Also, did you have any moments in which you felt God's presence or any times when you felt he was influencing your situation?

Thanks!

I got my ccw from Florida. To be honest the whole point of a ccw is that its concealed. No one ever knew I had a firearm unless they were threatening me. Even when law enforcement did inquire, I explained my situation and they overlooked it. Every time!

God was with me the whole trip but I felt especially comforted and in awe in nature. Like when standing ontop of a mountain or at the grand canyon.

How did you eat?

I ate when people stopped to give me food. Sometimes people would stop to check on me, then return with food. I always felt blessed, though sometimes I went long stretches without food and water.

That's crazy, did you ever have to beg for food? Did you have anyone to call for food if you really needed it?

I never had to beg even once. In fact I never even asked for a hand out. If I needed something it just happened without much thought or effort. I would stop by a fast-food joint to fill up my water canteens and people would offer to buy me lunch or what have you. I lived by the same mantra for every component of the trip. Although, sometimes my stubbornness left me hungry for a day or two. I was testing my self and my faith and my countrymen. I'm proud to say 3 months later I am healthy and generally well-nourished!

What big cities did you go through? What was the most friendly?

mobile, new orleans, houston, austin, amarillo, albuquerque, los angeles

The most friendly town was probably Wichita Falls, Texas

How much money did you have in your pocket at the end of your walk?

I did not accept money. $0.

What's the most money you were offered?

Approximately how much money were you offered in total?

Not sure, probably a couple thousand dollars on the low end. I did let people buy me things and donate things. For example, meals or shoes or new tires for my cart :)

Congratulations on your spirit walk

, what has this journy taught you that you would like to pass on to others?

What is the best advice you can give to another considering this journy?

Thank you most sincerely. This journey has taught me many many many things. The biggest piece of advice I can give anyone doing any journey of any caliber is this: if your heart is in the right place and you are trying to do something good, it will work and God, as well as, other Americans will take care of you.

Best experience? Worst experience?

Best experience walking into the water at Laguna Beach, knowing I did it. Blood, sweat and tears. I finished.

Worst experience, having 10 people show up to my welcome home party 2 hours ago when 130 rsvpd.

Has this experience changed your view towards homelessness and social justice in this country?

Hmmmm. I guess so. I know for a fact that it has changed my car rides! While driving, I realize that I'm looking for places to stealth camp. I'm looking for people to avoid. Places with wi-fi or somewhere to fill up water.

As far as social justice, I feel like certain places where more hospitable towards my vagabond character. Other places not so much :) It's such a tough topic. Humans in general, are subject to so much pain and suffering. I tried to help as many people as possible, homeless included.

Do you have a picture of your cart?

http://i.imgur.com/i0QaCqv.jpg

did you walk in like a straight line or a certain path or what?

I followed roads and highways. Paper maps are still great!

Did you get blisters?

When I tried sandals, yes!

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in undertaking a journey similar to your own?

I've had several people reach out to me lately trying to begin a trip like mine. I would advise agaisnt it to be honest, or at least advise for you to plan on spending much more time than 3 months. Walking 3,000 miles on foot in less than 90 days is unheard of. I have put my body through a very great burden and I will have to have pool therapy for my legs probably. Otherwise, plan to be very lonely and to get over it. Plan to be very hungry and to get over it. Plan to have a life changing experience that is impossible to plan for :) Get ready to adjust on the fly and keep your head up. If you have any specific questions, list them and I will do my best to answer the ones I can.

What shoes did you wear and did they survive ?

My shoes did not survive. I was given different kinds along the way. As long as they fit OK, they worked.

With all the methods to travel from west to easy coast, how do you manage to run into other cross country travelers? Does everyone take the Lincoln Highway or something?

Good question.

If you think about traveling cross country, certain parts of our country come with their own challenges. Mountains and cold versus dry hot and spread out. Most people prefer flat and hot versus constant elevation changes.

I-40 and I-10 are solid interstates to walk on.

What universities did you happen to visit? Any particular one you liked?

I didn't get to visit too many to be honest with you. They're typically far away from the main interstates. A two hour drive to the local university could be a 3 day walk for me :) I did a presentation for one college class though. LSU was nice.

Did you ever have to steal anything along the way?

Nope! Somehow, what I needed always showed up.

What was the most mentally difficult part of your trek?

Did you learn or discover anything about yourself that had you surprised?

Being alone for 3 months straight. I missed talking to people and my puppy Captain, 2 years old Golden Retriever. :)

A lot of blisters I would imagine? what kind of medical care did you have on the road?

Not much at all. The first two weeks were the hardest. My ankles were swollen. Bug bitten. Sick. After the 2 or 300 mile hump everything clicked and it became easier.

Where was your favorite stop?

Either the "blue hole" in Santa Rosa, the Grand Canyon in AZ, or New Orleans.

I'm considering doing a similar journey in Spring 2014 so I'll ask some specific questions.

1) I'm not planning on walking it in 90 days. I think I will stretch that out to more like 100-120 days to give my body a better fighting chance. So my question is what, specifically, did you bring along? I saw tarp, tent, bag, 50+pounds of water, 2 pairs of clothes, your S&W... Is that all?

2) Which route did you take? I live in North Carolina so I would be tempted to take HWY 40. Recommended or no?

3) If I were planning to avoid the law enforcement trouble or attempted rape and assault, what precautions would you recommend, besides carrying a firearm?

Thank you for doing this AMA. I have been considering this for many months since I got out of the military and your story has inspired me to go ahead and try it.

Do a trial run and make sure you have what it takes mentally.

How often did you find yourself humming/singing the lyrics to "I would walk 500 miles"?

Aha, that song is a joke. I heard it once in a diner and CRACKED up. This mans illustration of an incredible feat of love is 1/6 the distance I walked :)

Would you do it again elsewhere? If so, where?

This trip was incredible, challenging, exciting. I would definitely do it again. Im asking myself that same question. It's too soon to say anything officially about my next walk but in the meantime I am starting up my Community Walk project. My entire town is invited to a weekly walk. We will all meet at the local park and just do a few laps together. I want to get people outside, in the sunshine, experiencing life and having fun together. Connection!

Pretty cool! Good luck on that!

Thank you!

I dunno why but I feel like... I don't like it.

People do this a lot it seems. Walk everywhere.

So, you walk a certain distance, and just... kinda ask for food and shelter? Like, you just kinda walk there and are like "HEY Im walking so I deserve food and shelter, whereas you have to work for it."

I know you're probably not an asshole, maybe it's just me being tired but... the concept just irks me. I honestly feel like I shouldn't be expected to have to give you things.

I don't think you're expected to do it, especially by this guy. And you simply wouldn't. That's fine, he's not entitled to anything you worked for. For everyone that gave him something, a few million didn't!

The people that did render assistance have also worked for what they could give, and they wanted to.

Aldrahill and Romald, no one was required to help me, I'm glad they did though, it saved my life.

Did you walk 500 miles?

Would you walk 500 more?

Hahaha I would walk 3,000 miles just to wind up at your door!

How did you manage to leave everything you have and everything you cared about and start this journey that seemed ridiculous? Did a lot people thought you had gone crazy?

I met some resistance, but I also didn't tell everyone I knew. I think there is an urge in some people to step out of the mundane parts of life, at least for a little while.

what did god say to you?

God has shown me options. I'm trying to decide which ones to pursue at the moment. Life is always about options. At least with me anyways. There were often choices presented to me and as funny as it sounds, something in nature would direct me towards one of them on the trip. Saving my life several times.

care to elaborate on the time that your life was in danger?

In Albuquerque along with several other places I was surrounded by thug types. I asked them to step aside but they started cursing at me and eventually shoving me so I pulled out my firearm. I said how I had enough bullets for all of them and they backed off. It's uncomfortable to talk about those kinds of stories though. Such tense situations affected me to the core.

did God tell you to pull out your weapon?

Hehe, I think that was my gut and natural instinct. God gave me a conscious and enough good sense not to use it on anyone. That firearm was a tool that saved my life countless times. I'm sincerely thankful that I never had to actually use it. Hope I never ever do!

What was the approximate ratio of people you encountered who were:

*Nice, friendly and/or helpful

*Indifferent

*Unfriendly, bothersome, rude, etc

I would say that a majority of people were quite helpful. It was very refreshing to experience this because I expected the opposite. America is still a very charitable country and I found that out firsthand. There were people who were indifferent and rude but it was more entertaining for me than bothersome hehe :)

Like I wanna do something like this but I know my experience won't be nearly as rewarding

Your experience would probably be equally rewarding but it depends on what you're after. If you want to learn who you are and what you can take. This is a good way to do it but I'm confident there are other ways as well.

What kind of hat did you wear, abs sun protection?

I wore a marine floppy camo hat. Like this: https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/965342_577834768922475_932087714_o.jpg

Hope that link works!

What was your thought process in deciding to do this? Was it a wake up and say I want to walk across America next week or was this something you have been planning for months then finally pulled the trigger?

Congrats by the way this is really cool and encouraging!

Thanks! I wanted to go on a road trip to the Grand Canyon. When I looked up directions I noticed there was a walking option and I was hooked. Once I made it to the GC I decided to just finish it!

bath/shower?

Gas station hand sinks, mostly just cleaning my face. Showers here and there when people would take me into their homes. You get used to being dirty and almost prefer it after awhile. My first shower was 2 or 3 weeks in. It was a weird laughing/crying combination. It felt so nice!!!

So did you just randomly pitch your tent in some farmer's back field or what did you do for sleeping?

How often did you shower??

Did you stay in people's houses more than your tent or vice versa?

The first 30ish days I slept in a tent in the woods or under a bridge. Once the website picked up finding yards to camp in was easier. Towards the end I found more couches to crash on. Lots and lots of tent time. I preferred that though. I could come and go as I please. Rest for three or four hours, pack up and go!

So your money was kept in a fanny pack of sorts?

I didn't have any money! :)

Just want to say that this is something I've been thinking about doing for awhile now and am inspired by your answers to these questions. Here's a question I have, do you see yourself doing it again in the future? It's good to see that you had an overall positive experience.

Thanks for the comment, you should do it! It's not easy. Be careful and do a test run to see if your body is up for it.

Yes, I could do this again definitely, I loved it.

I walked about 50 miles a week for about 10 months (Didnt have a car, looking for work etc and ended up loving to walk), some days I'd walk upwards 10-15 miles. It was really strange getting back into a car....I felt super detached.

Hehe yes. Imagine how I feel being back in air-conditioning. Just sitting in a comfortable chair is weird. The transition back to "normality" has been tough but I'll make it. If I can walk 3,000 miles I should be able to do this too! Hah.

Haha...I'm sure you're a bit shell shocked by the AC, huh? I was walking in summer texas heat...then around October I started having to walk in the cold of Illinois (never having even seen snow before prior to this). If I had to pick between walking in the windy cold or humid heat...I'd pick heat any day of the week. Very cool to see another person do this though, makes me think I'll have to do it within the next few years..the more time goes by the more I want to and probably will :)

It was definitely a crazy trip. I prefer hot to cold too. At least for walking. My gear was lighter weight and my limbs were loose from the heat. Moving around in the cold is very difficult

As a Texas I'm glad to hear you enjoyed my state(even though it can get kinda bland every once and a while) I was wondering

How long Did it take you to walk across Texas?

Best and worst Places in Texas

Have you found yourself walking to places you would have normally driven to at home?

Thanks!

As a Texas

I didn't realize states could talk!

The stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of me.

:)

So....you're a moocher?

Totally but I never made anyone uncomfortable by it. I never asked for anything. If people offered I accepted willingly. This trip was about connection and experience not hand outs. I knew no matter what, that I would finish or I would die trying. I finished and it was a very positive experience for everyone involved as far as I know. People were very excited to participate and help where they could.

What was your general response to the usual patron when they pulled over and asked if you were okay?

Why take the path along the lower portion of the US, unless it was merely for the shortest route?

My initial goal was to see the Grand Canyon, so it was a pretty direct route from near where I live. When I neared the GC I decided that I should continue.

Of all the places you passed through what two would you consider relocating to permanently and why?

Lake Charles, Louisiana and Grants, New Mexico. An abundance of kind people. Smaller towns but close enough to bigger cities to get things you need from stores. Lots of local culture and beautiful things to see.

What was your favorite state to walk through? What did you do to prepare for your trip, physically, mentally and spiritually?

New Mexico was my favorite state. Visually awesome. People were very hospitable. I hardly prepared at all. I thought I did but I had no idea. You can't prepare for this. You just do it and adapt :)

What was your route?

I walked on the blue star memorial highway (highway 90) for approximately 1,000 miles and then I took 35 to fort worth and 287 to Amarillo followed by the purple heart trail (route 66/i40) for 1,500 miles approximately. With detours here and there for survivability and avoiding storms - that kinda thing.

at any point did you take advantage of the kindness of strangers? like entering restaurants with no money on the off chance of getting free food?

Yes, constantly :) At first I was weary of this situation but after awhile it was commonplace. People were excited to help someone on such a grand adventure and I definitely needed help.

Have you seen the movie "Forrest Gump"?

Haha, yes! I visited the Bubba Gump restaurant in New Orleans. When I told the staff who I was and what I was doing they got really excited. We took pictures and they proclaimed me the real Forrest Gump. I was just happy that I got a free bucket of crawfish.

Hi, can you post some pictures that are not on Facebook or Instagram?

[deleted]

http://i.imgur.com/DgcXmdK.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/JoUlMxh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/MVMQYr1.jpg

The dog is the random puppy that came up to me on the navajo reservation, we named him sazo and put a collar on him.

You sound like an amazing person. Also.... well I would walk five hundred miles, and I would walk 5 hundred more, well I would walk five hundred miles just to be the man who walks a thousand miles to fall down at your door

.... I'll just see myself out...

Hehehe... I remember when I heard that song in a diner... the song writers illustration of an impossible feat proving his love is approximately 1/3 the distance I had to walk. Cracks me up :)

The walking was the easy part. I went on autopilot. It was like meditating. The mental part was the hard part!

What you did was most definitely an amazing feat. I know I couldn't do something like that!

So out of the whole trip, what do you think was your greatest experience?

I think the greatest moment was when I was walking my last day and I was stopped at a cross-walk waiting for the green light. I was 100 feet from the beach. There were 150 people waiting for me on the other side and maybe 20 people walking behind me. I could hear the water, I could feel the breeze, smell the sea. It was overwhelming. Then when I finally went into the water, everything was quiet. It was beautiful.

How many pairs of shoes did you bring and what kind?

I brought one pair of adidas shoes! They lasted me quite awhile and then the rest of my shoes were donated to me along the way. A good assortment of all the brands you can find in a shoe store. Most running shoes will work just fine. I tried a pair of sandals but the blisters made them undesirable.

Do you ever use any special insoles like Superfeet? Just curious. Congrats on your trip. It's very inspiring. Rest up now.

I probably would have considered it if anyone donated some but I didn't have money to spend on them :) Thanks!!!

How do you go about planning this? Were you apprehensive, but just said, You know what, I gotta do it

I think about running cross country alot, but the thought of "what could happen" strikes me with fear.

I did shorter walks and exercise in some preparation. But when you get out there, you just firmly decide to go for it. There were too many unknowns to plan too much. I knew I needed some equipment to logically move and survive. I depended on others for the rest.

How did you manage to stay fed? to me, i feel that that would be the hardest thing to overcome in this kind of journey

Strangers along the way gave what I needed. I'm thankful to them, to all the people I met along the way, to my church back home praying for me.

Now do it in Europe, from Lissabon to Moscow!

I would love love love to do a europe walking trip. I'm going to spend some time recovering from this one first and then consider my options. One part of the project that I actually plan on introducing tonight at my welcome home party which is in one hour is... the community walk! Everyone in my home community will be invited. We will meet bi-weekly or once a week to have a large outdoorsy walk together. Nice and slow. Chatty. I want to get people outside and making connections.

How sunburned did you get?

Not too bad, actually. You can see my pictures on my facebook link.

I wore suncreen for the first month and then got tired of the chemicals. My skin adapted and I stopped burning.

Did you get any inspiration from this guy

Definitely.

...without a job, a residence and legal tender, that's what you are, a bum.

I prefer gypsy good sir! I did however have my own catering company that I left behind to pick up now, as well as, an apartment that I was leasing and set money aside for before I left.

You said you experienced extended quiet time with yourself and God, I was just wondering how it feels to talk to yourself and hope some non-existent entity is listening to you?

On that note, how does it feel to be a disrespectful asshole?

That's okay, everyone is entitled to their opinions and beliefs. Cheesefrykid, it felt really good. A 3,000 mile walk may change what you believe in, as well as, what you feel exists and doesn't exist, what matters and what doesn't. The first three weeks was "hope", afterwards there was no doubt that something was taking care of me. I like to believe that it was God.