A Walk across America (cycle, best, summer, winter)

[Djames9]

I have all summer to do anything i feel like and i know I am working right now but part of me wants to just quit my part time job and Just spend the rest of this summer to walk across america. I would be starting on the West Coast in California and work my way to New York City through the small rural country roads. of course this is just a really great idea at this point but Im seriously considering leaving in early July and just going on till it gets cold then finally then just wherever im at just planning to spend the winter there and in a way "camp out there and survive wherever till the warm season comes then continue on to New York City. The winter scenery is pretty boring and it's just all snow which i personally think it's not too interesting to continue my walk.

So what does the Travel forum public think about this crazy yet possible dream of mine?

[Jezer]

Who's there to stop you?

If you want to do it, do it and don't worry about what anyone here has to say.

Oh, and good luck.

If Forrest Gump can do it, so can you.

[marmac]

Peter Jenkins did that in the 70's and wrote 2 books about it.

Those two paperbacks were some of the most interesting books I have read.
He walked from the NE coast to New Orleans. Got married, then he and his wife walked together from New Orleans to the Pacific ocean in Oregon .

If you do keep a journal and eventually write a book detailing your walk, I definitely will buy it and read it.

Good luck , best wishes, on your walk.

[SXMGirl]

If you have that desire, then just do it. Too many of us have wished to do things and were not able to. As other posters have said, you can write a book about your adventure. If you have the means, make sure that you don't live with regrets. Good luck. I'll look forward to reading your book.

[jtur88]

"On your death bed, you will not regret anything you did. Only things you did not do." -- Mark Twain.

[Newdaawn]

As the previous poster mentioned Peter Jenkin's books, I highly recommend you read them. It was many years ago and he has written numerous books of his travels and adventures since that first walk.. Book One I believe is "Walk Across America" and the second one is "The Walk West" . Once you read them I think you will be hooked. Hey maybe your adventures will turn into a book we can all read.

[StealthRabbit]

You might pursue my idea.

Using a sheepherder's wagon and a tractor w/ sign "will work for food and fuel".

Walking definately is a more challenging option and you'll be in touch with more people, but.... I am thinking WY and SD could be a very long stretch (but the people there are superb, as they are also in ND).

If you are the social type, do the walking. If you are less social do a bike / motorcycle / tractor. If you get sore feet, get a high-speed lawn tractor with a BIG reflector and blinking lights.

[Granny Sue]

My motto is...life it too short. If this is something you really want to do then you'll find a way to do it.

If my legs were younger, I'd walk with ya.

[marmac]

Allow plenty of time.

Peter Jenkins walk took a couple years as he stopped and worked jobs along the way.
He, also, took the winter off while walking from New Orleans to Oregon.

I believe he stopped in Colorado and stayed at a ranchers cabin til spring.

[gman5431]

This sounds like a very interesting idea. I was wondering how long it would take. You would definately learn and see a lot.

G Man