On January 6th 2009, I will be flying out to LA and walking back to Boston, raising money for cancer research. The route I'm taking should take 5 months and cover roughly 3,800 miles. We will be filming the entire trip for an upcoming documentary.
The alarm went off and I started trying to figure out what I would be carrying today. I was not going to be pushing the Switchback Hybrid for the first time in at least a week. This is a little more difficult then you would think. Water, snacks, camera, Ipod....wait no Ipod, should spend time talking to my sister. Yes, that's right I was going to have company for the day (tomorrow too). We both packed up our CamelBak packs and headed out. On the road at 8:30 heading towards this mountain
We thought we were making amazing time because my pedometer was saying we were. Yeah well, it was some how set on kilometers and not miles.
We walked to were the Arizona Renaissance Festival is held and where Kelly was. All of Kristin's friends came out to greet us and cheer for what we were doing. I spent a little while talking about routes and reasons before we decided it was best to call it a day. What I think about when I think about renaissance festivals..
R.I.P. Heath Ledger
It ended up being a little short of where I thought we would stop. Better to stop early today and be able to walk again tomorrow. Kristin did really good, she was able to keep up with my pace without any problems. Of course she got blisters on both feet and we'll have to see how she's feeling tomorrow.
I've been informed that Jesse Walks America has gone trans-Atlantic, the chair recognizes...Norway. Thanks and welcome to the party.
I know I've put this on here before, but there is one line I think about when I want to stop walking.
"If a person never quit when the going got tough, I guess they wouldn't have anything to regret for the rest of their life."
So I woke up this morning and .......went for a walk. I know I was supposed to be resting but it was only a couple blocks. When I got back, I played on the computer and waited to go pick up Kristin.
Kelly (Kristin's friend) and I headed to the airport and got there almost in perfect time. Hugs and kisses, then off to find REI. Before we found REI though we found a Dunkin' Donuts. I was so excited and showed my New England-side, "Large ice coffee, black please." DELICIOUS !!!!!!
At REI, I started gathering things I felt I needed. I was looking to possibly upgrade my solar charger, grab some bike tubes and just about anything else that was there. My solar charger is a SOLIO Classic and I'm looking for more power. The helpful staff informed me that they were all sold out of the one I was craving. Oh well. Got my tubes, replaced my broken sunglasses, grabbed some bars and powders and headed for the counter. After explain to the staff what I was out doing, giving some LIVESTRONG bracelets and business cards out, we were on our way.
Back home, time to kick back and relax. Kelly and Kristin have been catching up and I've been checking on routes, reading emails, and relaxing. There are a few friends of Kristin's coming by to visit tonight after we eat.
Seth and the folks at Trek Lite gear, one of my sponsors, posted this on Trek Life, their blog. Thanks for the support guys.
Tomorrow I'll head out with Kristin and cover as much ground as she can. She's pretty tough, so it will be good.
From the "What's in my Ipod" file: It took 15 years to release a new song, but once I heard it I was hooked all over again. "Said we wouldn't last, said our time would pass, said we're just a flash, but we're still kicking ass."
Ok, so let me catch you up on what happened last night. Rob and I went to his friends, Ben and Olga's, for dinner. On the way he showed be downtown Tempe, which just got a Dunkin' Donuts (almost asked him to stop). We had a delicious meal and great conversation about the walk, desert survival, and mountain lions. When it was time to go, they gave me some organic fruit chews for snacking and a small pin of the Russian flag. Olga is originally from Russia and Ben said, "Cancer is a world issue." It was a very touching gift that I will keep with me throughout my journey. Thank you both.
We then picked up another of Rob's friends, Lisa, who is from Australia (she is going back in 12 days. Have a safe trip). We were on our way to the Side Bar where local CouchSurfers (host and surfers) meet up on Wednesday nights. There were about 20 some odd people when we got there and the stories where flying. As well as the PBR.
This one guy (can't remember his name, sorry) had driven from Alabama to Chicago and now to Phoenix was just kinda jumping around. He had a great outlook on life and how he wanted to travel the world. We talked for a bit sharing our travel experiences. By around 11 most of the surfers had left and Rob, Lisa, her friend Linsey, and I just talked amongst ourselves. The night ended around midnight and I was very happy I went and met all those interesting people. I fell asleep pretty quickly.
When I woke up this morning I adjusted the stuff in the Switchback Hybrid and prepared to walk to Apache Junction. Rob and his dog, Honey, joined me for the first 5 miles. They got picked up by Janet (Rob still had a full work schedule to keep) and we said our good-byes.
Thank you Rob for everything it was a great time. And I'll be keeping track of the project at 1700 Curry, it's a great idea.
Today I hit my 400th mile walked. I made this on the sidewalk to make my moment.
I walked into Apache Junction and got to my sister's friend, Kelly's, around 4 p.m.. We chatted for awhile and had some food. I've been sitting trying to figure out my next route. Kristin gets in tomorrow and I'll be taking the day off to hang out and go to REI.
Day 22 total: 21.8 Jesse Walks America total: 411.8 Drive from Santa Monica Pier, CA to Apache Junction, AZ: 422
A quick correction: The base John is stationed at is Luke AFB, in Glendale, AZ. Some pics John took
I woke up and talked with John a bit more this morning. We took a few pictures that I'll add here when he's able to send them to me. He brought me out to the main drag, we said our good-byes and I was off. I knew I had 26 or so miles to cover to get to the next surf, in Tempe.
I got to Phoenix and got my second flat of the trip
As I walked through Phoenix I saw these metal sculptures shaped like insects. If you look close there are little people in the claws, on the tail and all around it.
Also my house that is still under construction
This is actually ,Tovrea Castle being renovated. So you don't have to start packing Kelly. HAHA
I was getting really tired and didn't think Tempe was ever gonna show it's face. Then I rounded a bend and I was on Curry Street (that's the street I was aiming for). I walked for about 30 more minutes and reached my destination. This is Rob's business, so I was greeted by his co-worker Janet and shown around. Rob was out working and would be in shortly.
We may be attending a dinner at some friends here in a bit depending on how tired I'm feeling when Rob gets in. We'll have to see. The place is nice and Rob has made me feel right at home. I'll let you know how the night turns out....Stay tuned.
Day 21 total: 26.5 Jesse Walks America total: 390.0
I woke up Tuesday morning in Wickenburg, AZ and I headed to Peoria, AZ for my first CouchSurf . I saw this on top of a hill I was walking under, kinda
So the road was long and boring, have I said that before. I finally reached Sun City just before Peoria and the sun was off to my right starting to go down
My host for the night, John, meet up with me and we headed to his place. He showed be where I'd be sleeping and gave a quick tour. We decided we were going to grab a bite, so I jumped in the shower to wash off the desert dust. We went to this great sports bar, McDuffy's behind the apartment complex. The food was great and the conversation was as well.
John has been in the Air Force since he was 18. Born and raised in North Carolina and has lived in Korea, Germany and elsewhere. He works on fighter jets at the base there in Peoria. He has done and seem so much for a young guy. I was very impressed and happy to meet him. My stay was wonderful and John was a great host. Thank you for everything John, stay in touch.
Since surf's up the next few nights I can't resist.......
Just a quick mileage update because I can't figure out my hosts computer. I'm such a rock thrower. I'll either blog twice tomorrow night or in the morning before I hit the road.
Day 20 total: 31 Jesse Walks America total: 363.5 Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
It's been three days since my last online access. Not that much has happened. I've been walking down the straightest road I've ever seen, with pretty much the same view. This is the sign into the first town I came across from Parker, AZ (notice the number of grouches has been changed, HAHA)
The next three towns were, for the most part all the same size. They had a diner, a gas station and a general store for the most part.
Yesterday, I ran into a fellow traveler named Jason. He was riding bike from Alabama to Oregon to look for work. Check out his travelpod . We exchanged a little info. and both headed in separate directions. Good luck with your travels, Jason.
I've been in my tent the last three nights and that's been a new thing. I set up around 6 my time, when the sun starts setting, and I'm there until it creeps over the mountains around 7-7:30ish. So what do I do with all that time, you ask? Well I'll write in my journal and make a few calls (guess to who, hehe) then I fall asleep. I'd like to walk longer into the night, but the road's shoulder is too narrow and oncoming cars are scary enough during the day.
This morning I woke up just outside of Aquila, AZ with frost on my tent. It fell to about 35 degrees last night. I stayed warm in my tent, but I was surely surprised to see that. Also I had to fix my first flat tire. The thorns on the desert plants are no joke. On my way out of town I turned to see this sign
So by my math I've walked 10 miles less then it would take to drive to LA from this sign (as of yesterday my total was 307).
Well tonight I'm in Wickenburg, AZ, at the Inn, thanks to my sister Kristin who took care of business for me. Thanks Kristin, see you in a few days. Taking a shower was amazing as I'm sure sleeping in the bed will be.
Tomorrow I head to Peoria where I'll be CouchSurfing for the first time. I'm looking forward to it, it should be fun.
Let me take care of something I've been meaning to do. I need to send thank you's to Karen Davidson of The Forum and Sarah Gonet of The Standard-Times for their great articles.
A couple days back I passed this Arizona Highway Patrol officer, check his wrist
First person I've talked to with a LIVESTRONG bracelet. Represent.
From the "what's in the Ipod" file: This is a song that no matter my mood I smile and sing along. One of my feel good songs.....
Of course mines the album version not the rocking "live" one. HAHA
For the first time I topped the 30 mile mark. Also for the first time it rained a little today. I'm camped along Route 72 (check my SPOT map) Going back to sleep.
Day 16 total: 30.2 Jesse Walks America total: 253.1 Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Well this is my second full day of rest and my ankle feels pretty good. Is it 100%, no but it feels better. Tomorrow, Friday the 23rd, the 16th day of this trip I will be heading to Phoenix.
Since I didn't really leave the room today I don't have to much to report. I'm currently watching the Celtics playing the Magic on TNT. It's nice to see my team, the defending champs, before I start up again.
Going to go and repack the Baby Jogger Switchback Hybrid a little neater then the first time. Still think I have to much stuff, but....
I would just like to thank everyone for the well-wishing. It's been a tough start but I'm getting there. I'll be back up and walking on Friday morning, heading to Phoenix, AZ. My sister, Kristin, is meeting me there in 9 days to go for a walk.
So sorry for a couple boring post as I rest up. And thanks to ya'll for the thoughts and prayers.
This is the water from the Pacific Ocean that I WILL be walking to the Atlantic Ocean.
A rare mid-day blog to update my injury. Went to the clinic here around 10 am after a lengthy Facebook chat about it with Kelly. She did all the research of it's location and cost, then suggested I go. I talked it over with my dad and mom, telling them I was needing to know what was actually wrong. They both agreed so I was off walking the short one mile to the hospital.
The reason I mention the distance is because both times I asked for directions here I've got the same response. "Well, it's pretty far. about a mile or so I'd guess." Then I'd explain that I've just walked 222 miles from LA and I'm walking to Boston. "Well I guess one mile won't seem that far to you then". Then we'd share a chuckle.
The hospital staff was very polite and helpful. They were shocked I was walking across the country but very supportive of the cause. When my nurse, Jackie, came in and I explained my pain she said it sounded like, a repetitive use injury. She said x-rays would show nothing and a MRI would be expensive. So her diagnosis : Rest, Ice, Elevate, and Advil. So I'm in my room doing just that.
It looks and feels like I'll be up and going tomorrow but that is still up in the air. Between the hospital and going to CVS to get Advil I walked about 5 miles today does that come out of the 60 it took to get here?
Another bracelet......
Real quick. It was kinda neat being at the doctors after having gone to E.M.T. classes. I knew my blood pressure was good and all the junk they were doing and what it meant. I even knew most of the questions they were going to ask before they asked them. Thanks Todd, Chris, John and the rest of the staff at SouthCoast Training. I told you I was paying attention. HAHA
Today I woke up at 5:30, my time, after a good night off sleeping. Got my tent and gear all packed up and headed out.
I talked to Kelly, quickly, as I do everyday as I start walking. That was the last phone service for about 5 hours. I had a couple blips when I could text out or texts came in but that was all. This is what I woke up to see
I was walking along, actually limping along, for a while when I first met up with Florian (the guy from a few post back). He was out my way bike riding and graciously was going to leave a few water drops for me. By the time he came back to where I was I was really hurting. We talked for a minute and I asked if he would mind giving me a lift to the nearest town. I had to decide if I was going to keep limping along or go see a doctor.
I called home and weighed my options. My mom said it sounded like good idea, so off we headed to Earp, CA. Earp, CA is on one side of the Colorado River and Parker, AZ is on the other. My mom and sister were home working out reservations for me at a local hotel so I could start healing.
Because Earp is smaller than Parker we drove into Arizona to scope out the local hotel and hospital locations. After we found where I had to be Florian drove me back into California, so I could walk into Arizona. I was thankful the hotel was just a block into the city. Florian and I said our good-byes and I thanked him again for his help. I checked in and made my phone calls home. Now we are going to see how I feel tomorrow and make the decision on a doctor visit.
That's where we stand, on one leg while the other gets iced. Not the way I wanted to get into my 2nd state, but what can you do. More tomorrow from the city of Parker, AZ.
Day 13 total: 19 Jesse Walks America total: 222.9 States down: 1 Poll ending total: 118.9
President Barack Omaba busts a move. This is going to be a fun four years I think.
First day alone. Freaked out a little when I lost cell service. Talked to Kelly and everything was better. It was a good day walking I'll write more about the day when I have a computer.
Day 12 total: 25.5 Jesse Walks America total: 203.9 Poll total: 99.9 Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
I am sitting here this morning a little scared. I'm a little nervous about the next ten days of solitude. I just want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement. To all my family and friends I say thanks. I'd list you all but I have to walk sometime today (HAHA). Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read my rambling thoughts and run-on sentences. And to everyone who has made a donation to any of these organizations on behalf of the "walk", THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. My vision when I started this was to make a small difference and WE are.
Today's main event: Jesse Eric Simmons vs. The Open Road
What the road doesn't realize is I don't walk alone. Let's get ready to ruuuummmmmbble
So today was the last day that the crew was going to be following me around. We headed out and this was the view for the day.
After a few hours of walking I ran into them waiting to film and we decided that we would call it an early day. We figured this would be best so I could get everything that I need together. So at 11ish I climbed into the van for the last time after walking. This is what shoes look like after 175+ miles walking.
We got back to the hotel and I started packing. Man I have a lot of stuff (I feel) but I don't want to be caught off guard. I always over-pack.
Here is (possibly) my last blurb about BJ for a little while. He finished his walk last night in Boston. Check it out. BJ finishing
I want to take a few moments to thank the crew that has followed and watched me walk for 11 days.
Steve: What a way to get to know someone, two weeks in a van or a hotel room. Thanks for all the help filming and all the stills you shot. And the quick lesson on uploading those photos (I'll get to them, haha)
Eric: It seems like we had a million 3 hour meetings at the "Bean" about this before it finally happened. Thanks for following me around for two weeks with a camera and a vision. And thanks in advance for all the work that is going to come from here on out. I hope you remember how to make sandwiches.
Carl: What can I say here...you're my brother and my best friend. I wouldn't have wanted this "doc" in the hands of anyone else. I know you are going to make a film that we are going to be proud of. Another adventure, thanks for being there as I started this epic trip.
Tomorrow I start out on a three day walk without a town. I also have 10 days to make it Phoenix to meet up with my sister. She is flying out to walk with me for a couple days. So the next few blogs will be via BlackBerry, depending on service.
Day 11 total: 10 Jesse Walks America total: 178.4 Poll total: 74.4
After the day of rest and night of restlessness, I had to start walking again. We got out of Joshua Tree pretty early and got to the route at about 7:30. I was walking at 8 like everyday. Right out of the gate was uphill through a windy corridor. I'm getting used to it now. It soon leveled off and I was able to cover some real mileage.
By noon, I had 12 miles down and had set a goal to reach Twenty-nine Pines 7 miles away. Baby steps. I ended up walking right through the town of Joshua Tree and found out the elevation I had climbed to.
While I was walking, the guys took in the sights and shops of the town (I found out later). Guess you can only watch a guy walk for so long without going crazy.
It was a pretty uneventful day to say the least. The road stayed flat and the view stayed the same, desert nothingness to the left and right.
I want to share something with everyone. As I'm writing this blog, my friend BJ Hill is finishing his trek across America. He has been walking in the dark and cold of Boston to get done today. Check out his adventure, WalkAmerica2008. Way to go BJ, I look forward to seeing you back in Boston when I finish sometime in April/May.
I also want to share an email from a family friend I received a day ago. I left the names out, so I hope they don't mind.
Jesse, just recently found out what you have been up to. I read the blog its great. I'm so proud. In a non condescending way. I just finished a severe dose of radiation 6 months ago. I'm cancer free and feeling better but my friends 1 year old just went through severe brain cancer and although better remains totally blind. Keep up the good work, those of us who don't have the strength or stamina to do what you are doing will forever be greatfull, cherish the sights you see for the little girl i mentioned. Her name is Sophia and we'll be praying for your safety. We hope to get a donation together soon as well.
This is why I'm doing this. Everyone of us knows someone who has cancer or knows someone who knows someone who has it. Monday morning, if you haven't already, when you get to work please tell everyone about my walk. Take the initiative and start a collection for one of the organizations on my blog. If everyone we know gives at least $1 we will make a difference. How many people do you know? And how many do they know? That's a lot of people. ONE DOLLAR.
Every minute someone dies from cancer. Since I started this walk roughly 17,280 people have lost their battle with this disease. It's time to do something.
Day 10 total: 23.1 Jesse Walks America total: 168.4 Poll total: 64.4
We decided to take day 9 off, for recovery and logistical reasons. When we started all the planning I got ahead of myself on how far I could go everyday. As you all know, I've been handed a lesson on that. We stayed in Blythe, CA on Thursday night which was a two hour drive from where I ended off. So a day off and a relaxing drive back was the best plan. This is what I see as we drive
I do have a side window as well.
Any way, we got to Joshua Tree and set up camp rather quickly. Then I walked up a mountain to see the view. And I wasn't disappointed.
This is where it gets silly. It was a little cold once the sun went down but by 7 o'clock it was really cold and it just got colder. Carl slept in the van, while Eric and Steve tried to stay warm in my 2 tents. Needless to say it didn't work well. I went to use the restroom at around 11....
That's my Lippi Selk bag with arms and legs so I could walk around camp and stay warm.
Well we all survived and some of us actually got some sleep. Sorry, Steve. This was my stay warm in the hammock plan...
It, as well as some longjohns, did the job.
Joshua Tree is a beautiful place. At night there most have been a million stars in the sky, it was so clear and quite. Glad we went even with the cold.
Day 9 total miles: 0 Jesse Walks America total: 145.3 Poll total: 41.3
The following clip from Entourage contains language and people tripping on mushrooms, but I couldn't help thinking about it while in Joshua Tree.
So the morning started the same as the rest, breakfast followed by a 35+ min. ride to the route. We left off right off the highway so finding it was easy. The problem was it was a dirt road. AGAIN ! It followed the highway in the direction we're heading, so off I went.
The van was able to follow me for a few miles, but then the dirt road became a dirt path. I was on my own walking east with the highway. Soon the dirt path became nothing, so I decided to climb the hill and get a better view of where I was headed. By hill I mean small mountain. On the top there were wind turbines everywhere, but I got a look at where I had to get. Once down to the highway it wasn't long before I met up with the guys.
Now earlier in the morning I received a Twitter comment from someone following the walk, named Florian. He said he lives in the Palm spring area and would like to come out and say hi. Cool. As I met the guys, he pulled up. Perfect timing because he had been trying to find me and was ready to head home. So we chatted for a bit and took a picture. It was nice to meet you Florian and Eddie(the dog) too.
Off down Route 62 I headed. It was an uphill, windy walk through the canyon. I stopped once to take a break and snapped this picture..
That motor home was going about 45 mph and was really that close. It was the only shady place I could find at that point.
I walked about another 9 miles fighting the wind. I have yet to walk with the wind at my back. Oh well. I decided my ankle couldn't handle any more and found the guys.
I think we may be taking another day off tomorrow to see if I can get healthy. We should be camping in Joshua Tree in the next couple days. That will be fun.
Day 8 total: 20 miles Jesse Walks America total: 145.3 Poll total: 41.3
From the "what's in your Ipod" file: this is one of the songs I need to hear when I question what I'm doing. It reminds me of my 3 yr. old niece and makes me smile.
This morning I woke up at 5 (my time) and went down to the lobby to check the web. I ate some breakfast, relooked at the route for the day, and had some more breakfast. Once we were ready to leave this was the view from the hotel parking lot.
We got on route and started at 8 am sharp. The route we had chosen was 27 miles and lead to the turn around the northern part of Joshua Tree National Park. I felt good even though my right leg was still acting up. I was just walking along minding my business, when out of nowhere.....an Indian reservation check point. Carl, Eric and Steve drove up to the booth, as I walked in, to ask permission to enter. DENIED!?! Ok now what. Plan b. We went to the local library and researched the alternate route. Which turned out to be the original one I found last night. Easy enough right. WRONG!!! Here is the road I ended up on.....
What we knew about it was, it went east along route 10 and it may connect to some place we were going. The guys left me, to head to where we thought this may go, because the rental couldn't make it and I was off. About 200 yards in the road became paved and I was pretty proud that I knew this would work out. As I walked I could see a shimmer in the distance. No, couldn't be, not that soon. IT WAS!! The crew had found a way to get to me. It was good to share the longest, most boring road to date with them. We successfully made it to the side of the highway we wanted to be on and continued.
There weren't to many planned excursions on this trip, Winkie's, Salvation Mountain, and Giant Dinosaurs.
Today was our day off, so I slept till 6:30. I woke early to talk to Kelly on Facebook. After a little while I went back to bed for about 45 minutes. The boys slept in till 8 or 8:30, I think.
We left the hotel heading to Niland, CA home to Salvation Mountain. When we pulled down Main St., Carl thought he recognized this building from Werner Herzog's "The Wild Blue Yonder".
Steve and Eric also believed it was the place so we stopped to check it out. Turns out they were right, it was the place. *bonus movie location
We soon came to the destination
We all hurried out of the car. Everyone carrying some kind of recording device. Here are the first few shots.
We started walking around the mountain and heard Leonard Knights voice coming from inside. He was giving a tour to a group so we tagged along.
This is the view that Emile Hersh and Kristen Stewart had, when they were inside with Leonard, in "Into The Wild".
Once outside Mr. Knight continued to talk to the group. He was also gracious enough to take a quick picture with yours truly.
After the other people scattered around we were able to speak with Leonard more one-on-one. He is a very passionate man that my words couldn't begin to do justice. Talking to him was amazing. We have everything recorded on every format possible. When I told him I was walking across the country raising money for cancer he actually reached in his pocket to give me a donation. This is a man who basically lives on donations from tourists and he wanted to give that money to my cause. If everyone in the world had a heart like Mr. Knight it would definitely be a better place.
After talking for a bit, the crowd had left and Leonard mentioned going to town for coffee. Not wanting to stand in the way of a coffee run, I gave him a "Jesse Walks America" shirt and we said our thanks and good-byes.
Today's trip was more then I could have imagined. It will be a long time before I forget my trip to Salvation Mountain if ever. Before we left I wrote in the guest book, " Thank you Mr. Knight for allowing us into your home. It has been an eye opening experience. God speed. - Jesse "
Day 6 total: 0 miles (a heart and head full of memories) Jesse Walks America total: 103.9
Each and every gift is important. No gift is too small. Online donations can be made using the links below:
Follow Jesse
Here is a SPOT Check-in Map that marks where I hit the "check-in" button during the last week. I'll do this a couple times a day.
And at the bottom of this page you will find a Google map that tracks my complete trip. Scroll down and take a look. Be sure to zoom in to get a better look and also select view larger map to try street views.
