2 coasts ... 1 HOPE


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.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Surf in the City

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


5 comments:

MUM said...

Kristin is on her way...we had such a great resonse at the airport with the check-in girls. They said "Hi from Delta"maybe they'll write to you.
Then Nancy and I went to Golden Greek and the waitress was really interested. She had seen the article in the paper. Says she will wear her LIVESTRONG bracelet with pride. And got 2 gentlemen to also ask for braclets and they all gave me a donation. Amazing..there are nice people out there you just have to look.

MUM said...

Thanks Rob--from Jesse's family

Steven said...

seems like a good time out there. glad things are working out with the surfing. that stroller looks pretty heavy. take care

Unknown said...

Hi Jesse, I am so happy that we got a chance to meet you! Thank you for inspiring us!

Safe and joyful adventures to you!

Olga and Ben

P.S. I befriended you on FB and uploaded the pic.

Steve Duffy said...

You're in AJ! Watch out for the old fogeys driving their land yachts! There's a mexican place there everyone raves about. Kristin knows it. Lot's of good Tequila.