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
J.W.A.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Breaking up the band.
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 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
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Dollar Menu
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
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
The "doc" crew and yoU2
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.
I went back and Carl snapped this picture in my trek light gear hammock.
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.
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.
I went back and Carl snapped this picture in my trek light gear hammock.
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.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Wind & The Winnebago
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
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
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Ms. Amelia (Uncle Jesse misses you)
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.
I Love you Amelia Emerson Cutie-pie Cail Elephant
I Love you Amelia Emerson Cutie-pie Cail Elephant
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