Walking Coast-to-Coast
- Jazztonight
- Posts: 1339
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: Lake Merritt
Walking Coast-to-Coast
Hello to my fellow Bogleheads!
I just returned last week from a Coast-to-Coast walk, Pacific to the Atlantic. I succeeded and survived.
The first 40 days of my 170 day journey took place in April & May of 2017. When temperatures in the Southwest reached over 110 degrees, I came home. (The alternative was dying).
I resumed my journey on February 1, 2018, and other than an early foot problem that forced a 2-week rest, I continued walking and reached the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday, June 24.
I started in Huntington Beach, CA and ended in Rehoboth Beach, DE. For much of the journey I pushed a specially adapted Runabout stroller cart; after Cincinnati I carried a backpack.
Anyone interested in reading about my journey please look at my Frequently Asked Questions page: faq.notesalongthejourney.com
Disclaimers: this was not a fundraiser--I paid for the trip myself; it was not easy; I'm 71 years old; I lost ~12 pounds and have quickly gained back half of that; I almost died only once; I'm married and spoke to my wife every night on FaceTime. I dedicated my walk to the memory of father, a World War 2 Army Air Corps veteran, who flew 44 missions as the flight engineer in a B-24 bomber in the South Pacific, and passed away in March 2017 at 96.
Yes, I'm writing a book about my journey.
It's good to be home, but it feels anticlimactic, and it's taking a while to readjust. Did I mention this was not easy?
I just returned last week from a Coast-to-Coast walk, Pacific to the Atlantic. I succeeded and survived.
The first 40 days of my 170 day journey took place in April & May of 2017. When temperatures in the Southwest reached over 110 degrees, I came home. (The alternative was dying).
I resumed my journey on February 1, 2018, and other than an early foot problem that forced a 2-week rest, I continued walking and reached the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday, June 24.
I started in Huntington Beach, CA and ended in Rehoboth Beach, DE. For much of the journey I pushed a specially adapted Runabout stroller cart; after Cincinnati I carried a backpack.
Anyone interested in reading about my journey please look at my Frequently Asked Questions page: faq.notesalongthejourney.com
Disclaimers: this was not a fundraiser--I paid for the trip myself; it was not easy; I'm 71 years old; I lost ~12 pounds and have quickly gained back half of that; I almost died only once; I'm married and spoke to my wife every night on FaceTime. I dedicated my walk to the memory of father, a World War 2 Army Air Corps veteran, who flew 44 missions as the flight engineer in a B-24 bomber in the South Pacific, and passed away in March 2017 at 96.
Yes, I'm writing a book about my journey.
It's good to be home, but it feels anticlimactic, and it's taking a while to readjust. Did I mention this was not easy?
"What does not destroy me, makes me stronger." Nietzsche
- Doom&Gloom
- Posts: 5417
- Joined: Thu May 08, 2014 3:36 pm
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Awesome!
I read only the faq's you posted. That wore me out. Your dad would have been very proud. Congratulations and well done!
I read only the faq's you posted. That wore me out. Your dad would have been very proud. Congratulations and well done!
- whodidntante
- Posts: 13116
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 10:11 pm
- Location: outside the echo chamber
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Interesting. Thanks for sharing, and congrats!
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
That is impressive at any age!
What did you think about when walking, or did you have audio books & podcasts to keep your mind occupied?
a little over 16 miles per day. Very impressive.
What did you think about when walking, or did you have audio books & podcasts to keep your mind occupied?
a little over 16 miles per day. Very impressive.
I wish I had learned about index funds 25 years ago
- ResearchMed
- Posts: 16795
- Joined: Fri Dec 26, 2008 10:25 pm
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Amazing!
Congratulatioins. Well Done!
VERY impressive, and a special way to honor and remember your father.
RM
Congratulatioins. Well Done!
VERY impressive, and a special way to honor and remember your father.
RM
This signature is a placebo. You are in the control group.
-
- Posts: 12073
- Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2009 1:10 am
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
deleted
Last edited by letsgobobby on Tue Apr 30, 2019 1:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Amazing... Look forward to the book - Loved this part of the FAQ....
Will you be carrying any weapons?
Yes.
After seeing Jason Bourne kill a man using a ball-point pen, I carry a similar pen on this trip.
|
Rob |
Its a dangerous business going out your front door. - J.R.R.Tolkien
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Walking? Never hear of anyone walking. At least not since the 19th century...
Congratulations.
Thought first that you walked across England (which I have done), but the US ? Hard to imagine. Rode a bike from San Diego to Jacksonville, but walking? No way. Totally awesome.
Congratulations.
Thought first that you walked across England (which I have done), but the US ? Hard to imagine. Rode a bike from San Diego to Jacksonville, but walking? No way. Totally awesome.
"Plans are useless; planning is indispensable.” (Dwight Eisenhower) |
"Man plans, God laughs" (Yiddish proverb)
-
- Posts: 653
- Joined: Tue Feb 09, 2010 12:51 pm
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Amazing story. Thanks for posting it. You're an inspiration to many!
- Jazztonight
- Posts: 1339
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: Lake Merritt
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
The first 1/3 of the trip I just paid attention to the road and listened to the music in my head as I watched oncoming traffic and the sights along the way. I'm a musician and have a very large repertoire--in my head
By the half-way point, I was listening to podcasts and audio books. I documented some of these in my daily posts--some fiction; biographies of John Quincy Adams and Charlie Parker; recorded music by artists from John Philip Sousa to Bill Watrous (he's fantastic!); podcasts (particularly: It's Only A Game, and Stuff They Didn't Teach You in School; Fresh Air; Marc Maron; This American Life).
"What does not destroy me, makes me stronger." Nietzsche
- Jazztonight
- Posts: 1339
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: Lake Merritt
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
PM me before you hit the road. I can probably save you some aggravation!letsgobobby wrote: ↑Wed Jul 04, 2018 11:22 pm it’s wonderful - mazel tov!
When I got my first real job at age 29, the first thing I told my boss is I wanted to retire early so I could walk coast to coast. He laughed and said, “You know, things start to hurt as you get older.”
I can see his point 15 years later. But I still dream it.
I have done sections of the PCT and am more likely to do a long stretch of that before walking coast to coast. The scenery is more concentrated, and the people fewer. But the coast to coast walk is very unique and its own challenge and I think it’s terrific you did it.
"What does not destroy me, makes me stronger." Nietzsche
-
- Posts: 4902
- Joined: Sat Oct 25, 2014 3:23 pm
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Wow. Thank you for sharing your story.
-
- Posts: 2728
- Joined: Mon Nov 10, 2014 10:34 pm
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Very neat! I’m glad you got through your trip safely. Your story made me smile.
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Wow, nice job. Personally I don't mind the sw heat but being in the sun w/o any shade would be very tough. I had a coworker ride his bike from the east coast to the west coast. Took about 6 weeks or less. He was run off the road in KC by a pickup truck but only had a few bruises.
----------------------------- |
If you think something is important and it doesn't involve the health of someone, think again. Life goes too fast, enjoy it and be nice.
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
cool! Not for me, but I'm glad you made it
Retired 2019. So far, so good. I want to wake up every morning. But I want to die in my sleep. Just another conundrum. I think the solution might be afternoon naps ;)
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Very interesting. Did you get to see interesting places, or was it about the walking? What did you do about shoes?
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Seems like you made the right decision. In all seriousness, congrats. Very cool.Jazztonight wrote: ↑Wed Jul 04, 2018 10:28 pm When temperatures in the Southwest reached over 110 degrees, I came home. (The alternative was dying).
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
When I saw the thread title, I assumed this would be a flight of fancy, and you'd be talked down by the relentlessly logical bogleheads. Imagine my surprise when I clicked in and saw that you were already done. Very impressive sir!
- Artful Dodger
- Posts: 1952
- Joined: Thu Oct 20, 2016 12:56 pm
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Very cool. I used to walk across the city of St. Louis each year, and friends told me I was crazy. Nice way to honor your father as well.
- jabberwockOG
- Posts: 3088
- Joined: Thu May 28, 2015 7:23 am
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Congratulations! Amazing and unique journey in today's world.
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
So amazing, Jazzy.
When I grow up, I want to be just like you.
When I grow up, I want to be just like you.
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
I know of several of your awe inspiring achievements, Jazztonight, but this is probably the most impressive, so far. I am sure there will be more.
Honored to be your friend,
Victoria
Honored to be your friend,
Victoria
Inventor of the Bogleheads Secret Handshake |
Winner of the 2015 Boglehead Contest. |
Every joke has a bit of a joke. ... The rest is the truth. (Marat F)
- lthenderson
- Posts: 8528
- Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2012 11:43 am
- Location: Iowa
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
My parents have ridden bicycles coast to coast four times and from the Canadian border to Mexican border once and have always had lots of good memories that they have shared with me so I'm sure you have lots of good experiences as well. I've wanted to do something similar as well when the time is right.
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
-
- Posts: 1145
- Joined: Fri Apr 22, 2016 9:41 am
- Location: State of Confusion
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
That's awesome! Congrats on your achievement! What's next?
- Jazztonight
- Posts: 1339
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: Lake Merritt
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Certainly I saw many interesting places. But it was mostly about the walking and reaching the goal. That said, you can't avoid having experiences when on such a journey.
Please go to my faq (frequently asked questions) to read about shoes.
Thanks for everyone's comments!
"What does not destroy me, makes me stronger." Nietzsche
- Jazztonight
- Posts: 1339
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: Lake Merritt
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
That you are! And thank you for you vote of confidence.
I'm not sure that I'll be topping this journey any time soon. But I realized when I turned 70 that both my parents lived into their mid-90s, so I better make some serious plans and see what I can do to execute them. This walk was on my list.Victoria
"What does not destroy me, makes me stronger." Nietzsche
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
I am in shock. Congratulations.
- Jazztonight
- Posts: 1339
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: Lake Merritt
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Since you ask...LarryAllen wrote: ↑Thu Jul 05, 2018 9:26 am That's awesome! Congrats on your achievement! What's next?
I wrote a list of stuff I'm doing or have planned, but I've edited it. I'm uncomfortable listing my goals. I'll just say I have a couple of writing projects, planned travel, and I'm still studying Spanish and working out.
"What does not destroy me, makes me stronger." Nietzsche
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
How frequently did you encounter non- walking-friendly obstacles (bridges, tunnels and the like), and how did you deal with them?
(I did read your site some and saw a mention or two of getting a lift on a bridge/tunnel, but I would think that on a coast to coast walk there would be MANY such obstacles. Perhaps not, though...)
(I did read your site some and saw a mention or two of getting a lift on a bridge/tunnel, but I would think that on a coast to coast walk there would be MANY such obstacles. Perhaps not, though...)
-
- Posts: 343
- Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:46 pm
- Location: Somewhere between Appalachia and Atlantic
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Great achievement. Congratulations. I hope your family and friends are proud of you and happy of this accomplishment.
What's next? May be Pacific Crest Trail?
What's next? May be Pacific Crest Trail?
Everything that you own, owns piece of you.
- dodecahedron
- Posts: 6607
- Joined: Tue Nov 12, 2013 11:28 am
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
I am in awe.
I grew up in Washington DC and loved to walk long distances (sometimes up to 20 miles in a day) as a teen, in those hot, humid, steamy, summers but I picked and chose my routes carefully (routes with sidewalks and trees and pedestrian friendly with park benches and plenty of places to stop for water or lemonade or Slurpees! along the way), I carried nothing bigger than a lightweight handbag, and of course, I did not have to give any thought to where I would sleep each night. And I did not do it relentlessly day after day after day ... just every so often when the spirit moved me. Never got so much as a significant blister. But people thought I was crazy then. Later used to do the same as young adult in Boston/Cambridge MA, where it was a little cooler and definitely less humid--but people STILL thought I was crazy. Sometimes my future husband would come along with me on those walks. Though he didn't go to the lengths I did, people thought we were BOTH crazy! And we were young. Can't begin to imagine tackling this at your age. (But feeling inspired by your example and the stirred up memories to walk more around here in Upstate NY after the current heat wave breaks!)
I grew up in Washington DC and loved to walk long distances (sometimes up to 20 miles in a day) as a teen, in those hot, humid, steamy, summers but I picked and chose my routes carefully (routes with sidewalks and trees and pedestrian friendly with park benches and plenty of places to stop for water or lemonade or Slurpees! along the way), I carried nothing bigger than a lightweight handbag, and of course, I did not have to give any thought to where I would sleep each night. And I did not do it relentlessly day after day after day ... just every so often when the spirit moved me. Never got so much as a significant blister. But people thought I was crazy then. Later used to do the same as young adult in Boston/Cambridge MA, where it was a little cooler and definitely less humid--but people STILL thought I was crazy. Sometimes my future husband would come along with me on those walks. Though he didn't go to the lengths I did, people thought we were BOTH crazy! And we were young. Can't begin to imagine tackling this at your age. (But feeling inspired by your example and the stirred up memories to walk more around here in Upstate NY after the current heat wave breaks!)
- Jazztonight
- Posts: 1339
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: Lake Merritt
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
I'd estimate I took rides about 8-10 times. Most of these were because of severe weather and winds. Others were because of risky walking conditions (no shoulders on highways), or through tunnels or over bridges. I tried to be transparent in my posts and disclose such events. There was no point in glamorizing my journey. It was awesome at times, and ridiculous at others.psteinx wrote: ↑Thu Jul 05, 2018 10:50 am How frequently did you encounter non- walking-friendly obstacles (bridges, tunnels and the like), and how did you deal with them?
(I did read your site some and saw a mention or two of getting a lift on a bridge/tunnel, but I would think that on a coast to coast walk there would be MANY such obstacles. Perhaps not, though...)
"What does not destroy me, makes me stronger." Nietzsche
- Jazztonight
- Posts: 1339
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: Lake Merritt
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Thank you.
I do not have any hiking or walking or biking or running plans. This was the journey I wanted to take.
"What does not destroy me, makes me stronger." Nietzsche
- Jazztonight
- Posts: 1339
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: Lake Merritt
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Walking long distances is, I believe, in the human makeup. I've met people who will walk all day for hours, and I've always respected them for that. If you can, why not? It's a good thing!dodecahedron wrote: ↑Thu Jul 05, 2018 11:04 am I am in awe.
I grew up in Washington DC and loved to walk long distances (sometimes up to 20 miles in a day) as a teen, in those hot, humid, steamy, summers but I picked and chose my routes carefully (routes with sidewalks and trees and pedestrian friendly with park benches and plenty of places to stop for water or lemonade or Slurpees! along the way), I carried nothing bigger than a lightweight handbag, and of course, I did not have to give any thought to where I would sleep each night. And I did not do it relentlessly day after day after day ... just every so often when the spirit moved me. Never got so much as a significant blister. But people thought I was crazy then. Later used to do the same as young adult in Boston/Cambridge MA, where it was a little cooler and definitely less humid--but people STILL thought I was crazy. Sometimes my future husband would come along with me on those walks. Though he didn't go to the lengths I did, people thought we were BOTH crazy! And we were young. Can't begin to imagine tackling this at your age. (But feeling inspired by your example and the stirred up memories to walk more around here in Upstate NY after the current heat wave breaks!)
I don't know if age has much to do with it. Once retired, we have much more control over how we spend our time; or at least we should. I don't think I missed much by not sitting at my desk for those 170 days. I also avoided the news.
"What does not destroy me, makes me stronger." Nietzsche
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
When I read your post, I thought of a book I had read many years ago but could not remember the name. "Walk Across America"--I was glad to see it was one of your inspirations. What I remember and enjoyed about the book are the stories he told about the people he met along his journey. Will you have such stories in your book?
Glad you made it back safely and thanks for sharing.
Glad you made it back safely and thanks for sharing.
- Will do good
- Posts: 1138
- Joined: Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:23 pm
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
That's amazing. Congrats.
- Jazztonight
- Posts: 1339
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: Lake Merritt
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Of course! I met some incredible people and will have profiles of some. But mostly I did my best to protect people's privacy.marielake wrote: ↑Thu Jul 05, 2018 11:57 am When I read your post, I thought of a book I had read many years ago but could not remember the name. "Walk Across America"--I was glad to see it was one of your inspirations. What I remember and enjoyed about the book are the stories he told about the people he met along his journey. Will you have such stories in your book?
There were others who walked across the country before Jennings, but his book was significant and the photos were wonderful. My photos were not National Geographic quality, but the USA provides some amazing vistas.
Thank you!Glad you made it back safely and thanks for sharing.
"What does not destroy me, makes me stronger." Nietzsche
- whodidntante
- Posts: 13116
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 10:11 pm
- Location: outside the echo chamber
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
No reasonable person would ask the bogleheads permission to do something risky, unless the unspoken objective is to be talked out of the thing.
- WestUniversity
- Posts: 233
- Joined: Sat Oct 07, 2017 7:27 am
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Congratulations! What an achievement! BTW have you read the Walk series by Richard Paul Evans? Your story sounds very similar...
-
- Posts: 93
- Joined: Mon Nov 27, 2017 9:43 pm
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
That is a great story! Congratulations!
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
I read thru most of your blog last night. Super enjoyable for me. I enjoy walking and hope to do something epic in the not too distant future. How did you handle the dog encounters? I saw you had some but didn't see what you did about it. I would also worry about snakes and cayotes sleeping in the desert. Basically I'm afraid of animals.
-
- Posts: 269
- Joined: Sat Apr 05, 2014 11:36 pm
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Nice accomplishment.
Question --- how is this a personal consumer issue?
Question --- how is this a personal consumer issue?
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
What a Wonderful & Exciting Journey! Congrats!
Dave
Dave
"Reality always wins, your only job is to get in touch with it." Wilfred Bion
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Generally-speaking, did you plan how many miles to walk each day so that you'd end up in a specific location, or did you just "wing-it" and stop walking when you got tired?
"I almost died only once."
Was this the heat-related incident you referenced? If not, would you mind sharing details?
"It's good to be home, but it feels anticlimactic, and it's taking a while to readjust."
Anticlimactic, in that you thought you'd feel somehow different, more of a changed person as a result accomplishing this feat?
When you say it's taking a while to readjust, is that because you now perceive your day-to-day "normal" life to be somewhat boring (less purposeful? less challenging?? less meaningul???) relative to what your life was like on the road?
Kudos for attemping such a challenging goal & summoning the strength & perseverance necessary to accomplish it.
"I almost died only once."
Was this the heat-related incident you referenced? If not, would you mind sharing details?
"It's good to be home, but it feels anticlimactic, and it's taking a while to readjust."
Anticlimactic, in that you thought you'd feel somehow different, more of a changed person as a result accomplishing this feat?
When you say it's taking a while to readjust, is that because you now perceive your day-to-day "normal" life to be somewhat boring (less purposeful? less challenging?? less meaningul???) relative to what your life was like on the road?
Kudos for attemping such a challenging goal & summoning the strength & perseverance necessary to accomplish it.
- Jazztonight
- Posts: 1339
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: Lake Merritt
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
It's reasonable to be cautious when necessary. Fear is another thing, and that's very personal. But certainly, big dogs or attacking dogs can be scary.Fitch wrote: ↑Thu Jul 05, 2018 1:14 pm I read thru most of your blog last night. Super enjoyable for me. I enjoy walking and hope to do something epic in the not too distant future. How did you handle the dog encounters? I saw you had some but didn't see what you did about it. I would also worry about snakes and coyotes sleeping in the desert. Basically I'm afraid of animals.
During my first dog encounter, the dog came running unexpectedly across the road at me, and I pointed at it and yelled loudly, "Stop! Go home!" a number of times. The owner came out and also started yelling at the dog. It didn't attack me. In fact, none of the barking dogs attacked. They just threatened. I always kept walking.
Other times, I pointed the trekking pole I had at a dog and yelled at it to stop and go home. Another time I picked up a stick and threw it to the side. One time over 40 tiny little dogs (I counted them, but lost count after 40) came running out towards me, followed by an apologetic owner. It was comical, and we both laughed.
I encountered snakes a few times, but they didn't bother me. I heard coyotes while in my tent, but they didn't bother me either. I was fortunate in so many ways, so many times. The most annoying things were swarms of flies. That lasted 2-3 days.
"What does not destroy me, makes me stronger." Nietzsche
- Jazztonight
- Posts: 1339
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: Lake Merritt
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Well, it's not a financial issue. And this is where the physical fitness and travel posts are. Hope you don't mind.SuperGrafx wrote: ↑Thu Jul 05, 2018 1:21 pm Nice accomplishment.
Question --- how is this a personal consumer issue?
"What does not destroy me, makes me stronger." Nietzsche
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Did you keep track of expenses? I'm curious how much since you stayed in so many hotels and had to eat in a bunch of restaurants.
- Jazztonight
- Posts: 1339
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:21 pm
- Location: Lake Merritt
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
12-25 miles is a typical day's walk. End of the day was determined by destination, fatigue, or convenience.
Yes. Details are in the post or will be expanded in future writing."I almost died only once." Was this the heat-related incident you referenced? If not, would you mind sharing details?
Yes, I thought I'd feel different, perhaps a sense of accomplishment. That's not what I feel. I'm just back into the life I led before I started the journey. It's very strange, to be honest. I don't think I've changed; I'm just more of the person I've always been. And I'm in the position of responding to everyone's curiosity and questions, which is to be expected, but I'm having to learn to deal with it."It's good to be home, but it feels anticlimactic, and it's taking a while to readjust."
Anticlimactic, in that you thought you'd feel somehow different, more of a changed person as a result accomplishing this feat? When you say it's taking a while to readjust, is that because you now perceive your day-to-day "normal" life to be somewhat boring (less purposeful? less challenging?? less meaningul???) relative to what your life was like on the road?
Thank you.Kudos for attemping such a challenging goal & summoning the strength & perseverance necessary to accomplish it.
"What does not destroy me, makes me stronger." Nietzsche
Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Amazing accomplishment! It is inspiring. Thanks for sharing.