I’m planning to walk across the United States, from Portland, Ore. (or probably the ocean a little bit west of it), to Portland, Me., in 2011. I’m revving. You can watch.
Why?
Cuz.
How long will it take?
Hopefully about nine months, but I’m still doing research. If you want to find my latest figures, look for posts tagged “duration” or “speed.”
What’s with the “how to”?
As I write this in April 2008, the plan is to write a book about how to walk across the country, then sell it to this deep-pocketed, boundlessly generous “Long Tail” publishing house I’ve been hearing so much about. So this is like the first draft (the BETA!?!?) of a Web site that I’ll one day be desperately rooting through to find content for the book. Over the three years prior to the walk, I’m also hoping to add more powerful features and eventually let you keep track of my trip over the site.
What if you change your mind?
Dude. I never said I was going to walk across the United States, just planning to. But planning is planning; I’m assuming this’ll happen.
Who are you?
I’m a newspaper reporter in Vancouver, Wash., which is a biggish suburb of Portland, Ore. You can read my slightly more pretentious writing or my defunct thoughts on local newspapers and their hopes for an online future on Blogger. You can stalk my iPod at last.fm and my brain at del.icio.us.
Is this blog written in AP style? Yes, it is.
Shouldn’t you be doing this for some sort of cause?
“The godly is the affair of God, and the human that of humanity. My concern is neither the Godly nor the Human, is not the True, the Good, the Right, the Free, etc., but simply my own self, and it is not general, it is individual, as I myself am individual. For me there is nothing above myself.” That’s Max Stirner, baby, and he’s got a point.
Can I help?
Wait, what? If after all that you really want to, there are lots of ways you might contribute to my self-improvement.
News about other walkers
- Burmese pilgrims cross the USA | The Journal GazetteThe men’s walk has taken them through snow in Oregon and driving rain in Nebraska. They stay with volunteers, try to walk 30 miles a day, shed a few pounds and carry petitions.
- Damion MaynardMaynard is walking one mile for every United States soldier that has been killed in Iraq.
- Armand YoungIn each town he visits, he attempts to walk for a local cause and tries to enlist support from local residents. He has no set schedule and usually finds a cause once he arrives in a town, either through a local radio or newspaper interview or by stopping
- North Platte Nebraska's favorite newspaper - The North Platte BulletinI have walked over 10,000 miles since 1996, seeking allies and informing people that we can save this planet through the use of bamboo.
- Community Picks Up Walking Man's Mission of GivingHe's walking from California to Ground Zero in New York City and back, helping families in need, in memory of the victims of 9-11, and uniting strangers in a common cause.
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April 1, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Sarah L
Fantastic. Put me on the pre-order list.
April 28, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Isolde
Michael, I just poked my head over your cubicle and smugly informed you that okay is OK, a la Associated Press style. In this case, however, I argue that you let okay stay. OK in big letters looks so scolding and slangy, even if it is correct.
May 9, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Anna D.
You should spice up your journey and pogo-stick or jump rope across the country. Maybe that’s not such a good idea. It might be hard to jump rope wearing a backpack.
I think your trip is going to be exciting. If I live in any of those states in 2011, I will gladly let you shower at my house. And I’ll bake you some bread to take with you. If not, I suppose I will just give you money.
Here’s my advice, which regards preparation. Don’t get into any long-term commitments. Don’t get a pet. Don’t get into a PhD program. Don’t get a wife, unless she’s willing to walk with you. K, that’s it. See you in a week.