a walk across America, a life long dream

[saviorslegacy]

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Ever since I was a little lad and saw Forrest Gump I have wanted to walk across America. When I was 9 I thought to myself, "Self, that could be you." The next 8 years it has kind of sat back in my mind as a dream. This all changed this year. In 2010 I made my choice to join the United States military. There was just one problem though, I was over weight. I have the genetic build of my father, the build of an Ox. I was 6'1" and 270lbs. and able to lift over 300lbs. The Navy told me that I had to weigh 210 to get in. I asked for a body mass index and was told that I need to weigh 230 to get in. Over this past late summer and fall I have walked and walked and walked and went to places I thought was impossible to reach on foot. At one point in time I walked 18 miles in one sitting. IMO, that is pretty good. I reached my weight limit of 230lbs., but I felt something stirring in me. I have held off on joining the military for one reason and one reason only, to do a mad stunt. I have decided that walking across America isn't a dream, but a reality.
So I have decided to walk from Ohio to Washington.
My journey will take me into Kentucky (I want to get south of this coldness), the southern edge on Indiana, through Illinois and Missouri, across Kansas, up into the tip of Colorado, through Colorado and Idaho only to finish in Washington once I reach the Pacific Ocean.


I do not know what all will happen during this journey, but that is the beauty of it.
Here's what I am taking:
rucksack backpack (my favorite camping bag)
cell phone and cord (for emergency phone calls)
military sleeping bag
self inflating sleeping mat (a need, trust me)
one man tent
4 plastic water bottles and 1 metal water bottle (for boiling water if I need to)
space blanket
flashlight
skinning knife
pocket fishing kit
tomahawk
50' of para cord
roll of duck tape
reflective tape
2 lighters and waterproof matches
3 extra t-shirts
1 extra pair of pants
gloves
bomber hat
scarf
5 extra pairs of underwear (nothing like fresh underwear)
an extra pair of long johns
lots of extra wool socks (no frost bitten toes are happening here)
2 hoodies (one slightly bigger than the other so that I can wear both at the same time)
a bar of soap
tooth brush
tooth paste
deodorant
axe spray (for the smell)
compass
2 rolls of toilet paper
a can of anti-athletes foot (a must)
notebook and pencil
camera
(and) nuts, shaved coconut, peppermints and peanut butter

I know that sounds like a lot but most of that stuff is light weight and can fit inside other things. For example, most of it is going into the extra water bottles. The extra water bottles are a buffer for when I think I will be going 2 days or so without seeing anyone.
The whole thing will weigh in around 40lbs.
A good portion of that will be perishables.
Anyways.... can you think of anything else that I need to take?

 

[global-wolf]

Sounds like a pretty big undertaking lol. Best of luck if you go through with it! I suggest you bring money.

 

[El Nino]

I suggest you bring money.

^This. I know a guy who rode his motorcycle across the country. Bring baby wipes. And a first aid kit.

 

[REL38]

I probably wouldn't be able to leave the comforts of everyday life for an extended period of time

I'd say bring a book or two if you get some down time

 

[Flutter NiTE]

Incredible. I defidently wish you the best of luck, God knows you will need it with it being the winter time.

Either way, you will do it, and I have confidence.

 

[-_skinny_-]

this might sound strange but bring condoms

 

[saviorslegacy]

Sounds like a pretty big undertaking lol. Best of luck if you go through with it! I suggest you bring money.

I am taking 400$ in cash + a card. The reason why I am taking so much is for unseen events. I might need a new sleeping bag, jacket or w/e. The card is for phoning home for emergency cash.
I figure I will keep a wallet with fifty in it, put 200 under the little cushion thing in my boot, put some in my underwear in a plastic bag and the rest in my back pack. Never keep all of your eggs in one basket my friends.

^This. I know a guy who rode his motorcycle across the country. Bring baby wipes. And a first aid kit.

I actually did not think of baby wipes, I thought of toilet paper. Baby wipes are more..... efficient. Thanks for the help.
I always carry a first aid kit and pills (benidryl, motrein and bayer back & body).

I probably wouldn't be able to leave the comforts of everyday life for an extended period of time

I'd say bring a book or two if you get some down time

Books are heavy. The only one I am taking is the Bible,

Incredible. I defidently wish you the best of luck, God knows you will need it with it being the winter time.

Either way, you will do it, and I have confidence.

The hardest part is thinking about it. I have been running the challenges through my head. Everything from bear attacks to the flu has crossed my mind. You always want to be.... prepared.

this might sound strange but bring condoms

Condoms have a million uses. I doubt I will need them for any.




I went after Christmas shopping today and picked some stuff up.
I bought a brand new pair of waterproof hiking boots, 3 pairs of wool socks, 2 longs johns, a self inflating mat, collapsible pillow and a water proof 1 man winter tent. The tent is awesome because it opens from the side and not the back.... you have no idea how handy that is.
tent: http://www.onepersontentreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/412VZK8CA5L._SL500_AA300_.jpg
boots: http://shop.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10961109&c=1106599

 

[Zook]

This has been a dream of mine as well, and I'm thrilled to see someone actually doing this. How long do you expect this to take?

Other items to consider taking:
Water filter
Batteries
Cash
Toilet paper
Sunscreen

EDIT: Just read the other posts. I'm repeating a few things here.

 

[saviorslegacy]

This has been a dream of mine as well, and I'm thrilled to see someone actually doing this. How long do you expect this to take?

Other items to consider taking:
Water filter
Batteries
Cash
Toilet paper
Sunscreen

EDIT: Just read the other posts. I'm repeating a few things here.

Water filters is something I do not need. I will have a lot of snow.... a lot of snow. All I have to do is melt it in my water bottle. If I have no snow then I will boil some from a crick.
Besides, I trust boiling over those filters and filters only work for so long.

I will be taking 2 extra batteries.

If I have wipes I do not need toilet paper. Besides, I know of a few..... useful plants.

Sunscreen is not need in the cold (clothes) + I am tanned kinda well and don't give a **** about sun burns. This past year I got so sun burnt that my back, shoulders, arms and face blistered... TWICE! Do you have any idea how painful that was? I doubt I will be coming in contact with conditions that will make me hurt like those blisters did.


Sorry if it seems like I am shooting you down. You said that you want to do it someday to. So here is my advice to you, watch your weight. It may seem like a good idea to have a bunch of stuff but you don't need a bunch of stuff. Every item I am taking I will be using in the first week minus the extra batteries, duct tape (maybe), cell phone and pocket fishing kit.

 

[Zook]

Sorry if it seems like I am shooting you down. You said that you want to do it someday to. So here is my advice to you, watch your weight. It may seem like a good idea to have a bunch of stuff but you don't need a bunch of stuff. Every item I am taking I will be using in the first week minus the extra batteries, duct tape (maybe), cell phone and pocket fishing kit.

Nah man, don't worry. I just whipped up that list so my post wasn't just "Hey cool bro, I wanna do this some day too."

 

[john!]

this sounds awesome!

i admit i laughed when you said that you walked 18 miles in one "sitting".

 

[global-wolf]

You should bring sunscreen. Winter in the southern states feels like summer. Staying at home with painful blisters and hiking thousands of miles with painful blisters isn't the same lol.

 

[-_skinny_-]

Lol forest gump is on tbs right now

 

[황미영]

You got this. >:U

I thought of once walking to my friend's house who is about two hours away by car, but about a five day walk. xD

Never really did it though.

But I hope you are very careful, nature can be very dangerous. Along with malevolent humans, and just people are prone to horrible accidents. :/

 

[Zook]

I must recommend that you take at least 1 level of Druid, Barbarian or Ranger so you have Survival as a class skill.

 

[saviorslegacy]

this sounds awesome!

i admit i laughed when you said that you walked 18 miles in one "sitting".

Alright... one standing.
My point was no breaks.... which is important in walking because you will cramp.

You should bring sunscreen. Winter in the southern states feels like summer. Staying at home with painful blisters and hiking thousands of miles with painful blisters isn't the same lol.

I am going no lower than Kentucky.
No, I should buy some bullfrog when I need it. I'm not taking no 2 months worth of snacks either.

I must recommend that you take at least 1 level of Druid, Barbarian or Ranger so you have Survival as a class skill.

WTF are you talking about?
Also, there is a man named Dave Canterbury that lives really close to me. I have been a part of his pathfinder school for the past 2 years or so. He recently got his own TV show on Discovery and co-stars with Cody Lundin. The name of their show is Dual Survival.
Since I have never attended a meeting I am only a pathfinder rank 1. All I need is to pass a couple of tests. I never could build a good shelter though. However, when it comes to making stuff it is no problem. I've made blow guns, blow darts, spears, bows, arrows, spoons, stone carvings (false idols) and water containers. I'm also somewhat good at trapping. The best trap ever (which is also very inhumane) is the hook trap. You take several very large hooks and you put rotting meat on the hook and hang it about 4"off of the ground. Now what happens is a coyote, dog or fox will smell that and go after it. When they jump to get it the will hang themselves in the mouth. The next morning you have a very pissed animal ready for the fire. Simple bash them where the skull attaches to the neck and dress them. Smoke for it to last for 7 days or grill for immediate consumption.
What makes this trap AMAZING is that it is light, easy to set up, easy to use and if the animal goes after it he is as good as yours. This trap rig can also double as a bank line for over night catfish and turtle fishing. When it comes to turtle... well... that's where the tomahawk becomes useful.



The only part that bums me out is that I can't take any firearms. I would love love LOVE to be able to take my revolver...... but I doubt people will like that. So I am forced to rely on a knife and tomahawk. I would prefer a sword since I have training to use one, but a tomahawk can pass as a hand axe... but far more useful... and lighter.
tomahawk pic: http://sogknives.com/images/flash/F01T/pic1.jpg

 

[Deleted member]

Why can't you take a revolver?

 

[saviorslegacy]

Because I will be trespassing on other peoples land at times and if I have a weapon I will be trespassing armed which will get you jail time. I also just can't waltz into a gas station with a gun neither and leaving it behind is not an option.

 

[Palpi]

I must recommend that you take at least 1 level of Druid, Barbarian or Ranger so you have Survival as a class skill.

Truth, and putting some extra ability score points into wisdom won't hurt for those heal checks.

 

[Fried Ice Cream]

If you're going across the U.S., there's no doubt you'll be in the Rockies. Despite it being winter, the sun will really catch you there. Don't be silly, take global-wolf's advice! Sunscreen is gonna be a great help.

 

[AMKalmar]

Flexible, flat soled shoes are actually the best. Better start breaking in those boots. I wish you well. God bless.

 

[saviorslegacy]

If you're going across the U.S., there's no doubt you'll be in the Rockies. Despite it being winter, the sun will really catch you there. Don't be silly, take global-wolf's advice! Sunscreen is gonna be a great help.

I will absolutely end up in the Rockies. I just don't want to be packing sun screen when I do not need it. Same as if I was walking down south I wouldn't buy insect repellent until I needed it.

Flexible, flat soled shoes are actually the best. Better start breaking in those boots. I wish you well. God bless.

Yes but my feet will FREEZE. I will undoubtedly end up walking in snow. This means I need water proof shoes. Oh, and those shoes are real leather... aka... amazing. Real leather forms to your foot. I have never worn a more comfortable pair of shoes than my old leather dress shoes. I actually wore them over pretty much everything last winter.
Oh, and I have been doing my best to break them in. I wore them all day yesterday and today. I'm going to start walking 12 miles everyday starting tomorrow. That way I know my shoes will be broke in and I will be use to the backpack. Right now I'm only use to carrying maybe 12 lbs. of gear in a rucksack.

Oh, and I slept on the mat last night. I'm not going to lie, it's actually not that bad.

 

[uhmuzing]

Sounds neat. Good luck man, and may the weather be with you.

 

[saviorslegacy]

Sounds neat. Good luck man, and may the weather be with you.

^this
I have only one fear on this trip and that is the weather and it scares me to death.

 

[The_SMILE]

Savoir this makes me Smile. It sounds like an amazing adventure idea. I wants ta think of a fun adventure kinda like this for me to try now. Best of luck to you on it. And God bless.

 

[Dajayman]

Damn dude, glhf.

 

[Limeee]

reminds me of andy fox (i think thats his name?) the guy with one leg and cancer who tried to run across canada before dying

good luck!

 

[TheTantalus]

If you're gonna travel the world, why not stop off in cities and meet smashers? You could set up housing points and such and have emergency contacts in case you run into a health problem or something.

Also, I'd take a gamecube controller...never know who you'll meet.

 

[saviorslegacy]

If you're gonna travel the world, why not stop off in cities and meet smashers? You could set up housing points and such and have emergency contacts in case you run into a health problem or something.

Also, I'd take a gamecube controller...never know who you'll meet.

If smashers are willing to house me that would be great! Talk about a moral booster. We might even be able to turn it into some publicity for smash bros.

I use a Wii classic and it is to bulky for me to take. I'm already having enough trouble as it is.

I will be taking an iPod touch. I made that decision the other day. That way I can stop at Mc Donalds and facebook my family or check this place.
I will list my location each time I get on and if anyone lives near me then maybe we can set something up.
I'm gonna get some maps here soon and figure out my route. I will go from there.

 

[§witch]

reminds me of andy fox (i think thats his name?) the guy with one leg and cancer who tried to run across canada before dying

good luck!

Ter ry.

 

[saviorslegacy]

I've spent the last almost week thinking hard about this and coming up with ways to get past many challenges but there are three that are really biting me and a fourth which could kill me.
They are....
I don't have the ability to carry a firearm for protection.
I do not know which neighborhoods are safe.
No way of finding a place to sleep 100%. I can trespass but then I can be fined.
Unpredictable weather (not that bad).....


It kills me that I can't do it. If I had the ability to carry a firearm and have a place to sleep every night I could do this no problem, but I don't. Once I turn 21 I can get concealed carry permits so that I can carry from state to state.

 

[john!]

maybe you can make this list?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_persons_who_have_walked_across_the_United_States

 

[Nø Ca$h]

bring brass knuckes, knife, and a gun.

 

[Nø Ca$h]

squattheplanet.com

 

[metalreflectslime]

If any smasher can house, then post.