May 31, 2014

It has been a hell of a week, but I'm happy to report that I am out of Arizona, and currently in Cortez CO. After what feels like forever (2 months), of being in the desert, I'm glad to finally be out of it. This does not go without thanking the people who helped me this past week continue on my path to success by providing me with food, water, or cash. I had the pleasure of meeting this gentleman named Andy, on two separate occasions actually. Our first encounter was 160 and 98 JCT. He happened to be stopped at a food vendor and we got to talking about where I was coming from, where I was going. He told me about the farming he does, business he runs, and how hes going to be featured in the August edition of the Arizona magazine. It was then that he introduced me to Suzie, one of the vendors at the JCT. She provided me with dinner, and even brought me breakfast the next morning. I slept across the street, where a construction crew had been situated for the past year, widening roads. One of the guys there named Bob, happened to be a veteran as well. He helped me get situated and gave me a couple necessities for my trip.
I ran into Andy again as I was leaving Red Mesa, which is 20 miles west of four corners. He was heading home from Farmington with his family, and he pulled over to see how I was doing and made sure i was fully stocked with water. 
I also had the pleasure of meeting a fellow traveler. Well, cyclist I should say. Sergio from Romania, had flown to New York, and biked his way across the country, averaging about 85 miles a day. It had taken him 5 weeks to cross my path. I was on my 8th week. Though I did get my distance per day back up to 30 miles, I expect that number to drop back to around 20 once I start trekking through these Rockies.
Im looking forward to the upcoming weeks in Colorado, but for now, I just want to rest and relax.

May 24, 2014

I left Flagstaff on Tuesday morning. I also turned 26 that day. While being rather uneventful, I was relieved that it was such an ordinary day. I made my way up highway 89A, through the San Francisco mountains and set up my tent in the woods. I woke up early Wednesday to the smell of smoke, and later found out Oak Creek was on fire. I spent much of Wednesday trying to avoid the smoke that filled the air, and listening to Michael Jackson. I met another traveller who was riding his bicycle from Alaska to Texas. I was amazed, and a little jealous that he was almost finished. I continued on and set up my tent under a bridge. 

Thursday I passed through gray mountain and into Cameron. Many of the locals were very impressed with what I was doing and where I'm heading. I stayed at the trading post camp site in Cameron and Friday made my way to Tuba City. It rained Friday, so I donned two black trash bags and made my way up the road. At first I was angry that no one stopped to offer a ride, but remembered that this is all a part of the walk. 

On another note, thank you to everyone who donated on my birthday at www.crowdrise.com/natewalks 

I appreciate your support. 

May 19, 2014

"Getting rid of the old feelings, and the old ways of thinking". 

Throughout the different parts of Arizona this quote has been a staple constantly on my mind. Sedona originally was not a part of the itinerary for this walk, but upon learning of the mystique that surrounds it and the energy that radiates from some of the sites, I decided to venture through. Never have I felt such a surreal sense of beauty. With each step taken, the more overwhelmed I became. As the sun was setting, I reached Cathedral rock. While camping is not allowed within the limits of Sedona, I ended up sleeping at the top of Cathedral. A large portion of the night was spent uneasily shifting around in my tent, primarily due to the fact that I'd set it up on a downward slope that had a 15 foot drop off into cactus and rock. As scary/stupid as it sounds, the reality of it was probably a lot less terrifying than my perception. Perhaps my stress was a result of the energized portions of self brought on by the "Vortex". What I am certain of is the morning view was phenomenal. I quickly gathered my belongings up, trying to avoid detection, though one couple did see me packing away my tent. When I reached the bottom I met Erin and Tina, two Air Force reservists who were in AZ for training purposes. We had breakfast, and talked about a variety of topics. Very friendly ladies I'm glad I got to meet. From there I headed north on highway 89a towards flagstaff. To call the road unsafe and dangerous would be an understatement. There is no shoulder, and the lanes were barely wide enough for the vehicles that travelled on them. After 6 hours I had only made it 12 miles, and was know where near a safe point. I ended up taking a ride 14 miles to Flagstaff, from a Marine named Juan. Riding in the back of his truck, I saw the road only got worse. Not only did the lanes get smaller, the switchbacks we passed were infamous for accidents with vehicles and pedestrians/cyclists. I felt relieved knowing I was safe, and was able to contact my buddy Marc who lived in town. When I got dropped off at the gas station I made my way to Marc's who lived about 5 miles north. I hung out with him and his wife Allison. Sunday we went to a gun show, and later BBQ'd some steaks. I was gonna head out towards Tuba city today, but decided on staying at the DuBeau hostel I'd heard about. There's a wide variety of people here. Exactly the type of place I imagined I'd be staying at in Flagstaff. I'm ready to head out tomorrow, but I'm enjoying my time here now. This town has so much to offer, I can't wait to return for a longer stay. 

May 16, 2014

Today marks the 6th week of the walk. It's incredible how fast time is flying by. I'm starting today from Lo Lo Mai Springs and heading north towards Sedona. The views out here are astonishing, especially in the town of Jerome. What was once an old mining town has been transformed into an art distric of sorts. Gallery's, wine tasting, and boutiques lined the street. It's quite a unique town. 

I'm hoping that this time next week I will be making my exit from Arizona, and entering Utah. From there I will be taking the American Discovery Trail. 

Again, a huge thank you to those of you who continue to read and spread the word of this blog. With everything that is going on with the VA these days, it's important that we remain active in fixing this problem. 

A great website to check out is www.vaoversight.org. 

May 12, 2014

There's something extremely therapeutic about being on a trail. Your focus is shifted from the stresses of life, and reassigned to seeing everything it has to offer. Not only do you become more in tune with your surroundings, you discover where your place in it all is.   I'm currently in Prescott Valley, and to say the walk from Lake Pleasant to here was challenging would be an understatement. The terrain had changed from flat valleys to rigid rocky hills. While the air has become less dry and arid, it has been replaced with a cool sharp wind that seems determined to hold me stagnant. Oddly enough, I've enjoyed it. The moments I've felt tested have only brought me closer to my goal. I learn more about myself each day. I also learn more about others as well. From a group of friends at Bumble Bee ranch who shared their night and morning with me, to being handed two ice cold beers at the end of a trail; the amount of positivity is outstanding. I really don't have much to say today, except Thank You. You all are playing a huge part in my daily success. Thank You. 

May 8, 2014

Monday, I awoke pretty early. 4am to be exact. I had stayed the night at my friend Pat's, who happened to live in Surprise AZ. He works morning shifts at the hospital, so we headed down the road, to a point on highway 60 I had previously passed. From there I headed towards Lake Pleasant at the top of Peoria. It looked a bit out of the way from my original route, but google maps highlighted a shortcut to bypass the extra 11 miles. I hadn't exactly realized what that entailed, until I was faced with a "road closed" sign. Apparently this shortcut was a service road for the dam. I knew it was to good to be true, though was determined to make my way across. I found an entrance point, and crossed it without hesitation. About halfway through I realized this really wasn't a place for public access. On one side you had the actual lake, full of boats and marina restaurants. On the other side was the huge drop and buildings I assume generated power. I  was exposed the whole time, but managed to cross without detection. Once I reached the campground I faced another predicament. Since I had not gone through the front gate, I did not have a camping pass. The office was 3 miles away. Luckily after a brief conversation with the grounds keeper, who was confused as to how I'd got there, I was directed to a site "off the grid". Tuesday morning came fast, and after eating breakfast provided to me by a kind soul, I set off to see if maybe the service road was open. 

"You're not crossing that. Screw Google. If you're caught you'll be arrested for being a terrorist" said the man at the visitors office. 

When I asked about how I was supposed to get to the other side, he responded with "the way you came in". He meant through the front gate. 

Defeated, I headed towards the main entrance. When I passed it, I realized it was 1pm. After the 11 mile trek back to my original starting point, it'd be getting dark. I turned around, and headed back to the gates. 

One thing I forgot to mention, of all the wildlife I figured I'd encounter, never did I expect feral donkeys. More than 100 years ago, after the mining had ceased to be profitable, all the donkeys were released into the wild. That didn't stop them, and now there are hundreds of them throughout the area. It's quite bizarre seeing them trot by or make noise throughout the night. 

While I did hear them Tuesday night, they were not the source of my restlessness. I had received word that a letter from the department if the Navy had arrived at my parents. It was the ruling on my discharge upgrade. 7 months waiting for a response, and now I know why they moved so quickly. 

I was denied. 

The part that gets me was their ruling was based on reasons I'd addressed in my submitted paperwork. It's like they didn't even look at what I submitted. The basis for the majority of their decisions were found to be incorrect through my research and noted paperwork. There was a separate page with information on challenging their decision. I will definitely be following up on that. One option was appearing in front of a panel in Washington DC. How convenient. 

I eventually fell asleep, feeling more rejuvenated than ever. This is exactly why I am walking across this country. To be the voice for those who are ignored and pushed aside. No matter the outcome of my own plight, I will continue walking. 

Wednesday I made it to New River, and today I finished a grueling hike to Black Canyon KOA. I can't believe how fast time is going, and how far I continue to push myself. It's an incredible experience, and I thank you for allowing me to continue through you support and belief in the cause. 

May 4, 2014

An eventful week has caused me to delay the post until now. Given my personal goal of reaching Phoenix by Friday, I set out from Wickenburg on Wednesday afternoon. Traveling along the 60 seemed easier. I spent a good portion of the afternoon just taking in the scenery, processing each step I took. Eventually I passed morrisey own and found myself approaching a place called Circle City. From what I'd seen on google maps it looked like a fairly quiet town. There was a park directly in the center that looked like a place I could set up my tent. I headed over, and had a couple conversations with some residents. They all seemed quite interested in what I was doing, and eager to read about my trip so far. Unfortunately, the park area was not the best option for me to stay at, but I was informed on there being a shell station that played host to truck drivers sleeping through the night. Eventually I made it to the station, and set my tent up some ways from the trucks. Apparently it wasn't far enough, which than caused a dilemma for myself and the drivers. Add to that high winds, desert dust, and you have a recipe for disaster. I managed to make it through the night after changing positions a couple times. In the morning light I saw the perfect place I could have used. Ehh. 

The gas station was a good Galway point from Wickenburg and my next stop of Peoria, so I got ready and headed out. The local sheriffs department happened to be cycling from the same area, though no one could tell me what for. Ironically they had no problem telling me to move when they approached the bike lane. 

I had to get out of there fast. 

After a couple hours, and one trip by the VA office in Surprise, I'd reached Peoria. Prior to my arrival at Guillermo's house, I stopped by the library. On my way I passed a 150 miles indicator and was bought dinner by Riley, Adam, and Kim. Then, Harley appeared and took a selfie with me. He too donated to the cause. I met Guillermo and his family, who are truly one of a kind for letting me stay over. 

Friday I reached Phoenix. 

I met up with my cousin Callie at ASU, who showed me around the downtown area, introduced me to her peers, as well as showed me the floor to take a nap. I ended up sleeping the whole night through. 

Saturday was spent moving her out of the room. Me and my Uncle Rich finished it pretty quickly. Think it was 20 minutes tops getting everything out...... I hope you can sense my sarcasm. I'll just say 20 minutes was grossly inaccurate. Noticing that my Nike free runs were in their last leg of life, uncle Rich took me get a sturdier lightweight neutral trail shoe. I'm excited to put them to work tomorrow. 

I found out Sunday that my friend who lived in Phoenix now lives in Surprise. Instead of backtracking the path already walked I received a ride to his place. It was a surreal experience seeing the places you've walked, pass by from the seat of a car. I got to Boothes place and caught up with him. Everyone is doing well here. It's a good change of pace.