April 11, 2014

"What am I gonna do for the next 8 hours"? The thought plagued my mind as I pushed a shopping cart full of possessions through the warm Palm Spring night. For some reason, none of the street lights were on, or any lights inside of houses. Must have been a power outage. Still, not a visible star in the sky. I looked behind me and saw Martina slowly pushing forward, obviously tired from the long walk. When I met her outside of Ralph's she was eating her dinner, which consisted of hot dog buns and ranch dressing. She was an elderly hispanic woman, about 65 and claimed to be disabled, suffering from bio polar episodes, depression, anxiety and a slew of other mental health issues. While she did have possession of her medication, the rate at which she would forget and repeat questions, stories, and gain or loose interest reminded me of how unfair these diseases are. We were making out way to AM-PM with a guy named Jason, who said it was the best place to wait out the night since they were opened 24 hours. He had just been released from jail on 250,000 bail. Even had the paperwork to show. While commonly I would not had involved myself with the affairs of these people I felt a familiar connection. I equate it to the human connection. It's a screwed up system we live it. When president Nixon had all institutions that house mentally unstable people closed, the exchange was disability checks and social security. Many ended up homeless after a while. Martina was one of these people who not only had family in California, but from what she repeated frequently throughout the night, one of them who was in the hospital and had her debit card and was using the money from her account. While these may be the rants of someone on the cusp of mental collapse, explain to me how the streets of America serves as a better residency than a hospital under the care of a physician????
While I wish I could say all was taken care of, I had to leave them upon arrival at AM-PM to continue my walk. Since the shelters stop taking people after 5:30pm, and with Coachella attendees arriving in Palm Springs the police were told not to allow any tents in the residential area, I walked until I hit Palm Desert. 

mad tired

I'm a bit tired, please forgive.

literally dozing off, and re-typing this over and over.

YOU CAN DONATE TO MY TRIP AT http://www.crowdrise.com/natewalks/fundraiser/natepetrovick

April 10th, 2014

In less than a week, I made it to Palm Springs. Today I sit in the public library, trying to cool off while the town finishes last minute preparations for Coachella. Since my last post, I have encountered many people along the way who taken a great deal of interest in the walk. Tuesday night, after talking with a couple members of the American Legion in Banning (Wish you guys well), I made my way to a campsite below the 10 freeway called KOA. Beautiful campground, and the first shower id taken since i started the whole trip. I had the great fortune of camping next to two ladies from Canada, who had the most Patriotic van (American patriotism) I had ever seen. We joked about it, but i sensed deep down they were jealous of my American roots, envious of how close they were to it, yet so far away. Ha ha. They were on their way to Coachella, which would have been prime opportunity to further decorate the van in order to win the Carpoolchella lifetime passes. To bad the rules state only Americans could win due to prize rules/laws. We ended the night after a pretty heavy conversation about what i was doing, and than said goodnight/goodbye. Its always interesting to get an outside perspective in terms of Americas troop welfare. 

The morning came a bit to quickly (as it has a tendency to do), and once again I was off on my path. Going off the knowledge and helpful tips from some residents of Banning I traveled below the 10 freeway, through Morongo, past Cabazon, and onto the 111 shoulder. 

Primarily due to boredom and my reluctance in having an uneven tan, this part of the hump was done in a pair of green silkies (military PT shorts that are ridiculously short), my jungle Boonie cover, and knee high black socks with my green running shoes. I'm sure i was a sight to see, due to the many varied reactions i saw on peoples faces as I was walking on the side of the road. I probably looked like a reject go go dancer who had fallen on hard times. I regret nothing. ha ha.

Once I hit Windy Point, I was beat. As fate would have it, I was approached my a couple Matt and Kim, who after a brief discussion offered me a place to stay. They happened to be very experienced hikers themselves, and also very involved in the Couch Surfing community. I knew well enough not to pass on this opportunity, so I accepted. Laundry was done, I showered, and ate some delicious cookies. Later that evening, two more couch surfers arrived who also were on their way to Coachella. We discussed a vast array of topics, but again the conversation quickly turned to the purpose behind the walk. By now you'd think I'd have some sort of go to response, primarily because of how flustered i get when this topic comes up. I cant bring myself to though. I don't mean flustered in a sense of agitation, but more so the emotion that is evoked involuntarily. I give my best response, but with each day, I come into contact with someone who has a great sense of empathy for what I'm doing. Even now I cant fully comprehend how many people are affected by the lack of Veteran aid. In that house alone, was the sibling of a marine who committed suicide in 2006 and a Son of a homeless Veteran . What are the chances? Why is this so prevalent? 

Once again the morning came to early. We ended the night after watching the first half of "The Keep" and all of "Road Warrior". Matt gave me some great parting words, and reminded me of the Pacific Coast Trail starting in 2 weeks. I will definitley be looking into that. I thanked the "trail angel" for everything, and once again departed to the road. 

The road, where I can act out to the music on my Ipod, while giving drivers something to smile about. If a video exists in cyberspace of me dancing on the side of the road I would not be surprised. Im sure something to that extent exists, because when i got to the Palm Spprings visitor center, one of the women there said she had heard about me or something similar on facebook. She took a picture of me to put online to help raise awareness. Very cool. Anything to get the word out. Even if it involves me dancing like a lunatic (Which I quite enjoy). Well, I have to sign off again. 

Thank You to Krystle from Food Not Bombs Palm Springs for giving me some info about the Veterans For Peace in Palm Springs. I'm gonna look into them today. 

For everyone else, have an awesome day. Thanks for reading.

April 8th 2014.

Before recounting my previous days trek I want to let you know about a couple things.

A major factor of this walk was to shine light on how many Veterans are suffering, and how little is being done to help them.

An estimated 22 Veterans were committing suicide daily. 

1,892 since the beginning of this year.

Yes, January 1st, 2014.

Today, I became aware of the Suicide Prevention of Americas Veterans Act, a new bill that will combat suicide in a huge way. 

1. Reviews potentially improper discharges that may have been due to a mental health injury so that vets can get full access to the care they earned.
2. Reviews suicide prevention programs in DoD and VA to see what is working and what is not.
3. Mandates that DoD and VA finally develop fully interoperable records so that no vet gets lost in transition.
4. Mandates that vets must be able to download their electronic health record so that they can get seamless care anywhere.
5. Recruits more mental health care professionals into DoD and VA to improve availability of care. (Pilot program in place to pay back Student Loans to eligible Psychiatrists). 
6. Mandates that DoD and VA buy the same prescription drugs so that care between systems is more seamless.

Heres The Bill 

If you were to do anything, please call your member of congress and voice your opinion about how important this act is. 

It feels good knowing there are others out there raising attention for this cause. 
Things continue to get better and better. 
Just like last night sleeping at an RV park in Beaumont. 
Waking up to that desert sun cooking me in my tent was a feeling i thought id saved for the Polo Fields in Indio. I had better get used to them. That, or wake up a bit earlier than 9am.... Dilemas. 
I liked the solidarity of todays walk. With every passing day i become so much more acccoustomed to my own thoughst and perception of reality. Irts a strange experience, but i find it rather intruiging. 
I do enjoy how the further into the desert I get, the friendlier people have become. While on my way to the Library of Banning, I was stopped by a group of teenagers curious as the where I was walking. When I said Washington DC, they all made noises in shock and threw an array of questions my way, ranging from Why don't I fly? What if a bear attacks me? What am I doing for food? Can they walk with me?
While these quetsions were so simple i felt a bit overwhelmed. The enthusiasum and curiosity in their voices was awesome. They also gave me advice on how to get through the reservation and taking the road south of the 10 into Palm Springs. 
I handed my card so they could check my blog and after a couple more questions, headed on my way.
The library was know diffrent. I was given a bit of info on taking the Oregon Trail from here, and I might do that. There are houses along the path for people to reload on water, shower and shave. That sounds a bit more appealing than my original plan. Im gonna do a bit more research into it, and make a decision when im a bit more informed. 
As for now, I gotta go figure out about my sleeping arrangements. I haven't showered since Friday, and I smell a bit funky. :-(

April 7th, 2014

Sorry for the delay on updates, but im back for this next hour or so.
After the most recent post, I headed from Colton library (where the librarians were nothing but helpful) down La Cadena. Passing under the 10fwy, I felt as if entering another world. Everyone seemed not so in a rush. It was nice. Reminded me that I need to relax and remember that this trip allows me to re-discover the simplicity of life. Passing an abandoned factory, I decided to do some urban exploration. Scouting the place out, I'm pretty sure two guys were loading a body into their car. Maybe a large laundered suit? Regardless, I turned around and walked to the other side for conformation. The car was speeding off, but slowed a little when my body appeared in their dust. With no signs of dead body disposal, and a dried river to cross through, I spent know more time wondering about what I'd seen. Down Cadena, left on Burton, and, I'm lost. It was getting dark, I was supposed to be almost at the VA hospital, so I asked for directions. Grand Terrace..... Im never going back, thats all im gonna say. Finally got correct route from my dad after 3 residents couldnt.
Walked
Walked
Walked.
Finnally , at 1am I got to the VA hospital.
HUGE Thank You to the staff at Loma Linda, matter fact, the whole city. You guys treated me like an actual human being, invested in my story and well being. It may not seem like anything, but letting me sleep in the waiting room was a huge boost for my next day of travel. Honestly, such a beautiful city.
Sunday brought the first long stretch I'd have to pass. San Timoteo Canyon, all 10 miles of you, you were an excellent experience. Orange groves provided shade and scenery, while people waived, nodded and moved to allow me room. During the last stretch of distance, A sign advertising "free camping" spoke words to me. If only they had been true. :( Company policy requires a RV, no tents). The park clerk was so kind though, making sure I wasn't hungry, filled up my water, provided Intel on stealth showering and abandoned housing I could seek shelter at. :) Thank You. Thank You.
I visited the housing projects, which seemed to have been victim to all elemental and biblical plagues imaginable. While it was remote, It felt a bit to sheltered and removed. So I kept walking.
FYI, Beaumont is a lot bigger than I thought. I assumed Tukwet Canyon (another place I will not visit), was all that was there.
Excuse me for ranting, but all that was needed for them to call the cops, was me standing at a stop sign looking at my map at 8pm. Granted, "this is a PGA community" and blah blah blah.. Stratification at its finest.
I needed water as all my bottles were empty.
"3 miles isnt that bad of a walk".
Asshole.
I pitched my tent by the golf course.
Its a funny thing how life works, most of the time were to bust to see alot of the nonsense for what it really is. But the beauty also gets looked over at times as well. 
Waking up this morning, I didn't mind the heat. It just reminded me that with some perserverance I might hit Indio by Friday. Now I just need to figure out how to get inside Coachella. Haha.
Currently at the Beaumont library after receiving directions from the helpful community center. Done for now.

April 5th

Left Fontana yesterday, way past schedule. I wanted to be out of the house by 11am, but with every minute i realized something else that needed to be packed or finished up. I ended up leaving around 3pm. As i was heading down Citrus ave, a car pulled over and both doors opened. My sister jumps out and runs to give me a hug. My dad had just picked her up from school, went to del taco, and drove around looking for me to say a final goodbye for this trip. Thank you for the burrito. I didnt know how much i actually wanted it. I continued down the road, picking up some sunglasses from the gas station, and headed to the library. 

Its interesting how people look at me when i pass by. Most dont want to make eye contact with me, while others look at me with confusion. Its probably because I'm "Standing Tall, and Leaning Back" like we did in boot camp when going on humps, or doing drill. I nod to however maintains eye contact, but again, I'm some unknown transient so I guess.

Side Note: Being the type of person I am, I like to create interactions with people just to see how they will respond to my presence. An example of this "I saw a guy collecting money for homeless veterans outside of the post office in Fontana. I started to walk over to him, with full intention of giving him my info card and talking to him about my walk. Right when he looked up and saw me approaching, he immediately busted out his phone and started a conversation. Real or not, no attention was given to which i assume he thought i was gonna ask for money. and i should have. youre collecting money for homeless vets, as far as you know im a homeless vet (I had my jungle boonie cover on, feeling awesome), why is this not adding up. SCAM.

The library was pointless. I just wanted a map, but they wouldnt let me (have one) haha. I did happen to stop by the Rec center for a Bathroom, and like a creep, left a card on top of the vacant computer the cute receptionist was using. I know, my game is flawless.

Figured id head to the Veterans Park, seemed logical. When I got there, a BBQ was going down. I sat there, watching dudes fighting each other wondering what the dad pushing his daughter on the swing must be thinking about it. Probably nothing. I dont give a shit, they were just boxing, but doing that at 5pm on a friday in front of kids is stupid.

Figured id be able to walk some more before calling it a night, and with an American Legion close, I dipped out. Wish I knew AL was a bar, because they didnt give a fuck about what I was "doing". Sure they had places I could of stayed, the cook even told me to hold up real quick hed ask. No one ever came back. 

not even trying to be negative, i just assumed the best. Luckily I prepared for the worst and camped at a park up the street from the AL. Started this morning at 4am trying to avoid detection at the park. When i got out of my tent, there were people already exercising. lol.

Im in Colton now. Times running out on this computer. 

Until next time. 

Peace out.

April 3rd 2014

Its been a week since I've started. Heres a re-cap.
Walked Thursday night from Chino, CA to Fontana CA. 18 miles, took about 7 hours.
I had my pack which weighed about 50 lbs. This was the first time in almost 6 years I had walked walked a significant distance with that amount of gear. Needless to say, I was not prepared. At about the 5 mile mark, it became apparent that wearing combat boots might have been a wrong decision. The wear and tear from Afghanistan had taken its toll on the boots, and now my left ankle was paying the price. Yet I pushed on, stubbornly showing myself that a break for rest was rarely needed (I was wrong). Once I got to my destination for the night, I collapsed on the floor of the room. Overexertion has the tendency to do more harm than good. Awkwardly crawling on hand and knee, I managed to change out of the sweat drenched clothing into a t-shirt and gym shorts. I slept 11 hours.
Realizing how unprepared you are brings the mind to a myriad of places. There are pleas for abandonment, orders for continuance and tales of failure. Ironic enough, what needed to happen was acceptance of help. Here I am trying to shed light on injustices that effect countless others, yet foolishly reject help that has been offered. This walk is more important than foolish pride, so I took my parents up on their offer to stay there and plan this out some more.
During this week I have been in contact with people genuinely concerned for my safety but excited of what the walk has in store for me. Ive received nothing but support from my family and friends, which saddens me for my initial despondence. The walls I put up after my discharge were an involuntary response to the feelings of abandonment, confusion, and distrust brought on by the militaries decision. Im excited this walk has been so therapeutic already, and I look forward to the upcoming steps I take tomorrow, and the others that follow.


On a sad, but necessary note:
I am extremely saddened but the events at Ft. Hood.
Upon hearing the news and subsequent shooter information, everything sounded all to familiar.
Let Me Be Clear, this was an extremely unfortunate event that should not have happened. My empathy stems from how similar our situations seem in regards to mental health care and the stigma that surrounds it. I keep hearing about how he "Only" spent 4 months in Iraq, as if to somehow negate the deployment of having any psychological effect. This sentiment is exactly why events like this keep happening. Its time people wake up from this perception of military machismo and realize the full price of war.