North Carolina man walking across America; makes stop in Pocatello
One North Carolina man is giving a whole new meaning to taking long walks. He’s on a journey to walk across the U.S. – coast to coast.
He’s currently traveling through Idaho and he made a stop in Pocatello. Chris West started his walk Mar. 13 in his hometown of Newport, NC. Late Wednesday afternoon, he arrived at Caldwell Park in Pocatello. He stayed in Pocatello Wednesday night and then continued on his way Thursday morning.
State after state, city after city, and mile after mile. Each place Chris West gets to is one stop closer to completing his goal of walking across America.
“A few years ago I found a guy’s blog who walked from Rockaway Beach, NY to Rockaway Beach, OR and i thought it was a really neat idea and the idea just stayed in the back of my head,” West said.
West said the idea kept coming back to his mind and so he finally decided it was time to do it.
His final destination is Newport, OR. So far, he’s walked about 2,800 miles but he’s got a little ways to go.
“The total trip will be between 3,600 and 3,700,” West said.
His goal is to raise money and awareness about mental health. He has set up a Go Fund Me page where people can donate. Some even donate to him personally when they meet him. At the end of his walk, all donations will go the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and also to Hike for Mental Health.
West said he has some personal inspiration for doing this.
“Last year I enlisted in the Navy and I had a medical concern come up at basic training which sent me home and I struggled with depression myself for awhile,” West said. “It’s almost kind of like my own self-healing through my battle with depression and then meeting people who struggle with anxiety and depression issues along the way.”
West said he’s been in some great towns. With license plates and a few other souvenirs in hand, he said he’s excited to see what the rest of his trip will bring.
“It’s been an incredible journey and incredible people, just generous people the entire way,” he said. “The people make the trip.”
While West is traveling, he usually camps out where he can find a spot or stays with host families who offer him a place for the night. He’s also used couchsurfing.com and warmshowers.org.
West headed to American Falls Thursday morning then on to Twin Falls, Boise and then he’ll cross over into Oregon.
West said once he completes his walk, he’s taking the train home.
“Once across is good enough for me,” West said.
To follow West’s journey, check out his blog or his Instagram @odyssey_west.
To donate to his cause, check out his Go Fund Me page.
