Journal

Episode 2: Walking Across California and Enjoying Small-Town Charm

April 28, 2025

As I am heading closer to the California-Arizona border, I am walking uphill and feeling a little breathless because of the climb; these are the first of many climbs I will be making as I move along, and it has been a great way to test my endurance and stamina. I've enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the cows in the pasture, and the desert chaparral so far. This is a great way to see the country and meet folks who stop me and ask what I'm doing on the road.

I'm trying not to be stressed about how many miles I walk daily. After all, this is not a race; it's a journey. I've been thinking about my original goals, ideas, and estimations. But now, in the thick of it, I realize that the temperature, terrain, and blister on my right foot tell me that I need to be kind to myself and be okay with not clocking as many miles as I expected to. We give ourselves a day of rest weekly to regroup and prepare for the next day. Following that day of rest, I am energetic and excited about what the day and the next set of miles will bring me.

Looking at the roadside memorials for loved ones who have perished on the highway reminds me of the dangers of the road, whether in a car or on foot. I am always mindful of my safety and aware of my surroundings. Some of the pavement on the side of the highway is broken up and is unforgiving on my blistered foot, and since I can hear cars coming from a long way off, I sometimes let myself walk on the smoother pavement in the road. I also wear a bright yellow reflective vest to ensure I'm well seen.

Another welcome sight is my support vehicle ahead of me, adorned with the orange placards provided by CareScout. My driver and videographer, Mike, pulls over after a certain distance down the road, and I eventually catch up to him. The RV is carrying my supplies, and I can stop for a bit, take a break, and grab something I need. It's my moving goal post, and breaks up the long, lonely stretches of road.

So far, I've passed through many small and mid-sized towns in California. One such town, El Centro, is one of the lowest elevations in the United States and an agricultural town producing much of California's winter vegetables. I have also reached Laguna Summit, formerly called “Laguna Junction,” a roadside café built in 1916 and removed in 1971 to make an interchange on the I-8 highway where I've been walking this week.

Until next time,
Judy