Rain, Mud, and Landslides, Oh My!

I was driving my car to my first stopping point (from there I would hitchhike back to the beach and begin my walk) however highway 74 from Dana Point to Lake Elsinore was closed due to landslides. I asked an attendant how long it would be closed, and he told me 3-4 days. All would be great if I had couch surfing hosts to stay at, but I cant afford to stay in hotels either.

I decided to modify my route slightly. So now, instead of starting at Dana Point I will be starting this morning from Oceanside CA. I will head toward Banning, CA which is about 70 miles, and it is part of the original route I would be taking from Dana Point, so the majority of the route remains unchanged.

I got permission to sleep at a Chevron station last night. Thank you folks!

I'm eating breakfast burritos from McDonald's for breakfast now, while typing this. And will soon head to Walmart to get a few supplies and ankle braces, if they have them.

Venice Beach Boardwalk

I've been at the Venice Beach Boardwalk since around 10 this morning. I first walked 4 miles just scoping out the territory. I then made a tri-fold poster displaying my key information about the walk. I've had a few people talk with me and numerous people glance at the poster. I hope to get a few followers and recognition of this walking blog.

New Plan

This is my final modified plan for my "Walk Across America". It's too cumbersome to start where I was and also to go through LA. I would like to, but I'm faced with too many unknowns (where to park my car, is it safe, is it safe to sleep in care, etc.).

I have decided to follow the footsteps (at least in the beginning) of another Walker whose name is Jeff and goes by Walkingman2011. Please check out his website. I will be using it for reference and hopefully advice.

Oh yeah, the beginning point is a town south of LA called Dana Point.

Walk Across America - Day 1

Friday, December 16 was the beginning of my modified "walk Across America". I walked 16 miles from Salinas CA to Gonzales CA. It was a great exhilarating walk in the valley. Not a whole lot of shoulder room on old stage road, but I managed. Saw a dead peacock : (
I had purchased a rain suit from walmart the day before for 20$. The crotch split in just hours. U get what u pay for, I guess. My feet and ankles affected me the most. In fact, I'm taking two days off to recuperate. I will begin where I left off on Friday. I used a smaller walmart backpack since I wouldn't be taking o much at one time. The straps were difficult to manipulate and there was not enough torso length. Another piece of junk. Luckily, I brought my good backpack with me. I also bought a new pair of rain pants. Costed me 40$ but they are breathable tough. Hopefully they last a while.

This is The Day

Today marks the official Foot Launch. My plan is to walk 20 miles to Watsonville, CA and find a hotel for the first nite. I have a possible couchsurfing.org hostess in Salinas, CA for Monday nite. It will take another 20 miles to reach Salinas from Watsonville tomorrow.

I'm excited to have finally reached this point in my endeavor. I will post as often as I can. Obviously, I cant post every detail, but I will try to hilite to most interesting and important situations.

Obligatory First Post

Since I'm in the process of preparing for this "Walk" now seems as good a time as ever to have the obligatory first post.

My plan was to actually begin walking on Saturday (today), however the weather is not cooperating. I know I will have to face these obstacles in the future and can not always delay my departure until conditions are perfect. However, instead of putting on my raincoat (which covers my backpack, too) I need to advertise my website in the Bay Area. I have a waterproof white pillow case which sports the phrase "Impermanent Insanity - Google me" written in a black sharpie. I am actually going to be staying at a hostel for a few days until the weather turns in my favor, which will be anywhere from Monday to Wednesday.

Thus far, my plan is to walk the Pacific Coastal Highway to LA.

If anyone knows any tips and tricks about life on the road, I am all ears. I want this to be a two-way communication. Me and You. Also a reason for me to begin posting, so I can begin receiving comments.

Stay tuned

Respectfully

Marvin