“How do you plan to get home?” is a common question I receive from many of the people I’m meeting across the miles. Truth be told, I’ve resisted deciding on an answer to this question, not only because I can’t predict the developments and potential opportunities which will unfold amid the conclusive miles of the Walk, but I also cannot predict how my mind and body will be faring as thousands of miles of walking wrap up at the White House.
Recently, I posed this question to friends on Facebook, and invited their suggestions. I received a variety of interesting answers, and aside from requests that I crab walk or bear crawl 3,000 miles home, I also received suggestions to fly, bus, take the train, ride a horse, hitch-hike, bicycle, or even walk back. Well, after thousands of miles of walking across America reach their terminus, I think the last thing you’ll find me seeking to do is turn around and walk thousands more miles back home. I may have some things in common with the great Forrest Gump, but not that!
A this point, not only is walking home far from my desires, I also don’t feel attracted to the idea of flying home. After a years-long journey of walking across America, flying would seem to slice off the experience far too abruptly. “No, thanks.” Just as a marathon runner often “walks it off” after running dozens of miles, winding down their momentum step by step, I like the idea of winding down my momentum as I gravitate home to the Evergreen State.
A treasure trove of tips toward more community-integrative living, my friend Elena suggested I check out an on line ride-sharing network, which, since I met Elena via an on line travel-hosting network on my way through Silicon Valley, is something that really appeals to me. We’ll see what comes of this…
After reaching the White House, I may remain on the East Coast for weeks or longer, without a fixed date of departure. Once I do head home though, probably via some network which Elena mentioned, I’ll simply travel home the same way I traveled here: absent of stone-etched prescription; listening to (and following) my gut; and, enjoying the journey all the way home.
