Richmond, IN. Resting my feet for the day and will hop on the American Discivery Trail tomorrow morning. I could tell they get a lot of hikers because of all the honks of support I've been receiving and they probably don't see too many crazy Winter hikers.


1/18/13

Columbus, OH. Loading up on snacks is an important part of my trip. I try to keep it healthy but the cheapest calories (which I need a lot of) at the time of sale are usually not so great. Upon walking into a service station to reload on "fuel" while exiting Columbus I met Mike.

Mike was a cool guy that shared with me his aspirations to travel more than he has. We both spoke about having the chance to go off to college on paid scholarships and it just not working out for one reason or another.

Inspired by the story of my journey Mike has made a decesion to hopefully follow his passion. I left him my contact and will try to stay in touch with him. A couple days later after meeting he sent me the following email:

Hey Sterling,

This is Mike from the gas station this morning, I just wanted to tell you that I am truly inspired by what you are doing. I know you get that a lot but i feel as though you really awoken something inside me.

Almost as if fate had put us on a path to meet. I wasn't supposed to work that shift this morning I was covering for a coworker and almost like the fog that lifted this morning that is what your purpose was for me. To lift the fog from my life and see what it is that i want to do. I'm rounding up some money and I'm going to make a donation to your cause to help out.

Like i said man you've really stirred something in me and i feel fate intended it to be that way. Well i want to say good luck and i would love to stay in touch with you during your trip and after. Good Luck.

Your new friend,

Mike


1/11/13

Englewood, OH. Yesterday I reached 10% of my goal and I very happy. Thanks to those who donated and if you haven't please click on the "DONATE!" link above and make a contribution of whatever you can give and if you can be generous please do.

100% of the money raised goes to the American Diabetes Association in their efforts against diabetes a debilitating disease that is becoming growing problem in the US -- so please give!


1/16/13

I want to thank those I recently met while trekking through Columbus & London who made donations to the American Diabetes Association!

The total collected in three days was $192. I want to thank John who I met on the Olentangy River path, the great cyclists I spoke with (Gene, Allen, & Gary) on the Ohio Bike Trail -- thanks again Gary for offering me a place to stay, and the wonderful Restoration Worship Center congregation.

Belvedere, NJ. View of Delaware River facing north right before entering Rivington, PA.

This was a joyful moment because I had covered my first full state, so joyful that I called my life mentor, Edward, and informed him of my journey which I had not informed him of.

What's funny is right before taking this photo, the patrol person approached and questioned me wondering if I was looking to suicide jump from the bridge... I had to laugh.


Date of occurrence: 11/28/12

Mansfield, OH.  As I entered the city of Mansfield a gentleman starting walking alongside of me with a huge camera.  I curiously asked him what are you photographing, he said... you!  I agreed and that gentleman, Dave Polcyn, took some photos while walking to the center of town to be published in the local paper.  

That later lead to a very sweet newspaper's reporter, Lou Whitmire, wanting to do an interview over coffee at the local cafe.  The article was good overall, there are inaccuracies that may have been possibly my fault -- but the overall message was clear: I'm walking to raise money for the American Diabetes Association.

Click [ HERE ] to view the article.  


Date of occurrence: 1/2/2013

Cleveland, OH.

A white lady saw me walking w/ all my gear walking through the snow said "Aww hell no!" I explained my journey, she then said "God bless!"


11/27/12