My route has changed continuously as I've compared the areas I originally wanted to travel with those that were the safest. Safety is my primary concern, and while one of my objectives is to make the journey without money, I am fully aware it may not be possible. Rest assured that I have safety nets in place in case of emergencies.
The journey will begin at the famous boardwalk pier on Coney Island. I should be able to post a few pics of myself at the pier rather quickly as I'll have access to the web for the first few days.
From the pier I will travel into Brooklyn where I will spend my first night, then up to Spanish Harlem for my second night, and finally make it out of New York City the following day. I will follow the eastern shore of the Hudson River, passing through the famous Sleepy Hollow, and on until reaching Bear Mountain where I will be able to access the Appalachian Trail.
I will follow the Appalachian Trail until I reach Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, where I will connect with the American Discovery Trail. This trail will be my primary route across the United States, as it has been well established and maintained, unlike my original route over the North Country Trail which is not cared for or monitored in several locations.
Again, this route is to ensure my own safety while still allowing me to pursue my objectives.
In Ohio, the A.D.T. splits into two separate routes before reconnecting in Denver, Colorado. I will be following the northern route through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska before reaching Denver. I have a few friends in Denver I was hoping to make contact with before moving on.
Next it's onward through the rest of Colorado, Nevada, and into California, where I'll be able to touch the waters of the Pacific Ocean in San Francisco at the conclusion of my journey. This new route will also shave several months from my original plan, so I expect to make it to San Francisco within 10 to 13 months.
What happens after that depends on my success with this website and the objectives I've established. I hope that my journey inspires change, and I will continue to pursue that goal if I feel that not enough has been accomplished at the end of this route.
The posted links below will lead you to the main websites where you can view the trails I will follow.
The Appalachian Trail. You have to zoom in fairly close to locate Harpers Ferry. If you can locate the Ed Garvey Shelter, Harpers Ferry is a few miles south of it. This is where I plan to leave the trail and connect with the American Discovery Trail.
The American Discovery Trail. This is the primary trail I will be following to reach the Pacific shore. I will be taking the northern route once the A.D.T. splits in Ohio.
