Health

Walking Across America: Ostdick crosses Continental Divide, surpasses 2,000 miles traveled

Ostdick is battling sore feet, but his walking journey continues unimpeded
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Local adventurer and retired high school science teacher Jim Ostdick reports that he just pulled into Steamboat Springs, Colo. for a few days of rest before making a push for the Utah border as he continues his cross-country walking journey. He is taking the American Discovery Trail from Delaware to San Benito County to raise awareness and funds for the R.E.A.C.H. Foundation, which is promoting a trail system that will connect the county to the rest of the country.

In an email to BenitoLink, Ostdick said he crossed the Continental Divide on July 24 at Rabbit Ears Pass. "And today I surpassed the 2,000-mile mark for my hike. Right now, my feet are pretty mangled and in need of ice baths, but I'll be ready to roll again soon enough."

Ostdick reminded locals to support the effort to promote a trail system.

"I can't tell you how much I want the people of San Benito County to get behind this effort," he said. "But you know what Mom and Dad always said: actions speak louder than words."

Adam Breen

Adam Breen has been a San Benito County resident since 1980 and graduated from Sacred Heart School and San Benito High School before earning a bachelor's degree from California State University, Fresno. A father of two sons, Adam has taught newspaper, English and yearbook at SBHS for the past decade, after six years as a magazine editor for Santa Clara University. He previously was editor of the Hollister Free Lance and content director for BenitoLink.