Walking Across America: Rockies are in sight for Ostdick

Jim Ostdick, the San Benito County adventurer who is walking across the country on the American Discovery Trail from Delaware to San Benito County to raise awareness for the R.E.A.C.H. Foundation, is approaching Fort Morgan, Colo. on his way to Fort Collins. He said he’ll be starting his climb into the Rocky Mountains by this time next week. His goal is to raise awareness about a trail system to connect San Benito County to America and vice versa.

“Some of the passes will be close to 10,000 feet in elevation – yet another challenge!” he told BenitoLink by email on July 11. “I passed the 1,800-mile mark today. I know people back home may think I am getting close to the finish, but the reality is I still have a long way to go. I am slightly ahead of schedule. My ETA at Limantour Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, is about Oct. 15 – 20. Stay tuned.”

Ostdick said that if the weather is good upon his return, he is considering walking home from Point Reyes along Highway 1. 

“I REALLY miss the beach!” he said.

Ostdick said he has been impressed by the support and kindness he has encountered on his journey.

“I can’t emphasize enough how kind and open-hearted people have been all along the way. A day never goes by when someone doesn’t stop to offer me help – food, water, lunch money, prayers, hugs, encouragement. When I stop for a rest day and turn on the TV news, I can’t believe my eyes and ears. Is all that stuff happening in the same beautiful country I have been walking through all these months?”

On Sunday, July 17 at noon Mountain Daylight Time, Ostdick will be on the Big Blend Radio Show to talk about the walk and the mission of R.E.A.C.H.

Ostdick said that on Monday he saw the first cactus and jackrabbit he has seen since he left California in February. 

“Yahoo! I’m heading West!” he said.