I just passed the first milestone on my trip, completing 100 miles of my 2,930-mile walk to the Statue of Liberty from my home in Fresno, CA. I’ve spent most of my time walking Highway 99 and am now closing in on Shafter and Bakersfield.

A few thoughts on the initial part of this project:

• It’s good to be an early riser. I generally start my walks at about 4:30 a.m. Much different from walking in Fresno’s 100-degree heat during other parts of the day.
• It’s also nice to work in an air-conditioned library. Makes the noon walk much more tolerable than going outside, though I love seeing incoming students on campus during Dog Days.
• I’m hitting my unofficial goal of walking 6.5 miles per day, though it is tougher on weekends when three grandchildren have other ideas for my time. (Which I love!)
• Audiobooks and podcasts are essential. With my retirement looming, I just finished listening to “Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life,” by Bill Perkins. It certainly has given me plenty to think about. True crime podcasts up next, though I have to wait until the sun comes up to listen to them. Sigh.

My trip by the numbers:

Miles walked: 102.5

Miles to go: 2,827.5

Days to 70th birthday (unofficial goal to complete): 433

Average miles needed per day to reach goal: 6.53