June 8: Pontiac, IL – Chenoa, IL   11.6 miles The town of Chenoa is falling to pieces. I do not mean this in a figurative sense. A stroll through the downtown reveals nothing but shuttered businesses, closed signs, and buildings literally falling to the ground. One building in the center of town quite spectacularly has [...]

Day 93–Oct. 4 (Aurora, OH – Cleveland, OH, 19.3 miles) Poverty and homelessness are large problems. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t small things everyone can do to make a difference. Here are a few suggestions: Donate food, toiletries, clothing, and household items to a local shelter, food pantry or organization that benefits those who [...]

Day 84–Sept. 25 (Baden, PA-Beaver Falls, PA, 10.8 miles) Twenty miles to the north of Pittsburgh the town of Aliquippa is perhaps the most run-down town I have seen in my life. Many of its buildings are abandoned and drug dealers and prostitutes run rampant. I was warned against visiting the town. I was told [...]

Day 83–Sept. 24 (Bellvue, PA-Baden, PA, 14.2 miles) The sidewalks along Route 65 in Emsworth are in such a state of disrepair that in many places grass and weeds have fully reclaimed the concrete. When I was walking, I passed no one. Just a little north lies the town of Sewickley. The sidewalks are pristine. [...]

Day 14–July 17 (Indian Lake, PA-Kantner, PA, 7.9 miles) The small downtown of Stoystown, Pa., has no restaurants or grocery stores. Even the vending machine in the center of town is out of order. At one time the town supported numerous shops including the small Stoystown Market. Now just a few businesses remain. When I [...]

Day 8–July 11, 2009 (rest in McConnellsburg, PA, 0.0 miles) JLG Industries is one of the largest employers in McConnellsburg. The company recently gained a government contract to build armored vehicles, which will mean more jobs in a region that sorely needs them. But while it may bring jobs, it will do nothing towards creating a [...]