A Walk Across America

By bteifke

  • Peter graduates from college

    Peter graduates from college
    Peter graduates from Alfred University with a BFA in Sculpture/Ceramics. This along with the deterioration of his marriage would set the beginning for the catalysts for his walk (pg. 22).

  • Peter leaves Albert, New York

    Peter sets off on his walking trip from Albert, New York, with his dog, Cooper (pg. 33).

  • Peter reaches Washington D.C.

    Peter reaches Washington D.C.
    Peter and Cooper arrive in Washington D.C. and meet with the editor of National Geographic who agrees to do a story on their walk (pg. 53).

  • Meeting Homer Davenport

    Peter and Cooper walk up the mountain to meet the hermit Homer Davenport. He inspires Peter to decide that this trip is dedicated to meeting such people as interesting as this mountain man (pg. 78).

  • Meets the policeman in Damascus

    Meets the policeman in Damascus
    Peter is recommended to stay the night at a police station by a cook at a diner. He has long conversations with the police officer on duty about their views of the country, especially the officer's tours in Vietnam. This is a moment where Peter sees he is less different than many of the people he will meet in the country (pg. 99).

  • New Year's Day on Mt. Mitchell

    New Year's Day on Mt. Mitchell
    Peter and Cooper go to North Carolina and meet up with one of Peter's friends from school. They then climb Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River and spend a rather lonely but fulfilling New Year's Eve (pg. 110).

  • Peter meets Preacher

    Peter meets Preacher
    Peter meets Preacher, who will play a large role in changing his view on religion, a big theme in the book (pg. 155).

  • Peter moves on from lumbering

    Peter moves on from lumbering
    Peter leaves the lumber company, leaving behind many of his friends and what was a major learning event for him in understanding the average American worker (pg. 189).

  • Cooper dies

    Cooper dies
    Cooper is hit by a water truck and dies, after over a year of walking with Peter and many before that of friendship and companionship (pg. 230).

  • Meeting Governor Wallace

    Meeting Governor Wallace
    Peter meets Governor George Wallace to truly understand the philosophy behind segregation and racism (pg. 253).

  • Peter reaches New Orleans

    Peter reaches New Orleans
    Peter reaches New Orleans, which would be his last destination of the book for this section of the trip (pg. 295).