Route

The Little Red Wagon Train pulled out of Madison, Wisconsin, on September 2, 2009. I walked 482 of the 605 total miles, mostly along the Mississippi River valley, to Jackson, Missouri where I stayed for several weeks. I then received a ride and chose to spend the “wintering” weeks in San Antonio, Texas with a friend.

Next Departure Date & Route: On February 27, 2010, I took off again, this time from San Antonio to Roswell & Beyond!  Immediately below is a map of the route with updates as I progress.  The distance is 535 miles, or 180 walking hours.

UPDATE: Arrived in Roswell, New Mexico, April 14, 2010
LRWT: San Antonio, Texas to Roswell, New Mexico

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LRWT: Madison, Wisconsin to Jackson, Missouri

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The List of “911″ Rides from Really Cool People

• (14) Hanover to Savanna, IL: This was the first ride for the LRWT! Homer rescued LRWT from a dangerous stretch of highway, and pointed out some good stuff in Savanna, things like where to sleep, etc. Thanks, Homer!
• (3) E. Moline, IL: Anne from Living Lands & Waters gave me a ride into E. Moline from their office. Thanks, Anne!
• (9) Dallas City, IL: Kirk overheard me ask directions at the local post office, and insisted he’d drive me out to the “road I needed.” Thanks, Kirk!
• (4) Aledo, IL: Danny rescued LRWT from the setting sun and a dangerous highway leading into Aledo. Showed me around enough to give me good bearings, and dropped me off at the grocery store. Grocery stores and libraries are always top on the list on this journey. Thanks, Danny!
• (3) Keithsburg, IL: Slick first saw me around a hundred miles away near the Quad Cities, then witnessed LRWT passing through his town in Seaton. A few hours later he caught up with me near Keithsburg, bringing along Coal, his dog, warm pizza, bottled water, canteen, fishing pole and tackle, and a heart as large as the setting sun. Thanks, Slick!
• (3) Warsaw, IL: Nick of the Warsaw Police Department offered LRWT a motel room, but it was about ten miles out of the way. Well then, he said, how about the campground down along the River in town? Well, most certainly! We literally shoved the wagon with gear in the back seat of his squad car. Thanks, Nick!
• (4) Clarksville, MO: Lisa rescued LRWT from a dangerous rain and road into Clarksville. Thanks, Lisa!
• (20) Old Monroe to St. Charles, MO:
• (13) Arnold to Peevley, MO: Corey rescued LRWT Big-time on this one, overhearing me at a convenience store on the threshold of another downpour, and instinctively knowing exactly where I needed to go. Left me off at the I-55 Truck Plaza, almost finally just about thank God out of the St. Louis area. Thanks, Corey!
• (50) Crystal City to Perryville, MO: Mike came around the next morning looking for LRWT after having seeing me the evening before trying to catch a ride. Look for more on this soon…  Thanks, Mike!