Walking Across America, and Through Avon

A woman inspired by a man who walked across America to avoid depression over his mother’s death, is making her own trek across the United States with her dog, Austin. The trek included stops—and assistance from officers in Northeast Ohio including Avon.

"I decided to walk across America because I have similar problems like I have PTSD, health problem, self esteem, family problems, many things I can't count. Walking across America helps me to set my spirit free by meeting good people, making friends, receiving supports and loves, challenging myself mentally, emotionally, and physically to improve myself, then will settle down at California; the woman, who would not identify herself, said on her Facebook page, Austin Walk Across America

The story begins with a May 10 Facebook posting that she is leaving upstate New York by Hamburg and Orchard Park. Postings detail the trip, resplendent with stops at Subways and photos of her blistered feet, walking anywhere from 9 to 30 miles in a given day. 

Avon police stopped her on May 31 after receiving a report the dog was on Moon Road in the roadway and drivers were concerned for its safety. The woman explained that she and her dog were walking across America and she was taking a break. She also told the officer (Csaba Hortobagyi) that she had a Facebook page. According the Facebook page, the Avon Police aren’t the only ones locally who were checking on her welfare. 

In addition to the picture of Austin looking at an Avon police car, there are photos of the Milan, Westlake, North Ridgeville and Amherst police as well as police in Pennsylvania. She took a photo and pasted it the page. Assistance has been abundant on the trip, from police and residents alike.

“I am taking a break for my feet and feed water to Austin,” the woman posted on Facebook. “Many thanks to William for stopping by on my way at the city of Avon. He gave me money and I gave him my Facebook page one hour ago. While Austin and I are resting, the Avon police named Csaba stopped by to check on me and asked me if I am okay and where to go. I explained in a writing note that I just need a rest for my feet then try to walk 30 miles before sunset and I am going to California. Csaba smiled and thanked for giving him my Facebook page. He left with his fancy police car!”

The posting followed a Facebook posting that included her entrance into Avon, from Westlake. “I will never forget the most beautiful and friendly cities, which are  Westlake and Avon!” she wrote.

The woman said Austin loves to walk, so she is bringing the dog on her trek across America.

“Austin was given away to the shelter two times from previous owners, and I didn't give much attention to Austin at home because of Internet,” the woman posted. “Hence, it is time for Austin and me towalk across America to enjoy his life. Oh and, I am from Rochester, New York.”

The woman said the idea for the walk with Austin came from George Throops whose mother Throops died walked across America from Washington state to DC. She said another person whose son committed suicide as a result of bullying was also an inspiration.