Wanted: Resources

For An Unusual Adventure

To the Editor:

Hello. My name is Justin Ceneviva, I’m 20 years old and have lived in Sandy Hook my entire life. I have long enjoyed Lake Zoar and the surrounding woodlands, however small they may be, and the abundance of trees our town boasts. One thing that has stricken me all my life is the lack of adventure; it’s impossible to satisfy my wanderlust here. Since embarking on a “raw-food diet” (consisting mostly of fresh organic fruit) journey to health and fitness, I’ve felt the open road and wilderness areas of the country call my name.

I posted an article on an Internet discussion board (at rawfood.com) about setting out on the road. Everyone there had wonderful ideas on where to go and what I would need to take with me. A few people even wanted to come! One of the people was from Massachusetts, and after talking we’ve decided to hike across the United States, using only the bare essential equipment, and with bare feet on top of that. One of our goals is to walk the Trail of Tears, and we’ve made our destination the long, sunny beaches of California. We’ve decided to leave sometime around mid-April, so that there is still some summer remaining when we reach California.

However, one issue has come up repeatedly in our discussion, and this is the problem of funding our expedition. Albeit taking a minimalist approach has greatly reduced the costs, there is still the obstacle of purchasing our equipment, initial food, and food along the way. Both of us wish to do this on a vegan diet, and I myself would like to make the journey remaining on a high fruit diet.

Another poster mentioned I should write to the local newspapers and see if they knew anything about sponsorship or fundraising for these types of excursions. I’ve done some searching on my own, but I have been unable to find anything — it seems that not many people hike across the United States! I write this letter in good faith that you may have some resources I could look into.

Sincerely,

Justin Ceneviva

20 Andras Road, Sandy Hook                                 January 14, 2005