I didn't plan it this way, it just happened. We'll take all the help we can get. Money is nice. But technical help, goods, services, story ideas and encouragement are all welcome -- and they'll win you a spot on our Friends and Supporters page.
Here are some of the things we need most.
STORY IDEAS: Do you know someone with an interesting history, hobby, business or story. They don't have to be on Route 6, just in the communities through which Route 6 travels.
TECHNICAL: Do you know where Route 6 is unwalkable - where it's a non-pedestrian highway, where there are unwalkable bridges or tunnels, where there is construction? How can we get around these obsticales, where are the alternate routes? If we know ahead of time, we can "switch to Plan B!"
LOGISTICS: We're trying to conserve our meager resources by wrangling as many free nights as possible in inns, motels and hotels. We'll also be happy to stay in private homes, but we need space to work on our computer and my schedule, in particular, is weird. Since we have a car to pick me up at the end of each day, we can stay quite a distance from the walk route. We'll also gratefully take meals from local restaurants along the route, but this may be a bit difficult to arrange, because our schedule.
MATERIAL: I could afford only one laptop. We could really use a backup. (Travis, our photographer, would love a Mac.) Doesn't have to be new, but there are some technical requirements.
From time to time we'll need daily things, like camera, computer and cell phone batteries and other supplies.
SUPPORT: If you like what we're doing, let us know, it can make our day. You can call, email, or give me a waive as you drive by. Our photographer is Travis, our web guy is Jim. They like compliments, too.
Visit the businesses and buy the newspapers that run our stories. Let our newspapers know you like the stories. Call the editor or send a letter. If your newspaper doesn't run them, give 'em hell!
Come walk with me, everyone's welcome. Or, waive as you drive by. If you're a local historian or know a lot about the area, I'd love to walk and talk with you.
WHEELS: Right now, our support car is a Geo Metro with 90,000 miles on the odometer. It may have less of a chance of making it across the country than I do. And, it has no air conditioner. Travis, who is both driver and photographer, threatens to mutiny if I don't find him a car with AC by summer. Maybe someone can find us a loaner at least through the Midwest in summer.
FINANCIAL: Well of course we can use money. No donation is too small - or too big. We do NOT want money that would otherwise be going to charity. There are many more important things than this walk. However, if you've got extra money…
And, if your are a charity, or involved in a particular charitable organization, that might want to tie a fundraiser to Route6Walk… that's cool. We would ask only that you arrange food lodging, etc. as we travel through your area. By the way, a pledge of just three cents a mile will get you more than $100, a nickel would bring $180.
