Aug 19, 2008

Jesse WhiteCrow Walking America

I met Jesse WhiteCrow in the summer of 2006.

I was on a mission of my own, driving the country for three months, living in a classic VW bus. While driving south along the Natchez Trace in Mississippi, a man walking in the same direction, beneath a bobbing umbrella that shaded him from the hot southern sun, caught my attention.

I drove past, and stopped at a rest area -- and waited for the walking stranger to arrive.

Jesse and I spent about 90 minutes exchanging stories and sharing snacks. We've never talked face to face since that day, but we've remained friends.

For nearly two years after I returned to "civilization," reaching deeper into my career as a writer, Jesse kept plodding across North America, through all seasons, across all terrains.

He faced wild animals and once was shot at -- among countless other joys and dangers. His was an uncommon walk; his is an uncommon view of America.

I consider us lucky to have him be able to share so much of those intimate details with us through his blog -- WhiteCrow Walking -- and through his forthcoming book.

I've interviewed Jesse about his writing along this journey. I've asked how he managed it despite the life-and-death trek he kept at for three years. I've asked about the process of being this sort of writer.

I've asked. Jesse has answered.