Back in April, I walked from Portland, OR to Eugene, OR. My intention was not the most direct route(about 110 mi). Instead, I followed the Willamette River as much as possible, which required some tricky trespassing and GMaps navigation.
Including excursions, hikes, and general exploration, it amounted to about 300 mi. Although I walk everywhere as it is, I had no experience with long hauls, especially with my entire life on my back.
My intention was to walk, so I had to turn down several ride offers.
The entire trek took 28 days. I wasn't trying to break records. I was also interested in seeing lots of things along the way. Spent close to a week in a couple of great spots.
When I had 40 mi to go, my shoes(had them for years) wore the fuck out. I had to drum up money and find another pair. My pack, which I curb-scored ages before also barely made it. Luckily, a friend in Eugene gave me a sweet upgrade.
The longest I did in one day, during a record-heat month in the Willamette Valley, was 28 mi. Had a couple other 20+ days.
Tons of stories. Amazing times. Do it again? Maybe. With some better shoes, perhaps.