At 4:15 PM, I took the final step of the most fantastic journey I've ever been on. I walked off the boardwalk at Coney Island and stood looking at the Atlantic Ocean across about 200' of sand. My destination was in my grasp. Nothing all that dramatic, just another 200' of sand that lay between where I was and where I wanted to be. I'm not too sure what exactly was going through my mind but I continued on across that sand and very soon I was walking in the surf, feeling the cold Atlantic soaking my Etonic Jepara #1 shoes, the same shoes I wore when I walked out of the Pacific. After seven months and one day, the walk was over.

My brother Don told me that at one time he counted 44 people who were part of the final group that joined me on the beach. I'm sure he was correct for there were people everywhere. Many thanks once more to all of them for being a part of my adventure.

There are a number of people I need to thank on this last official walk day, and I'm sure there will be more before this is all over. Please bear with me as I get this all compiled together. I do know I want to thank the following people: Marty Markowitz, the President of the Republic of Brooklyn, NY, Carolyn Greer, who works for Mr. Markowitz and husband Stephen, Nick Kaloudis, owner of Celeste Diner, Cafe, and Grill, John Gavakis, our server at Celeste, and Paul Bogosian of CBS News.com. Many thanks to all these fine people for their hospitality, generosity, and intense interest in my endeavor. Your kindness will always be remembered by Valda & me. Thank you so much.

Thanks also to Kirk Treible of Brooklyn for your contribution to Gateway. It is much appreciated. Chris had various friends walk with me today and I promise in the next few days I will get it all sorted out and thank you properly. Meantime, know that I certainly appreciate all of you being a part of my last mile.

I'm pretty bushed as you might expect and think I'll end now and try to get some shut eye. I'll give you a couple of pictures to ponder over and more later in the week. Tomorrow we start another journey...I hope it goes as smoothly as this one went. Thank you all for your faithfulness.

For those of you who have signed up to match my 'roadside money found', please send your checks for your amount to the following: Make check out to Gateway for Cancer Research, send to Rick & Valda Hammersley, 411 Walnut St. #3438, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Please put Rick Walks America on the memo line.

Final stats:

Miles covered: 10.5 Total: 3206.75

Money found: $0.18 Total: $100.95

Yes, the Empire State is now where I am and as of right now, I have one day (about 9-10 miles by some accounts) left and then it is the splash in the Atlantic. Today was a long day of walking across the G.W. Bridge, finding Broadway and meeting up with my three brothers from Indianapolis, then walking down Broadway all the way to the Brooklyn Bridge, and finally taking about an hour to cross the B.B., taking pictures every so often of the incredible skylines around me. What a day.

My daughter Syndi and grandson Nic are here from Oklahoma, Valda's sister Lyra is here from Atlanta, Chris' roommate Charlie is here from Seattle, and various friends of Chris from around NYC are popping up all over the place. I do appreciate all of the efforts these people have gone through to make this couple of days memorable for me. It is much appreciated.

Today was just delightful. It was a long day of walking through the city and the crowds were sometimes a bear to handle, but we managed not to get too lost and we got down to the B. Bridge okay, tired but eager for tomorrow to get here.

I've gotten a lot of inquires from a lot of people about my recent health issues. Right now, I'm not sure what is wrong. I went ot the ER last Sunday and the doctor did some tests and then a CT scan. The doc told me the CT scan showed a mass in my lower intestine and they wanted to keep me for further tests. Now, it remains to be seen if I made the right decision or not, but I declined, telling him I needed to get to NY and as soon as the walk is over, Valda & I are headed for Oklahoma City to check into the VA complex there. Right now it could be anything from diverticulitis to scar tissue to a tumor. I promise I will continue blogging to you through all of this. Having had colon cancer once, I tend to get nervous about something in my colon that's not right. I sure could use your thoughts and prayers right about now.

Tomorrow is it. I believe there will be a host of people walking tomorrow. CBS is coming out tomorrow morning for some sort of interview, and the president of the Borough of Brooklyn is scheduled to come out and meet me sometime in the afternoon. It's all coming together it seems.

Thanks to Sue Greene of Forest Park, GA for matching my 'money found'. Sue, it is very appreciated and many thanks to you.

Thanks to Brooklyn Bridge Marriott for their hospitality and cheerful smiles. Thanks especially to Virrbai at the front desk for the bottle of wine and cheesecake tray. We certainly feel welcome and many thanks to everyone for making our stay memorable.

The pictures are pretty self explanatory.  More tomorrow.

Miles covered: 14.25 Total: 3196.25

Money found: $0.30 Total: $100.77

Today I made it to the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge over the Hudson River. I walked the final 12.5 land miles in NJ and have only half the bridge to go in NJ, then it is New York, New York. I got my first glimpse of the NY skyline today at 9:05 AM but it took me a while to get to the bridge. I had a lot of instances today where I had to take mini-detours because of the nature of the highway and it took me a bit longer than I thought it would. Then after leaving the highway with the bridge just around the curve, I had to get off on Main St. in Ft. Lee and walk another mile through town to the base of the bridge where the steps are located for me to get to the top tier. But, guess what...I made it.

Yesterday was a day saddened by the loss of one of my most ardent supporters, and it was all because of a stupid act by me. I was walking down the side of Hwy 46 about 20 miles from the bridge and my son Chris was following me, filming the whole way. Now I'm not too sure what is so exciting about filming your old man from the back as he walks down the highway, but Chris was into it pretty intently. So, I thought I'd give him a shot of my athletic prowess. There was a storm sewer grate coming up and in one of the long holes was stuck a small rubber ball. I thought I would hit the ball with my walking stick and knock it on down the hole...all in one fell swoop. Except I missed and the end of the stick went into another hole and right out of my grasp. It is gone forever. My trusty friend who was about five inches shorter than when I started and had enough glue in it to start a horse, was gone. And, it is all on film. Talk about athletic prowess. I've done 3182 miles and it did 3162 of them and won't be around for the finish.

Thanks to S. Fitzgerald of Hackettstown, NJ for his contribution to Gateway. It is much appreciated. I also want to thank my three brothers, Don, Scott, & Ron for stopping by and seeing us on their way to NYC. It was nice seeing them and I'll actually walk with them tomorrow and Sunday as we wind it down. We are back at Tom & Kathryn Lawrence's home in western NJ and will leave the RV here while we traipse around the Big Apple and vicinity. Thanks again to them for their amazing hospitality.

I also want to thank Angela Ganote of Fox 59 in Indianapolis for her phone interview this morning. She is also going to have another phone interview with me on Monday morning at 8:30 AM, Indy time. If you live there, tune in. Fox 59 has been just great in their support of me. Many thanks to them.

Miles covered: 12.5 Total: 3182

Money found: $2.56 Total: $100.47

Today is Halloween and below are some pictures we've taken over the last couple of weeks. Just a little fun as the night comes alive.

I guess I'm getting excited. I had a real good day all around, and for the first time in a week or so, I actually felt my heart beat. To be honest, I've felt lousy all week and today I got some new medicine from my doctor in Chattanooga and boy did it help. Valda got to see the peaks of NYC twice today but I've yet to see them. I keep looking but to no avail. I remember seeing the peaks of the Rockies after I got out of them for several miles, but this is different. Today I told Chris that the Soldier Summit Canyon in Utah, the Indian Canyon in Utah, and Poudre River Canyon in Colorado (all 79 miles) were three very memorable canyons that I walked through. The beauty was outstanding. But...I do believe the prettiest canyon I've yet to see and walk down is the canyon in Manhattan known as the Broadway Canyon. I feel my heartbeat again.

Valda & I didn't take any pictures today. We both were too busy negotiating this crazy traffic and trying not to take the wrong turn on this twisty highway. It was a challenge today and tomorrow doesn't look much different. As you can see by the title, I think we have about 13 miles to go. This is based on what I did today and signs I've seen along the way. Valda thinks it is closer to 11 but we'll see tomorrow. I'm planning on walking to the G. W. Bridge but I'm not sure which side. On Saturday morning we will step off at 11:00 AM and do 11 miles to the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge. Then it is a good night's rest at the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott and on Sunday morning we will step off again at the Brooklyn Bridge and fight our way through the stragglers from the NYC Marathon. I think I could tell them a thing or two about a marathon.

I'm chattering a little too much. I guess I'm getting excited, and I feel a whole lot better. I hope you all have enjoyed this walk as much as I have and I certainly do appreciate your comments, emails, prayers, thoughts, and anything else you threw my way. Stay turned for some great pictures taken on Saturday and Sunday. Valda found the bottle of Pacific Ocean water and it is now just a matter of hours till it joins its Atlantic cousin. It's about over. Did I mention I'm getting excited?

Some pictures we took this week.

Miles covered: 17 Total: 3169.5

Money found: $1.67 Total: $97.91

Everytime I turn a corner or top a hill I look to see the snow covered peaks of NYC. I'm still about 30 miles out, so really don't expect to see them until Friday. But it's fun looking. Today straightened up weather wise. It was sunny off and on and cold, but no snow, thank goodness. Yesterday reminded me why I live in the south. I've been toying around with my walking schedule some more and think I have hit on a good combination. I walk three segments of two hours each and take about an hour and a half off in between. If it all goes as planned, I usually end up walking around 6:00PM, just as it is getting dark. I haven't hit it perfect yet, but I keep trying. Just four more walking days left.

The terrain has been relatively flat with a occasional hill or two thrown in. It seems I've been in constant commercial areas for the last couple of days. On my map, I've hit the dark orange area denoting city, and it is constant until I get to Coney Island.

Not too much happened today, walk wise. We just keep plugging along and hoping the next mile marker is just up ahead. It has been somewhat of a challenge to get up and go out and walk especially in the cold. But, it's almost over and a good week's sleep might just take care of what ails me. Once more it is time to hit the hay and once more I can hardly wait.

As you can see below, Valda & I were visited by my grandson's friend, Flat Stanley.  He came and spent an afternoon with us.  Has he visited you yet?

Miles covered: 14 Total: 3152.5

Money found: $2.99 Total: $96.24

There isn't a whole lot I can say about today except I'm glad it's finally about over. I woke up this morning after listening to it rain off and on all night (between dozes). I had resigned myself to have a day in the rain but when we pulled the cover from the front window, were we surprised to see snow. We couldn't believe it. We didn't get too good of TV reception last night but what we did hear did not say a word about snow. Now, I can generally take the snow, but the rain, the cold, and the 20-30 miles per hour winds that accompanied it today was a bit too much. So, we stopped after 5 miles and checked into a motel room...just to take advantage of a hot shower and the heat from a reliable furnace. Our RV has a good furnace but we are running a bit low on propane and frankly I just wanted to be in a motel during all this snow.

Like I said, I did 5 miles and for the first three quarters of a mile, I had to walk in yards and where ever I could just to stay off the road (absolutely no shoulder). Then I hit a stretch of road that had 4-6' of shoulder and then all I had to do was try to stay out of the water that was going into the storm sewers (not too successfully I might add). After a couple of hours, I finally had had enough and called Valda to save the day. I was thoroughly drenchred despite having bought a 'water proof' rain coat and rain pants. So, that was my day in a nutshell.

The TV says more of the same for tomorrow, but I've now ran out of extra days and I have to walk. I'm not too sure where we are, but it is 5 miles east of where we were last night on US 46. Chris drove over yesterday from NYC on 46 and said it was about 57 miles to the bridge. Since then, I've walked about 13 of those, so I have a ways to go to get there. No luxury of a motel room tomorrow.

Thanks to Joe LaPella who owns the Allstate Insurance Agency in the picture below.  Joe let us stay all night in his parking lot.  The other pictures show what we faced today.  Notice how light the snow was when I started.

Miles covered: 5 Total: 3138.5

Money found: $0.30 Total: $93.25

Well, Sunday was quite a day. It started out at about 9:00 AM when I took off from a local ice cream shop with three Boy Scouts, and two leaders (dads). By the time we went a mile, I picked up five more scouts and another leader. They just kept coming out of the woodwork. BSA Troop #200 from Annandale, NJ joined me Sunday and walked a total of 10.7 miles with me. This enabled those Scouts who were there to earn credit towards two merit badges and the good time we all had was thrown in for free. Thanks go out to Leader Tom Lawrence for setting up this event (he actually emailed me about it in June) and thanks too to all who showed up and partook. After the 10+ miles, we all chowed down at a local pizza restaurant. I want to thank the troop for the money donated to Gateway through 'money found' along the route, and for the nice donation to Valda's gas fund. Also thanks for the pizza lunch and the great company.

After the walk on Sunday morning, I decided to visit a local ER to see if I could get rid of an intestinal bug I've been fighting a while. Well, we all know what ER's are like, and about six hours later, I finally got out of there. It turned out to be a little more than I was expecting, but hopefully I'm on the road to better health. More later on this adventure.

Today I resumed walking alone. I got in 17 miles and just passed the Budd Lake on US 46 near Mt. Olive, NJ. Chris showed up today and resumed filming his documentary. His mom was glad of that. He's in NYC for a few days for the end of the walk and then it is back to Seattle. He's going to march in the annual Halloween Parade in Manhattan as a deranged Uncle Sam. Not much of a stretch for him on the deranged part.

Valda & I are gearing up for the final few days. We are both excited about the end being in sight and can't wait for those Nathan's Hot Dogs.

Update on that soldier in Iraq who caught a bullet in the stomach. Sgt. Roy Shaver is back home and is expected to make a full but time consuming recovery. Good luck Roy.

Today's stats:

Miles covered: 17 Total: 3133.5

Money found: $2.18 Total: $92.95

Sunday's stats:

Miles covered: 12.25 Total: 3116.5

Money found: $3.83 Total: $90.77

Pennsylvania stats:

Miles walked: 340 Average miles per day: 17

Days walked: 20 Days off: 3

Money found: $9.44 Average money found per day: $0.47

Average money found per mile: $0.03

Number and names of counties walked through, 14: Washington, Allegheny, Westmoreland, Indiana, Cambria, Blair, Mifflin, Centre, Union, Northumberland, Columbia, Schuylkill, Lehigh, and Northhampton

Roads walked: State highways: 9 US highways: 2 County roads: 6

Major bridges crossed: 2.5 (Monongahela, Susquehanna, half of Delaware)

Most unusual find: Fire extinguisher (one of those big clunky kinds you see hanging on walls of old buildings)

I made it across PA. It was something I thought about for over a year and now I'm done with it. It was quite a challenge, but with a lot of help, I finally figured it out. PA was a state of contrasts. Generally everyone we met was helpful and good to us and interested in what we were doing. However, it is the first state where we were refused water (GoGo Gas station right inside the line from WV), and a place to spend the night (Frackville post of the PA State Police). Mostly it was a great experience. SR 45 from Altoona to Mifflinberg is a great highway to walk or drive. It was a three week period that is now behind me and I'm glad I don't have to walk back through the state going the other direction.

I can't sing like Frankie Valli, but boy did I like to listen to him. I wonder if his high notes hurt his throat as much as it hurt my ears? Well, as you might have gathered, I'm in New Jersey. We crossed over at about 3:45 PM yesterday and though I didn't get a picture of a sign welcoming us to NJ, Valda did get a picture of me crossing over the bridge at Easton/Phillipsburg. I talked to Charlie, a policeman on duty at the bridge to keep overweight vehicles away, and he told me the bridge is one of two identical bridges (the other one is in Budapest, Hungary) and that it was built in 1895. It is still in use today and is a rather nice looking bridge compared to a lot of others I've seen. Anyway, I crossed over it and then I was in state # 12 and PA was behind me.

I ask everyone I run into how far NYC is and most everyone says it is an hour away, so that means it can be anywhere from 50-80 miles away, depending on how fast you drive. An hour for me is 3 miles, so I guess my answer doesn't apply. I'm going to look closely at the map today and just see how many days away it is and hope I don't use all six days allotted to get there. It would really be nice to have next Friday off.

By anyone's measure though, the walk is winding down. I probably have four or five days walking in NJ, and then the two in NYC. Next Monday I'll probably wake up and wonder what I'm going to do next. I don't have a definitive answer to that one yet, but I'm working on it.

So, we are in NJ and I'm taking today and tomorrow off, and on Sunday I set out with 15 Boy Scouts from Troop 200 and their leaders, and head toward Washington, NJ on Hwy 57. We have currently stopped at the intersection of Hwy 57 and US 22 about 3 miles inside the state. I want to thank Tom and Kathryn Lawrence for letting us camp out in their driveway. Tom and Kathryn saw an article on me in Highways Magazine last June and have been corresponding with us ever since. It is surely gracious of them to extend their hospitality. We've started finding campgrounds and state parks are now closed in this area of the country and having a place to land for a few days is very helpful. Many thanks to them again and it is much appreciated.

As soon as I get it all figured out, we will get the Pennsylvania stats on the blog. Other than that, there will be no more blogs till Sunday night. The pictures below are of me leaving PA and a couple of shots of country I just walked through.

Miles covered: 15 Total: 3104.25

Money found: $0.88 Total: $86.94