Along the way Powell wove a network of support that contributed over $2,500 for his journey which he described as a mission for peace. On July 7 friends, family, and supporters joined Powell as he crossed the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, marking his entry into Northern California.
Powell says “walking up the California Coast provides the perfect opportunity to slowly shift my life from San Diego to the forests of Humboldt. One step, one breath at a time.”
“This is my service,” Powell adds. “This pilgrimage affirms my dedication to help heal the wounds of humanity and mend our relationship to the earth.”
Powell draws the inspiration for his journey from John Francis’s book “Planetwalker: How to Change your World One Step at a Time,” a gift Powell received for high school graduation. After reading about Francis’s 22-year walk around the Americas, Powell realized he had talked enough and now “needed to walk the walk.” After a few conversations with Francis he felt ready to hoof it to Humboldt State.
Powell, who embarked on May 23, spent his first day walking with his father, Allen Ray Powell. “Seth is inspiring me,” says his father.
With fall classes ready to begin at Humboldt State, the 20-year-old transfer student will begin his academic adventure – creating his own major that combines environmental science with deep ecology – a branch of philosophy that looks at humankind’s relationship with the natural environment.
Staying in homes, campsites and hotels along the way, Powell says he is trying not to ask for things like food, shelter, or rides but instead stay open to the possibilities.
“This is my own pilgrimage and I’ve got to do what feels right for me. So I’m going to attempt to travel leaving as light an imprint as I can – without killing myself.”