Craig Daily Press

Craig — On Thursday, 39-year-old Ron Kessler made his way through Craig as the latest stop in his tour across the country to promote breast cancer awareness.

Armed with a backpack full of supplies, two trekking poles and a curly pink wig — signifying the breast cancer cause — Kessler began walking March 1 from Cape Henlopen, Del. as part of his fundraising effort for cancer charity Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

As he heads west to the final destination, Point Reyes, Calif., he reflects on the journey he has taken, the people he has met and the reason behind it all.

Q: You’re originally from Fort Collins. After four months on the road, how does it feel to be back in Colorado?

A: It feels great to be back. When I was driving out east to get ready for this thing, I was thinking about how weird it would be that I would be walking back. And now, I’ve made it back to Fort Collins and beyond.

Q: How has the terrain been? Have the Rockies been more difficult to walk through than some of the other areas of the country?

A: It hasn’t been all that rough, although I think walking at the Colorado elevation has been getting to me. There are areas with sidewalks in the mountains, but the grade is really steep. Even after I’ve loaded up with five liters of water, I get dehydrated pretty quick, but the people with CDOT helped me with that.

Q: Have you had to do a lot of camping on the trip?

A: About one-third of the trip has been camping. The rest of the time people put me up in their homes or in hotels, and a lot of churches have opened up their doors for the night. I’d say I’ve been inside a fair amount.

Q: Do a lot of people offer to help you in the towns you pass through?

A: It varies. It’s a matter of the people there, but they’re always helpful. They’re always offering me food, buying me meals, and giving me information on what’s coming up next on the road.

Q: Have people you’ve met kept in touch with you afterwards?

A: I’ve had quite a few people who have put me up for two or three nights at a time, and then they help me even after I leave. I’ve gotten a lot of help along the way, and it’s very much appreciated.

Q: How have you dealt with the physical toll involved?

A: It has its ups and downs with physical and mental problems. Some days you’re flying, and other days, well, not. I’ve made big trips like this before, so I know what to expect. I don’t want to get too high on the highs or low on the lows.

Q: After Craig comes Maybell. What are you expecting further west?

A: I’m a little worried about deserts in Utah and Nevada because water is my biggest concern. Plus, with all the wear and tear, I’m noticing that I need more recovery time. I just need to work through it and not overextend myself.

Q: You were inspired to do this walk by a friend who was diagnosed with cancer in 2004. At this point, has the physical struggle you’ve gone through altered your perspective on her experience?

A: It was more before the trip that my viewpoint got changed, and that’s why I got into it. Seeing what Marie has gone through made a definite impression on me, so I can’t complain.