June 3, 2004

Update

The Great American Journey celebrates one year on the road and presidential meeting in Georgia

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

On May 12, 2003, three women—including Almaden’s Joan Balog—decided to set off from the Peach Arch in Blaine, Wash. on what they lovingly called “the Great American Journey.” One year later, they have traveled more than 3,300 miles on foot through 14 states as they near their destination, Key West, Fla. By they time they arrive at their destination in August, they will have trekked more than 4,200 miles and prayed for citizens in every small town and large city along the way.

While in Plains, Ga., the team attended the Maranatha Baptist Church, where former President Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday school. After being searched by the Secret Service and given a protocol briefing following the church services, they met and had their photographs taken with the former president and his wife Rosalynn. According to Balog, meeting the couple was a “highlight of the trip.”

With an estimated 900 miles to go, Balog and her companion Lyn Hanush, along with their mascot Cassie, continue to forge ahead, traveling approximately 15 miles each day, despite the demise of their motor home, “the castle.” They have decided to sell it to a Georgia resident and stay in motels for the duration of their journey—a move that should put them back on track with no further delays.

And now as they approach the homestretch, the team is reflecting on the countless memories collected along the way—and in their place left over 288 memorial stones and thousands of prayers.
They expect to reach Key West on Aug. 3.