Chicago to L.A. — Recap Week 2

Summary

Rasheed Hooda recounts his journey of walking Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles, detailing his experiences from Dwight to Normal, Illinois in the second week of his travels.

Abstract

Rasheed Hooda, a published author and contributor to the ILLUMINATION writers' community, embarked on an ambitious journey to walk the entirety of Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. His recap of the second week, which spans from July 20th to July 26th, 2016, covers the stretch from Dwight to Normal, Illinois. During this time, he walked approximately 80 miles, often diverting from the main route to secure necessities such as shelter, food, and information. Hooda documents his daily encounters and the lessons he learned, sharing these stories on his publication, "Freedom Lifestyle." and on Medium. His journey is marked by unique interactions, such appearances in local newspapers and meetings with town mayors, which highlight the fame and attention he received along the way. The articles he references provide a deeper insight into his day-to-day experiences, and he invites readers to follow his adventure either daily tags or weekly recaps.

Opinions

Rasheed Hooda views his journey as a pursuit of a 'crazy idea' that he committed to and saw through, suggesting a positive outlook on taking risks and embracing challenges.
He reflects on the unexpected fame and attention he garnered during his walk, which seemed to surprise and delight him.
The author's interactions with local communities and officials indicate a sense of welcome and support from the people he encountered along Route 66.
Hooda expresses gratitude towards his readers and followers, especially those he tags in his updates, showing an appreciation for community and engagement.
Through his writings and reflections, Hooda conveys a philosophy of freedom, personal growth, and the value of unique life experiences, which aligns with the themes of his "Freedom Lifestyle" publication.

From Dwight to Normal, Illinois

On July 20th, 2016, I started an epic journey to travel Route 66 on foot.

Yes, it sounds crazy, but haven’t you ever had a crazy idea? Well, I decided to follow through and finish it.

Four years later, on July 20th, I started recounting the events of my walk and share photos, and lessons learned, then, and now, as I look back upon it.

While I traveled about 59 miles of Route 66 during the second week, I walked close to 80 miles. I often got off the main route to find shelter, food, and information.

I have been sharing daily stories of my reflection on my publication, Freedom Lifestyle, that I am listing here for your reading pleasure.

WALKING ROUTE 66

Chicago to L.A. — Recap Week 2

From Dwight to Normal, Illinois

Day 8: Dwight to Odell

Be Careful What You Ask For

Chances are you might get it.

Day 9: Odell to Pontiac

Oh, I’ll Get You a Reporter

And I was in the newspaper the next morning.

Day 10: Pontiac to Chenoa

It’s Hard to Handle All This Fame

But don’t you worry about a thing.

Day 11: Chenoa to Lexington

The Mayor Wants to Buy You Breakfast

I can get used to all this fame.

Day 12: Lexington to Normal

Mister Weirdo Discovers Normal

The City of Normal that is.

Day 13: Barely getting across town

It Happened on Day 13

I am not superstitious, but WTH?

Day 14: Rest and Relaxation

When You Have a Larger ReachThan You Think

I was delightfully surprised to learn that.

As always, thank you for reading and responding.

Here are a couple of related stories:

Chicago to L.A. — Recap of Week 1

A walking journey that took 186 days to complete.

One Foot in Front of Other, Chicago to L.A.

I can’t believe it’s been four years.

More about me:

Interview with Rasheed Hooda

Featuring creative writers of ILLUMINATION

RASHEED

Who Is He and What Does He Do?

Rasheed Hooda: Weirdo or Pied Piper?

It’s a small, small world.