CRESTLINE- Sutham Nateetong, a Buddhist monk, is walking alone from California to the Statue of Liberty in New York City.
Nateetong began his journey for peace three months and 10 days ago. He said he has walked about 2,400 miles and has not taken any days off, no matter what the weather conditions are.
“I walk for peace. Every country have many bomb, many kill, and many war. I think if our world (was) peaceful, everybody in our world feel happy,” said Nateetong as he made his way towards Crestline on County Road 330 (Old Route 30).
Nateetong said he has met many people and that they are always supportive of him and have offered him food and drinks. He said that due to being a monk, he can only eat certain things and only at breakfast and lunch. A lot of what he is given he cannot eat but he truly appreciates the kindness of the people he has met along the way.
Nateetong schedule on his phone shows the exact location he hopes to reach each day. His goal is to be in New York by the end of the month.
His journey on Thursday will end in Mansfield, where he will sleep for the night.
Nateetong has pictures on his phone of himself with the signs of every city that he comes across, along with a map to help guide him. His journey has taken him along the historic Route 66 and now, the historic Lincoln Highway.
This is not his first walk either. Nateetong said he has walked throughout other countries, such as Japan, Malaysia, India, Vietnam, and a few more, totaling about 10,000 kilometers or roughly 6,213 miles.
If you wish to follow along with Nateetong on his journey, follow his personal Facebook page, Sutham Nateetong, or Route 66 Walk for Peace.