Pacing Parson | Video

Evan Kruegel | 6/25/2012

Many people view retirement as a chance to finally sit back and relax, but for Don Stevenson, it`s been a chance to walk around the world, three times.

"I don`t have time to just sit down with a remote in my hand in a recliner. I think that will kill a person. So I keep myself busy."

He`s walked from Washington to Maine, from Seattle to New York City, and from Tijuana to Anchorage. Now, he`s walking from Rugby, ND to Auburn, Washington, in an effort to raise money for the blind.

The journey west will take him just under three months to complete.

"I`m only walking 20 miles a day, so I don`t have enough time to get tired, which is okay with me. But a lot of my walk is done blindfolded, and that slows me down."

He`s decided to keep the blindfold off for the portion of the journey through oil country, for obvious reasons.

"There are a lot of trucks."

The walk gives Stevenson a chance to reflect on the specific issue he`s raising money for.

"Walking is one of the best de-stressing exercises you can do. It gives me a lot of time to think about problems I may have, or sermons I may want to write, or just to pray for people who need it."

So if you see the pacing parson walking along Highway 2 west of Williston, give him a honk and a wave. You`ll probably get one back.

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