Hoosier hikes across state

In less than two weeks, one man and his dog will be walking from Michigan to Kentucky to raise money and awareness for cystic fibrosis.

James D. Starnes, of Indiana, said he loves the state.

“I spent half of my life in the southern part of the state and the other part in the northern half of Indiana,” Starnes said. “I love Indiana and its people.”

This is why he is taking a month out of his life to walk across the state.

This is not Starnes’ first extensive nature trip, though. Starnes would often explore the outdoors as a young boy.

“I used to disappear for a few days, hunting, fishing and camping,” Starnes said. “I’d return home when I got hungry.”

Though Starnes loves the outdoors, he is doing this walk to raise awareness and funds for cystic fibrosis. A childhood friend of Starnes has a son who is affected by cystic fibrosis, which makes the walk more personal.

This trip will take Starnes a little less than a month to complete. He will only be taking a 30-pound backpack with camping gear, dog supplies and food for a couple of days.

“He reminds me of John Steinbeck,” freshman Derek Kaellner said. “It’s heroic.”

When he passes through towns, he will replenish his food supply. He will be staying in churches and with people with “Hoosier hospitality,” Starnes said. 

Bloomington residents can try to catch Starnes on his journey.

He plans to pass through Bedford, Ind., 20 miles south of Bloomington, on Sept. 28.