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Man Traversing North Escambia On A Mission To Walk Across America From Top To Bottom
December 2, 2025
When Tim Hickle decided he would retire after 40 years as a buyer in the construction industry, his wife said he needed to find something to do. And he did.
Walking across America from north to south.
“So I went online and I searched the things to do when you retire, which is a horrible idea,” the 64-year-old said Monday afternoon on Pine Barren Road near McDavid.
“But I found this guy that walked Route 66 from Chicago to L.A. It was something I thought I could do. The more research I did, the more I found there were just hundreds and hundreds of people that go from coast to coast each year.”
He eventually settled on a north-south route from northern Minnesota, at the northernmost point of the U.S. at the Canadian border, to Key West, Florida. He retired in May and started his walk on June 8; he hopes to reach Key West by the end of February.
He’s made it over 180 days and 2,700 miles to North Escambia. He has about 900 miles to go.
He crossed into Florida on Sunday and spent Sunday night at Lake Stone near Century before hitting the road again. He planned to spend Monday night at the Bogia Boat Ramp on Bogia Road off Highway 29 before heading to the Molino Fire Station by Tuesday night.
As he walks, he pulls what he has nicknamed the “Copper Kettle”. It’s a simple camper cart he designed and built that carries his supplies and provides a place to sleep. The cart weighs about 120 pounds. “It has a memory foam mattress, sleeping bag, pillows,” he said. “Anything that needs to stay dry goes inside.”
Hickle is not walking to raise money or draw attention to any cause.
“It’s just a personal goal to walk from the far north in the Lower 48 to the far south in the Lower 48. There’s a lot to be said for downsizing to the point where everything I need fits into 22 square feet. I don’t mean to be anti-commercial or anything, but less is more for me.” Along the way, he recharges electrical items as he can, items like his phone and caution lights for the back of the camper.
Hickle is keeping in touch with his wife back home in Colorado as he walks, joining her when he can by phone or video—especially on Mondays when he helps her babysit their grandchild.
“We are about to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary,” he noted. He is going to miss that anniversary as he walks. One of the best parts of the walk, he said, is meeting people.
“I’m doing this at a walking pace so that I can have human interactions,” he said. “I can have a conversation with someone by the road that is getting the mail or mowing their grass. We are going to have some kind of interaction.”
“They are really the high points of his journey.”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
16 Responses to “Man Traversing North Escambia On A Mission To Walk Across America From Top To Bottom”
I saw him on 297 a couple days ago. What an adventure he is on. Wonder how many shoes he has gone through? Also noticed he had a couple of maps on what I call his “chuckwagon”. Wonder if they’re routes he has already made or to be made? Have a safe journey!!
I’d love to know which border community he started from in Minnesota. Wondering if he started on the beautiful north shore of Lake Superior near Grand Portage.
What a cool journey!
I passed him yesterday afternoon at Pine Forest Rd and Wilde Lake Blvd.
I saw him yesterday at the corner of Williams Ditch Rd and 95A. Very interesting setup he has! Prayers for your safety sir!
Lot easier going from north to south, downhill the whole way. Add centrifugal force to that, the earth’s rotation trying to sling you to the middle, he should wear roller skates, could probably coast the whole way!
We passed him on Old Highway 31 in Pollard McCall area, pretty cool set up.
Thank you David Lamb, my 91 year old father in-law was telling me about the goatman of Molino. Sure would like to hear more about that story. My father in-law recalls seeing the goayman’s wife drive up in a Cadillac (which was a true sign of wealth during that time). Sounds like he did fairly well monetarily letting people take pictures for a small tip.
Reminds me of the old goatman that went through Quintette50 years ago. He had goats pulling his trailer
I applaud you for experiencing more of life in this chapter of your life…I also pray for your safety now and all the way until your safe return home…safe travels
PRAYERS….
What an interesting story. Sir, please be careful and stay safe on your long journey. Wishing you the best.
Safe travels.
The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. Psalms 121:5
May you be blessed on this journey sir and safely return home to your family.
God Bless You,
AMEN
Safe travels, stay warm, stay dry, and be careful. Wishing you a safe trip.
Good luck on your journey.
Wow, what a cool thing to do! Thanks for covering this story!