A Walk Up Alabama

Cousins – in – law (Brothers in Christ) David Bass and Dalton Campbell are starting the venture of a walk up the state of Alabama. David is a walker/runner for physical conditioning purposes. Walking a long distance is not a new experience for David. David has joined his dear friend Rick Hagans in some of his walks. Rick is a minister from Auburn, Alabama, founder of Harvest Evangelism and has walked across about 29 states as of today. Rick started walking across states back in 1996 to raise awareness and soliciting shoes to carry on his evangelistic effort in Mexico.

The fourth quarter of 2008 brought life challenging and life changing issues in David’s life. David was diagnosed with chronic leukemia (CLL) in November, 2008. While the testing to confirm this diagnosis was being done, David’s father was developing some physical problems that were undetermined. From David’s walking with Rick and having read “A Walk across America” by Peter Jenkins, he started conjuring up thoughts of a long walk. One Sunday afternoon in January 2009, David called Dalton. David affectionately calls Dalton “Bobe”. The phone call started like this: “Bobe, you know I have walked some with Rick Hagans, and I’ve been reading this book about a guy that walked across America. I want to do some kind of walk but not as far out as these two guys. I have a lot on my mind and to help me keep focused I want to start planning a walk in Alabama, maybe crossing the state in several walks. I wanted to find some one that was physically able to walk and crazy enough to go with me some.” Dalton’s reply was “Dave, you’ve called the right person.” During that telephone conversation Dalton agreed that he wanted to walk with David all the way. It was agreed that day to start in south Baldwin County the last week of June ending the first leg at Evergreen, Alabama on July 3, 2009.

During the next weeks and months the plan was discussed while visiting in person or via telephone discussions. On February 4, 2009 David’s father died while hospitalized for testing. Therefore, since God had blessed David and Dalton with wonderful Christian fathers it is only fitting for this Walk Up Alabama to be in memory of Morris Bass and J. D. Campbell. The walk will begin on Sunday, June 28, 2009 (one week following Fathers Day) at the Gulf of Mexico in Gulf Shores, Alabama and arriving Evergreen, Alabama on July 3, 2009 traveling approximately 123 miles. The ultimate goal is to reach the state of Tennessee. The remaining sections of the walk have not been planned or scheduled at this time.

Hugh and Debbie Harris are very dear friends of Dalton who live in Stapleton, Alabama. Hugh and Debbie are critical support persons for the logistics of the walk through Baldwin County assisting in shuttling walkers to and from camp to starting and ending walking locations. Hugh and Debbie are self-employed business people and committed Christians. Hugh is a volunteer fireman with the Stapleton Volunteer Fire Department. Hugh and Debbie are members of Stapleton Baptist Church. They have recruited logistical help from the members of the Fire Department and the Church.

This walk is not a solicitation of sponsors. There is not any corporate backing. Any expenses for the walk are the responsibility of and are taken care of by David and Dalton. Of course, there is a tremendous amount of volunteered time and support which will make the walk a successful venture. The walk is giving David and Dalton a tremendous amount of time for continued bonding and exerting physical energy in memory of two wonderful Dads.

Anyone that is physically able to walk is welcomed to join David and Dalton for a day, a mile, or a block. If you feel inspired from any of this walk or venture and would like to make a contribution to your favorite charity, please do so. Please make your contribution in memory of Morris Bass and/or J. D. Campbell.

David’s and Dalton’s suggestions for contributions are:
1. Rick Hagan’s / Harvest Evangelism
2. The Gideons
3. American Cancer Society
4. American Heart Association
5. Your Local Volunteer Fire Department.