Constantino Diaz-Duran is a fellow at the Center for Social Cohesion at Arizona State University. He is chronicling his walk from New York to Los Angeles to celebrate his eligibility for American citizenship. Follow Constantino’s progress.

If I had walked a straight line across the continent, I would probably be home-or close to it-by now. But the walk South and the stay in Alabama have been worth the delay. I’m still headed south for a few hundred miles more (I can’t miss New Orleans), but I’m now ready to start the westward trek. I’m fixin’ (that’s Southern for “getting ready”) to leave Tuscaloosa, and I’m hoping to be in the Big Easy for Mardi Gras.

The logistics of the walk, from here on out, will be a little different. For starters, I will no longer be burdening my hips with the weight of the backpack. In order to walk the longer distances that will be demanded of me going forward, I got myself a bike trailer equipped with a handle. I will use it to carry my gear. It holds up to 100 pounds, so I’ll also be able to bring more food, clothing, and supplies.

Several people have pointed out a conundrum I’ll face as I head into the more sparsely populated West. The main point of my walk, as you all know, is to find out “what it means to be an American.” I want to paint a portrait of the American people in the early 21st century. As I said from the beginning, I’m out to hear your stories, your hopes and fears, your view of our country. I’m guessing I won’t be getting much input from cacti. So, what to do about those stretches where I could face a week or more of walking without meeting a soul? Should I allow myself to hitchhike or accept occasional rides in order to maximize my chances of meeting new people? I hadn’t thought about this, and now I’m torn.

Spending the holidays in Alabama was a great idea. I’ve had some personal worries in the last couple of months which would have been hard to face alone. I was glad to be in the company of friends. It has also been a true privilege to get to know the guys in the roofing crew. I could (and may) write a book based just on their stories. They have truly inspired me, and I think they represent America at its best.

I look forward to the journey ahead. I face it reenergized, and already a different man than I was on July 4th, 2011. I plan to post more frequently as I go on, and hope you will continue to follow me.

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*Photo courtesy of Constantino Diaz-Duran.