A Woonsocket, R.I. man is finishing up his 1700-mile walk this weekend in his hometown’s sister city of Woonsocket, SD.
Bill Fagan began his journey nearly four years ago walking the route on and off, flying home periodically and then returning to the spot where he left off.
This leg of his journey began in Trimont, Minn. He and his wife, who is accompanying him on the final leg in a rental car, flew into Minneapolis a week ago and drove to Trimont to begin the walk.
Fagan’s final leg took him through Windom, Slayton and Pipestone, Minn. Entering South Dakota, he is walking west on Highway 34 and at press time Tuesday had just left Madison.
He may arrive in the area a day or two before the expected Oct. 6 official arrival date, but will make the final walk into Woonsocket on Saturday, when the rest of his family can be there.
Fagan, an avid walker, who often takes nine-mile walks to a neighboring town of Mendon, Mass., decided a few years ago he wanted to take a longer walk. He considered going cross-country or along the Appalachian Trail, but chose the trip to Woonsocket because he wanted the route to be unique.