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Daily Progress of The Walking Aggie
(Click on a marker for John’s Daily Journal)

Howdy!  I’m John Ball, Texas A&M class of ’78, aka. “The Walking Aggie.” You may remember me from back in 2015 when I made a coast-to-coast walk across America, or from 2019 when I walked across Europe. Well, I’m heading back out on the road again; this time I’ll be backpacking along the beautiful east coast of Australia.        

Back in 2015, I walked 2686 miles from San Diego, Ca. to Daytona Beach, Fl. The thru-hike was unassisted (no support vehicles following along) and uninterrupted (no extended breaks).  Carrying all the supplies and equipment I needed in my backpack, and through the generosity of hundreds of kind people, both Aggies and just nice folks along my route, plus the support of family and friends at home, I was able to hike from coast-to-coast.  The purpose of that walk was to create an endowed Aggie Ring Scholarship at Texas A&M.  As it turned out, I was able to raise over $27,000 dollars, exceeding the minimum amount needed to create the scholarship.  Donations were made by over 350 gracious donors and I’m happy to report that in each of the last seven years, my family and I have awarded Aggie rings to seven student, all U.S. military veterans. This tradition will continue annually into perpetuity.  

Then, in 2019, I made a 2314 mile, 150 day hike across Europe.  Beginning in Athens, Greece and ending in Oslo, Norway, that walk took me through seven countries (Greece, Italy, Austria, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway).  I had such an amazing time experiencing such diverse cultures, visiting so many historical cities and meeting literally thousands of the nicest people along the way.  

So that brings me to my latest adventure.  Beginning on 31 December 2023, I will begin a 76 day walk along Australia’s east coast.  My route will begin in southern Australia in the city of Melbourne, continue hugging the coastline along Prince’s Highway (A1) through Sydney, and finish in Brisbane on 15 March 2024.  The walk will be approximately 1300 miles and last 76 days.  As in the past, I will be carrying necessary supplies in my backpack and the walk will be unassisted.  As was the case with my walk across America and Europe, I’ll  be wearing a Spot GPS device so followers can track me minute-by-minute.  In addition, I’ll be posting videos, photos, and a daily journal on this website to keep all of you up to date on my travels.  

So thanks for your interest in my walking adventures.  I’m looking forward to seeing Australia’s beautiful coastline and appreciate all of you following along.  Gig’em!  John Ball ’78


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Mikkel Thomsen
Mikkel Thomsen
4 years ago

How was Denmark sorry i wasent there to say hello, i was back in greece

Becky Prince
Becky Prince
4 years ago

We are both from Texas but met in the same hotel with rooms right across from one another in Suhl, Germany Must be fate! You brought a taste of home and a joy in getting to meet you. Best wishes on your continued journey. You have a new fan following you on your journey.

Don and Sandy Kewman
Don and Sandy Kewman
4 years ago

Dave (and John); We just got back from Bhutan and Nepal on Saturday. Our short walks there were spectacular, but nothing compared to your amazing trek which I am vicariously enjoying through your daily journal as are some of my friends including Gerda in Berlin. Wondering if love of hiking is genetic, bro?.

Dave Alcorn
4 years ago

Yes, it must be genetic, but you all do the real hiking. John and I just stroll along roads most of the time. We are not up in the mountains doing the real hiking like you and Sandy and your friends.

Patrick Alcorn
Patrick Alcorn
4 years ago

So proud of my “younger” bro. Remember to do lots of carbo loading after you walk for energy the next day…. and beer is a great carbo…

Dave Alcorn
4 years ago
Reply to  Patrick Alcorn

Yes, it has been Pasta, Pizza, beer and wine! All the important food groups.

Marshall
Marshall
4 years ago

This is so cool, and I am so proud of you, Dave
My brother the European expert!

Dave Alcorn
4 years ago
Reply to  Marshall

Thanks Marshall but I’m no European expert. It has been fun so far though!

Mikkel thomsen
Mikkel thomsen
4 years ago

Howdi How was the boat trip to brindisi??
Greetings from the danish man in Igoumenitsa

Dave Alcorn
4 years ago
Reply to  Mikkel thomsen

Thanks Mikkel! The boat ride was very good. We enjoyed talking with you!
Safe travels and best wishes to you and your family.

Madhu Cosman
Madhu Cosman
4 years ago

So excited to follow again-you popped up on my twitter newsfeed. Best of luck & BTHO out of the walk!
Madhu-class of ’86

DENNIS & NITA JOHNSON
DENNIS & NITA JOHNSON
4 years ago

OK JOHN!!!! SO SXCITED FOR YOU AND DAVE FOR THIS JOURNEY YOU’LL HAVE CHOSEN. SENDING MANY PRAYERS FOR SAFE TRAVELS. WILL BE CHECKING IN DAILY TO GET UPDATES. DENNIS AND I ENJOY SO MUCH FOLLOWING YOU.

John Ball
4 years ago

Thanks Nita & Dennis. You two are real friends.

Don Kewman
Don Kewman
4 years ago

John and Dave: I look forward to following your big AUDACIOUS adventure! As a step counter myself, I estimate your trek is 5,802,500 steps (give or take), but only 5,802,499 after the first step. Sandy and I wish you a safe and great journey!

Dave Alcorn
4 years ago
Reply to  Don Kewman

Thanks Don! Merry Christmas to you and the family!

Chris and Jennifer Wilfong '89
Chris and Jennifer Wilfong '89
4 years ago

Good Bull! All the best! My wife and I (both Ags ’89) and others from the Baton Rouge Aggie club had the privilege of housing John as he made his way through the area in Summer 2015. We look forward to the journal entries and pictures. BTHO the walk!!

Robert Branham
Robert Branham
4 years ago

Col Alcorn, thought about you today as I watched the ceremony for President Bush. I shared with my co-workers that because of you – a humble Aggie – we enjoyed a short conversation with President Bush in the Dining Facility at Al Udeid AB. Hope you still enjoy every day and every meal as you did then.

Dave Alcorn
4 years ago
Reply to  Robert Branham

Thanks Robert! I enjoyed my time with all the great people like you at Al Udeid. Merry Christmas!

Suzanne
Suzanne
4 years ago

Good luck! And there is a technicality around the Schengen tourist visa (too lengthy to explain here), but breaking the trip into 2 sounds good too. I send yall my prayers and I’ll follow the blog intently as yall go!

Dave Alcorn
Dave Alcorn
4 years ago
Reply to  Suzanne

Thanks, If you can send us the technicality around the visa issue that would be great. You can send it to John or my email. Thanks!

Stephani Luebben
Stephani Luebben
5 years ago

So excited for you both. Col Alcorn…. well I am glad that you got to meet Mr. Ball in 2015. See where Aggies can lead you. I can not wait to follow you both and see what adventures you will have.

Dave Alcorn
Dave Alcorn
5 years ago

Thanks Stephani, We are looking forward to the adventure.