RHINELANDER - Walking across the country is no small feat.

Add in severe back pain and it makes it much tougher.

Last week, we introduced you to Shawnee Moon who's attempting to walk across the country.

Shawnee Moon walked into Rhinelander last Friday and woke up with back pain.

The stop here extended for three days because of it.

But Moon visited a doctor in town and is walking again.

"It's a strange way to live, but I like it," Moon says.

Shawnee Moon's walk lost some luster - now that a back problem could end her 3,000 mile journey.

"I don't want to give it up, I'm having too much fun."

Too much fun meeting people. She says every city or town has its own unique people.

"I knew there was going to be blisters and mosquitoes and rain, and cold, and hot and all the stuff," Moon says.

"People honking at me, dead animals, but I didn't know people would be, complete strangers would take me in, give me money, give me food, buy my meals. Just unbelievable generosity."

She's tempered her goal - the Land of 10,000 lakes. Once she gets there, she'll reevaluate.

"My legs can do it, my lungs can do it, my heart can do it, but my back is just..two surgeries, and arthritis," Moon explains.

"Everything was explained to me what is wrong with it. Why what I am doing is bad for it."

The Minnesota border sits more than 150 miles away.

"All three doctors said you're 50 [years old], you're walking eight hours a day, what did you think was going to happen? I thought exercise was good for you."

Not good with a bad back. Moon plans to press on.

"Just walk until I can't I guess."

"It ain't over yet."

Related Weblinks:
Shawnee Moon's Blog

Story By: Matt Doyle