Walking: The Road from Paradise to Hell
by Clayton Klein
Clayton Klein is all too familiar with the road from Paradise to Hell. Paradise to Hell, Michigan that is. On Aug 31, at 88 years young he set out on his fourth walking trek that stretched from the northern tip to the southern point of Michigan, totaling more than 400 miles. He will use this walk to raise money and awareness for the Michigan Hospice and the Palliative Care Organization, which is an advocacy and educational group out of Lansing, Michigan.
An avid paddler until the age of 83, Mr. Klein explored the northern regions of Canada one river and lake at a time. Each summer for 23 years he would explore different rugged back countries. He published a book entitled "Cold Summer Wind" detailing some of the more intense adventures. But after 40 years of paddling, he redirected his adventures from water to land.
Desiring to maintain a healthy mind and body, Mr. Klein hit the pavement. He has been keeping a log of miles walked, and from 1967 through January of 2007, he has logged more that 52,000 miles! During his 400 mile walking trek, he will average 20 miles a day, stopping shortly every 5 or 6 miles to rest, or for an ice cream break. In total, each 20 mile day usually takes him about 7 hours to complete.
Mr. Klein completed this most recent walk from Paradise to Hell on September 25th, raising over $1000 for the Michigan Hospice Group, which helped his wife, Marjorie Klein before she passed in 2003 at the age of 86. When asked what his goal is he responds "If I were younger, I probably would have a goal. My goal now is to stay healthy and keep walking." Healthy mind and Healthy body, keeps him going, and Go he will!