Peter Jenkins

Peter Jenkins (born August 7, 1951) is an American travel author known for walking from New York to Oregon between October 1973 and January 1979 while writing a bestselling book, A Walk Across America. Early life and education Jenkins is a graduate of Alfred University, with a BFA in Sculpture/Ceramics (1973), as well as an honorary doctorate (2003). Walk across America Jenkins began his walk across America in Alfred, New York in October 1973. He was accompanied by his dog, Cooper, a half Alaskan malamute that died in an accident with a water truck at The Farm in Tennessee. Upon reaching the end of his southward trek in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jenkins found a new companion, Barbara Jo Pennell, who became his second wife and accompanied him on his walk west. He finished the journey in Florence, Oregon in January 1979.