California man starts in Myrtle Beach to walk across country for non-profits
MYRTLE BEACH S.C. (WBTW) — A California man is starting a cross-country walk-in Myrtle Beach this weekend.
He plans to walk for six months and almost 3,000 miles, finishing in Pismo Beach, C.A.
Ranger Kielak decided in 2022 he wanted to make a difference. He decided on a walk across the country to make a difference.
He’s able to raise money for multiple non-profits while connecting with people and communities along his way.
“I’m trying to get back to the Pacific Ocean essentially,” Kielak said. “But how am I going to fill in that time with something that really matters.”
Kielak is the owner and a holistic success coach for his business Within Range Coaching.
He decided to quit his job and drop everything to walk nearly 3,000 miles from coast-to-coast and he plans to do it all on foot with one backpack and a cart.
He is days away from leaving near Garden by the Sea, and Kielak said reality is starting to set in.
“I’ve flown a bit too close to the sun,” Kielak said. “It’s definitely hitting now. I mean it hits in waves. Like between the excitement, pushing it off.”
He says he was inspired by other people to pursue his walk from coast-to-coast and added it took a lot of time to save up money and get in shape for the cross-country walk.
Kielak showed News13 a few necessities he’s bringing along his walk like camping gear, food, water, sunscreen and coffee.
He said his biggest fear is the heat as he gets closer to New Mexico and staying hydrated.
“Dropping off equipment that I don’t need.” Kielak said. “My fiancée is going to be meeting me at major cities so anything that’s a nice to have that’s not necessary, during that time, she’s going to take so I can focus on water, food, sustenance.”
Kielak said his mission is to connect with community members who make a positive difference in their communities.
Through social media, podcasting and the help of sponsors, he was able to pick three non-profits that his walk will help raise money for.
❤️ Click here for more heartwarming news across the Carolinas
Kielak chose the National Future Farmers of America, Bigger Than the Trail, and the Hospice Promise Foundation.
“Being able to work with all of these organizations that have in some way affected me and helped me and my family, support others that are going through those same things, it’s pretty incredible,” Keilak said.
Kielak said he’s excited to learn as much as he can during his trip. If you’d like to follow along with Kielak’s walk, click here.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
