Woman Taking Bi-Continental Trip in Stride

The trip from Anchorage to Buenos Aires could take just under 24 hours.

But for Theresa del Rosario, the trip will be closer to 24,000 hours.

The 33-year-old woman, who stopped in Ventura on Wednesday, left on foot from Anchorage last Mother’s Day.

Del Rosario said she just wanted to see the Americas.

But through her trip, which she expects will take more than 2 1/2 years, she also hopes to raise awareness about issues such as women’s and children’s rights, health and safety.

“When I told people I wanted to do this they started worrying about my health and safety,” Del Rosario said. “They became concerned about my safety particularly because I am a woman. I am aware of the potential dangers but don’t want them to stop me. All too often we let our fears stop us.”

So far things have worked out.

“I have met wonderful people along the road who have taken me in and trusted me,” Del Rosario said. “I could tell you a hundred stories about good people I met.”

And in nearly nine months on the road, Del Rosario said she’s only encountered about seven mildly scary incidents, ranging from people yelling things out of the window of their cars to some who drove close to her.

Since October, Del Rosario, who is from Minneapolis, has been walking along California 1, her travel possessions on a cart that she drags with backpack-style harness.

Del Rosario also hopes to find a corporate sponsor to raise money and donate it to organizations that promote women’s and children’s rights.

As for her travel expenses, it would be nice if they were paid, too, she said.

“I budget my expenses at $1 a mile,” she said. But people along the way have been helping out, she said.

“In the last two or three months, I have been spending about 10 cents a mile,” Del Rosario said.