Summary

On the verge of his hike, Ken worries about all the unknowns, but tells himself to take things "one step at a time!" (56). Ken sets out, relying on his compass and maps since the pipeline has yet to be laid. He walks 13 miles on his first day, stopping to ask for water at a house he comes across, and camping under a small group of trees. Ken continues, hopping fences, walking through the wide-open prairie, and even running away from a bull moose. He navigates his way through herds of cows, afraid of being charged at, and pulls out his jackknife when he comes across a wolf or coyote, but is not attacked by any animals. The beautiful environment around him soon makes Ken forget his fear of the surrounding animals. Though he wants to keep walking, Ken has to stop early and...