He is traveling from Mexico to Canada… on foot. A journey which requires a twenty-mile-
Charles’ endeavor will begin in Campo, California; a few feet from the wall that separates Mexico from the U.S., and end almost 2700 miles north in Manning Park, Canada. This is an unparalleled quest and taking it to its completion is an achievement less common than the ascension of MT. Everest. The path Charles will be following is known as the Pacific Crest Trail. Approximately three-hundred people attempt the trip yearly. Most drop off early, giving up within the first few weeks. Fewer than half finish.
When asked why he’s decided to leave his family behind for so long Charles answered:
“I don't have a choice. My health is in jeopardy, my creativity is stifled, and my sobriety is hanging by a very thin thread. I need to do something huge to try and save myself and in turn, my family. “
Charles, who is 6’5”, 300 pounds, plans to lose 75 pounds over the course; and laterally, to find the spirituality that eluded him last August 2007 when, while performing at Burning Man, he relapsed into alcohol after 8 years of sobriety. Charles adds, “My relapse was quick and relatively uneventful but, it happened. And it scared me… and I don't want it to happen again. “
Mr. White’s journey will also be an iDoc Films feature length documentary entitled, No Small WORLD. He will narrate the film; fill it with music composed by him during the journey, and draw from dozens of interviews he’s conducted with subjects ranging from ages 8 to 80, and varying from doctors, musicians, family members, students and the addicted.
When asked what message he would like to convey with the film he replied, “Several. I want the demoralized to feel hopeful, the addicted to feel less alone, those overweight to feel motivated into a life of health and those truly contented to feel an inspiration toward helping others.”
No Small WORLD is scheduled for release at the end of February 2009.
