Planetwalker

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Some would see John Francis as a post-modern character out of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. But his peripatetic spirituality is deeply tied to the heart of the planet.

In 1971, John, then a young man living in California, witnessed a devastating oil spill in San Francisco Bay. Struck by what he had witnessed and determined to do something in
response, he stopped riding in cars or any motorized vehicle, for twenty-two years. For two decades, walking became his primary mode of trans

John Francis also took a vow of silence which lasted for 17 years. These two decisions; to start walking, and stop talking, became the core of his spirituality.

During those years of walking and silence with only his banjo as a traveling companion, John Francis crossed the United States and walked through much of South America. He communicated only through music, sign language and written notes. However, along the way, he earned a Masters degree and PhD (his dissertation was on oil spills), worked with the US Coast Guard to write oil spill regulations, and was recruited by the United Nations as an environmental good will ambassador.

John was 26 when he set out on his silent journey. He's in his sixties now, and talking a great deal about that pilgrimage time of his life. His book, Planetwalker, is published by National Geographic.

Music Featured on the Program

Selections by John Francis, from the cassette Planet Walk.
Local Motion, by Jayme Stone, from the CD The Utmost.

portation.