John Dillon carries his cross from Southern California to Las Vegas

John Dillon, a 60-year-old missionary, is walking nearly 300 miles from Pasadena to Las Vegas while carrying a 10-foot wooden cross and has completed about 80 miles; he walks roughly 5 to 10 miles per day and relies on donations and help from strangers.

John Dillon is walking from Pasadena to Las Vegas while carrying a 10-foot wooden cross. He stopped in Apple Valley after completing about 80 miles of the nearly 300-mile route. The 60-year-old missionary says his aim is to share the "goodness of God" and to advocate caring for people in the U.S. He walks about 5 to 10 miles per day and relies on donations and offers of shelter. Known details: - Dillon left Pasadena on Jan. 15 and has reached San Bernardino, Interstate 15 and the mountainous Cajon Pass on his route. - He uses a 10-foot high wooden cross with a small American flag that can be disassembled to fit in his car. - The cross is heavy and fitted with skateboard wheels at the base to help guide it while he walks. - He typically walks 5 to 10 miles per day and depends on donations and the kindness of strangers for food and places to sleep. - Dillon has carried crosses on treks since 2003 and says he has experienced theft, mockery and at least one threat during his journeys. - His planned route includes Lucerne Valley, Highway 247 toward Barstow, and Interstate 15 to Las Vegas. Summary: Dillon's walk is presented as a personal, faith-driven effort that has drawn assistance from people he meets along the way and occasional difficult encounters. He intends to continue toward Las Vegas and has said he plans a fundraising project after he finishes the walk.