At PETS.EDU.VN, we understand your curiosity about the fascinating stories behind remarkable individuals. This article delves into the lives of Peter and Barbara Jenkins, the couple who captivated the world with their incredible 3,000-mile walk across America. Explore their journey, their relationship, and discover what they are doing now. Learn about resilience, adventure, and the human spirit with PETS.EDU.VN. Discover valuable insights, walking adventures, and inspiring narratives.
1. The Unforgettable Walk West: A Journey of a Lifetime
The story of Peter and Barbara Jenkins is one of adventure, love, and self-discovery. In the 1970s, they embarked on an epic journey, walking from New Orleans to Oregon, chronicled in Barbara’s bestseller, “The Walk West.” This adventure, which captured the hearts of millions, became a National Geographic cover story and an international sensation. Their journey was more than just a physical feat; it was a deep dive into the heart of America, meeting diverse people and facing various challenges.
Barbara Jenkins’ book, “So Long as It’s Wild,” provides an inside look at this remarkable journey. The book delves into the motivations, challenges, and personal growth experienced during their walk. Barbara shares the joys and hardships, offering readers a glimpse into the unique experiences that shaped their lives.
2. The Early Years: How It All Began
Barbara’s story begins in the Ozark Mountains, where she grew up in humble circumstances. Raised without indoor plumbing until she was twelve, Barbara learned the values of resilience and perseverance early in life. These formative years shaped her perspective and prepared her for the challenges of the cross-country walk.
According to Barbara, meeting Peter in New Orleans was a pivotal moment. Inspired by a church service and a sermon titled “Will You Go with This Man?” Barbara felt a calling to join Peter on his ambitious journey. This decision set the stage for an adventure that would change her life forever.
2.1. Embracing the Unknown
The walk was not without its hardships. Barbara and Peter faced unpredictable weather, hunger, and the constant challenge of finding a safe place to sleep each night. Yet, they persevered, driven by a spirit of adventure and a desire to connect with the real America.
Barbara recalls learning to live at a different pace, appreciating the simple things, and discovering a depth of life she had never known before. The journey taught her the importance of taking things one step at a time, both literally and figuratively.
3. The Walk’s Impact: Fame, Fortune, and Challenges
The success of “The Walk West” brought Barbara and Peter fame and fortune. Their book sold over fifteen million copies, and they became media sensations. However, the newfound attention also brought challenges to their relationship.
Barbara notes that the fame and financial success put a strain on their marriage. Despite their achievements, personal struggles began to surface, leading to eventual separation. Barbara had to revisit the truth of why the marriage failed and then rebuild her life.
3.1. Overcoming Personal Struggles
Barbara’s journey was not just about physical endurance; it was also about emotional resilience. After the marriage ended, Barbara focused on rebuilding her life, raising her children, and continuing her writing career.
4. Where Is Barbara Jenkins Today?
Barbara Jenkins continues to inspire people with her stories of adventure and resilience. She is an accomplished author, speaker, and advocate for women’s empowerment.
Barbara’s recent book, “So Long as It’s Wild,” delves into her personal experiences during and after the walk, offering readers a deeper understanding of her journey. She shares her insights on overcoming obstacles, finding joy in life, and the importance of living authentically.
4.1. Continuing to Inspire
Barbara remains active in her community, serving in influential roles such as a commissioner for two Tennessee governors and chairing the board of the Tennessee Women’s Forum. She continues to embrace adventure, whether painting, writing her next book, or telling stories to her granddaughters.
Barbara lives with openness and passion. She believes that even when one door closes, patience and persistence will open another. Jenkins sees life’s curveballs as opportunities to build resilience and grow.
5. What Happened to Peter Jenkins?
While Barbara Jenkins has remained in the public eye, information about Peter Jenkins is less readily available. After their divorce, Peter pursued his own path, but details about his current life are scarce.
Peter Jenkins also continued writing and documenting his experiences. He is known for his adventurous spirit and his commitment to exploring the American landscape. However, details about his current whereabouts and activities are not widely publicized.
5.1. Seeking Information
PETS.EDU.VN has gathered available information from various sources to provide a comprehensive update on both Barbara and Peter. While Barbara has been more open about her life and experiences, Peter has maintained a lower profile.
Readers interested in learning more about Peter Jenkins may find additional information through his published works and past interviews. However, specific details about his current life are not commonly known.
6. Lessons Learned: Barbara Jenkins’ Insights
Barbara Jenkins’ journey offers valuable lessons about life, love, and personal growth. Her experiences highlight the importance of resilience, self-discovery, and embracing the unknown.
Barbara emphasizes that common people are remarkable and extraordinary. Every person has a life story, and we are all more alike than we are different. She encourages readers to challenge their preconceptions and appreciate the diversity of human experience.
6.1. Overcoming Prejudices
Growing up in poverty, Barbara admits to having prejudices about people with wealth and privilege. However, her journey across America dispelled many of these misconceptions. She learned that success and prosperity do not define a person’s character.
Barbara encourages readers to travel, meet new people, and break down their own prejudices. By understanding different perspectives, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate world.
7. The Power of Faith and Guidance
Faith played a significant role in Barbara’s decision to embark on the walk with Peter. She describes a moment of divine guidance during a church service, which she interpreted as a sign that she should join Peter on his journey.
Barbara acknowledges that while the marriage eventually ended, she does not regret her decision to go on the walk. She believes that each of us is given choices every day, and it is up to us to make the most of those opportunities.
7.1. Embracing Choices
Barbara emphasizes the importance of making conscious choices and taking responsibility for our actions. She notes that even when faced with difficult circumstances, we have the power to choose our response and shape our own destiny.
Barbara’s story is a testament to the power of faith, courage, and determination. She encourages readers to trust their intuition, follow their dreams, and never give up on themselves.
8. Marriage Advice from Barbara Jenkins
Drawing on her experiences, Barbara offers valuable marriage advice. She believes that love should be at the core of every relationship, and that partners should treat each other with respect and honor.
Barbara acknowledges that marriage is complex, with spiritual, emotional, and sexual dimensions. She encourages women to honor their husbands, value their opinions, and be patient and long-suffering.
8.1. Honoring and Respecting
Barbara’s advice is rooted in her belief that men need and deserve respect. She encourages women to treat the men in their lives with the honor they deserve, even when faced with challenges.
Barbara also acknowledges the importance of authenticity and integrity in a marriage. She notes that she could not live a lie, and that her decision to end the marriage was based on her own values and principles.
9. Barbara Jenkins’ Legacy
When asked about her legacy, Barbara says she wants people to say that she walked humbly and loved well. She believes that at the end of our lives, what matters most is our humanity and how we treated others.
Barbara hopes that her children will remember her as a loving and supportive mother. She acknowledges that she is not perfect, but she has lived a full and meaningful life.
9.1. Living a Full Life
Barbara’s life is a testament to the power of adventure, resilience, and compassion. She encourages readers to live their lives to the fullest, embrace new experiences, and make a positive impact on the world.
Barbara’s story is a reminder that even when faced with challenges, we can find joy, meaning, and fulfillment. Her legacy is one of love, kindness, and unwavering commitment to living an authentic life.
10. How to Ask for Help: Tactical Advice
Barbara emphasizes the importance of learning how to ask for help. She believes that we all need support and that we should not be afraid to seek assistance when needed.
Barbara suggests approaching everything with a teachable spirit and a humble attitude. She recommends finding the best person in the relevant field and not being afraid to ask for guidance.
10.1. Seeking the Best Resources
Barbara encourages readers to seek the best resources available, whether it’s for economics, real estate, or personal growth. She emphasizes that there are wise and wonderful people out there to help, and all we need to do is ask.
Barbara’s advice is practical and encouraging. She reminds us that we are not alone and that there are people who care and are willing to help us on our journey.
11. Book Recommendations by Barbara Jenkins
Barbara Jenkins is an avid reader and has been influenced by many great writers. She often mentions authors like John Muir, John Steinbeck, Mark Twain, and Margaret Wrinkle as inspirations.
Barbara’s book, “So Long as It’s Wild,” has been compared to the works of these literary giants, highlighting her storytelling ability and insightful observations.
11.1. Exploring Literary Influences
Readers interested in learning more about Barbara’s influences can explore the works of these authors. John Muir’s nature writing, John Steinbeck’s social commentary, Mark Twain’s humor, and Margaret Wrinkle’s exploration of identity all resonate in Barbara’s writing.
Barbara’s book is a blend of adventure, memoir, and social commentary. It offers readers a unique perspective on American life and the human experience.
12. The Importance of Community
Barbara believes in the power of community and support systems. She started a group called Twelve Women, patterned after the twelve disciples, to provide a support system for women in her community.
Barbara emphasizes that these kinds of support systems help people get through life, both in good times and in bad times. She encourages readers to build strong friendships and be a stable influence in the lives of others.
12.1. Building Support Systems
Barbara’s experience highlights the importance of having people we can lean on, people who will lift us up when we’re down. She encourages readers to be a help to others and to model behaviors like forgiveness, humility, and asking for help.
Barbara’s story is a reminder that we are all interconnected and that we can achieve more together than we can alone.
13. Barbara Jenkins on Overcoming Odds
Barbara Jenkins’ life is a testament to the power of overcoming odds. From growing up in poverty to walking across America to rebuilding her life after a divorce, she has faced numerous challenges.
Barbara’s story is an encouragement for people who are on their own path of self-discovery. It is a story of change, self-discovery, high drama, love and loss, and great victories.
13.1. Finding Joy in Life
Barbara emphasizes the importance of finding joy in life, no matter where you are or what happens. She believes that joy is always there, waiting to be discovered.
Barbara’s life is an inspiration for anyone who is facing challenges or feeling lost. She reminds us that we have the power to create our own happiness and live a meaningful life.
14. Understanding Donald Trump: A Perspective
Barbara offers a unique perspective on the attraction that Donald Trump has to some people. She believes that conservative people see Trump as a voice for them, someone who isn’t polished and says what he means.
Barbara acknowledges that Trump has failures and weaknesses, but she believes that some people trust him more than other politicians. She encourages readers to try to understand different perspectives and not assume they are always right.
14.1. Embracing Understanding
Barbara’s perspective is a reminder that we all view life through our own experiences. She encourages readers to peel back the layers and see each other as human beings, trying to do the best we can with what we’ve got.
Barbara’s insights are valuable in a polarized world. She reminds us to embrace understanding, empathy, and compassion, even when we disagree with others.
15. The Enduring Nikon Camera
Barbara still has the Nikon camera she used on her walk across America, even the lens that was run over by a semi-truck. The camera still works, a testament to its durability and Barbara’s resourcefulness.
This small detail adds color to Barbara’s story, highlighting her ability to make the most of what she has and to find beauty in unexpected places.
15.1. Finding Beauty in the Ordinary
Barbara’s story is a reminder that beauty can be found in the ordinary. It is not just about the big moments, but also about the small details that make up our lives.
Barbara’s Nikon camera is a symbol of her journey, her resilience, and her ability to find joy in the simple things.
16. Barbara Jenkins’ Endorsements and Recognition
Barbara Jenkins has received endorsements from notable figures such as Dolly Parton, Hilary Swank, Connie Britton, and Jedidiah Jenkins. These endorsements highlight the impact of her story and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Barbara is humbled and thankful for the opportunity to write and tell her story. She believes that it will be a great encouragement for people who are on their own path of self-discovery.
16.1. Sharing Her Story
Barbara’s story is a gift to the world. It is a story of adventure, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.
Barbara’s recognition is well-deserved. She has touched the lives of many people with her words and her actions.
17. Overcoming Silence: Barbara’s Journey to Writing “So Long as It’s Wild”
Barbara came out of forty years of silence to write “So Long as It’s Wild.” She did not want to write it because of her parents and her children, not wanting to hurt anyone with painful stories.
Barbara’s decision to write the book was driven by her granddaughter’s question: “Did you really walk across America?” This question prompted her to share her story from her own vantage point, with all its complexities and nuances.
17.1. Finding Her Voice
Barbara’s journey to writing “So Long as It’s Wild” is a testament to the power of finding one’s voice. It is a story of overcoming fear, embracing vulnerability, and sharing one’s truth with the world.
Barbara’s book is a gift to her family and to the world. It is a legacy that will continue to inspire and encourage for generations to come.
18. The Ozark Hillbilly Experience: Shaping Barbara’s Perspective
Growing up as a poor Ozark hillbilly shaped Barbara’s perspective and prepared her for the challenges of the walk across America. She learned what it was to do without and to live humbly.
Barbara’s upbringing gave her a unique understanding of the human condition and a deep appreciation for the simple things in life. It also instilled in her a sense of resilience and determination that would serve her well throughout her life.
18.1. Embracing Humility
Barbara’s story is a reminder that our backgrounds do not define us. We have the power to overcome our circumstances and create our own destinies.
Barbara’s humility and authenticity are inspiring. She is a role model for anyone who is trying to overcome challenges and live a meaningful life.
19. The Allure of “So Long as It’s Wild”: Exploring the Title’s Meaning
The title of Barbara’s book, “So Long as It’s Wild,” comes from a quote by John Muir, a naturalist and writer from the 1800s. Muir said, “God made everything beautiful, so long as it’s wild.”
The title is captivating and means many things to different people. It represents the freedom and wildness of life, of nature, of change, and of not being confined by the structures of a “nine-to-five” job or living in a grind.
19.1. Embracing Freedom
Barbara loves the title because it embodies the spirit of adventure and the desire to live life on one’s own terms. It is a call to embrace the wildness within us and to find beauty in the untamed aspects of life.
Barbara’s book is a celebration of freedom, adventure, and the human spirit. It is a reminder that we have the power to create our own lives and to live them to the fullest.
20. The Coincidental Walks: Barbara Jenkins and Lamar Alexander
Around the same time that Barbara was walking across America, Lamar Alexander, the former governor of Tennessee, walked from Mountain City to Memphis.
Barbara and Lamar did not know each other at the time, but they later became friends. They spent many evenings in the Governor’s Mansion, talking about wild things and adventures.
20.1. Connecting Through Adventure
Barbara’s story is a reminder that adventure can connect people from different backgrounds and experiences. It is a shared passion that can bridge divides and create lasting friendships.
Barbara’s friendship with Lamar Alexander is a testament to the power of adventure and the human spirit.
21. Advice to Young People Today
Barbara challenges the idea that young people are pitied and enabled to be immature and not stand up to the trials and difficulties in life. She believes that young people need to be challenged and encouraged to embrace the challenges of life.
Barbara’s perspective is refreshing. She believes that young people are capable of great things and that they need to be given the opportunity to rise to the occasion.
21.1. Encouraging Resilience
Barbara’s story is an encouragement for young people to embrace the challenges of life and to develop resilience. She believes that we all have the power to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.
Barbara’s advice is valuable for people of all ages. It is a reminder that we should never give up on ourselves and that we should always strive to be our best selves.
22. The Significance of Ruby: A Pioneer’s Influence
In one of her conversations with Ruby, a rancher in Texas, Barbara was expressing the difficulty of the trip and the difficulty of her relationship with Peter. Ruby basically said, “Suck it up and keep going.”
Ruby’s tough love and pioneer spirit gave Barbara the encouragement she needed to continue on her journey. Ruby’s influence was a turning point in Barbara’s journey, helping her to stay focused and determined.
22.1. Drawing Strength from Others
Barbara’s story is a reminder that we can draw strength from others, even those who may seem different from us. Ruby’s tough love was exactly what Barbara needed at that moment, and it helped her to persevere through difficult times.
Barbara’s experience is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of having supportive people in our lives.
23. Accepting Help: A Key to Personal Growth
Barbara believes that if we’re going to grow personally, spiritually, intellectually, we have to have a teachable spirit. If you’re going to have a teachable spirit, you need to approach everything with some humility.
Barbara emphasizes that all of us need help and that we should not be afraid to ask for it. She believes that we can learn from each other and that we can achieve more together than we can alone.
23.1. Practicing Humility
Barbara’s story is a reminder that humility is a virtue. It is the ability to recognize our limitations and to be open to learning from others.
Barbara’s willingness to ask for help is admirable. She is a role model for anyone who is trying to grow and improve themselves.
24. The Spiritual Dimensions of Barbara Jenkins’ Journey
Barbara describes her journey as spiritual, emotional, and intellectual. She believes that her walk across America was a calling and that it changed the trajectory of her life forever.
Barbara’s spiritual beliefs have guided her throughout her life, providing her with strength, comfort, and a sense of purpose. Her faith has been a source of inspiration and guidance, helping her to navigate the challenges and opportunities that have come her way.
24.1. Finding Meaning and Purpose
Barbara’s story is a reminder that we all have the potential to find meaning and purpose in our lives. It is up to us to seek out our calling and to live our lives in accordance with our values.
Barbara’s spiritual journey is an inspiration for anyone who is seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
25. FAQs About Peter and Barbara Jenkins
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What is “The Walk West” about?
“The Walk West” is Barbara Jenkins’ memoir about her and her then-husband Peter’s 3,000-mile walk from New Orleans to Oregon.
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When did Barbara and Peter Jenkins walk across America?
They walked across America in the 1970s.
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What is Barbara Jenkins’ latest book?
Her latest book is titled “So Long as It’s Wild.”
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Where did Barbara Jenkins grow up?
She grew up in the Ozark Mountains.
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What inspired Barbara Jenkins to walk across America?
She felt a calling after hearing a sermon titled “Will You Go with This Man?”
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What are some of the challenges Barbara and Peter faced during their walk?
They faced unpredictable weather, hunger, and finding safe places to sleep.
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What is Barbara Jenkins doing today?
She continues to write, speak, and inspire others with her stories of adventure and resilience.
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Are Barbara and Peter Jenkins still married?
No, they are divorced.
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What is the significance of the title “So Long as It’s Wild?”
It comes from a quote by John Muir: “God made everything beautiful, so long as it’s wild.”
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What advice does Barbara Jenkins have for young people today?
She encourages young people to embrace challenges and develop resilience.
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