75-year-old grandpa walks across Canada without leaving hometown
Harry Norris started walking on March 13, 2020, and he hasn’t stopped since.
“I couldn’t go and play badminton three times a week or go to the local gym, so I started walking,” says Norris.
The soon to be 76-year-old Mitchell grandfather has been walking around his hometown for the past 475 days straight.
He started with the goal of walking the 4,600 kilometres to and from his daughter’s home in Texas by Christmas.
Once he’d accomplished that, he thought he’d hit March, and stop. But once he hit that target, it was only another 2,000 kilometres to walk all the way across Canada, a goal he hit on Canada Day.
“It felt good. I felt the best because my health was good. No issues with my knees, or hips, or whatever, and just getting out there consecutively for those 475 days in all kinds of weather. It can be tough on those -20 days and those +30 days, but you still do it, and I’m pleased to accomplish that,” says Norris, who turns 76 in August.
All told, Norris has walked over 8,200 kilometres since last March.
Part of his inspiration to keep going comes from Jesse’s Journey, and his friend John Davidson, who walked across Canada 23 years ago.
“I still have the hat he gave me in Calgary in 1998, when two friends and I went out to Calgary and walked with John for four days. I really appreciated the inspiration he’s provided over the years,” says Norris.
It’s now Norris’ turn to inspire, as the Perth County senior proves age is no obstacle.
“I’m still walking now. I’m not going to stop. I’m just going to keep walking. Every day is another 10 or 11 miles,” he says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.