Humanitarian hikers stop over in Carson City

Combing their two passions of long-distance hiking and humanitarian work, Kirk, 56, and Cindy Sinclair, 51, are hiking across the United States while raising awareness of different ways people can get involved.

"Community involvement is at an all-time low," Kirk Sinclair explained. "We want people to roll up their sleeves and help each other to make communities better, to work together to solve community problems."

Dubbed the Hiking Humanitarian, Sinclair, an author, musician and speaker, has scheduled presentations in cities across the country to promote community activism and has a website where people can go to find ways to get involved.

The two began their journey in Point Reyes, Calif., on May 25. They intend to finish in their hometown of Norfolk, Conn., on May 24, 2012.

They spent Monday afternoon at the Carson City Library creating the map for the Nevada portion of the trip - a lonely, isolated segment where Ely will be the largest populated area they see once they leave Carson City.

However, having completed various hikes, including the 3,000-mile, seven-month trip across the Continental Divide, the duo is prepared.

"We're ready for the unknown," he said. "You have to be able to think on your feet to some extent."

Sinclair has studied the life of the ancient nomad and says many of the ills that plague today's society didn't exist then.

"Under natural conditions, early societies had equal access to housing and health care, such as it was," he explained. "The deprivation of these things is a modern problem. One of our intentions is to bring awareness to that."

The two are coordinating with Lions Clubs, of which they are members, across the country to promote their message.

They are also raising awareness and funding for Habitat for Humanity, Doctors Without Borders and Church World Service.

With their three children grown, the two said it was the perfect time in their lives for the 5,000-mile trek.

"We've been itching to get back to it," Sinclair said. "With the down economy, it's a good time to do this. We're not making much money, and with this, we're not spending much money."

They wear their motto on their T-shirts "Believe in Humanity."

"We need to start believing in ourselves," Sinclair explained.

BKOUT

For more information on Kirk Sinclair's book, "Systems Out of Balance," his band or to donate to the cause, go to hikinghumanitarian.com.