Maine Woman Walking Over 3,200 Miles Across America To California

MOULTONBOROUGH, N.H. (CBS) -- A woman from Maine is taking her winter stroll to a whole new level.

Margaret Carrie is making the 3,200-mile trek from Cape Elizabeth to California on foot. She began her journey about a week ago after taking a leave of absence from her job, and this weekend she made it to Lake Winnipesaukee.

"In just one week I have been blown away by people's kindness, hospitality, and general eagerness to help out," she wrote.

She's encouraging people to leave uplifting comments on her Instagram page to keep her going.

Carrie told CBS News Boston that she's had a dream of a long-distance walk in her mind for the past 10 years. She works in patient registration for the emergency room at Maine Medical Center, and this is a welcome change of pace.

"It can be a very hectic job," she said. "I'm hoping to find a better connection with people in general, and this might sound hokey, but really with myself as well"

She aims to average 15 miles per day over the course of eight months, and plans to finish in San Francisco around mid-October.

You can follow her journey on Instagram @margaretacrossamerica