Stilt-walker Neil Sauter strides across Grand Hotel's famous front porch. Walking 830 miles across the state to raise money and awareness for cerebral palsy, Mr. Sauter added a trip to the Island to his journey. He visited Saturday, June 7, and competed in the Lilac Festival 10K as well. He hopes to complete his journey at the Wisconsin border in the Upper Peninsula by June 28. It's hard enough for most people to walk a mile in another man's shoes, but Neil Sauter is walking 830 miles across Michigan on his own stilts.

Mr. Sauter, who is walking to raise money and awareness for cerebral palsy, walked on Grand Hotel's porch and in the Lilac Festival 10K Saturday, June 7, on Mackinac Island.

Mr. Sauter, who has mild cerebral palsy, is sharing his story and encouraging others to support the United Cerebral Palsy's Michigan programs.

Walking an average of seven hours a day on stilts, Mr. Sauter aims to complete the walk by June 28. He has already raised more than $24,000 for his cause.

"I thought it would be an adventurous way to see Michigan," he said. "Plus, it's a great cause. I hope to inspire others to be leaders and advocates in their communities."

Mr. Sauter started his journey May 5 in Lambertville near the Ohio border, and will finish eight weeks later at the Wisconsin border in the Upper Peninsula. Although weather has sometimes been a problem, he said, it hasn't stopped him from walking every day.

"Sometimes I had to delay my start because of strong winds," Mr. Sauter said. "But most of the time, the rain has helped me stay cool."

Although he's stayed in hotels a few times, for most of his journey he has stayed with friends or people who've heard about his quest. The most important thing he's learned, he said, is that most people are friendly and happy to help.

"I'm very pleased to see the generosity of the people of Michigan," he said. "I expected it, but they have gone above and beyond to help."

Mr. Sauter mostly travels back roads and some state highways. He hasn't been on any interstates yet, but has walked on Highway 31 in Traverse City and U.S. 23 in Cheboygan.

He got his start on stilts last summer, when he walked in many parades and festivals around the state.

"After I learned how to walk on stilts, I thought it'd be a great way to see Michigan," he said.

Mr. Sauter completed the Lilac Festival 10K in one hour, 41 minutes. He stayed on the Island through Sunday, before moving on St. Ignace Monday, where he talked to city residents at St. Ignace Middle School, and then headed west on US-2.

The Grand Valley State University graduate, an adjunct psychology faculty member at Jackson Community College, also completed the Grand Rapids marathon on stilts.

More information about Mr. Sauter's story, including how to donate, is available online at www.stiltstory.org.