With his orange fluorescent vest, walking stick and backpack, Mark Minear is hard to miss as he walks down Marshalltown’s West Main Street, fittingly, once part of the Lincoln Highway.

Minear, of Marshalltown, was in town Tuesday as part of his “Walk with Mark for Counseling Assistance” trek from the Mississippi River to the Missouri River.

Minear, 62, is walking to raise awareness and funds for mental health counseling assistance.

His goal: Raise $10,000 to support vulnerable men and boys who are underinsured at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center where he has worked four years as a licensed psychologist.

A second goal is to raise awareness about men and mental health.

“Men are a lot less likely to seek counseling, but much more prone to commit suicide,” he said.

The counseling center provides a broad range of mental health services for more than 2,450 individuals annually in including children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.

A third mission is to learn more about the old Lincoln Highway – which takes place while stopping in cafes and making small talk with locals.

Another motivation was to cross an item off his bucket list.

“I turned 62 last year and wanted a good challenge,” he said.

He credited Central Iowan Steve Muntz, who walked across Iowa on Highway 20 a number of years ago for planting the seed.

“But I thought … I will do the Lincoln HIghway … it is so historic,” he said. “And I am a big President Lincoln fan.”

Minear started in Clinton April 21, and, if things go according to plan, will finish in Missouri Valley May 3.

He will log 342 miles.

A typical day begins when he arises at 6 a.m. and is on the road at 7 a.m.

He tries to take five minute breaks after walking approximately 30 minutes.

He periodically stops at local cafes for breakfast or lunch.

And he keeps a good supply of protein shakes and energy bars.

“I average 26, or 27 miles per day,” he said.

Overall, the weather has been good.

The only glitch has been a three hour rain delay in the Clinton area.

Minear is walking solo, but has company. His brother accompanies him in an RV.

“I have had a tremendous amount of support for my walk,” Minear said.

His son recommended Brooks running shoes and compression socks, which Minear thinks has made a world of difference.

He bought two pairs of the shoes and changes them daily.

“I have had no foot trouble,” he said.

Minear also planned ahead – way ahead. He contacted the Iowa Highway Patrol and received “some really good guidance ” He also notifies the sheriff in each county, and IHP district offices.

He also trained hard at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA over the winter – setting treadmills at high resistance levels.

He said hard training paid dividends.

Minear was not only thrilled to be in Marshalltown Tuesday, but knowing he was near the half-way point at State Center made him upbeat.

“Tonight I get to sleep in my own bed … we live on the Lincoln Highway,” he said.

For more information, visit dmpcc.org/WalkwithMark or kmurrin@dmpcc.org, or 515-251-6644.