Many people would consider it an accomplishment to walk 340 miles in one year. Cheryl Watson will do so in about two weeks.

“This is nothing,” Watson said.

That’s easy for her to say. The 50-year-old Bluff Siding, Wis., woman hiked the 2,633-mile Pacific Crest Trail last year, traveling from Mexico to Canada over five months.

Her most recent journey started Monday and will take her from Bluff Siding to Chicago. The trek is intended to raise awareness and funds for Safe Place, an after-school program in the Chicago area where her daughter teaches. The students will be following her progress online, with many finishing the hike with her.

Watson helped raise money for Winona’s Community Bible Church with her Pacific Crest Trail hike.

“A cause keeps you going,” Watson said. “You never think about stopping.”

Watson took a three-and-a-half day bike trip to map out her journey. She’s had to adjust for flooding and plans to navigate around the Madison, Wis., area. She started at the Great River Trail going through Trempealeau on Monday, and will take the Des Plaines Trail into Chicago. Her husband, Dave, is joining her for the first two days.

Watson plans on hiking between 22 and 28 miles a day. She’s on a mission — the students are planning a big party for her July 17.

She says this hike will be much easier than the mountainous Pacific Crest Trail and plans on hiking from about 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with breaks in between for eating and resting.

Watson grew up in Colorado with a father who passed on his love of the outdoors. When she wasn’t playing outside, she was daydreaming about it.

“I used to look out the window and dream about walking into the sunset and never stopping,” Watson said.

Watson hiked the 500-mile Colorado Trail three years ago. Next up is the RAGBRAI bike ride across Iowa July 20 through 26.

“I could live outdoors,” Watson said. “There are a lot of adventures out there.”