October 9, 2009 10:32 AM

Dave's Made It Home!

By
CBSNews
(CBS)  "Early Show" weather anchor and features reporter Dave Price has returned to New York City plaza at 8:14 a.m.

Sleep-deprived, after completing a cross-country challenge that started in from Santa Monica, Calif. and ended in New York City, Price proved that he could do the trek in a week with just a backpack and $50 in his wallet.

Price said he was on time for the program, arriving at New York's Penn Station at 6:51 a.m., but did some walking around the city.

Welcomed by "Early Show" co-anchors Maggie Rodriguez and Harry Smith and CBS Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton, who gave him a quick check-up, Price was elated to be home.

Although, he could barely speak and didn't smell the greatest, he talked about the highlights of his trip, which included the generosity of the people he met along the way.

Special Section: Check out Dave's Journey

Catch Up with Dave on Twitter

Read the "No Way Home Producer Notebook" blog.

Everywhere he went, people would feel his backpack and were surprised that it was legitimately filled with things that he needed for survival.

"In this day of fake reality television, no one would believe it was genuine. The crew that followed me didn't even give me French fries. I had to argue that if they dropped on the table, then I could eat them."

Although Price got thousands of tweets offering help, he didn't read them in time and missed out on some opportunities to get a ride back.

After taking on some odd jobs and traveling on foot and by bus and plane, Price returned with $58. 51, which he donated to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

Price said that the first thing that he will do when he gets home is hug his dog. He joked that his dog would probably run away from him because of his stench.

The trip, Dave said, helped him come to a new appreciation of the U.S.

"There is nothing nowhere, name the continent that is as beautiful, from one shore to another, from one border to another as our own country. It is simply spectacular," Dave said. "This was a strange, unintended gift, and it's not like I didn't appreciate America before. ... It's really a privilege to stop (and meet) all those people who make up the country."

The challenge ultimately turned into "a week of personal growth" for Price.

"It was a pleasure to do; it was a joy," he said. "Would I do it again? In a second."

Copyright 2009 CBS. All rights reserved.
Add a Comment See all 14 Comments
by rjmosk October 9, 2009 9:43 PM EDT
Dave, I am very disappointed that you were not able to take the southern route back to NY. Bypassing Tulsa, OK .....you missed tasting my delicious homemade chicken noodle soup and challah. However, I am happy that you made it back to NY tired but happy!
Rest up......RJ Moskowitz, 74170
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by NADABULL October 9, 2009 4:38 PM EDT
Congratulations, Dave, on your heartwarming journey!
Fan base for CBS must be at an all time high!
To you and the rest of the staff, keep up the outstanding work!
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by brenrobb October 9, 2009 12:59 PM EDT
Dave - so glad you made it home in one piece and had such a wonderful time! I agree with your comment about our wonderful country...there is so much to see right here in our own backyard! Get some well deserved rest and I'm so happy you were able to come through my home state of Colorado during your journey!!!
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by newsaddi October 9, 2009 12:24 PM EDT
Dave, its great what you did. America isn't made up of policies and politics, republicans and democrats, reality shows and millionaires. Its made up of ordinary people going about their day, working (or looking for work), and trying to do the best for their family.

I saw you went via Amtrak from DC to NYC. I'm in Delaware. I hope Delaware treated you well the 20-25 minutes you were in it. Though you probably slept right through it, as your Amtrak left DC at 3AM (I've been on that 3AM train before, its good for sleeping).
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by calypsogirl October 9, 2009 11:31 AM EDT
After watching Dave's journy ALL week, it would have been nice to actually see him speak upon arrival. I saw some female in a lab coat place a stethoscope on his chest doing a fake exam, and then the special news report interuppted as Dave began to talk. GREAT TIMING CBS.
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by coopermays October 9, 2009 11:30 AM EDT
Just saw your return to the program and am truly amazed at your strength of character. Your journey seems to have been a sincere undertaking - I applaud you for this venture and glad for the wonderful effort your made to give new lens and focus to the United States true identity.
Congratulations!! Welcome Home.
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by debrabmomo October 9, 2009 11:16 AM EDT
Dave,
Welcome home and thanks for bringing us this great uplifting American story. I enjoyed watching your journey more than anything I've seen on TV in a long long time. Glad you made it back safe and on time. Give Chance a hug!
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by Captivesmile October 9, 2009 10:52 AM EDT
I didn't watch your journey & I'm sorry I missed it, but welcome home Dave...welcome home!!! If you ever do it again come thru Tennessee I will pay good money for a dance & Benny & The Jets!!!
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by AngelBlue188 October 9, 2009 10:51 AM EDT
Dave and all of Early Morning Show Job well done..and as a family struggling with money/job cut backs.. You left me in tears but reminding me how beautiful the people in America are and how most are willing to go the extra mile to help out and that in these times when someone is down on there luck thur no fault of there own that Hope is still alive here and remember most only need a Hand up not a hand out. My husband and I are going thur a rough time but I know with God's help we will prevail. Thank you was just nice being reminded of the greastness of our nation and the overwelming kindness of the people who live here..God Bless
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by mzmoon49 October 9, 2009 10:17 AM EDT
Welcome home Dave. Glad you made it safe and sound! You look peaceful and happy. You'll always have this wonderful adventure to look back on. So happy to hear that there are still good people in these here United States! God bless..curl up with Chance and SLEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!
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