With a goal of “Shining a Light on Hope” to raise awareness of an orphanage in Honduras, Cullman native Tony Camardella cycled through Chilton County Thursday on his 425-mile journey across Alabama.

As temperatures struggled to go above 40 degrees outside, Camardella pedaled on his bicycle from Alabaster to Peach Park on U.S. Highway 31.

He made stops in Jemison, Thorsby and Clanton, before hoping to treat himself to ice cream at Peach Park.

“The biggest thing is I want to bring awareness for the orphanage, which is located in San Pedro Sula, Honduras,” Camardella said. “I found out that the country of Honduras is actually about 425 miles wide, which is the same distance I am hoping to travel on my journey.”

The orphanage, “Hope House,” is a Christian orphanage in Honduras, which Camardella has traveled to, and plans to return in four weeks.

Alabama native Angie McInvale founded the orphanage, and Camardella hopes that throughout his journey, individuals will stop and ask him about the orphanage.

“I have noticed that people don’t ask ‘why’ a lot,” Camardella said. “The biggest thing the orphanage needs is monthly giving, and I am hoping to raise awareness along my journey.”

Sporting a neon orange sweatshirt, bicycle helmet, and sign on the back of his traveling gear, Camardella, 46, chose U.S. 31 to help him deliver a message.

The number “3” stands for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the number “1” signifies Jesus who is the “way” or “one way.”

Camardella started his journey at the Tennessee state line Nov. 7, and has since hiked, biked and ridden a tricycle across portions of Alabama.

Although the weather has changed considerably since Camardella started his trek, he is dedicated to finishing his journey.

“I came up with the idea to journey from Ardmore to Atmore, but I will ultimately end up in Mobile and Spanish Fort,” Camardella said. “It is interesting because when I started out on my journey the weather was fantastic with sunshine and warm temperatures. I even got a little sunburned, but then it changed to really cold temperatures pretty quick.”

Most days, Camardella begins his day at 7 a.m. and will map out his travels for the day, while taking breaks from travel at night.

He spends the night at different churches along the way, or anyone who opens up his or her home to him.

“We are a good people in Alabama,” Camardella said. “I haven’t really had any strange experiences along my journey, and most people have been very friendly to me. For me, it is not about the miles, it is about the message.”

Individuals can follow Camardella’s journey on Facebook under the name “Tony Camardella” or visit, www.hopehouse.info for more information about the orphanage.