Large crowds have gathered along parts of the 2,300 mile peace walk from Texas to Washington, DC, but the monks expressed surprise at the level of support in North Carolina.

The Buddhist monks say they are walking from Forth Worth, Texas to Washington, DC to promote awareness of peace, kindness and compassion across the United States and around the world.

The group has traveled through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina and is on day 82 of a 120-day journey that began on 25 October.