Monks and dog continue Walk for Peace through winter snow.

A group of 19 Buddhist monks and their dog are continuing a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace toward Washington despite a severe winter storm, and the group paused public visitation on Jan. 26 because of hazardous weather.

The group of 19 Buddhist monks and their dog Aloka are continuing a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace toward Washington even as a severe winter storm affects parts of their route. The march began on Oct. 26 in Fort Worth, Texas, and is led by Bhikkhu Pannakara of the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center. The walkers have passed through 10 states and were in North Carolina when the recent cold weather arrived. Governor Josh Stein greeted them in Raleigh and declared Jan. 24 "Walk For Peace Day." Key details: - The march began Oct. 26 in Fort Worth and is planned as about a 2,300-mile journey to Washington, D.C. - The group includes 19 monks led by Bhikkhu Pannakara and is accompanied by a dog named Aloka. - The monks were in North Carolina when state officials received them and Gov. Josh Stein spoke on the capitol steps on Jan. 24. - Organizers announced on Jan. 26 that they would pause public visitation hours and keep stop locations undisclosed because of hazardous weather and road conditions. - The monks said supporters braved cold temperatures to meet them, and photos showed residents offering snacks and flowers while some monks tied bracelets on children as a symbol of peace. Summary: The Walk for Peace has continued to draw local attention and official recognition even as winter weather disrupted scheduled visits. The group intends to cross into Virginia later this week before continuing on to the nation's capital.