Four days into their march on Sacramento to save school sports programs and keep libraries open, "March 4 Education" organizers say there have been highs and lows, plenty of intensity, but never boredom.

Marchers from the West Contra Costa County school district arrived Monday in Vacaville at the California State Prison, Solano -- almost 40 miles into their 70-mile-plus route -- and held a rally to spotlight the inequities between state prison and education spending, said organizer Cesar Cruz.

"It was really powerful holding a rally in front of the prison," Cruz said. "There were many people (including prisoners) outside, and we were chanting 'Schools not jails.' It was really intense."

A prison spokesman called the demonstration peaceful but spirited.

"We understand that budgetary constraints are affecting all state employees, not just education," Lt. Mary Neade said. "When they (crossed) the street (closer to the prison) they were getting a little loud, but they weren't out of control."

By Monday evening, marchers had walked about 41 miles from San Pablo to Vacaville since leaving Friday afternoon. Organizers said about 1,000 people had joined some part of the walk, designed to raise awareness of the school district's $16.5 million budget shortfall that could eliminate sports, libraries and counselors in the fall.

Marchers said every day has been unique.

Saturday in Rodeo, for example, dozens of marchers were fed by strangers throwing a child's birthday party in a park.

"One of our members, in jest, asked if they could feed another 100 people," march organizer Lisa Ramirez said in a Monday e-mail update. "They replied, 'yes,' and the group was invited in to eat hot dogs, hamburgers and enjoy all the food and drinks before they continued on their pilgrimage for education."

The march ends Friday at the state Capitol in Sacramento, although there has been no word on whether Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will meet with marchers to discuss the budget problems. The governor's press aides did not return repeated calls for comment.

"He has called us a champion of youth, but he has yet to put us on his schedule," said student marcher Jimmie Block.

Even without a commitment from Schwarzenegger, marchers said there has been an overwhelming outpouring of support. Strangers have handed out bottled water, cold sodas and ice cream. Adults and kids have cheered, applauded and joined the march for a few miles. Police have provided traffic control. And churches have opened their doors for meals and overnight sleep spots.

There have been no health problems and few setbacks, although one motel, an ice cream store and a fast-food restaurant refused to allow the marchers to wait on their property, organizers said.

And then there are the blisters.

"I think everybody has gotten their share of blisters," Ramirez said. "We are very thankful to Dr. Scholl's for the various corn and blister pads."

About 45 students, including Victoria Diaz, 12, are walking. Victoria gave up her spring break from San Pablo's Downer Elementary to march. She had walked every mile as of Monday.

"It's different every day," the sixth-grader said. "Some places you get support and some you don't. Some people honk for us, and some of the priests pray for us and tell us we should keep doing what we are doing."

Block, a junior at Head-Royce School in Oakland who has never attended West County schools, said he is walking to be a voice for others who can't take time off work or school.

"We all realize we are ambassadors for our people," he said. "Each one of us represents about 1,000 kids. There isn't one kid who doesn't want to see the education improve."