Category trekking

A Walk on the World’s Longest Trail

Reg Spittle Leave a comment

We were hiking the Matthews Head trail near Fundy, New Brunswick, Canada, when the sign informed us we were on the Trans Canada Trail, the longest trail in the world. If we kept going, we could end up on the Arctic Ocean coastline. Or the Pacific Coast.

But we would need more than hiking shoes. Skis, snowshoes, kayaks, bicycles, and even horses could help us complete the 16,700 miles from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia.

Filmmaker Dianna Whelan, her effort spread over six years, was the first to complete the trail.

For now, Sue and I will stick to slightly shorter pursuits.

Crowds Jam Iconic Illinois Park

Reg Spittle 2 Comments

It began as a routine hiking day during our campout along the Illinois River about 80 miles south of Chicago. We headed to nearby Starved Rock State Park to walk a loop trail.

The parking lot at the trailhead made it clear this was an extraordinary place. We arrived mid-morning, but hundreds of cars already filled most of the main lot. Cars were turning toward the overflow lots too.

Then we walked toward the network of trails, where we joined a crowd that reminded me of the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park.

Just as Sue predicted, the crowd thinned as we explored and climbed the many stairs to trails through the mostly deciduous forest and views of spectacular rock formations. We paused at harrowing viewpoints looking down where Sue later stood.

Starved Rock attracts two million-plus visitors a year, more than many national parks. Our verdict? Get there early if you can. And visit Wildcat Canyon, from above, and below.