Seize the Opportunity: Discovering New Insights and Perspectives

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door.

You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet,

there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

J.R.R. Tolkien

Being the “First”

Years ago, right after we finalized our plans to hike the Great Trail and just before selling our house in Simcoe, Ontario, the adventurous Dana Meise accomplished his incredible trek along the Trans Canada Trail, making history by being the first to hike from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic in 2018. His achievement was remarkable, as it marked the first time anyone traversed this national trail from coast to coast to coast. While we never aimed to be the first to complete the TCT, it’s notable that this amazing feat had already been achieved before we even stepped out our door.

At the same time, another brave individual, Sarah Jackson, completed her journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic, becoming the first woman to hike the Trans Canada Trail in this direction.

In 2019, Dianne Whelan and Mel Vogel (soon to be accompanied by Malo) were deep into their own adventures on the Great Trail. For us, the notion of being the first, or the fastest, or gaining any similar accolades seemed rather unimportant. It was clear, even before we embarked, that the national trail had already been traversed.

Over the past four years, I’ve realized that the obsession with being the first often creates the misconception that only first achievements deserve recognition.

As a scientist, I’ve learned that repeated efforts provide new insights and perspectives, which highlights the oddity of focusing solely on the title of “the first.” Indeed, each new endeavor builds on the achievements and discoveries of those who came before, pushing the journey in various new directions.

Thus, while we are not the first to traverse the 14,000 km stretch of the Trans Canada Trail from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the #Hike4Birds initiative serves as a unique Canadian adventure that offers new perspectives. It does not detract from the accomplishments of those who came before us; rather, we aim to contribute our own experiences.

We have sought to create our own identity and provide our own insights instead of trying to overshadow the adventures and journeys of others.

“Not the First”

As mentioned, when we left Cape Spear, Newfoundland in 2019, we were well aware that over 555 days and 14,000 km later, we were not the first. This reality was repeatedly highlighted by nearly every outdoor company from which we sought sponsorship or support in the past four years.

Throughout hundreds of interviews and inquiries we received countless rejection letters questioning our purpose:

• You are not the first, so what’s your goal?
• You lack the athletic capabilities, what’s the purpose?
• You don’t fit the expected image, so why bother?
• Your goal is to educate people and showcase Canada’s nature? What’s the point?
• Are you aware that science and education can be seen as dull? What’s the purpose?

The sole exception to this dismissive perspective is Briden Solutions from Calgary, Alberta, who has supported us with food and dehydrated supplies, promoting exploration and ensuring we were well-prepared. To them, we extend our heartfelt gratitude!

Adventure of a Lifetime

If one isn’t the first, what then is the purpose of hiking across Canada?

We aimed for the journey itself. We sought the opportunity to share Canada with fellow Canadians from a perspective that many might never witness. We also wished to learn more about ourselves, shift away from our desk-bound lives, and break free from the fear that the media seems to perpetuate. Ultimately, we craved the adventure of a lifetime.

Thus, over the span of four years, we invested everything we had into this endeavor, leaving behind our home, careers, and energy. Our intention was to push our limits, view the world from a different lens, and gather experiences over material possessions. We aspired to deepen our understanding of Canada far beyond what books, television, or the internet could offer.

The Trek is Reason Enough

As two of the few to have completed the Trans Canada Trail unsupported on foot from coast to coast, we can assure you that not being the first or fastest does not take away from the significance of the trek.

The natural wonders found throughout Canada, the astonishing cultural diversity we experienced, and the remarkable people we encountered are more than enough reasons to embark on such a journey.

And embarking on the adventure of a lifetime is undoubtedly a compelling reason to step out.

So much remains unknown, and discovery is often found by those willing to stepping into the unexpected—and to reconsider our presumptions.

The takeaway message is this: Never let others diminish your dreams simply because you are not the first—stepping out and pursuing your own path is invaluable. Even though many parts of the world have been mapped, there remains vastness yet to explore and understand. Today more than ever, the world needs explorers and fresh perspectives.

Trekking across Canada, like all hikes, emphasizes the journey over the destination, offering endless opportunities for exploration, deeper understandings, and new viewpoints—both of ourselves and the world around us.

“I don’t care if no one else believes, cause I still got a lot of fight left in me”

Great Trail Firsts

Returning to the topic of “firsts” on the Trans Canada Trail…

Dana Meise was the very first to hike all of the TCT from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic – igniting inspiration for those following him with his outstanding adventure.

During this time, Sarah Jackson became the first woman to undertake the journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic.

In subsequent years, others like the remarkable Dianne Whelan walked, cycled, and paddled their routes, even creating a film titled 500 Days in the Wild as she journeyed from ocean to ocean to ocean.

More recently (just days before our own arrival, in fact), the adventurous Mel Vogel, accompanied by Malo, became the first woman to hike across the country to all three oceans along the Great Trail.

Each of us has been connected to the Royal Canadian Geographical Society as part of our expedition at various points. However, while we all followed similar paths, the unique shape of our adventures and the moments we experienced led to individual treks that yielded new insights into the Canadian experience, our times, and the national trail itself.

That’s what makes it exciting to read Dana Meise’s Facebook posts, to hear about Mel Vogel’s journey, watch clips from Dianne Whelan’s upcoming film, and see Instagram posts from the amazing Bonnie Thornbury. They, alongside our extensive photography and blog, contribute a broader understanding of the communities we’ve visited across Canada, each through our own lenses.

Come Walk With Us: Sharing Canada with Canadians

This leads us to consider, over the past four years, what unique contribution does Come Walk With Us offer in the midst of all these inspiring individuals?

First, we are the first duo to hike on foot unsupported from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Second, we are the first to document the entire Trans Canada Trail with a comprehensive daily blog, providing a map and guide for future adventurers.

Third, Sonya Richmond is the first to observe birds along the TCT, sharing her findings of over 400 species to help Canadians learn about wildlife.

Fourth, Sean Morton is the first to comprehensively photograph and document the TCT and the modern Canadian experience along the trail, capturing over 750,000 images and sharing more than 100,000 of them. His work has received awards and been featured in publications like Canadian Geographic, Ontario Nature, Broadview magazine, and Alberta Nature, along with over a hundred newspaper articles.

Fifth, we are the first to hike the national trail with the goal of raising awareness for a cause, specifically promoting Bird Conservation, protecting Important Bird Areas, and highlighting the significance of the Boreal Forest.

Lastly, we are the first to traverse the nation with the intent of sharing Canada with Canadians, nurturing youth engagement by showcasing the country’s natural beauty, engineering achievements, and the creativity of its people. Throughout this journey, we have published over 800 blogs, shared over 100,000 photos, written numerous articles, and delivered hundreds of presentations to nature groups, hiking clubs, and classrooms.

In summary, this is quite an impressive list of accomplishments for two novice hikers dedicated to exploring nature and observing birds. We sincerely hope that each of you has enjoyed this journey alongside us.

“…the best I can do does not do the place much justice in the way of beauty…”

—Tom Thomson, 1914

Go for It!

Ultimately, what does it all boil down to? Perhaps the best advice we can give anyone is: for those who dream of going on an adventure—big or small—just go for it! Make it happen. Challenge your fears, exceed your limits, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Adapt to the challenges you face, knowing that support exists from coast to coast cheering you on.

Ongoing exploration is vital, and there is great value in seeking deeper insights while embracing new perspectives. We hope to inspire each of you to set out on your own exploration of Canada and the world, in whatever form that may take. Canada is a magnificent country, filled with breathtaking landscapes and kindness that many do not get the chance to experience firsthand.

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”

—Mark Twain

Wherever you are on your journey right now, remember you are following a path through life. We hope you find the chance to explore new destinations and take unexpected detours along the way. Most importantly, it’s essential to follow your own path.

“The Road goes ever on and on down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, and I must follow, if I can.”

—J.R.R. Tolkien