The journal for this lengthy and multi-tiered logistical event.
Our decision to hike the Great Divide Trail (GDT) has come somewhat naturally due to our life circumstances. As a soon-to-be permanent resident of Canada, but not yet, my life has been in a limbo-like state since mid April 2021. It has now been 17 months since the IRCC (immigration Canada) received our application, during that time there have been several instances where the absence of any and all communication has eviscerated our hopes. Hope takes energy. After so much time of no news or knowing, it is no longer a thought, just a circumstance we live with. Expecting to receive PR by at least June, for a celebration, we will be doing the GDT.
A thru-hike has been a life long goal of mine since I learned of the Pacific Crest Trail in 8th grade. It has been a hobby to follow people’s journeys, skim blogs, admire photos, and read books about the west coast thru-hike. The first thru-hike I seriously considered was the Te Araroa Trail, from the top of the North Island in New Zealand to the southernmost tip of the South Island. I had found myself in Rotorua and fresh out of a job. My budget was shrinking by the day and the timing was the slightest bit off, so, I didn’t undertake that journey. Upon reflection, I’m glad I didn’t begin the trail. During that time, I met amazing people, including my wife, lived with the best housemates and whole heartedly enjoyed my time.
Then, the global pandemic happened, my not-yet wife and I returned to our respective home countries in March of 2020. Unknown to us when we would be able to see each other again, we began to ruminate on any sort of half-crazed plan that would allow us to be reunited. This included the PCT. The Pacific Crest Trail Association warned dearly of the dangers of hiking the trail during the pandemic, how being a wanderer from town to town may endanger the lives of those residing there, and that if one were to get injured, would also endanger the lives of rescuers. Once again, it wasn’t appropriate to commit to a thru-hike.
The stars have aligned for the summer of 2022, we have committed and begun booking our hike from Waterton Lakes National Park to Kakwa Provincial Park, northwest of Jasper, Alberta. In total, the hike will be spread out over 54 nights and we will walk 1200km (745 miles).
It is here where we will post our pre-trip progress, trail updates, blogs, photos, and more. We are looking forward to be spending our summer outdoors in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
