Melanie Vogel: 5 Years, 3 Oceans, and 26 Million Steps

August 4 to October 9, 2017

NOVA SCOTIA

“Running through fields. Picking berries. Smelling fresh, crisp air or the wood and earth after a rainy day. Touching clouds. Snuggling up in my sleeping bag at night. Fall has arrived. And I am out in nature to greet it EVERY SINGLE DAY and watch it unfold in this vastness of warm colours. Oh, how I love this.”   — September 13, 2017 

“THANK YOU #NOVASCOTIA ❤. Thank you for your great #hospitality and #newfriends. Thank you for a great #summer swimming in your lakes and for warm autumn days. Thank you for full cups of rasp and black and blue berries and mushrooms. Thank you for campfires and shooting stars. Thank you for a great experience walking the #transcanadatrail in your province.”  — October 9, 2017 

October 9 to November 10, 2017

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

“Oh Canada. I have fallen in love with your maples, and birches and and oaks. I am walking within this carnival of colours. Warm colours that remind of warm summer days. A fresh breeze. Falling leaves. And suddenly I find myself dancing on a red maple leaf carpet.” — October 14, 2017

“Thank you, Prince Edward Island, for such a wonderful autumn and for mild temps right into November. Thank you for great hospitality. To all the many people who cared for me - I send you my love and gratitude. Farewell ❤ and see you!”  — November 10, 2017 

November 10, 2017 to January 24, 2018

NEW BRUNSWICK

“The challenging Fundy Footpath – one of my favorite sections of the Trans Canada Trail.   I DID IT.  I just hiked the Fundy footpath. I am so glad I went for it despite some worries if the weather will hold in December. Everything went well. This trail is worth every single of it's up and downs. Kudos to all trail volunteers. This trail is a jewel.”   — December 8, 2017

"I am hiking between 8 and 15 km these days. I stop often. Watch the frozen river, watch its flowing water now that the temperatures raised above -10°C, watch branches of snow-covered fir and spruces. Nature lays innocent and dormant like a hibernating animal waiting to stretch and unfold its energy with the first spring breeze. I walk with heavy steps. With awkward steps. My legs are tired from the extra effort. My body is exhausted. I crashed last night at Lori and Vance's home as my energy was too low to socialize much. I woke up this morning still exhausted. My body is calling for rest. Winter is a whole new experience, an interesting challenge. Being on the trail in extreme cold and snow but having the chance to be hosted and rest up at night is an awesome opportunity to learn about Canadian Winter one step at a time. One day I will be ready to pitch my tent in the snow. I still got ways to go and things to learn before doing it safely. Two more Winter months to get ready for it.”   — January 11, 2018

“Goodbye New Brunswick! ❤😍❤ Salut Québec! 😊”   — January 24, 2018 

January 24 to May 20, 2018

QUEBEC

“No matter the cold, the wind and the snow I will hike these days with Olympian spirit and accept the Canadian Winter as my Pyeongchang. Today I battled incredibly strong wind and faced it head on. My progress was slow, and I wasn't sure if I could make the 20 km to Riviere-Ouelle as I burned a lot of energy and my legs started to get tired after 10 km. I was almost about to give in. And as I contemplated about that I still hike on and suddenly it was just 5 more km, and the wind wasn't as harsh anymore and the snow friendlier to pull my sled. So, I made it. I think I earn a medal. But chocolate and good company are equally great. 🥇❄” — February 9, 2018

“Spring on the trail. Finally, tree buds open. I was waiting weeks for this to happen. It's a different kind of trail magic and it makes my heart light seeing nature unfolding.” — May 14, 2018

“Thank you, wonderful people of Quebec. On to province number 6 – Ontario!” — May 20, 2018

May 20, 2018 to January 14, 2019

ONTARIO

“After 434 days and over 5000 km I am battling hiking or travel fatigue. This phenomenon is known to long-term travellers. It's the ordinary and routine, the same but different that sneaks into the trail life and is currently challenging my long-term relationship with the trail. The honeymoon is long gone, and I am witnessing that is has become harder to find wonder and fascination on the trail. I am carrying a constant tiredness as I move forward each day mile by mile.

Today however as I explain my feelings and struggles of my current trail life, I came to realization how much I actually love this trail and how much this trail is loving me return. It truly is a love affair and I feel it every single time returning to it after a day of escape. I will have to find a spot on the trail. Stop walking. Find stillness and momentum with the trail to assess where we are and how we both want to continue.

The trail truly is a metaphor for life. And this love story is long not over yet. 🌳🌱💚🔥”  — August 10, 2018

“Temps start dropping now. I was really spoiled over the past few weeks. It is -10C right now and will cool down to -15 overnight. I am cozy but I know that tomorrow morning it will be a tough one to crawl out of my nest. Four more days to Fort Frances. Four more days till Christmas. I am not short of invitations which is nice to know as I don't really wanna hang out on the side of a Hwy on Christmas Eve. Am just thinking if you don't have a present yet how about to gift adventure and good times. Create. Have fun. Cozy up and laugh over old stories and then go and create new ones. Those memories last longer than random stuff.”   — December 20, 2018

“Hey Ontario, the time has come to say goodbye. I think you had me way to long – all four seasons actually! I’m just about to walk into my new province, I’m so excited – all the emotions. So here we go, walking into friendly Manitoba.”  — January 14, 2019 

January 14 to May 19, 2019

MANITOBA

“Walking the Miami -Thompson Trail. The sunset like most sunsets here in Manitoba was gorgeous. It was wind still when I settled in but just as I was about to fall asleep the wind picked up and shook the tent all night quite well. I woke to a snow shower this morning, fought the wind heads on all the way to Miami and just as I stepped into town another wet windy snow shower. Definitely no Florida weather here in Manitoba.”   — April 2, 2019

“The story of Malo. It is three weeks ago when Malo (we believe a lab/husky mix) ran into my life. He followed me ever since. Well, it's more like he is walking ahead or next to me making sure every so many seconds that I follow him. It was an exciting feeling but what if someone is missing him? I looked every second night for lost dogs in the area and on Manitoba pages. With every day more that he stayed with me I screened the pages more anxiously. I had long fallen in love with this pup. He clearly was on the lookout for a human who gives him not just food but lots of love and affection. I myself was starving for it too. It seemed he made sure he is (most of the time) at his best behavior. In only three weeks this dog became another adventure in the adventure I am already in.

A few days ago, I made sure he got all important vaccines. And yesterday he got neutered, micro chipped and tattooed which made me officially his mom, with all responsibilities and consequences this may have for this journey and my so far very independent life. But I decided it's worth it. I really do love him. Love overcomes every hurdle and insecurities and those overwhelming moments I do experience right now. We grow together as a team with each new day. We are on our way...not only to the Arctic but a life full of adventure.”  — April 11, 2019

“Goodbye dear people of friendly Manitoba. 😘💕 Hello Province Number 8: Saskatchewan, Land of Living skies. 🤩 Looking forward to my first Aurora Borealis. 🌌”  — May 19, 2019 

May 19 to August 28, 2019

SASKATCHEWAN

“It is not about the amount of kilometres I walk in a day, in a month, in a year or my lifetime but about the experience I make and lessons I learn, the people I meet and love I receive that make this journey monumental. #SlowDown #TransCanadaTrail #ExploreCanada”  — May 21, 2019

My first #powwow in Yorkton. I was mesmerized from the moment I stepped into the hall. The energy in the room was different. Lots of people prepared in the seats. Hair got braided. Make up put on. Last details of the artistic and colourful dresses and headpieces checked and adjusted. Moccasins a delight to look at. As soon as the men started drumming -there were probably ten different drumming circles - I got goosebumps. First Nations joined in the arena presenting their dresses and dances. The crowd then stops. The national anthem is played. It's not Oh Canada. A native anthem. Fathers talk to their sons as they prepared for the father and son competition and a few last steps get repeated. Women then stepped into the arena to present their dance. I have no idea how many different First Nation came together. It was such a great event. I would have just wished to see the arena full with more people, more Canadians to find in the seats to enjoy and learn about First Nation culture on this continent. It's a free event. And it may change the opinion of those who only see FN communities struggle or demanding. There is spirit, pride and learning and a culture not only First Nations but this whole country, this whole continent should be proud of.”    — June 2, 2019

“Rain to the left and sun to the right. And I take the road in the middle. This is my life.” — June 12, 2019

“Goodbye #Saskatchewan. 😘 Hello #Alberta. 🤩”   — August 28, 2019

August 28 to November 25, 2019

ALBERTA

“I am in Smith in Northern Alberta hosted by Sheila and Mel. I stayed here a few days learning about the history of this area and building a lasting friendship. Sheila is a wealth of historical information, and she took me back in time to the building and falling apart of the settlement of Mirror Landing, she told me about Peace River Jim, 12 ft Davis, Ole Anderson and read pages of the book "The Silence of the North" to me. She told me tragic, sad and funny stories about a time long past and we went to the bush where she showed me almost forgotten gravesites. I really enjoy her and Mel's company.”  — October 2, 2019  

“Room service. When you wake up in the morning and a local (Ken) brings you a cup of hot coffee (brewed by Carol) to your tent at the harbour. 😍” — October 12, 2019  

“Freedom, is what I wanted to live again when I decided to go travelling again. I wanted to take my love for the road to the next level, so I decided to WALK, choosing the Trail.” — November 8, 2019 

November 25, 2019 to March 12, 2020

BRITISH COLUMBIA

“The land that surrounds me. I find myself caught in beauty between sunset and sunrise. My heart aches for more. Here I shall wander, and I will. Malo and I are ready and well prepared to leave Fort St. John. Tomorrow we are off walking to Fort Nelson.”  — December 9, 2019

“Josh asked me today: What keeps you going? I had to think for a minute. Good question I told him. Then I answered: It's my unbroken curiosity for what the next day brings. It can be a good day. It can be a bad day. But this curiosity keeps me going.” — December 21, 2019 

“Thank you all around. I feel very grateful and humble to have so many wonderful people step into my life and make this crazy long slog on the Trail so much better, so much safer just so so good. 

I want to come back to so many places already and visit so many friends I made in this journey. Looks like there is another cross-country journey coming up. This time east wards. And nope, I am not hiking. I may be crazy, but I am not insane. 😄” — February 25, 2020 

March 12, 2020 to April 19, 2022

YUKON

“Falling in love and later asleep in the Carcross desert surrounded by lodgepole pine and the hauling of coyotes from the foot of the nearby mountain. The moon brightening the dark blue sky. A few green streaks of Northern lights make my hearts sing. Once again, appetizers only, disappearing quickly. It's a cold night of what's considered Canada's smallest desert where the wind still blows moving the sand where once back it time was glacial lake.”  — April 5, 2020 

“I became a Yukon resident for 1.5 years, waiting anxiously for the NWT border to open so we can continue our journey. I restarted my journey on April 19, 2022 at the NWT border.”  — April 19, 2022 

April 19 to May 6, 2022

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

“Are you ready? Because I am. I AM BAAACCCKK on the trail!!! Will take a ride to the Northwest Territories border this morning and ON THE ROAD AGAIN. It was a long (1.5 years) and a mentally intense wait. And while I still grief about my journey what it once was and what it now is I trust the road will bring healing. I trust that once I step on the trail and make my 400 km to the Arctic Ocean while the sun burns my skin, dust settles on my shoes and the wind rattles on my tent at night with Northern lights protecting our sleep my spirit will lift and contentment return.

We are ready. Ready to go. Ready for adventure. Ready to dip our feet in the salty Arctic Ocean. There is joy in my heart and a smile on my face just envisioning all of that. I hope you are ready too!!!” — April 19, 2022 

“After leaving Cape Spear at the Atlantic Ocean in Newfoundland on June 2, 2017, and after walking about 16,000 km of the Trans Canada Trail we finally reached the Arctic Ocean on May 5, 2022, and I've now become the first woman to walk from the Atlantic to the Arctic Ocean following the Trail.  

We are sore and tired. So much struggle on these last 400 km but we made it. It's done. It feels great to have reached the second ocean of this three-ocean adventure. It's barely comprehensible to understand how long it took. We spend so much time, so many sunsets on that trail. And all the tears, some good swearing, exhaustion, hugs and smiles, shared dinners, helping hands across this country. 

Malo joined me halfway through in Manitoba making him the FIRST DOG to walk from Manitoba to the Arctic leaving his mark all along the Trans Canada Trail. I didn't know this would all take this long. Two years I planned. It's 5 years now and we are not finished yet. 

 Now we are getting ready for our last and final ocean, the Pacific. But first, sleep.” — May 5, 2022 

May to August 8, 2022

ALBERTA

“Returning South to Alberta in May to continue my journey westwards from the trail fork of the Trans Canada Trail just outside of Fort Saskatchewan. Illness delayed our start to June 15, 2022.” — May 2022

“Goodbye Alberta. 👋 Hello British Columbia!!! Our last and final province. We are now en route to Point Zero, Victoria on Vancouver Island. It's an indescribable exciting feeling to walk into our last province after all these years and thousands of miles walked. I have no expectations. Just feel pure joy...which is the greatest motivator on this last leg. (It's actually about 1500 km-ish)” — August 8, 2022 

August 8 to November 12, 2022

BRITISH COLUMBIA

“Kettle Valley Rail trail impressions. It feels like late summer days with temps reaching about 25°C. Nights however remind that it is indeed autumn with its chilliness of 5°C. The leaves are starting to dress up before their last dance. A shooting star that may fulfill my wish and an owl calling over Arlington Lake while the last log crackles red and hot in the fire pit. I leave the tent entrance open to see the stars as clear and close as they represent themselves. Malo breathes with a bit of tiny snore next to me. A daddy longlegs makes home on our tent ceiling. I watch the sky and the stars. Watch and don't want to close my eyes as there is so much to see. Thoughts cross mind and I can't even tell as their presence don't seem much of an importance. They come and go like the blinking lights of airplanes on the night sky. There and gone between manifested star constellations.  

"Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our own, is still 40,208,000,000,000 km away."  I cherish my nights when I feel so close to the stars." — September 27, 2022 

“We are on our final stretch continuing our journey after the heavy rain will end. We will be reaching the Pacific Ocean this coming week and the end of the trail the week thereafter. It's kinda unreal. Lots to prepare as we are staying put and get ready for a big moment. Thank you, my friends.”  — October 30, 2022