In 2016 I set off on my first thru hike, what began on the International Appalachian Trail turned into a 4,800 mile hike across the country linking up many trails for one continuous footpath. The International AT followed into the Appalachian Trail, to the Benton MacKaye Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Coosa Trail, Alabama Hiking Trail, Florida Trail, South Dade Greenway, and finishing with the Overseas Heritage Trail. One long hike from Quebec Canada to Key West Florida. But this isn't exactly about that, this is the story of that first trail, my first long distance hike, and how things went on the International Appalachian Trail.
Also known as the Sentier International Des Appalachias, or the SIA, because the majority of this trail goes through Quebec a Canadian Province that speaks French as their primary language. All of the trail markers read, IAT/SIA. The town folk will often not know any english, and for a stupid US citizen such as myself this definitely made things significantly more difficult in every regard. Being in such a foreign place, hiking through the wilderness, and anyone I did meet I couldn't even talk to.
On this hike I had close moose encounters, saw wild seals while hiking along the Gulf of St Lawrence coastline, beavers in the ponds, and of course many many deer. The trail is wild and rugged, the wildlife owns the land and I was just there for the ride. All while of course, learning how to thru hike.
Though I had done hundreds and hundreds of miles of section hikes prior to this trip, a thru hike is a different beast. Looking back I was very naive, but I was extremely determined to achieve my goal. I had prepared for this hike in everyway anyone possible could or would. I was in the best physical shape of my life, I was mentally strong. I had a super ultralight backpacking gear list, weighing in at less than 6lbs. I was dialed in, in every way. Just without the experience to go along with.
It is something very special to me, to be able to share this trail with all of you. I hope if you go out and do the IAT SIA yourself, you are respectful of the locals, learn some french before you go, and don't trash the place. Quebec is wonderful, the Gaspesie peninsula is wild, and this trail deserves only the best.
The Gear I used on this trip: • 6lb Ultralight 4,800mi...
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