A 7-year Slow Travel Expedition, learning and connecting stories across the Americas.
The Her Odyssey Expedition contributes to cultivating audacious dreams, consults on the ethical use of multi-sport adventure routes, and advocates for education and wilderness connection. These are collections of the Explorers’ accounts from some notable sections.
“The Greater Patagonian Trail (GPT) is a long-distance route network in the southern Andes that spans from the outskirts of Santiago all the way to southern Patagonia. . . The main route currently spans approximately 3’000 km and the entire route network including all options contains more than 15’000 km of tracks.” – Jan, GPT Wikiexplora
The Qhapaq Ñan was the Incan road system network of 30,000-40,000 km, spanning the length of the empire from Aconcagua to Colombia. Its remains are recognized as UNESCO heritage sites across Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. The route ranges from preserved sites such as Cusco and Machu Picchu, Inga Pirca, El Shincal, and many more.
In order to navigate around the Darien Gap and in keeping with the traditional methods of travel in the region, for this section Fidgit was joined variously by Neon, Richard, and Ilene opted to kayak. Paddling Trak Kayaks from Lake Nicaragua along Rio San Juan then following the Caribbean Coast to Turbo, Colombia.
“The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail . . . spans 3,100 miles between Mexico and Canada, traverses five states and connects countless communities along its spine. Over the past 30 years it has gradually assumed a marked physical shape; and preserves and celebrates an opportunity for adventure and history with one of the most significant features on our planet.” – CDTC Website
Neon pedaled the Wild West Route across the USA. The team rejoined at San Diego and were joined by Brian to ride the Baja Divide and then on to the mainland crossing Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and back to Nicaragua to connect the North and South American traverses, interrupted by COVID.
The Arctic Drainage springs from such sources as the Parsnip and Athabasca Glaciers before making the 3,000+ mile journey into the Ocean. The Summer of 2022 Fidgit and Neon duo canoed the Athabasca, Slave, and DehCho [Mackenzie] River into the Beaufort Sea of the Arctic Ocean.
It was both exciting and devastating to find this…I am planning on thru-hiking the Andes too and you beat me to it! I love it though…love your mission and what you hope to accomplish. It’s so similar to mine as well and adventures like this ARE so inspiring and impactful. I just got back to Colorado from a couple of years living in Argentina. I hope you love it there! I will happily follow along. Good luck in your journey, suerte y que tenga un buen viaje, afuera y adentro.
I think I will enjoy keeping up with you on your blog. I’m 76 years old, could never do the trek myself but will enjoy following along with you. I am finding the print on your web site too light to read comfortably. Could it be made darker?
Thank you for your response, Dorothy. We’ve tried to see if we can make it darker, but we’re not having much luck on our end. I don’t know if it might be helpful to highlight the portion you are reading to provide a sharper contrast, possibly?
Alternatively, if you subscribe to the blog, it will email the updates to you in your email inbox, which may be better for reading. I really appreciate your interest and feedback and truly hope you will follow along.
Wow, what an amazing trip you have planned. It seamed as if your plan once you hit Canada was still up in the air so I thought I would take the opportunity to plug my passion “The Great Divide Trail” . I see you have already done the CDT so I would encourage you to check out our website and the wonderful trail journals of past hikers at http://www.greatdividetrail.com and if you do decide to hike it we will be pleased to offer as much assistance as possible. Either way I wish you the most enjoyable journey ever.
Your journey sounds amazing, and I’m kind of jealous because I would love to do something similar one day.
I myself canoed the MacKenzie river two summers ago and it was one of the best experiences of my life. It’s beautiful, and the people that I met along the way were incredible, ando I’m sure it would be no different for you. I have also done some long term trekking and I just think it’s the best lifestyle.
I look forward to following your progress! Have the best time!
Way to go-profoundly significant. Your father Kendall has told me about some of your treks and I had always admired your adventures; but, never read any of your blogs. God bless you girl.
I have been a follower/fan since you began. I can’t wait to see what is in store during Season 2! BTW, in a couple years, if your route takes you through the Teton/Yellowstone part of the country, I am nearby and would love to offer my place for R&R — and to hear about your adventure firsthand. Travel safely!
Jonathan, what an encouraging note to wake up to! Thank you for your words and following along.
Through the US the planned route is to follow the Continental Divide Trail so we will look forward to rendezvousing!
Robert Torraville February 5, 2017 at 7:06 am Reply
Hi Fidgit and Neon,
Really enjoying your posts as you proceed with your odyssey. I live in Newfoundland, Canada.
I am 73 years old and can only manage to walk an hour a day with my dog. I am really amazed that you have such ambition to be able to undertake such a trek.
Hola Maria!
Que bueno que practicas su Ingles y gracias por seguirnos. Tambien los blogs (la mayoria) estan en Español.
Nos encantamos a conocer les y gracias por el choripan y queso tambien.
I really enjoyed reading about your journey to Aguascalientes, especially about Manny in San Jose de Mesillas. I’m a lawyer is So. Cal. and tied to my desk, so it’s fun seeing you connect with people along the way, which is really important. Hope to read about your future trips. Michael Bush dmichaelbush@gmail.com
Oh Michael, I am just now seeing this sweet note. I do hope you get some adventuring in this summer and will do our best to keep up the blogs so you can travel virtually!
In Bethany’s latest tales from the Great Divide Trail, she makes a reference to miscommunication/mispronunciation vis a vis the Blaeberry River, Blaeberry is a northern British/ Scottish term for any of several European ericaceous shrubs of the genus Vaccinium that bear edible blue or blackish berries. The root of the word is Scandinavian, specifically Norse (remember the Viking invasions of the northern British Isles). Blae is a Scottish adjective meaning dark blue or a bluish grey. Bilberry and whortleberry are other European terms for these short berry-producing shrubs. When certain Scottish individuals (e.g., fur trader Alexander Henry the Younger in 1811, Palliser expedition geologist and surgeon Dr James Hector in 1859) travelled through what is now called the Blaeberry Valley in late summer/early fall, they called it that because of the abundance of what we know as huckleberries and wild blueberries. You can read all about the naming of the Blaeberry River here – https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/5728.html
Comments (36)
Absolutely awesome!!!
This post is not dated – where are you in this quest?
We leave for Chile on November 4th this year.
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Try packitgoumet.com for trail food if you haven’t yet.
Thanks for the tip!
It was both exciting and devastating to find this…I am planning on thru-hiking the Andes too and you beat me to it! I love it though…love your mission and what you hope to accomplish. It’s so similar to mine as well and adventures like this ARE so inspiring and impactful. I just got back to Colorado from a couple of years living in Argentina. I hope you love it there! I will happily follow along. Good luck in your journey, suerte y que tenga un buen viaje, afuera y adentro.
Thanks, Erin – I hope you love it too!!
R.E.M.A.R.K.A.B.L.Y Enlightening!
Thanks, DeRoy!
I think I will enjoy keeping up with you on your blog. I’m 76 years old, could never do the trek myself but will enjoy following along with you. I am finding the print on your web site too light to read comfortably. Could it be made darker?
Thank you for your response, Dorothy. We’ve tried to see if we can make it darker, but we’re not having much luck on our end. I don’t know if it might be helpful to highlight the portion you are reading to provide a sharper contrast, possibly?
Alternatively, if you subscribe to the blog, it will email the updates to you in your email inbox, which may be better for reading. I really appreciate your interest and feedback and truly hope you will follow along.
Wow, what an amazing trip you have planned. It seamed as if your plan once you hit Canada was still up in the air so I thought I would take the opportunity to plug my passion “The Great Divide Trail” . I see you have already done the CDT so I would encourage you to check out our website and the wonderful trail journals of past hikers at http://www.greatdividetrail.com and if you do decide to hike it we will be pleased to offer as much assistance as possible. Either way I wish you the most enjoyable journey ever.
Dave Hockey
Chair
Great Divide Trail Association
The GDT is one of the highlights of this entire Odyssey. I am so grateful you brought it to our attention!
Your journey sounds amazing, and I’m kind of jealous because I would love to do something similar one day.
I myself canoed the MacKenzie river two summers ago and it was one of the best experiences of my life. It’s beautiful, and the people that I met along the way were incredible, ando I’m sure it would be no different for you. I have also done some long term trekking and I just think it’s the best lifestyle.
I look forward to following your progress! Have the best time!
As we get ready to paddle the Mackenzie River to complete our Odyssey, I thought of you and this kind note you left all those years ago. =)
I will be with you every step of the way, in spirit! Contact me if you need anything in Oregon!
Love you, Granny!!!
Just looked closer at the map and realize you won’t be in Oregon. Gess I gotta go to Colorado to meet you! I’m game!
We look forward to it, Granny! In the meantime, enjoy your hikes.
Way to go-profoundly significant. Your father Kendall has told me about some of your treks and I had always admired your adventures; but, never read any of your blogs. God bless you girl.
I have been a follower/fan since you began. I can’t wait to see what is in store during Season 2! BTW, in a couple years, if your route takes you through the Teton/Yellowstone part of the country, I am nearby and would love to offer my place for R&R — and to hear about your adventure firsthand. Travel safely!
Jonathan, what an encouraging note to wake up to! Thank you for your words and following along.
Through the US the planned route is to follow the Continental Divide Trail so we will look forward to rendezvousing!
Hi Fidgit and Neon,
Really enjoying your posts as you proceed with your odyssey. I live in Newfoundland, Canada.
I am 73 years old and can only manage to walk an hour a day with my dog. I am really amazed that you have such ambition to be able to undertake such a trek.
I bet your dog loves those walks
! Glad to have you along for the journey.
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Hola Maria!
Que bueno que practicas su Ingles y gracias por seguirnos. Tambien los blogs (la mayoria) estan en Español.
Nos encantamos a conocer les y gracias por el choripan y queso tambien.
Have a great evening!
Bethany
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I really enjoyed reading about your journey to Aguascalientes, especially about Manny in San Jose de Mesillas. I’m a lawyer is So. Cal. and tied to my desk, so it’s fun seeing you connect with people along the way, which is really important. Hope to read about your future trips. Michael Bush dmichaelbush@gmail.com
Oh Michael, I am just now seeing this sweet note. I do hope you get some adventuring in this summer and will do our best to keep up the blogs so you can travel virtually!
In Bethany’s latest tales from the Great Divide Trail, she makes a reference to miscommunication/mispronunciation vis a vis the Blaeberry River, Blaeberry is a northern British/ Scottish term for any of several European ericaceous shrubs of the genus Vaccinium that bear edible blue or blackish berries. The root of the word is Scandinavian, specifically Norse (remember the Viking invasions of the northern British Isles). Blae is a Scottish adjective meaning dark blue or a bluish grey. Bilberry and whortleberry are other European terms for these short berry-producing shrubs. When certain Scottish individuals (e.g., fur trader Alexander Henry the Younger in 1811, Palliser expedition geologist and surgeon Dr James Hector in 1859) travelled through what is now called the Blaeberry Valley in late summer/early fall, they called it that because of the abundance of what we know as huckleberries and wild blueberries. You can read all about the naming of the Blaeberry River here – https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/5728.html