During our first three weeks trekking the California Missions Trail, we visited six of the missions comprising Spain’s Alta California network. Now we had the opportunity to walk on some of the same roads and paths as the Franciscan priest missionaries and Native peoples did over 200 years ago.
When we decided to trek the California Missions Trail, we were nervous about the urban hiking and road walking. After completing some city hiking during our first two weeks, we were about to embark on a trip through the heart of the concrete jungle – Los Angeles County, home to the second-largest city in the United States.
After a week traveling along the coast, our California Missions Trail route turned inland to Orange County. In addition to visiting two more missions, we reflected on the memories we made from growing up, going to college, getting married, and raising our family there.
Most of the 800-mile California Missions Trail route travels inland, meaning we would not see the coastline for the majority of our trek. So we appreciated the opportunity to sojourn along the coast during our first five days, visiting two missions in the process.
This year we are trekking the 800-mile California Missions Trail. We will visit the 21 missions that were established by Spain between 1769 and 1823. Along the way, we will view California’s diverse natural beauty and learn about the cultural significance of the mission period in the state’s history.
The Sonoran Desert was the location of our latest Arizona Trail section hike. During our four-day trek, we hiked through an area containing thousands of saguaro cactus. We tried to maintain a sense of adventure as we contended with short days, cold nights, heavy rain, and gusty winds.
From May to August 2022, we spent four months trekking in the UK and Ireland. During that time we completed eight treks, totaling 700 miles. This video shows some of the natural beauty we encountered and cultural sites we visited in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.
On May 8, 2022 we took the first of about 1.4 million trekking steps as we began the Cotswold Way. Eight treks and 700 miles later, we completed the Kerry Way. Here are the ten things I learned from our latest journey in the British Isles.
We found the Kerry Way to be one of the most challenging hikes of our entire journey. But we also felt the blessings beneath our feet, the wind at our backs, and the sun on our faces as we neared the completion of our eighth and final trek.
The Kerry Way is the longest of the Republic of Ireland’s long-distance paths. It circles the Iveragh Peninsula, providing a walkers’ version of the famous Ring of Kerry drive. With many path options to consider, we chose a trekking route totaling 123 miles over nine stages.
While planning our treks, we were intrigued by Ireland’s South Leinster Way. There weren’t any books or detailed trail websites, but several blogs described beautiful mountains, peaceful river scenery, and quaint villages. We decided to take a chance by hiking this 65-mile route.
The Republic of Ireland has 43 long-distance waymarked trails, totaling over 2,500 miles. We chose the 80-mile Wicklow Way to experience hiking over secluded mountains, through lush forests, and into deep glacial valleys. As a bonus, we would also travel to the monastic city of Glendalough.
