Another incredibly long trail that crosses the United States. The lot of true hiking enthusiasts. The nearly 5,000 kilometers from Mexico to Canada is a challenging but extremely fascinating journey along the Rocky Mountains of North America and places of interest such as the Red Desert in Wyoming and Grays Peak in Colorado. Only 150 people attempt the Continental Frontier each year. The youngest of them was only 13 years old.
As we already know, the name comes from the name of the American Continental Divide and the length of this route is approximately 5,000 km. How do you think, how many will be willing to go all the way, from beginning to end? As you know, this route starts in Mexico and ends in Canada. If you’re interested, take a look at the notes of one traveler – Francis Tapon. Not only did he manage to walk the route from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. He did it twice! Francis Tapon
Remember the principle of the game? As the toy rotates, it unwinds the rope to which the two stapled discs are attached and then returns to its original position. “To yo-yo a trail” means that you are making a round trip. You start your journey from one point, get to the end point, and then return by the same route. Now imagine the journey Francis Tapon took! And he asks the perfectly reasonable question, “Why hasn’t anyone done this before?” to which he himself gives the answer: “You would have to walk more than 5,600 miles in seven months to cover this distance. Not exactly an ordinary walk in the park.” And then the author of the article adds: “I couldn’t find anyone who had the stupidity to do it. I’m glad to be that person.”
However, one should clearly distinguish between the Continental Divide and the route in question. “What difference does it make?” – you ask. Meanwhile, that difference is significant. To begin with, a watershed is a naturally created by nature itself border between the basins of two rivers or other bodies of water, in this case, the basins of several oceans (the Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic). The trail we are talking about is artificially created and runs near or directly along the watershed.The American Continental Divide
Trail planners or “trail designers” lay out formal trails that do not always coincide with watersheds, mountain ranges, or other natural features for a variety of reasons.
First, it can be an elementary lack of water. For example, at more than 3,100 miles, you may simply not have access to drinking water, which, of course, can end badly. To solve the problem, travelers would have to turn off their intended route several times.
Second, private property rights. If the owner of the land (and often these are huge plots) does not agree with the fact that hundreds of strangers will walk on its territory, nothing can be done, we will have to make a route around it.
Another criterion to determine where the trail will be laid out – the hikers desire for beauty. Just imagine: you have a choice – to stick to a natural watershed, where the landscape can be monotonous for several kilometers, or to deviate slightly and enjoy the amazing waterfalls and exotic trees, which would you prefer? Finally, another important factor is the safety of travelers, because by following such a “natural route” you will have to pass through mountain ranges where there can be very steep descents, which is extremely life-threatening. According to Francis Tapon, “travelers are lazy creatures. We don’t take our equipment with us to conquer mountain peaks. And none of us wants to die as a result of an accidental fall. “Francis Tapon
Of course, to list the benefits of such a journey can be very long. If you are going to conquer the Continental Frontier with travelers from other countries, without a doubt, before you open almost unlimited opportunities in learning a foreign language. Moreover, it will be not just academic, “dry” English, the level of which can be improved by enrolling in courses. Quite the contrary – in such a trip you will improve the spoken, living language, and also learn to perceive speech of native speakers by ear. It may not be easy at first. But every day you will notice how it becomes easier and more pleasant to find a common language.