So German!

Thanks to social media, we are able to follow a very special journey: Melanie Vogel is a free-spirited adventurer on her journey through the Canadian landscape. We were lucky to interview her about her plans, her experiences and the things she is learning on her hike. 

You have been hiking through Canada for more than two years now. Has this journey changed you as a person?

I think it is a very natural process that everyone and everything coming from nature is constantly changing and evolving. But to answer your question, I guess I could say that I realize change at times when I feel more content and at peace with myself and my surroundings. I have started to become more accepting of myself, for who I am which is quite a healing process. The beauty is that nature doesn’t judge. There is no competition, no comparison and no expectation. Mother earth takes us as we are. This is very liberating. Of course there are times in my journey when I am not always strong in mind and body. I have learnt to accept that that’s ok, even needed in the process of evolving as a human being. Slowing down and learning to accept my own pace as I do not have to ‘keep up’ with anyone is part of that liberation. Perception, connection and consciousness about nature, society and myself and my outlook on life has all shifted a bit, shifted in a way that all of it is a bit more balanced.

Why did you choose Canada and the Great Trail for your trip?

I moved to Canada in 2008 not knowing back then that Canada would become my home base for not just two years but for a larger portion of my life. I was always interested of seeing more of this country than just a few pockets of it. I learnt about the Great Trail in a news article years ago when it was still called the Trans Canada Trail. When I was ready to hit the road again and was contemplating what my next big adventure could be, I decided I will hike across Canada. Hiking across such a big country was also a good excuse to ensure being on the road for a long time.

Do the people you meet ask you questions about Germany?

I still have quite a strong accent and people are generally curious where I am coming from. This can make for longer conversations about German culture, politics or sometimes beer.

On Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, we can follow every step of your journey, and you even have a website about it. What does sharing your moments on social media mean to you?

Social media is just another tool for story-telling. It is giving me the chance to share my experiences in almost real time and allows people from all over the world to be part of an adventure. Not everyone is able or interested in going for such a long walk but with this they get a glimpse into an alternate lifestyle and how hard but also how rewarding it can be to go for your dream.

What was the most unexpected experience that you had on your trip?

A lot of things happen in such long journey that aren’t planned but the most unexpected was the fact that my solo expedition grew to a team of two. My dog Malo joined me on the trail in Manitoba and has been walking by my side since. He is the best hiking partner I could wish for and brings a whole new experience, a lot of joy but also quite a few challenges to my life on the trail.

You are writing about the hospitality of the Canadian people on your trip. Is there anything you offer them in return?

I do not believe the hospitality and kindness I receive is given with the intention of receiving something in return. Almost overwhelmed by all the kindness and support I receive, I have asked people why they chose to host me and some of the answers were quite simple. People would respond: “This is who we are” or “it’s nice to be part of something bigger without leaving my home” or “we get to hear your stories”. Most people though would say that they feel gratified by the sheer opportunity of being able to help. And me, I am writing about my experiences of the love, care and compassion that is given to me as I travel from the East to the North to the West. And by doing so I learned that I not only challenge prejudice by bringing awareness to the goodness of people from all walks of life but that by storytelling about their compassionate actions and random acts of kindness it seems I make a whole country proud.

Can you give us three pieces of advice for a successful hiking trip?

Here are a few essentials beyond preparation and safety that I believe are equally fundamental for a good hike.
1. Stay present and pay attention to your surroundings.
2. Slow down and give yourself the chance to truly connect to nature by taking the speed out of your step AND your mind.
3. Minimize your impact and treat Mother Nature with the love and respect she deserves.