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2000-2010: The Nimblewill Nomad’s Sea-To-Sea Route (C2C)
“Nimblewill’s Second Transcontinental Trek”

 

 

 

Sea-To-Sea Route Map Disclaimer:The path here (as hiked in sections by Nimblewill Nomad) was created by connecting certain existing trails/roads.  As shown, this amalgamation forms a continuous transcontinental route, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, as it tracks the better part of a trail known as the Sea-To-Sea Route.  It should be noted, however, that variances from the recognized Sea-to-Sea Route do exist.  For more information, please visit the website of Ron Strickland, Sea-To-Sea Route founder.

 

The Sea-to-Sea Route (C2C) is an amalgamation of existing trails, much like the Eastern Continental Trail (ECT).  It was first envisioned by Ron Strickland back in 1996.  Strickland is founder of the Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) now one of our three new National Scenic Trails.

Early on Strickland realized that once his trail was complete, it would provide the missing link in a system of trails connected such that hikers could trek the entire continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.  He also realized that a trail high up in our northern tier of states would be much more rugged than the American Discovery Trail (the other transcontinental trail route), as the C2C would traverse some of the most scenic of America’s mountainous terrain.
 

“The 200th anniversary of Lewis and Clark's epic journey reminded us that exploration is an essential part of the human endeavor. C2C distills that spirit of adventure for 21st century walkers. In the 19th century, ordinary people talked of ‘lighting out for the territory.’  Millions sought their dreams over the horizon in the forests and on the prairies.  From settled precincts to the wildest mountains, they made their way on foot and on horseback.  Now, generations later, that excitement can be rediscovered on the Sea-To-Sea Route.  Whether you have a day or many months, C2C's opportunities await you.  Experience the simple joys of putting one foot in front of the other.  Slow down.  Open your eyes to the wonders of the North American continent.  Discover hidden strengths within yourself.  And know at the end of the day that you have accomplished something special.  There is nothing chic or trendy about the eternal verities out there under the sky.  But that's why decades from now people will still treasure a weekend or a fortnight on the Sea-To-Sea Route.”


[Ron Strickland]

Strickland’s concept struck a chord and kindled a passion in the heart of one Andy Skurka, who, on August 6, 2004, set out to thru-hike the C2C.  Skurka trekked for 11 months, nearly 8,000 miles, an incredible feat of endurance.  On July 10, 2005, the final day for Skurka, the two celebrated together at Cape Alava, Washington.  On that day, Strickland’s dream became reality.

Here are the trails (or sections thereof) Strickland linked together to create the C2C:

 

International Appalachian Trail
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Long Trail
North Country National Scenic Trail
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (along the PNT)

 

To provide continuity for the C2C Route, two connecting roadwalks are currently required.  One links the Long Trail to the North Country Trail (a short distance) through Vermont and New York.  The other hooks the North Country Trail to the Continental Divide Trail (a very long distance) through North Dakota and Montana.

Let’s swerve off-path here for just a moment to talk a little pie-in-the-sky:

The amalgamation of long-distance trails, this concept, as exists with both the C2C and the ECT, holds great potential (see detailed map), as the idea extends the horizon toward a much more far-reaching goal, that being to ultimately interconnect our (now) 11 National Scenic Trails.  This grand vision (of linking all long trails) will encourage not only unity of purpose within the National Scenic Trails system, but in addition, will energize those volunteers who unselfishly give of their valuable time and resources in the ongoing effort to satisfy man’s instinctive desire to—connect with *Nature.

Isn’t it fascinating that the C2C and the ECT not only interconnect, but that they also link together all but four of our National Scenic Trails.  Those trails so connected are: The…

 

Florida National Scenic Trail
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
North Country National Scenic Trail
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail

 

Thus, by trekking along the ECT, then the C2C, far-distant trails such as the Florida and the Pacific Crest, those trails can now be interconnected.  Is this not a beautiful thing!  Want to start in Key West and hike to the Mexican Border in California?  Well, come on; the trail’s there—Sure it is; Nimblewill’s hiked it!

Ah, and again, starting on the Florida Trail, it’s now possible to hike to/through 29 of our lower 48 United States—all made possible by two trails, the ECT and the C2C, trails not represented (let alone recognized) by any organization or authority!  Again, Nimblewill’s hiked them; so can you!

Okay, let’s get back to the C2C…

Throughout the hiking community, folks seeking the trail tend to stay the narrow, canopied path.  Nimblewill’s labeled them “The Green Tunnel Crowd.”  So, guess it just stands to reason that those who plan and create our trails, those folks tend to be single-trackers too. They strive to keep their paths as far away as possible from even the slightest semblance of a passable road.  Those planners—Ha, well, they could sure be looked at as having a “One Track Mind” (no disparage intended).

So, makes sense then, that planners looking to create the ultimate C2C Route would frown big-time on ever taking to the highways and byways.  Their plan, as how to close the gap, near a staggering 900 miles between the North Country and Continental Divide Trail(s), is to hack out a single-track path across the sprawling upper Great Plains.  Looking at Nomad’s itinerary below, you’ll see only a 24-mile gap between these two trails.  And how can that be, you ask?  Well, had he trekked past Lake Sakakawea State Park during his outbound Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail (L&CNHT) Odyssey back in 2004 (the 200th anniversary of their expedition), rather than the route through Knife River Indian Villages, that gap wouldn’t even exist, as the L&CNHT also passes by Lake Sak.  Anyway, instead of the huge gap trail planners say is out there, in Nimblewill’s mind (since he doesn’t continually seek the narrow, green tunnel), there’s no gap at all.

So, the trails (or sections thereof) Nimblewill Nomad trekked during his C2C journey are: The…

 

International Appalachian Trail
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
North Country National Scenic Trail
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (along the PNT)

 

Below is Nimblewill Nomad’s itinerary.  Listed are the dates and mileages for the trails Nimblewill trekked during his (section) hike o’er the C2C—385 days, 8457 miles.  Clicking any one of them will take you to that specific Odyssey, where you’ll find the respective journal dates/entries.  Also, on those pages you can view some spectacular photos and videos.

We’re sure you’ll discover Nimblewill Nomad’s C2C trek to be a remarkable adventure.  So, why not come along; Nomad would certainly enjoy your company!

 

BEFORE VISITING BELOW LINKS
PLEASE TURN OFF MUSIC AT BOTTOM OF PAGE

 

International Appalachian Trail – Odyssey 2000 (North to South)
May 24, 2000—July 12, 2000
Trail Days—50
Trail Miles—731

Appalachian National Scenic Trail – Odyssey 2000 (North to South)
July 12, 2000—August 18, 2000
Trail Days—37/87
Trail Miles—511/1242

East Connector, North Country National Scenic Trail – Odyssey 2009 (West to East)
September 3, 2009—September 4, 2009
Trail Days—2/89
Trail Miles—52/1294

North Country National Scenic Trail – Odyssey 2009 (West to East)
March 23, 2009—September 2, 2009

Trail Days—165/254
Trail Miles—4426/5720

West Connector, North Country National Scenic Trail – Odyssey 2009 (West to East)
March 22, 2009
Trail Days—1/255
Trail Miles—24/5744

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail – Odyssey 2004 (East to West)
July 5, 2004—August 9, 2004
Trail Days—35/290
Trail Miles—932/6676

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail – Odyssey 2005 (North to South)
June 22, 2005—July 21, 2005
Trail Days—30/320
Trail Miles—581/7257

Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail – Odyssey 2010 (East to West)
July 19, 2010—September 21, 2010
Trail Days—65/385
Trail Miles—1200/8457

 
 

*How Great Thou Art  (Second Stanza)

When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee; How great Thou art!
How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee;
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

[Carl Boberg – English translation by Stuart Hine]

 
 
 

(Background music: "How Great Thou Art")

 

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       M. J. Eberhart
 The Nimblewill Nomad




 

 


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