A Prince George forester who's been summer-hiking the Trans-Canada Trail since May, 2008 is back home for a bit and eager to share his experiences with local residents.
Dana Meise, 35 says he has a lot of funny moments and incidents to share from his trek which began in Cape Spear, Nfld. and has proceeded to Montreal.
"My story is super funny and I love sharing it with people," said Meise, who will do a presentation and slide show at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Royal Canadian Legion auditorium on Seventh Avenue.
Participants will hear funnier than fiction stories about those he's encountered along the way - like the Newfoundlander who sees Meise's mission as something that "needs a strong back and weak mind". You'll also hear how he was the sole invited guest at Rideau Hall in Ottawa dressed in "torn-up hiking pants and a shirt" to meet Governor General Michaelle Jean and broadcaster, Valerie Pringle.
The talk is free, but Meise would appreciate donations to help him continue his mission and fulfill a dream he's had since childhood when he read stories about Canadian explorers like David Thompson and Alexander Mackenzie.
He sees the TCT as today's equivalent of the Trans Canada Railroad and the Trans Canada Highway that once pushed westward to unify a nation.
He's hampered by only being able to hike during summer as well as various setbacks and injuries.
Last summer he developed Plantar fasciitis, a very painful foot problem, that reduced his hiking to two months, but he uses his down time to document his journey, intends to write a book and is taking French language classes to improve communication in Quebec.
"I came home for Christmas with the intention of working, but my (forestry-related) contract was cancelled," said Meise, who would like to finish the trek next year if he can find sponsorship and support to do it in that time. ("To have a shoe sponsor is major for me.")
When completed, the TCT will extend 21,500 km from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic oceans, linking 1,000 communities and 33 million Canadians. it will be the world's longest and grandest recreational trail. Today more than 70 per cent of the trail has been built and is being used by Canadians and international visitors. It is supported by three levels of government as well as s corporations, businesses and individuals.
--btrick@pgcitizen.ca
