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Navigating Life’s Twists and Turns: Lessons from the Trail
Some trails don’t go the way you expect. You start with a plan, a destination in mind, and then the path veers sharply, through dense...

Matthew Cugnet
Jul 272 min read


Side by Side: What I Learned about Listening while Walking with Strangers
In 2017, I walked the Via Francigena—a long, sun-soaked trail through Italy where strangers cross paths and somehow leave as something...

Matthew Cugnet
Jul 241 min read


Walking with the First Stewards: Indigenous Nations Along The PlaidPath
Exploring the trails of British Columbia is an invitation to experience more than scenic views. It is a chance to engage with the rich...

Matthew Cugnet
Jul 135 min read


The Freedom in Letting Go: How the Trail Teaches Us to Lighten the Load
There’s a moment on nearly every trail where the pack feels too heavy. It could be the gear, the layers, the water bottle you filled to...

Matthew Cugnet
Jul 63 min read


Trusting the Voice That Leads You Further
After walking 900 kilometers across northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago, I arrived at the famed cathedral in Santiago de...

Matthew Cugnet
Jun 303 min read


The Freedom in Letting Go
There’s a moment every hiker experiences—usually within the first hour of a long trek—when your backpack suddenly feels heavier than...

Matthew Cugnet
Jun 223 min read


The Power of Small Steps:
When we think about progress—whether on a rugged trail or in our own personal journey—it’s easy to focus on the big milestones. Reaching...

Matthew Cugnet
Jun 183 min read


How Walking the Camino at 19 Sparked a Lifelong Journey of Personal Growth
“The Camino didn’t just take me through Spain—it took me deeper into myself.” At 19, I didn’t set out looking for a life-changing...

Matthew Cugnet
Jun 143 min read


The Strength of Resilience: Knowing When to Push and When to Rest
When people think about resilience, they often picture grit, determination, and pushing through challenges at all costs. But on the...

Matthew Cugnet
May 233 min read


Embracing Your Unique Pace on the Trail: A Journey of Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
When setting foot on one of the many hiking trails in B.C., it’s tempting to measure your progress by how quickly you reach the summit or...

Matthew Cugnet
May 92 min read


The Power of Following Your Inner Compass: A Trekker’s Path to Personal Growth
In every journey, there’s a quiet decision to make: do you follow the map, or do you follow the whisper inside that says ‘ this way’ ?...

Matthew Cugnet
May 23 min read


Choosing Your Path: Understanding the Difference Between Trekking, Hiking, and Walking
Walking, hiking, and trekking are three terms often used interchangeably, yet each is distinct. Whether you’re strolling through a city...

Matthew Cugnet
Aug 24, 20247 min read


Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous Tourism: Exploring How Tourism Can Become a Powerful Force for Positive Change
In recent years, the concept of Truth and Reconciliation has gained significant traction, particularly in the context of Indigenous...

Matthew Cugnet
Aug 24, 20247 min read


Sacred Trails: Shikoku's Pilgrimage Inspires The PlaidPath's Community of Adventurers
Walking the Shikoku pilgrimage was unlike any other — a profound journey that unfolded with its own challenges, spiritual revelations,...

Matthew Cugnet
Aug 24, 20242 min read


From Pilgrimage to Purpose: Finding Meaning Along the Camino de Santiago with The PlaidPath
I can remember the exact moment I was introduced to the Camino de Santiago — a yellow scallop shell pointed out to me on the streets of...

Matthew Cugnet
Aug 24, 20242 min read


Reflections on the Camino de Santiago: A Testament to Resilience and Personal Growth
Walking the Camino was more than just a physical journey; it was a transformative experience that touched every facet of my being. As I...

Matthew Cugnet
Aug 24, 20242 min read
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