Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and having undergone the removal of her right lung, Edie Littlefield Sundby defied expectations and beat the odds by becoming the first person to complete a solo trek of the entire 1,600-mile El Camino Real de las Californias mission trail. This monumental achievement involved a months-long expedition through the rugged mountainous terrain of Mexico and across some of the Earth’s most relentlessly hot desert landscapes, culminating in her arrival in Northern California. Her extraordinary accomplishment stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of humankind and the power of perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity.
The profound experiences encountered during this arduous journey served as the catalyst for her critically acclaimed and bestselling memoir, The Mission Walker. In this poignant and inspiring work, she chronicles the physical and emotional challenges she faced, the breathtaking beauty of the landscapes she traversed, and the deep personal growth she experienced along the way. Beyond her book, Edie’s insightful reflections and captivating narratives have also graced the pages of esteemed publications such as the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, further sharing her remarkable story with a wider audience.
Driven by an enduring passion for long-distance walking and a deep-seated curiosity for exploration, Edie Littlefield Sundby embarked on yet another ambitious undertaking in 2022: a multi-year journey along the historic Old Spanish Trail, spanning the southern United States from the Atlantic coast of Florida to the Pacific shores of California. Recognizing the immense scale of this endeavor, she strategically approached it in more manageable segments of approximately 200 to 400 miles per state. This methodical approach allows her to fully immerse herself in the diverse and often demanding terrains she encounters, ranging from arid deserts with their stark beauty and extreme temperatures to humid swamps teeming with life and their own unique set of challenges. Along her journey, she encountered a diverse array of individuals, engaging in meaningful conversations and forming significant bonds with many fascinating characters from all walks of life.
Edie Littlefield Sundby approaches her ongoing walking journey with unwavering determination and intends to continue her explorations indefinitely, embodying extraordinary resilience and forging an ever-deepening connection to the diverse and captivating landscapes she so passionately traverses. Her ongoing adventures serve as an inspiration to all who dare to dream big and challenge their own perceived limitations.