The concept for this new program originated from my personal experiences on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. I have been fortunate to have walked portions of the Camino on 3 separate occasions. And, like a majority of the Pilgrims I met along the Way, the journey became spiritual to me in many ways. Each day on the trail had quickly evolved into a daily opportunity to experience personal introspection and a quest for continued enlightenment, not just logging the miles traveled. I met the most fascinating people; discovering their heightened passion for life, exemplified by unlimited kindness and extraordinary generosity, which ultimately transcended into the foundational motivation behind this project.

 

The pivotal point in the Program's development occurred on December 31, 2020, during a Covid-19 briefing, when New York State’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the completion of the Empire State Trail (EST), encouraging sheltered-in-place New Yorkers to experience its beauty and serenity. The 750-mile EST was developed to promote outdoor recreation, encourage healthy lifestyles, support community vitality and bolster tourism-related economic development. That was the moment I thought it possible to bring the Spanish Camino de Santiago concept to NY State on the EST, and America's Pilgrimage Passport Program was born.

 

Since that time, I have visited towns and villages between Rochester and Little Falls and have walked along the Erie Canalway portion of the EST several times. My overall conclusion is that the EST is much more than just a walking and bicycling trail. It is a beacon which attracts and invites exploring all that New York State has to offer, connecting people and showcasing New York's special places, diverse history and iconic landscapes, and provides the perfect backdrop for this Program to help local communities explore additional economic opportunities and develop sustainable growth management plans.

 

As this website develops, I look forward to your "Trail Talk" posts about your personal stories and experiences along the Erie Canalway and throughout upstate New York. And, as Bicentennial Celebration 2025 festivals and events are developed, they will be showcased here. I'm also looking for on-site Volunteers now to ensure that this Program is ready to launch on time.

 

Let's dare to care and work together as an impassioned and engaged coalition to raise awareness of the Erie Canalway Bicentennial Celebration 2025.

 

Thanks for your interest!​​​​