In October 2012, Coast Alive partner Vest-Agder County Council released a new Flagler Films produced video on The Child Wanderer Path, now part of IAT Norway.    The path extends 136 kilometers across Southern Norway, and introduces visitors to the scenic landscapes, friendly villages and heart-wrenching story of child wanderers who left their homes in search of work to help support their families through difficult times.     In the nineteenth century there was extreme poverty in the western part of the Agder region, and as a consequence, children from this area were sent to the richer eastern part of the region to work as shepherds and farm workers.    From the ages of seven to sixteen children wandered back and forth in larger groups, leaving their parents home for months at a stretch to provide a vital contribution to the economy of their household.      The path follows in their footsteps, crossing the valleys and hillsides in Agder that are now seen as beautiful and tranquil landscapes, but which convey the harsh reality in whch the children lived.   From Kvinesdal in the west to Landvik (Grimstad) in the east you can follow in the footpaths of the Childwanderers, as seen in the movie Yohan – the Childwanderer.   View The Child Wanderer video:        

In October 2012, England's North Downs Way National Trail became the newest section of the International Appalachian Trail in Western Europe.  IAT hikers can now follow in the footsteps of pilgrims on an inspirational journey from Farnham to Canterbury   and the White Cliffs of Dover   through a landscape rich in scenery and heritage.     The North Downs Way offers walkers 153 miles of spectacular scenery,   picturesque villages   and glorious rolling countryside.      But then you would expect nothing less from a route that passes through both the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).   There is always something new to explore along the way, as the route contains a wealth of wildlife, history, landscapes, attractions, villages and towns, all waiting to be discovered.   With excellent public transportation links to the trail - it is easily reached by train from London - and a wide choice of accommodation along the route, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the North Downs Way National Trail, whether as a day trip or walking holiday. To learn more about this new scenic section of the International Appalachian Trail in the south of England, visit their website.  

(Excerpt from Appy Trail's next 75 years: 'There's a need for constant vigilance' on Knoxville News Sentinel website knoxnews.com.) Over the course of its 75-year history, the Appalachian Trail has earned a reputation as one of the most popular long-distance footpaths in the world. The AT's status as a true icon is evident in recent efforts to develop an "International Appalachian Trail" that eventually will extend from Canada across the Atlantic to Iceland, Scandinavia and Great Britain before dipping south to France, Portugal, and finally, Morocco.   Story by Morgan Simmons for Knoxville News Sentinel - Photo by Bill Lea/Special to the News Sentinel The rational behind the International Appalachian Trail is that the Appalachian chain in North America actually extends undersea to emerge as the Caledonides Mountains of Scandinavia and Scotland, and the Atlas Mountains of northwest Africa. Officials with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy are quick to point out that the International Appalachian Trail is a side trail of the AT, not an extension of the official Maine-to-Georgia route. But Mark Wenger, executive director of the ATC, said the Appalachian Trail's worldwide name recognition is a valuable asset as the trail heads into the 21st century. "We are blessed that we have a famous symbol to work with," Wenger said. "The AT garners tremendous support across political divides. It's something everyone can rally around. ... We're now looking at it as a laboratory to monitor climate change, a vehicle for training teachers, and an economic engine that can help…

IAT Founder Dick Anderson and Maine Chapter President Don Hudson recently hosted a seafood dinner on the Portland, Maine waterfront for three key officials of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC): Mark Wenger, new ATC Executive Director/CEO; Amy McCormick, Assistant Development Director, and Bill Plouffe, ATC Board Vice-Chair. (L - R) Dick Anderson, Mark Wenger, Don Hudson, and Bill Plouffe The dinner was a great opportunity to hear about ATC’s new programs and IAT’s new developments (including the IAT Annual General Meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland, and IAT expansion across the North Atlantic and into Western Europe), as well as strengthen friendships and build on the long-term, close relationship with the folks at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. On behalf of the IAT, Don invited Mark to attend and participate in the 2013 International General Meeting in Inverness, Scotland.  Mark said he would like to attend, and would make a firm decision as soon as a specific date has been chosen.

Sendero Internacional de los Apalaches has recently released a slideshow presentation highlighting the IAT route in west central Spain, where "Las Villuercas-Ibores-Jara is the best place in Europe to admire the Appalachians Mountains."   In this region of Spain, IAT hikers can walk from one village to another, and overnight in a hostel or rural guesthouse.  In villages where there is no tourist accommodations, walkers are permitted to spend the night in a gymnasium or other public building.      Once the Las Villuercas-Ibores-Jara section of IAT Spain is completed, the route will extend north to connect with Portugal, and south to connect to Ciudad Real and Córdoba.     The IAT in Spain utilizes existing trails and walking routes, some of which date back to Roman times.     Already 100 kms of the Villuercas region has been marked with gps, accounting for nearly half of the trail length in this area.  The distance between villages is between 10 km and 25 km.     When complete, IAT Spain will extend approximately 900 kms.    View the IAT Spain Slideshow Presentation