SlowBro - Continental Divide Trail Journal - 2019

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Recent Trip-Gila Wilderness

Just 1,600 Miles To Go

Back in 2013, when I was contemplating hiking the PCT, I assumed it would be a one-off trip. I was dubious that I would be able to hike the 2,660 miles required and if I did manage I was sure I wouldn't want to repeat the stunt somewhere else. And when, much to my astonishment, I found myself crossing the Canadian border at the end I was absolutely certain that I would never try a trek like that again. Five years later I find myself getting ready for the fifth installment in my ongoing set of long distance hikes. (Links to each trip are at the bottom of this page.) I don't know how much longer I can continue to hike like this. I will turn 69 next year and I find I am not getting any younger, but in many ways these treks keep me young.

When I'm out using my body everyday for hours on end, I find I don't have time to grow stiff. Complaining of aches and pains serves no purpose. My senses are working overtime on the trail and my hearing, smell, etc. seems to become more acute. My mind needs to be working on logistics, route, weather, pace, and a dozen other essentials thoughout the day. I can't afford to be befuddled. Plus there is a primal satisfaction that attends these long treks. It borders on the spritual and no doubt harkens back to our ancestors hundreds of thousands of years ago. It is humbling to still be able to pursue this sport and I am thankful for the opportunity.

Last summer, I was able to hike from the Mexican border up to Grand Lake, CO along the CDT and it's alternates. Next summer I am hoping to complete the CDT by starting at Grand Lake and hiking to the Canadian border a total of about 1,600 miles. I will have roughly two and a half months to accomplish this, which may be too ambitious, but we will see. I plan to start at the very end of June and finish by mid September. The trip may be complicated by weather, fires, grizzly bears, and drought and I noticed a ton of elevation gain and loss. It will be a worthy trail winding across Wyoming, through the Yellowstone, Idaho and Montaina, ending in Glacier National Park. It should be an amazing trip.

Again I plan to blog once a week about my preparation, etc. for this trip and then daily while on the trail.

See ya next week and Happy Trails...

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