The backpacking bug has bitten again, and I have found myself spending a lot of time researching the mysterious Continental Divide Trail. A few fortunate backpackers have achieved the "Triple Crown," which is the completion of the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. I first heard of the triple crown many years ago while in college, and have dreamed of achieving that goal at some point in my life ever since. I think if I'm ever fortunate to hike another trail, the CDT will be the next one. I ordered Yogi's CDT handbook last month, and also ordered Jonathan Ley's maps a few days ago. I'm keeping a watchful eye on my bank account to see if this dream can become a reality this year or not. Some dreams are great to have whether they are achieved or not in my opinion. So, if you happen to see future posts on the CDT, you will know the reason why. It's on my mind! The next few months, I am going to be making the preparations involved to attempt a southbound CDT thruhike beginning sometime in mid to late June. I will have to decide whether the financial risk will be worth it probably sometime in April or May. If the financial risk is too great, I will continue to work and wait another year. There is a lot to do in the meantime...Monday, December 5, 2011
Backpacking Bug
The backpacking bug has bitten again, and I have found myself spending a lot of time researching the mysterious Continental Divide Trail. A few fortunate backpackers have achieved the "Triple Crown," which is the completion of the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. I first heard of the triple crown many years ago while in college, and have dreamed of achieving that goal at some point in my life ever since. I think if I'm ever fortunate to hike another trail, the CDT will be the next one. I ordered Yogi's CDT handbook last month, and also ordered Jonathan Ley's maps a few days ago. I'm keeping a watchful eye on my bank account to see if this dream can become a reality this year or not. Some dreams are great to have whether they are achieved or not in my opinion. So, if you happen to see future posts on the CDT, you will know the reason why. It's on my mind! The next few months, I am going to be making the preparations involved to attempt a southbound CDT thruhike beginning sometime in mid to late June. I will have to decide whether the financial risk will be worth it probably sometime in April or May. If the financial risk is too great, I will continue to work and wait another year. There is a lot to do in the meantime...
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I trust at the appropriate time you will make a side trip to summit "BISON ASS HEAD!!!" Someone has to do it in our lifetime.
ReplyDeleteMichael, if this trip comes to fruition, it's going to be the confrontation of some major fears as a result from that trip, ie: getting lost. I'm still scared to death of that, and there will be a lot of map and compass usage.
ReplyDeleteI'd be more worried about the grizzlies!
ReplyDeleteNever even heard of the CDT trail until I was planning my drive out to KY. Then I noticed the CDT crossed I-40 in NM. At the time (summer), the trail was closed because of fire danger. If I don't get any better ideas, I might walk a few miles along that trail during my drive back to CA. Kinda close to ABQ, though, where I already plan to hike a different trail in Petroglyphs NM. We'll see.
Skyhiker, since their is no "like" button, I will simply say LIKE!
ReplyDeleteJohnny can recommend some good map and compass books. It might be worth seeing if there are any local clubs that do recreational map & compass navigation to gain experience. And remember that what got us out of our predicament was a good topo map.
ReplyDeleteMichael, yes that is true, glad you brought that map. I was so furious that my internal compass was so completely wrong. I'm pretty confident in my map reading skills, (Thanks St. Johns for an early education in that department!) I have a book that I've read several times that Johnny gave me for Christmas one year that is helpful. I'm looking into buying a GPS for this hike as well and a class would not be a bad idea.
ReplyDeleteGPS is a good addition because they give coordinates AND altitude. In heavy tree cover, the altitude (and coordinates) aren't that accurate, but out in the open, coupled with a topo map, it sure can reduce the uncertainty over where you are.
ReplyDeleteI've pretty much settled on hiking a bit in El Malpais National Monument in NM on my drive home (weather-permitting, of course). The CDT cuts through there.
I avoided that area on my drive out here because I'd visited El Malpais before. But it's been sixteen years or more since that trip, and long before the advent of digital cameras. ;D Probably won't be taking a very long hike, but, still, it'll somewhere different than KY or CA.