Continental Divide Trail 2009 – Zuni-Acoma | Average Hiker
The section from Pie Town to Grants was primarily long road walks, interspersed with a crazy cow and distance wild fires.
A Leg Bone Start
This was my first day on the CDT in 2009 as I headed NOBO. I am much more patient now than I was back then.
Creede Colorado | Average Hiker
I enjoyed my days in Pagosa Springs, but was ready to return to the trail. Snow made the mountains impassable, so I headed for Creede Colorado.
Banded Peak Ranch – CDT 2009 | Average Hiker
Banded Peak Ranch was the end of what ended up being a very long few days in the San Juans. Although beautiful, that section left me tired and battered.
Saved by the Elk! – CDT 2009 | Average Hiker
The San Juan Mountains would not let me leave without providing a little blood, but the Elk would provide the way out.
Blue Lake – CDT 2009 | Average Hiker
I remember the Blue Lake day as a very good day. Everything felt so wild and raw that day.
San Juan Mountains – CDT 2009 | Average Hiker
Ice Cube Kinda Cold Last night in the San Juan Mountains was frigid, but I only got cold 11 times. Seriously, I’m not sure I… Read More »San Juan Mountains – CDT 2009 | Average Hiker
Chama, New Mexico – CDT 2009 | Average Hiker
Chama, New Mexico was a great trail town.
Spring in my Step – CDT 2009 | Average Hiker
I was only about 2 days from Cumbres Pass, and pretty excited about reaching Colorado.
Ghost Ranch – CDT 2009 | Average Hiker
Ghost Ranch, fellow hikers, and crazy cows, made for a good and crazy couple of days.
San Pedro Boneyard – CDT 2009 | Average Hiker
The morning after the thunderstorms was quiet. Quiet is good, but not in the middle of the forest surrounded by weird little skeletons…
Better Days in Cuba – CDT – Average Hiker
Cuba, NM was a town stop that I enjoyed. Not all of the towns were memorable, but this first town where I took some down time, well, I still remember it…
Cuba New Mexico – CDT | Average Hiker
The hike into Cuba NM was tough. If hiking the CDT again, I would definitely wear pants or high gators in New Mexico.
Badlands – Continental Divide Trail – 2009| Average Hiker
I felt fortunate to see the grey wolf as I traveled across the mesa. It really was a magnificent animal.
Mount Taylor – CDT 2009 | Average Hiker
Mount Taylor was a highlight of New Mexico for me, and I was looking forward to climbing the dormant volcano.
Continental Divide Trail 2009 – Grants NM | Average Hiker
The section from Pie Town to Grants was primarily long road walks, interspersed with a crazy cow and distance wild fires.
Reunion – Continental Divide Trail | Average Hiker
Hiker reunions were always welcome in town. Hikers that had met one time greeted each other the second time like long lost friends.
Pie Town – Continental Divide Trail 2009 | Average Hiker
Pie Town was a well known stop along the Continental Divide Trail. After several days on trail just the thought of PIE was enough to quicken most hiker’s steps.
Ella’s Diner | Continental Divide Trail – Average Hiker
Continental Divide Trail – May 11th, 2009 Ella’s Diner Where I now live, in the northeast, we would have called Ella’s a diner. I pushed… Read More »Ella’s Diner | Continental Divide Trail – Average Hiker
Reserve, NM | Continental Divide Trail – Average Hiker
Continental Divide Trail – May 10th, 2009 Once again, nature reminded me of my place last night. My Poison Ivy drove me CRAZY! I am… Read More »Reserve, NM | Continental Divide Trail – Average Hiker
Water Sources | Continental Divide Trail – Average Hiker
Continental Divide Trail – May 9th, 2009 Tanking Up on Water I tanked up on water before leaving Snow Lake yesterday, carrying about five liters. … Read More »Water Sources | Continental Divide Trail – Average Hiker
Golden Vistas | Continental Divide Trail – Average Hiker
Continental Divide Trail – May 8th, 2009 Leaving Snow Lake I was up early this morning, excited about the prospect of real toilets and running… Read More »Golden Vistas | Continental Divide Trail – Average Hiker
Gila River Hiking! | Continental Divide Trail – Average Hiker
Continental Divide Trail – May 7th, 2009 Gila River Hiking I had a good time camping with the guys last night, and was up early… Read More »Gila River Hiking! | Continental Divide Trail – Average Hiker
Middle Gila River | Average Hiker
Continental Divide Trail – May 6th, 2009 Today, I would be hiking on the Middle Gila River, and after the Lower Gila River, I wanted… Read More »Middle Gila River | Average Hiker
Doc Campbell’s
Continental Divide Trail – May 5th, 2009 Doc Campbell’s for Breakfast I was packed up and hiking by 6:15AM, having slept fitfully since there was… Read More »Doc Campbell’s
Gila River Hiking | Average Hiker
Continental Divide Trail – May 4th, 2009 “Stop, just stop,” I yelled at the hollering turkeys. I was surrounded by what sounded like 3 or… Read More »Gila River Hiking | Average Hiker
Trail Finding on the CDT
Continental Divide Trail May 3rd, 2009 Today was a tough day. The hiking included a mix of old ATV tread, bush whacking, and some actual… Read More »Trail Finding on the CDT
Silver City | Average Hiker
Continental Divide Trail – May 2nd, 2009 This morning was inspiring. Five miles from route 90, I came across an actual, groomed TRAIL! It was… Read More »Silver City | Average Hiker
Solo Hiking Again | Average Hiker
Continental Divide Trail – May 1st, 2009 I looked across the table and caught Mr. K’s eye. “I’m heading out alone this morning,” I said.… Read More »Solo Hiking Again | Average Hiker
Town Chores & New Hikers
Continental Divide Trail – April 30th, 2009 We had arrived in town around lunch time, so I had time to get some chores done. I… Read More »Town Chores & New Hikers
Heading Back to Town Again | Average Hiker
Continental Divide Trail – April 30, 2009 Everyone was in a staggered line behind me. I saw white sun hats weaving in and out of… Read More »Heading Back to Town Again | Average Hiker
There is Speed and there is Town Speed | Average Hiker
This was probably the first time, I realized this trail was different.
Lordsburg Cowgirl on the CDT | Average Hiker
She shifted the end of the gun away from me, as she looked me up and down, frowning slightly. I dropped my pack, to close the top, and her frown deepened as she appeared to become more irritated.
Whistling Windy Zombies | Average Hiker
The wind whistled through the tall, withered grass around me as I battled with the corner of the tarp being ripped from my hands. “Crap!” I yelped in pain… Read More »Whistling Windy Zombies | Average Hiker
Their Journey | Average Hiker
His eyes widened, and he took a step back. I glanced around quickly. Did he have company? Was he alone? Damn – Jason had warned me about the “Hachita Drug Runners,” so I had been moving cautiously through the old ruins, and still not seen him.
Desert Death | Average Hiker
My feet felt as if they were wrapped in sandpaper as I hobbled around packing up my gear. I had woken up early and spent… Read More »Desert Death | Average Hiker
I Should Have Worn Pants | Average Hiker
I heard the rustling and started moving, adrenaline surging through my stiff muscles. Cushioned by balls of loose clothing on the rocky ground was hardly… Read More »I Should Have Worn Pants | Average Hiker
Sam Hughes Shuttled me to the CDT Near Hachita, NM | Average Hiker
My pack was wrapped in a plastic bag, and I quickly spotted it moving towards me on the carousel. Fortunately, the airline supplied the bags.… Read More »Sam Hughes Shuttled me to the CDT Near Hachita, NM | Average Hiker
First Day on the Continental Divide Trail | Average Hiker
I slid down in my seat in the waiting area and saw her slowly moving down the center aisle between the rows of seats, head… Read More »First Day on the Continental Divide Trail | Average Hiker
Grizzly Bear Encounter Near Yellowstone | Average Hiker
I made several mistakes in my first Grizzly Bear encounter, but learned several lessons and gained a healthy respect for these animals.