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

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.

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 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

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

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

I made several mistakes in my first Grizzly Bear encounter, but learned several lessons and gained a healthy respect for these animals.

I slowed and tilted my head slightly to the side, catching my breath momentarily as I listened to the low roar ahead of me. Late… Read More »Water Crossing in the Winds | Average Hiker

I watched my feet as they wove through rough brush and gravel, bowing my head to the midday sun. Worn two-track disappeared beneath my footsteps as… Read More »Continental Divide Trail – Wyoming Mustangs | Average Hiker