Passages Coalition Volume 15, Spring 2019

connecting the community that supports the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Executive Director's Letter In This Issue A warm happy spring to you from all of us here at CDTC. This spring has had me reflecting a lot lately on how far we have come in just 7 years! Trail Administrator's Update CDTC Staff This sentiment was truly brought home at our most recent CDTC Board 5 Teresa Martinez meeting in March. The meeting marked the first time the CDTC Board of Executive Director Directors no longer included any CDTC founding members. This shift in our Board reflects the continuing evolution of CDTC as an organization Morgan Anderson Trail Tidbits Field Programs Manager striving to remain relevant and fresh — both in its leadership and in its 6 vision of the future of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Lauren Murray Development Program Manager Today’s Board includes four new officers and two new board members Amy Van der Kamp at-large, who each bring their own unique expertise to CDTC. I left the Connecting Local Finance Manager Board meeting feeling inspired and energized by the deep committment 8 Communities to the CDT Gabriel Etengoff of our Board Members to the CDT, best articulated by new board member Field Programs Coordinator Kathleen Lynch — that we all feel a connection to the Trail on “a molecular Amanda Wheelock level.” We discussed the current condition of CDTC and we looked forward Outdoors for All Policy & Communications Coordinator to the next strategic planning effort. We pondered how to continue to 10 Slide Kelly build a community that will always stand up and speak out for the Trail, GIS & Mapping Specialist and set our sights on continuing to innovate, particularly in regards to championing inclusivity in our Rachel Brown work. And most importantly: we asked ourselves how to lead the way toward a bright future for not just Gateway Community Membership Services & Trail the CDT but for CDTC. 14 Spotlight: Grand Lake, CO Information Manager Andrea Kurth This spring, we've been working on a few new developments, including recent signing of a special use Marketing, Communications, and Community Outreach Specialist permit with the State of New Mexico Lands Office, which allows CDTC to sell New Mexico State Lands Border to Backyard Recreation permits. We at CDTC decided that in order to continue to be good neighbors to the citizens 18 CDTC Board of New Mexico, we would find a way to make the permit process easy and accessible for CDT visitors. Barney Mann, President We're excited that this process will serve as the foundation for an exciting and successful new partnership Greg Pierce, Vice President with the State. 24 Volunteer Opportunities Don Owen, Secretary Also new this year, we're overhauling our data collection process and welcoming a data volunteer to our Dean Myerson, Treasurer team. If you're on the CDT this summer, you may see them collecting data on the Trail. The data they Tom Phillips collect will help CDTC and our federal land management agencies better manage the Trail. The data will Jo Pegrum Hazelett also improve our ability to maintain up-to-date information for use in resources like the Atlas Guides Ask Wizard Arthur Foley CDT app. 26 Nick Martinez Kathleen Lynch And finally, I am so excited that we have Amy McCormick finally sent the CDT brochure, two and The Terminus a half years in the making, to print! This 41 Josh Shusko, Past President informational brochure is chock-full with great CDT information, and will soon be Cover Photo by Levi Royals, CDTC Adopter available and free to the public.

As always, thanks for helping us make The Continental Divide Trail Coalition's mission is to complete, promote and CDTC what it is today and for inspiring us protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. CDTC is a 501(c)(3) to do this work. We hope that like us, you nonprofit organization, and donatiions to CDTC are tax-deductible to the fullest feel committed to the CDT on a "molecular extent allowed by law. Visit our website at www.continentaldividetrail.org. level” too! Continental Divide Trail Passagesis published three times a year for the members The CDTC Board of Directors pictured here with of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. Membership begins at $5 per year. Executive Director Teresa Martinez at the Spring Members are encouraged to submit story ideas and photographs for inclusion Teresa Martinez Board meeting in March 2019. Executive Director in Passages to the editor at [email protected] 3   2 CONTINENTAL DIVIDE Trail Administrator's Update The best thing about spring is that it means field season is almost here! TRAIL COALITION This spring, Taylor Willow, the CDT Resource Assistant, and I have several field visits planned to CDT sites to meet with managers, partners and volunteers along the Trail. At the end of April, we’ll be in New Mexico to visit the southern terminus and attend the CDTC Trail Days in Silver City. CELEBRATING THE DIVIDE In late June, we’ll spend a week in Montana visiting CDT segments on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, and we'll likely travel to Wyoming THAT UNITES US. and various parts of during July, August and September. This field season, we'll also be busy meeting with our CDT partners and finishing up some much-needed projects. The Rocky Mountain Region will be hosting our annual CDT Federal Interagency Leadership Council meeting on April 29th. This is our annual check-in call with Forest Service (FS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and National Park Service (NPS) leadership along the trail to share accomplishments and talk about CDT program priorities and opportunities. Teresa Martinez will join us to provide an overview of CDTC’s programs and all of the work they’re doing to help complete, promote, and protect the trail. I will also attend the annual Interagency Trail Administrators' meeting in Shepherdstown, WV, in early May. These annual meetings provide an opportunity for all 29 National Scenic and Historic Trail Administrators across the FS, BLM and NPS to network and harness our collective expertise to address challenges and promote improved management of the entire .

The Forest Service’s public information about the CDT has recently improved, thanks to the rollout of our new website! This website highlights the history, culture, wildlife, landscapes, and tribal legacies that together make up the unique character of the Continental Divide, and provides information about how the CDT is managed by the Forest Service in partnership with other federal agencies and with assistance from non- profit organizations such as the CDTC. Still in development is anESRI Story Map that will take a deeper dive into the history of the Trail and the Divide by recognizing ancestral tribal lands, sharing stories of tribes’ relationship with the Divide, and using the Trail as a way to uncover our nation’s history through its landscapes. Taylor and Slide Kelly, CDTC’s GIS Program Specialist, will be jointly presenting this Story Map and the CDTC’s Taylor with the CDT State of the Trail document at the National Outdoor Recreation Conference Blaze in the USFS in May. Together they will show how maps and spatial information can be Regional Office. used both to educate the public and to inform land management decisions SUPPORT THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL Photo courtesy of along the CDT. BY BECOMING A CDTC MEMBER TODAY. Taylor Willow. Photo: Thomas Gathman It remains a privilege to work with CDTC and all of our partners in building a strong, diverse, and dedicated community that will support the CDT, connect people to the outdoors, First 50 members to contribute $250+ get a free pair of Leki Trekking Poles. and protect the Trail for generations to come. Here’s to another beautiful summer on the CDT!

First 70 members to contribute $100+ get a free Six Moon Designs Triple Crown shirt.

First 100 members to contribute $50+ get a free BUFF® Multifunctional Headwear. Brenda Yankoviak ALL members who give $250+ will get a 1-year subscription to Magazine. Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Administrator 5   4 710 10TH ST UNIT 200 Offer ends 4/30/2019. U.S. Forest Service GOLDEN CO 80401 (303) 996-2759 BECOME A CDTC MEMBER AT continentaldividetrail.org/donate Trail Tidbits Celebrating the Next 40 Years Six New CDTC Volunteers Are About to Hit the Trail In 2018, we looked back at the first 40 years of the This year, we'll have four CDTC Trail Ambassadors sharing CDTC's mission with trail-goers: thru-hikers CDT. This year, we're looking forward to the next Amiththan "Swami Bittergoat" Sebarajah, Kate Bobal, and JeanMarie "Pooter Scooter" Gossard, and 40 with a trail-wide celebration called Faces of thru-rider Jodie Morton. These four will be sharing their journeys through writing and photography via the Continental Divide: Sharing Stories, Connecting CDTC's social media channels and sharing the message of CDTC's mission with people they meet. Communities. From the start of Latino Conservation Week on July 13, until National Public Lands Day We're also partnering with Atlas Guides to welcome CDTC's first Data Fellow, Dahn Pratt, to the team. on September 28, we'll share the stories of people On his hike, Dahn will be collecting crucial new data to improve CDT navigational resources. We'll be who live near and recreate on the Continental sharing his process of creating data on trail, as well as writing and photos from his journey. Divide. We're inviting our partners, gateway communities, and individuals like you to get out And finally, CDTC is excited to introduce our first Artist-in-Residence, Marisa Jane Green, this year! As on the CDT, and we hope to highlight stories of the CDTC’s AIR, Marisa intends to center and respect the indigenous land she travels while activating YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK the Continental Divide that haven't been shared the trail environment as a deep source of multimedia materials. While hiking, she will collect photos, film, CDTC staff at a volunteer project in 2018. before. We hope to see your face on the Trail this movement, and sound to shape into dynamic stories and share through an interactive exhibition. Photo by Bill Hopkins summer to celebrate the next 40 years of the CDT! 4 1,726 new full-time positions at current CDTC in 2018 CDTC Members

From left to right, meet CDTC's 2019 on-Trail volunteers: Amiththan Sebarajah, Kate Bobal, JeanMarie $63,000+ Gossard, Jodie Morton, Dahn Pratt, and Marisa Jane Green. donated by members during CDTC's biggest holiday giving drive ever. THANK YOU! CDTC's Hiking Kick-Off in NM Join us for the fifth annual CDTC Trail Days Celebration in Silver City, New Mexico, from April 26-28. We're looking forward to a few exciting additions this year, including a panel of experts discussing ecology, culture, and politics in the borderlands; camping at Gough Park for thru- hikers; a pancake breakfast; a community lunch hosted by the Silver City Gateway Community Ambassadors; tons of games and prizes from our SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO sponsors; and the New Mexico premiere of the Hikers visit Silver City's visitor center. 5Point Adventure Film Festival. Photo by Whitney LaRuffa. “Stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada across the backbone of the Rockies, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) is more than just a long walk. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated land managers and non profits like the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, it everything less matters™ has become the poster child for how humans can respect their time From the weight of your pack to the scale of your endeavors, looking through the lens of less is how you get to more. More efficiency, comfort, and energy because you’ve carefully streamlined your kit down to lightweight, trekking in nature.” multi-purpose essentials. More opportunities to learn and hone your outdoor skillset by relishing the short From Elevation Outdoors, Best of the Rockies 2019 little trips the same way you do the big ones. Every ounce and gram, every time outside – it all counts. 7-  6 CONNECTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO THE by Andrea Kurth

LAST year, CDTC began a new community outreach program in New Mexico with the intention of increasing access to the CDT for members of trail-side communities. We recruited eight Gateway Community Ambassadors in four New Mexico Communities: Silver City, Chama, Grants, and Cuba. We tasked them with exploring the CDT around their town in order to become local experts of the Trail and introduce their neighbors and friends to the recreational opportunities that the CDT provides.

Since the launch of the Gateway Ambassador program a year ago, Gateway Community Ambassadors have gotten out on the CDT and invited individuals in their communities to come along.

Grants, NM, Ambassadors Kendra and Michael Brown, in partnership with Cibola Trail Alliance, led about 35 participants on a snowshoe hike near Tsoodzil (Mount Taylor) in January.

Claudia Reynoso, a Gateway Community Ambassador and eighth grade science teacher in Chama, NM, shared the CDT with one of her students and his family on a Gateway Ambassadors in Grants, hike in February. Claudia says she decided to become NM, led a snowshoe hike in January. a Gateway Ambassador to increase exposure of her Photo courtesy of Kendra Brown. students to the outdoors.

"I believe in the healing power of exposing yourself to nature and the elements," said Reynoso. "I am a huge advocate of outdoor education and believe everyone should be outdoors learning about the importance of our natural resources."

At CDTC Trail Days this month, Silver City Gateway Ambassadors will host a community picnic lunch as well as lead a hike in partnership with NM Wild.

This year, CDTC will work to expand this program trail-wide. Soon, we will be working to recruit Gateway Community Ambassadors in the 11 remaining Gateway Communities in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. We'll be looking for folks with a passion for sharing the outdoors with others, and will offer support in getting the training they need to feel comfortable leading groups outside. If you're interested in becoming a Gateway Community Ambassador, email us with your interest.

Andrea Kurth is CDTC's Marketing, Communications, and Community Outreach Specialist.

9   8 SHOP NOW AT WWW.AVENTURACLOTHING.COM businesses to their state while investing in local outdoor recreation infrastructure and promoting use and stewardship of public lands.

SB 462, however, isn’t just a carbon copy of legislation passed in other states. As New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who championed the creation of an Office of Outdoor Recreation as part of her campaign last fall, said about the bill, “I want to show the rest of the country that’s engaging in outdoor recreation: We can do it better.”

One way in which SB 462 sets New Mexico apart is in the creation of a groundbreaking Outdoor Equity Fund, the first such government-funded program in the country. The OEF will provide micro-grants to local governments, nonprofit organizations, and Native American communities to fund outdoor recreation and education programs that serve a population of at least 40% low-income youth.

Previous page: Red rock cliffs in the Carson National Forest, by Matt Berger. Left: New Mexicans attend a hike led by CDT Community Ambassadors near Grants, courtesy of Kendra Brown. Above: Hachita Peak in the Bootheel, Outdoors for All by Johnny Carr. How New Mexico's Outdoor Equity Fund will increase State Representative Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces), who co-authored the portion of SB access to the state's recreational opportunities. 462 creating the Outdoor Equity Fund, and State Lands Commissioner Stephanie Garcia by Amanda Wheelock Richard, wrote an op-ed for Outside Magazine about why the OEF is so important. “All of our state’s youth deserve an opportunity to take advantage of the outdoor recreation and education MY personal, non-CDTC-endorsed opinion? New Mexico is the most underrated state in the West. opportunities our state so bountifully offers. We believe that access to the outdoors is a human right… The Outdoor Equity Fund can help transform the youth of our state. We can create communities with Growing up on the East Coast, I heard about California sunshine and Colorado skiing, Montana’s Big Sky leaders who care about our climate, air, water, environment, wildlife, and natural resources. But first we and Arizona’s Big Ditch. But I never thought of New Mexico as a potential destination for my outdoor must get them outside.” adventures, even as I began working in outdoor education and traveling the country for new backpacking and paddling trips. It wasn’t until my job at CDTC put hundreds of photos of stunning red rock cliffs, CDTC joined with more than 50 organizations in urging Governor Lujan Grisham to fully support the forests of ocotillo blooms, lush river canyons and sublime sunsets in front of my eyes that I realized how creation of the OEF, and we look forward to working with New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps, CDT wrong I had been to overlook the Land of Enchantment. Gateway Communities in New Mexico, and other organizations in the state to help introduce the youth of New Mexico to the incredible deserts, canyons, and mountains traversed by the CDT in their state. Last month, New Mexico’s lawmakers took ambitious steps to showcase their state's endless outdoor opportunities by passing Senate Bill 462, which creates an Office of Outdoor Recreation as part of the As an organization founded to protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail – a public resource state’s Economic Development Department. Similar offices and task forces have been established in owned by each and every American – we are thrilled to work alongside a state that recognizes access to eleven other states, and serve to attract outdoor retailers, outfitters, and other outdoor recreation-based the outdoors as a human right, and is, like CDTC, championing equity in its breathtaking outdoor spaces.

Amanda Wheelock is CDTC's Policy & Communications Coordinator. She once double-ejected from her skis while standing still.  11  10 13   12 1868 featured Grand Lake, raving, "Imagine a great mirror... A mile wide and two miles long bordered all Gateway Community Spotlight: around with thick timber, and beyond that stupendous mountains, flecked with patches and great fields Grand Lake, CO of snow.” by Sarah Bransom The Town of Grand Lake has evolved into one of Colorado’s oldest and most popular tourist destinations. The streets are dotted with turn of the century storefronts and cabins, and the Kauffman Museum provides a wealth of information about the history, people and changes experienced within this picture- perfect mountain town.

From the heat of Southern New Mexico to the phenomenal mountains of Colorado and Montana, to the Great Basin of Wyoming, the Continental Divide Trail showcases the beauty of the American West; the section that runs AS it meanders along the spine of the wildly beautiful Rocky Mountains, the Continental Divide Trail through Grand Lake is no exception. traverses 750 miles of Colorado, winding through the homelands of indigenous mountain travelers, past mining boom towns and modern-day tourist destinations. As the Trail curves around the eastern shore of The CDT is "an entire Trail of memorable Shadow Mountain Lake, it passes through the Town of Grand Lake, hidden in the depths of triumphant experiences," said CDT thru-hiker peaks, before heading into Rocky Mountain National Park. Hannah Green. "It's hard to pick just one!" Top: Snowy peaks towering over Grand Lake, by Samantha Long before the first white settlers arrived to Grand lake, the largest natural body of water in Colorado, Bruegger. Bottom: Rachel "Wizard" Brown crosses the The portion of the Trail through Grand the region surrounding the lake was inhabited by Paleo-Indians and Native American cultures. The Grand Lake Bridge, by Mike Henrick. Arapaho Indians referred to Grand Lake as “Spirit Lake,” believing that a supernatural white buffalo lived Lake begins south of town, at the East below the surface of the lake. To this day, when white streams of fog emerge from the lake, residents and Shore Trailhead near Shadow Mountain visitors often remark about the white buffalo’s spirit being released into the sky. Lake. Beyond town, the Trail enters Rocky Mountain National Park at the North Inlet Trailhead, ½ mile north of town. A four block segment takes the CDT through the center of Town, along the main drag of In 1867, Joseph Westcott settled in Grand Lake and wrote his famous poem, "The Legend of Grand Lake." Grand Avenue, through an historic community that prides itself on its outstanding scenery, wildlife and By the end of the 19th century, Grand Lake was a bustling tourist town. The Rocky Mountain News in recreational opportunities, and plays host to numerous festivals and special events. 15   14 Acknowledging that public lands and recreation are of utmost importance to Grand Lake's magic, as well as its economic viability, the mayor signed a proclamation designating Grand Lake as a CDT Gateway Community in July of last year. Local officials invited Grand Lake business owners, volunteers, and everyday residents to join in welcoming all CDT users to their community.

With the new designation, the town began to showcase the recreational opportunities of the Trail to both locals and visitors. In September Representatives from the US Forest Service, the 2018, eight new sign posts were installed on the town of Grand Lake, CDTC, and the National segment of the trail that passes through Grand Park Service celebrated the town's CDT Gateway Lake, and the signature wooden boardwalks along Community designation. Grand Avenue began to sport branded CDT logos.

Nate Shull, Grand Lake's Town Planner, says that before the designation, few people, including locals, were aware that the CDT goes directly through downtown. By engaging business owners, local volunteers, and citizens in promoting the trail, he hopes that Grand Lake will procure statewide and national recognition as a town synonymous with the Divide and the trail that runs along it.

"Our vision is to see Grand Lake as the most welcoming and most resourceful community along the CDT for all trail users," said Shull. "This Town has great potential, and as a Gateway Community, we have a EXOS | EJA great chance to show others what amazing assets this Town already has."

Grand Lake plays host to a number of comforts and amenities for thru-hikers and other visitors. The Western Riviera offers lakeside lodging to visitors and gives discounts on lodging for CDTC members from May to June. As a business partner, the Riviera also supports the CDT through a yearly donation to CDTC.

Hikers often choose to stay at the Shadow Cliff Lodge, a big, wooden house perched on a cliff, with open Bridge crossings, sunsets communal spaces where guests can sit and read, and big dining tables for meeting other travelers or organizing gear. with colors so rich it drips from the sky, dinner with chipmunks. "The staff was very friendly and helpful; there was even one hiker who managed to get a job there after The little things. The Exos/Eja finding out he had a stress fracture," said Green. "Despite being busy, Grand Lake was a pretty pleasant features uncompromised durability experience," she said. in an ultralight package that defies belief. The only way to Some other lodging options in Grand Lake include Bighorn Lodge and Lupine Village, and Winding River discover wondrous moments is to Resort offers camping with showers, horse rentals and covered wagon lodging. get out there and find them. So grab your friends, pack your gear This year, the Town of Grand Lake and the Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce will begin a project and make it happen. to document the story of Grand Lake and the CDT as part of CDTC's Faces of the Continental Divide celebration. All summer, they'll be recording interviews with Grand Lake locals in an effort to showcase the relationship between the town and the Trail.

Sarah Bransom resides in Grand Lake and serves on the Continental Divide Trail Coalition's Trail and Lands Committee. She is a retired NPS program manager.

17   16 Border to Backyard Big Agnes Passes the Baton for Stewardship

by Katie Hughes

19   18 An emotional baton hand-off by the Big Agnes and Honey Stinger crew, photo by Matt Schultz. We broke the 740- mile stretch into IT turns out if you actively play outside in Colorado 24 sections and planned to start at the (camp, hike, bike, fish, or backpack) there’s a really NM/CO border on the morning of good chance you’ve done it on the Continental June 11th. It was a cool and sunny Divide Trail, or the CDT has helped you access the summer morning with five very excited terrain. Spanning the entire state from north to employees and their meticulously south, the Trail offers entry points into and around packed backpacks ready to tackle some of the most pristine backcountry areas that the first section of trail - a 75-mile Colorado is best known for – the reason most of us jaunt that would deliver them to Wolf came here or refuse to leave. Creek Pass seven days later. After a ceremonial blessing and send-off from The CDT and land it bisects is a playground and a member of the Jicarilla Apache tribe, testing area for Big Agnes (we’re a gear company Crossing the finish line at the WY border after our Border to Backyard Rally began! based in Steamboat Springs, CO). There’s no better finishing 740 miles of the CDT,by Erin McDaniel. way to develop and test product and no better way to walk the walk of an outdoor gear brand After absorbing the commitment to the adoption, than to immerse ourselves as much as possible into the crew at Big Agnes and our sister companies the trails, campgrounds, and amazing public lands BAP and Honey Stinger began thinking about how that surround us here in Northwest Colorado and impactful this trail is not only to our community of beyond. Steamboat, but way beyond that. We wanted to raise awareness of the trail, but how could we do that? During the summer of 2018, we got out as a team We could make t-shirts, throw another party, or to sleep in the dirt even more than usual. Here’s post about it on social media, sure. However, why: In 2017, Big Agnes adopted 75 miles of the we realized we needed a bold adventure that Continental Divide Trail near Steamboat Springs, would give the CDT personal meaning to all of us. CO, as part of our support of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. It’s the largest CDT trail adoption Nobody knows where the idea was born—whether by a business. As an adopter, we agreed to do our the idea was written down on an après bar napkin part to maintain the designated portion of the trail, by co-organizer and thru-hiking badass Kathleen mark the trail as needed, keep it free of trash, and Lynch or whether it was born on a sunrise tour be good stewards of the trail whenever we found of the ski area one morning. We do know that Clockwise, from above: Kody, Jessica, and Katie ourselves recreating on it. Which, because of the between January and June we mobilized more walk along the skyline of the Great Divide near trail's proximity to Steamboat Springs and our than 70 employees to sign up for sections of the , by Carl Zoch; Big Agnes and Honey corporate headquarters, is quite often. trail. The sections ranged from day hikes and bike Stinger staff celebrate at the top of Mount Elbert, rides to week-long high alpine treks through some by Devon Balet; Saddled up for horsepacking We’ll also work closely with the CDTC to get 15 of Colorado’s most wild and scenic mountains. through the Zirkel Wilderness, by Noah Wetzl. miles of the trail off paved CO Highways 14 and Our company (along with sister companies Honey 40 and onto dirt trail that would be safer and more Stinger and BAP) hiked, biked, and horsepacked Ten miles into what was sure to be the highlight of the summer, we got a call from our partners at pleasing to travel on. To celebrate our adoption, the our way from New Mexico to Wyoming in a relay- the US Forest Service: Due to a large wildfire, the was closed indefinitely CDT’s 40th Anniversary, and the 50th Anniversary style journey. It was hard. We’re just normal people and we needed to get our hikers off the trail as soon as possible. (Cue deflated balloon sound.) of the National Scenic Trails Act, we decided to after all, with families, jobs, bum knees, duct-taped Months of planning, meetings, scheduling, and excitement leading up to this kick-off day was literally hike the entire Colorado section of the trail this blisters, squeaky brakes, and a shit load of spirit, burning up right before us. That’s the thing about planning adventures in the wild; you can prepare as past summer in a relay-style journey. 740 miles, grit, and determination. From first-time, multi- much as you want. From shuttle cars and GPS systems to perfectly proportioned salami disks for each 146k vertical feet up and down along the spine night backpackers, bikepackers, and horsepackers lunch, you may have a plan, but Mother Nature has a mind of her own. She will derail your plans with of Colorado, topping out on Grays' 14,280-foot to veteran thru-hikers and adrenaline junkies, our drought, lightning storms, wildfires, and wind, and all you can do is react, re-route, and keep on trucking. summit – and we coined this adventure the “Border eclectic staff’s purpose was to raise awareness to Backyard Rally.” for the CDT, become baptized-by-trail advocates The closure lasted a few weeks, but by the time the forest was re-opened we had regrouped and bypassed of it, test new products in development, and the sections affected. The new beginning of our journey was a little further north on a 48-mile section You may be asking yourself two things: How did crush a goal set before us by our president, co- outside the boundaries of the forest closure. We made up the first two sections later in the summer and this idea come about and how did they pull it off? founder, and lead envelope pusher, Bill Gamber. were able to get most of the folks originally signed up for them out on the trail.

21   20 As for my on-trail CDT experience, I joined up with two of my Big Agnes colleagues, Jessica Barker and Kody Herman, to cover a 35-mile section just north of I-70 that took us over the top of 13er James Peak on our first morning. I was born and raised in Colorado, yet had never spent a night anywhere near the James Peak Wilderness. It is breathtaking.

After the James Peak summit we still had a long day of ridge walking Kody Herman and Carl Zoch admire the view above Iceberg as the trail took us on a high route Lakes in the James Peak Wilderness, by Katie Hughes. at what felt like the top of Colorado. To the east, we could see the front- range cities, to the south and west the enormous Gore and Front Ranges. High-alpine, turquoise lakes dotted the surface below towering cliffs as we made our way north toward Rocky Mountain National Park. As we descended from the high elevation on the second day, the thick forests of the brought welcomed shade, a few moose sightings, and the chance to get some tiny tiger trout on our lines.

Jessica, Kody, and I have varying levels of experience in the backcountry and we all work in different offices back at the Big Agnes office. The section we chose was not technical by any means, yet it was not easy. The sublime, high-alpine hiking had variable terrain and super-rocky walking that took a toll on our soft, weekend-warrior feet. Kody had quarter-sized blisters to nurse at camp after day one, and CBD oil was being applied liberally to hips and knees. We camped with another hiker we met on the trail the first day; he had been on trail most of the summer, yet his pack weighed half of what ours did. He had enough food in it to prepare and share a dinner appetizer with us. In our interactions with this hiker, we felt schooled in the art of multi-day backpacking, but we also felt a bond: the bond of being out just simply appreciating life on the trail, the rhythm of the routines and the walk, the stillness and the inspiration.

Walking into the Lake Granby campground on our final afternoon to meet up with the next group hiking on, we were dusty, sore, and ready to pass the baton. So how did it end?

On another sunny, albeit chillier day in September, 739 miles further north than where we started, we woke up in tents less than one mile from the WY border. As had been done every morning since we began the journey, water was boiled, oatmeal was stirred, bags were stuffed, and packs were zipped up for the last time.

It was bittersweet to finish knowing there wasn’t another team to hand the baton for their section of adventure. We joked about conquering the WY section next summer, but really, the accomplishment wasn’t just about physically making it all 740 miles. It was about taking ownership of the Trail and looking forward to what’s still to come for the future of the CDT. Through ongoing efforts like our Border to Backyard short film, premiering at film festivals and online this spring, we'll continue raising awareness for this rugged, beautiful, and historic trail, and we'll keep raising funding for improvements, maintenance, and protection. Our accomplishment isn’t measurable just yet.

Katie Hughes is a mountain mama to Ivy and a lover of all things outdoor recreation in Colorado - growing up in this state will do that to you. She tells stories and hikes trails for Big Agnes as a marketing manager. 23   22 Who Makes a Trail? by Gabriel Etengoff

LAST season, after completing a four-day volunteer project in Yellowstone National Park, I whiled away a few hours exploring the park. I weaved through throngs of summer tourists and found myself within earshot of a conversation between a young boy and his father.

“How are trails built?” the boy asked.

I couldn’t help but eavesdrop. As a trail builder, I was particularly interested in hearing the father’s answer, which surprised me. “The boy scouts built them,” he said.

The father wasn’t wrong—the boy scouts have worked on many trails. However, the majority of trail building and maintenance projects are completed by other groups. The dad's comment got me thinking A volunteer CDTC trail crew at Lewis and Clark Pass in about the disconnect between trail users and trail builders. Montana in 2018. Photo by Sean Jansen.

The outdoor recreation world is booming, but the trail construction If you’re interested in giving back to the CDT, meeting new friends, and spending time in nature, there's and maintenance world isn’t keeping pace. Many trail users aren’t still time to register for this season’s volunteer events and adopter trainings! familiar with the process of planning, building, or maintaining trails. CDTC Field Programs Coordinator Participating in trail building and maintenance can help bridge that CDTC Volunteer Projects Gabriel Etengoff in Yellowstone gap, and helps foster a stronger appreciation for trails. Visit CDTC's website to sign up for the following projects: National Park in 2018. Henderson Mine - Colorado Native Brew Crew Project July 26th – 28th Unfortunately, there are not many opportunities to learn trail Berthoud Pass - Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest August 3rd work. Due in part to a diminishing budget from Congress, the US Forest Service employs fewer trail Monarch Crest - San Isabel National Forest August 9th – 11th technicians than it did a generation ago. Furthermore, the National Park Service doesn’t normally take Lagunitas - Carson National Forest August 28th – September 2nd on inexperienced trail workers. This leaves few options for individuals wanting to learn trail work.

It’s common now for most young trailworkers to begin their careers in the Conservation Corps Network, Be sure to register soon as projects are filling up fast! learning from organizations like the Southwest Conservation Corps, Montana Conservation Corps, or the Conservation Corps of New Mexico. While the Conservation Corps programs are great at training CDTC Adopters new generations of land stewards, there are far fewer opportunities for people above the age of 35 (or In addition to our volunteer projects, CDTC also offers the opportunity for individuals tobecome those with full-time jobs) to learn the intricacies of trail work. independent stewards of the CDT through the CDTC Adopter program. This year, CDTC will host the following CDTC Adopter trainings: With Forest Service budgets and capacity shrinking, nonprofits and other volunteer trail organizations are stepping up to fill the gaps. Now more than ever, private individuals with a passion for independent Pagosa Springs, CO: May 18 Pinedale, WY: June 15 Lincoln, MT: June 22 stewardship are crucial to the protection and preservation of the CDT.

CDTC’s volunteer trail work programs offer an opportunity to learn trail work through building and The one-day CDTC Adopter training courses cover the basics of trail maintenance, independent maintaining segments of the CDT, along with the chance to meet others interested in the preservation stewardship, and reporting standards. Check out our CDTC Adopter Map to see if a segment near you and stewardship of the CDT. needs adopting,fill out an adopter interest form, and sign up for an adopter training on our website.

Because of CDTC’s limited capacity, we also depend on local partner organizations to make volunteer trail projects successful. Partners can help us to recruit volunteers, obtain information about trail conditions, Gabe Etengoff is CDTC's Field Programs Coordinator. When not leading volunteer trips or provide technical trail skills. This year, we’re adding multiple new partnerships including New Mexico along the Divide, he can be found hiking, taking his labrador retriever to the dog park, or Volunteers for the Outdoors, City Wild, and the Student Conservation Association. playing video games at his house in Denver. 25   24 ASK

Trail InformationWIZARD Specialist, professional dog- petter, and answerer of the CDTC phone Rachel "Wizard" Brown is here to answer your burning questions about all things CDT.

Dear Wizard, Dear Wizard, I’m planning to hike the CDT this year with my friend. I What are your best warming techniques? hiked the AT solo, and my friend and I have done a few @runawaymusbus via Instagram three- and four-day backpacking trips together. I want to make sure that we make it to Canada together, but Dear @runawaymusbus, I’ve heard horror stories from other hikers who had friendships destroyed by thru-hiking together. What My best warming technique is to try not to get cold should I do to prepare? in the first place! I am small and get cold easily, so Sincerely, staying warm is always one of my top priorities Solo No More when I head outside. Layers are the key here. In cool or cold weather, I layer down so that I’m sweating Dear Solo No More, the least amount possible while I’m moving-- that way, I’m less likely to get chilled when I stop. I have Hiking with a partner is very different from hiking a warm layer like a down jacket easily accessible to solo! To set yourselves up for success, you'll need wear when I take breaks. I always carry gloves or to change your mindset from "it's MY hike" to “it’s mittens and a hat, and if I know my feet will be wet, OUR hike.” The two of you will be sure to disagree I wear neoprene socks. Most importantly, I make sure that I have rain gear that keeps me dry! In case at some point on the trail, and you’ll have to figure I end up so cold that I can’t warm up, I make sure out how to compromise. that I have plenty of snacks, and if I’m backpacking I carry a stove so I can make a hot drink. If you have different hiking styles, or different preferences for when you get up, how far you Dear Hikers, hike before taking a break, how long you spend eating lunch, and when and where you camp, it's Hiking season is upon us! Be sure to follow us on important to talk things through. You may have twitter @CDNST1 for trail updates. We tweet about to try out a few different options until you find fire restrictions, trail closures, and other important something that works for both of you. Some hiking info. You can also get updates on our website. partners spend all their time together, while other duos find that more alone time works better. As Got a question that needs answering or need long as you communicate with each other, you’ll a new Pokemon Go friend? Email Wizard at find the style that works best for you. [email protected]

27   26 Review: Old Lady on the Trail: Triple Crown at 76 by Rachel Brown

www.toaksoutdoor.com MARY Davison starts the story of her Triple Crown achievement at the end: she finished the Continental Divide Trail, and thus the final leg of her Triple Crown, in Glacier National Park in 2017, amidst wildfires, and with two grizzly bear sightings. Mary, whose trail name is “Medicare Pastor,” took her first trip on a long-distance trail when she Lightweight was 60 years old. She hiked the Wonderland Trail, and after her trip, World-Class Quality TOAKS Outdoor Inc. Environmentally Friendly Production 4023 Camino Ranchero, Unit E knew that she’d been bitten by the long-distance hiking bug. Camarillo, CA 93012 WELCOME TO TOAKS USA Email: [email protected] Over 14 years, Davison section hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Tel: (805)300-7685 Trail, and Continental Divide Trail (as well as the Camino de Santiago, TITANIUM parts of the , and others!). At first, she spent only a week to ten days each on the AT and the PCT, planning her trips Bail Handle Pot 750ml Wood Burning Stove Wine Flask 150ml POT-750-BH STV-11 FLASK-150 as vacation time from her job as a pastor. After she retired, she was Titanium Titanium Titanium 4.9oz/133g 7.9oz/225g 1.55oz/44g able to tackle larger chunks of the two trails, up to 400 miles at a time, 25.4oz/750ml 4¹⁄8”x4¹⁄8”/105x105mm 5.28oz/150ml until she finished the AT and PCT. 4,700 miles of hiking wasn’t enough for Davison, so she began section-hiking the Continental Divide Trail. FIND OUT MORE AT DEUTER.COM

TiTong V-shaped Tent Peg Spork SLV-15 PEG-10 SLV-01 +Nylon Connector Titanium Alloy Titanium Old Lady on the Trail is both a typical hiker memoir and an atypical +Titanium Spoon 0.6oz/17g 0.6oz/17g one. Like most books written by hikers about hiking, the book falls into +Titanium Fork 6¹⁄2”/165mm 6³⁄8”/168mm a rhythm of describing each day on the trail. On a long-distance trip, the days have the same pattern: wake up, break camp, walk, take breaks to rest and eat and filter water, choose a campsite, go to sleep. Sometimes you see wildlife, sometimes you dodge lightning or get snowed on, sometimes you hitch to PACIFIC CREST TRAIL town to resupply. Many thru-hiking memoirs can be a bit monotonous at times, but Davison avoids this; CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL the joy she experiences each day on trail is readily apparent in her descriptions of the terrain, scenery, APPALACHIAN TRAIL and flora and fauna. The narrative also benefits from the challenges Davison faced, both as a section hiker and as an older hiker. The day-to-day narration is broken up with sections about Davison’s training over the winters and descriptions of the logistics she had to plan in order to hike the trails section-by- section. Davison not only had to arrange travel, but frequently had water and food cached for her, to keep her pack at a manageable weight. Over the course of her Triple Crown section hike, Davison had multiple surgeries, including a knee replacement, and had to buy lighter gear to make hiking easier on her body.

Davison celebrates her age, preferring to embrace the term “old lady” as a fact, rather than as a put-down. She provides sage advice to other hikers, saying that you will “walk differently” as you age. You don’t need to stop hiking, just change your style! Davison embraced every day on trail, enjoying every moment. As she said, “Nothing was certain. But then, nothing is Davidson finished her Triple Crown certain whether one goes hiking or stays at home. It journey in Glacier in 2017, under hazy skies was more fun to go hiking.” due to wildfires. Photo by Matt Berger.

Rachel Brown is the CDTC Trail Information Specialist and an avid reader. No, really, she A portion of sales from each BUFF® Multifunctional Headwear reads literally hundreds of books every year. It's very impressive. Triple Crown Series sold, goes to help protect, preserve,  29 28 and promote the Triple Crown National Scenic Trails. BUFFUSA.COM CDTC Supporters

Members are the core of our organization and its efforts to protect the Continental Divide Trail. By being Greg Pierce Mal Sillars Michael Tam a member, you support the protection of the CDT and our work to build a broad-based community of Brad Pierson James Sippel Olli Tam people who love and support the Trail. Thank you for your continued support! Bill & Debra Pollick Dave & Sandy Slowey Avelino Tamayo Bruce Prior Chris Smith Don Thompson Miguel Quinones Morgan Sommerville Kathy Trotter John Rowland Steve Staley Daniel Weber Erin Saver Philip Storey Gary Werner & Melanie Lord Carlos Schomaker Rebecca Sudduth & Daniel Scott Williams Kerry Shakarjian Weber Bernard Wolf Steven Sheppard Robert Sylvester Mike Wollmer Charter Members Josh & Lisa Shusko George Szeremeta Bill Youmans

CDTC Charter Members helped build the base of support necessary to help launch CDTC's efforts in 2012. CDTC owes an incredible debt of gratitude to these important supporters. CDT Explorers Rex Alford & Alice Pierson Allen Filson Dick Kozoll Gene Allen Mark Flagler Robert Kristoferitsch Vince Auriemma Arthur & Denise Foley Whitney LaRuffa Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club Dana Foulks David Lattier Mark Bankey Sara Glasgow Kevin Linebarger Chris & Sanne Bagby Paul Griffith Rebecca Louden - Louden Family Mike Bates Lawton Grinter & Felicia Foundation CDT Explorers support CDTC with donations of $100 or more. We wish to thank the individuals below Susan Bates Hermosilla Reese Lukei for the generous donations they made between December 2018 and March 2019. Lyndon Berry Tambi Gustafson Paul Magnanti Jim Boeck & Vivian Wilson Jim Hansman Lydia Mahan $100-$499 Jeff Buffo Ralph Engelberger Jerry & Helga Bell Frank & Jean Anne Haranzo Barney & Sandy Mann Lia Allen Chris Burke Audrey Ewin Scott Bischke & Katie Gibson James Harrold Bryan & Sally Martin Richard Allen Alan Carpenter Thomas Ewing Paul Breed Tim Hart Alex Martinez & Family Amy Aloe Nancy Cliff Laurie Fink Bob Brewer Jack Haskel Nicolas Martinez Robert Anderson Daniel & Ilene Cohen George Finn, Jr. Jerry Brown Deb Hayes Teresa Martinez Judy & Rick Babcock Martin Cox Ray Fitch Chris Burke Josephine Hazelett Chris McMaster - ULA Susanne & Chris Bagby William Dahnke Jim Fowler Kevin Burns Jesse Hill Equipment WIlliam Barns Shannon Daileader Jones E.M. Geouge Jeremy Burton James Hlavaty Gary Monk BearVault Thomas Danner Jonathan Grief Clare Cain Olivia Holmes Janie & Randy Moore Kris Beasley Susan Davey Mark & Erica Hammer Elisabeth Chaplin Thomas Holz Peter Necarsulmer David & Janet Bebell Zach Davis Leah Harman Paul Corbeil Nancy Huber Jean Neely Jerry & Helga Bell Mary Davison James Harrison Carolyn Crump Peter Karnowski John & Lisa Nelson Dan & Pat Benton Kevin Deiters Robert & Irene Henrick Mike Dawson 2013 FB CDT Hikers/Lisa Karst Jim O’Brien Ronald Bloomfield Michael DiLorenzo William Henzel David Dolton Matthew Kaufmann Pat O’Donnell James Bolt Allen Dugan Richard Hill John Dufour Karen Keller Shane O’Donnell Pam Bond Patricia Duletsky Patricia Hill Bob & Shell Ellinwood Copper Kettlle Brewing Stephen Olson Jackie Bouker Frank Dumville Miles Hinton Dianne Evans Christine & Brad Klafehn Richard Ostheimer Catherine Bradley Travis Dunbar James Hlavaty Brian Fahlstrom Duane Koss Don & Amy Owen Ryan Bridger Michael Elliott Matthew Holcomb 31   30 CDTC Supporters

$100-$499 (continued) Alexander Moon Bill Wernsing Nancy Huber Carol Morales Brad Whitney Vernon Jarboe Bernard Morenz James York Scott Jurek Dave Morrison Joseph Younger Kim Kanas Brian Mortakis Jeanie Youngwerth Anitra Kass Kevin Myers Ray Klahne Dean Myerson $500-$999 Patricia Klass James O'Brien Clancy Clark Paul Krummen Sara O'Keefe Arthur & Denise Foley Nita Larronde Timothy O'Rourke Elizabeth Glass Bill & Joanna Lasher Rick Ostheimer Joe Keeton Tom Lefferts Sally Palmer Paul & Antje Newhagen Duncan Legg Ronald Parry Don & Amy Owen Cynthia Leon Melissa Prager George & Lisa Piering Jason Levins Elizabeth Quill Charles Sweeney Kevin Linebarger Steven Reneau Pat O'Meara & Lynne Uhring Robert Liseno Craig Rice Robin Llewellyn David Riter $1,000-$9,999 Gus Lott Deborah Robertson Cheryl & Darryl Annett Rebecca Louden Thomas & Margaret Robinson Charles Mann Roberto Martinez Chris Schultz Janie & Randy Moore Ilene Matejko Joan Schumacher Greg Pierce William McCalister Zach Shacter Lois & Tom McEvoy Jessica & Kandler Smith Kate McGuinness Nat Stoddard $10,000+ Timothy McGuire Stephen Thompson Mitchell H. Lasky & Cecilia M. John McLarty Robert Walker Barajas Susie McNeely Wendy Watson Daniel Collins Terri Monahan Jason Weber

CDT Sustainers We are big fans of parks. Huge fans, actually. They make CDT Sustainers help us protect the Trail all year long by giving monthly donations. Join them by signing up on our website for as little as $5 per month! us healthier, happier, and more fulfilled. Parks for All is our Andine & Richard Gilmore Don Dearborn Rose Napier way of saying thank you and giving something back to the Rob Flynn Dan McLean Elizabeth Beall Sara Edwards Rich Blitz & Melinda Bise James Crawford green (and desert) spaces we all love. Mark Mitford Lauren Murray Devon Herndon Jim Boeck & Vivian Wilson Teresa Martinez Paul Wemyss Proud supporter of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. Greg Osilka Kathleen Lynch Cecilia Fiske David Fockler James Boatwright Heather Stabler Alexander Asai Bryan Martin Adrian Harrison Steven Meyer Tom Phillips Aubrey Renfroe Erik Schultz Gerald Nielsen Connie Mahan Sara Bishop

33   32 CDTC Supporters

CDTC is also supported by businesses and corporations who provide monetary and in-kind donations to These generous companies have partnered with the CDTC to help us support the CDT. For more information on how your company or business may collaborate with CDTC, complete, promote and protect the CDT. We wish to thank the following please contact Development Plan Manager Lauren Murray at [email protected]. Thank companies for supporting CDTC from December 2018 - March 2019. you to the following businesses for supporting CDTC as members and corporate sponsors in 2019. Trailblazer ($25,000+)

Business Partners

Explorer ($5,000-$24,999) Corporate Partners Scout Pathfinder Explorer Adventure Medical Kits Altra Backpacker Magazine CleverHiker Atlas Guides Brooks Fourpoints Bar Aventura Colorado Native Gear Junkie Backpacker's Pantry Deuter Gregory Mountain Products Buff ENO Nite Ize Darn Tough Hydro Flask Point6 Gear Aid Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pathfinder ($1,500-$4,999) Ruffwear Gossamer Gear Leki RxBar Granite Gear Osprey Vargo Montbell Six Moon Designs Triple Crown Coffee PrimaLoft Vasque Sawyer Toaks Outdoors Trailblazer Vapur Big Agnes Wyoming Tourism REI Yeti

Business Members Bode's Mercantile Pinon Real Estate Twin Lakes General Store City of Rawlins Print Project Managers UGQ Outdoors Joshua Tree Skin Care RaceNM Vital Outdoors High Lonesome 100 Soulcraft Brewery Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging Laws Whiskey House Ten Mile Creek Brewery & Events Scout ($500-$1,499) Mountain Toad Brewery The Trek YarCom Inc.

We would like to extend a special thank you to ENO for supporting our 2018 year-end fundraising campaign. ENO's donations from their CDT Hammocks helped raise over $38,000 for CDTC, making 2018 our best  35 34 year-end fundraising campaign yet! 3,000 Milers 3,000 Milers

This list contains the names of all who have reported the completion of a thru hike along the CDT Shelley “Frito” Nuckols in 2018. The CDTC does not verify these accounts, but wishes to celebrate the accomplishment of a Tess “Sandy Cheeks” O’Brien completed journey along the length of the Continental Divide. Timothy “Minutes” O’Connell Grzegorz “Orange” Oziminski 2018 Gabe “Mousetrap” Genovese Stefan “Kodachrome” Kohler Neil “Ripple” Pacey Christine “Anchor” Aebersold Allison “Knock on Wood” Tyler “The Prodigy” Lau Michael “Kickstand” Papadatos Hadas Alon Ghaman Anthony “Cruise” Manello Shane Peltonen Heather “Anish” Anderson Andreas “FlowerMan” Gorges Paul “Walkie-Talkie” Mann Anthony “Old Scout” Pera Brandon B Will “scampie” Graham Greg “Koolaid” Mauger Karen “Infinity” Peterson Nolan “MANBEARPIG” Ball John “Turtle” Grosenbeck Curt “Ranger” McDonald Pete “Team” Peterson Carl “Bud” Blair-Broeker Kerrie “Willow” Grosenbeck Robert “Johnny Walker” Eric “Famous” Poulin Liz “Fret” Blair-Broeker Peter “WindWalker” Guzman McElwee Clif “Honeybuns” Reeder Nick “Top Nach” Cornell Paul “Piñata” Hammond Olive “Raindance” McGloin Jason “Steel” Repko Gazing toward the Wind Sarah “Pony Whisperer” Michael “Hip” Handwerker Megan “Sourstraws” McGowan Art “TwoBadDogs” Rohr River Range on the CDT. Danutono-Brown Adrian Harrison Hammond Jeffrey “Sauerdough” Sauer Photo by @mikepapadatos. Brian “Bueller” Deames Floriane “SMEAGOL” Herbillon Lara “TR” McLellan Handwerker Tanya “Clouds” Savage Benjamin DeMarco John “LongJohn” Hoffman Jessica “DIXIE” Mills Sven “The Candy Man” Schouver Jocelyn “Patches” Songer Agnieszka “Zebra” Dziadek Susan “Cashmere” Hornbuckle DJ “Jean Valjean” Moritz Slade “Music” Scott Wesley “Megaman” Tils Jay “Hopeful” Eury Clara “Redfeather” Hughes Daniel “Chopsticks” Munsell The excitement of Brendan “BeeDub” Selby Lynn “TwoBadDogs” Udick Laurent “Nemo” Fabre JaeHong “Gallant” Hwang Dave “Barefoot” Murray reaching the last state Shaun “NTN” Sexton Zach “Hurculeas” VanderPlate Gry “Lightfoot” Folge Joshua “Duffle Miner” Jack Sophie “Liminal” Nethercut of a SOBO hike. Photo by Eric “Delayed Gratification” Mike “Thumper” Winkle Karl “Speed” Ford Darrell “Chimp” Johnson Paul “Beyonce” Nuckols @hiker_handwerker. Shaw

The sun setting over the Rio Chama in NM. Photo by @douglashurdle. 37   36 DARN TOUGH VERMONT: A PROUD PARTNER The Terminus OF THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL COALITION IT was a sunny day a little over midway through Colorado on our Northbound trek of the CDT that I decided I really hated this trail. The New Mexico roadwalks, cows, and lack of water had given way to some sketchy, snowy terrain in Southern Colorado. While the stretch conjoining the felt like smooth sailing, eventually the CDT and CT parted ways and the CDT returned to its underloved self - eroding, exposed, hard to follow, sometimes scary and usually steep, with unrelenting winds. It felt that each day, my husband and I were somehow moving slower than the day before.

I knew I was supposed to “embrace the brutality” but this was starting to feel ridiculous. Back in New Mexico, it was typical for us to hike 10 miles by 10 am. On this day, we delayed McGowan looking over the peaks of lunch as long as we could stand, trying to make our planned Colorado on the CDT in 2018. Photo mileage, before finally giving up at 2 pm at the base of a climb courtesy of Megan McGowan. we thought we’d be over hours earlier. I checked our mileage, dismayed to discover we’d only made 11 miles. By the end of the day, we’d find ourselves on an exposed ridge with darkness falling, far short of our goal, with no apparent places THE 1466 HIKER to camp and running low on water.

I didn’t want to be here anymore. I’m not a quitter, and I knew I wasn’t R E F I L L I T . F O L D I T . going to quit, but that day, I really wanted to. Eventually, we found a F R E E Z E I T . small, tucked away depression on the ridge, with a little snow pile which we gathered from and melted to cook dinner before collapsing from The Anti-Bottle exhaustion. Looking back over our journey to the Triple Crown, I think we’d both name this day as our lowest point mentally. It took about three days to hike out of the funk and down below 12,000 feet for good. Each day after that got a little better than the day before.

Before we knew it, it was Fourth of July and we were in Steamboat Springs, Megan and Paul at the getting the best trail magic of the trail - an impromptu barbecue hosted Northern Terminus of the by a local, including showers, laundry, and libations! And less than two CDT. Photo courtesy of weeks after the day we struggled to hike 11 miles by 2 pm, we managed Megan McGowan. to meet one of our ultimate goals for the trail: hiking 100 miles in 3 days. If you were to ask me today which of the triple crown trails was my favorite, my answer would come without hesitation: the CDT. Maybe it's because of those low days in Colorado. Maybe hiking the CDT gave me a deeper understanding of what I’m capable of. All I know is, after Colorado, road walks never bothered me again. Steep exposed ridges never bothered me again. High winds never bothered me again. Thru-hiking any trail will teach you that you’re stronger than you think; the CDT taught me I’m even stronger than THAT. I actually want to do more hiking in Colorado. And I hated that place.

Megan "Sourstraws" McGowan hiked the Continental Divide Trail with her husband Paul "Piñata" Hammond in 2018, after they hiked the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails CHOOSE TO REUSE together in 2016 and 2017. They live in Tucson, Arizona, where they hike as much as possible. Read more at hikinghammonds.com. 39   38 Continental Divide Trail Coalition 710 10th Street, Suite 200 Golden, CO 80401 (303) 996-2759 email: [email protected] www.continentaldividetrail.org

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