Letters from the Trail CDTC Accomplishments an Interview with Jester

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition Publication Connecting the community that supports the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

Volume 3, November 2013 Letter from the President CDTC Board We created this organization because more pro-actively with our federal of Directors we believed it was necessary for the land management partners to craft a Bryan Martin CDT to have a national advocate and more consistent vision for the CDT’s President steward. We believed there needed management. We will reach out to to be a coordinator across all five new funders to educate them about CDT states to support trail projects, our work and earn their support. And Josh Shusko Vice President signage, planning, and mapping. we will put more resources out for the And we believed there needed to be public to access, use, and enjoy the an organization to promote the trail, trail. Kerry Shakarjian keep people informed of the trail’s Secretary condition, and activate the people who With your support we have been able care about the trail to see it protected to take off. But we don’t want to stop Teresa Martinez in the manner a National Scenic Trail there. We want to continue to build Treasurer/Managing Director warrants. We believed in all of these on the momentum in 2013 and take things but did anybody else? the organization to another level. Don Owen We will continue to count on your CDTC Board Member As I look back on our first official enthusiasm for the trail – share our year in operation I am staggered and story, encourage your friends to join us The CDTC is a 501 (c) (3) not amazed at our accomplishments and by on the trail for a project, or come out for profit organization the outpouring of support for the CDT. to an event. And we hope that we can Thank you to everyone who follows continue to earn your financial support Dana Foulks us on Facebook and Twitter, who has by advancing projects and initiatives Passages design and layout volunteered on a project this year, that benefit the trail and the trail who has shared our story wit h friends experience. Cover image: Wind River Range by Eric Herbst and family, and who has supported us financially! The enthusiasm for the CDT and for our work has been awe inspiring. It has affirmed our faith in what we believed when we sketched out our plans for a new nonprofit a little over 18 months ago – that the CDT needed a champion. As we move from a start-up phase to a growth phase in our organizational life cycle our mission remains the same – to create a community Inside Passages: committed to construct, promote, and protect in perpetuity the CDT. “I Hike” Excerpt In 2014, we will be reaching out to more communities, involving them in Trailwork Satisfaction planning processes, volunteer projects, and trail celebrations. We will engage Letters from the Trail CDTC Accomplishments An Interview with Jester

Bryan enjoying his favorite winter past time along the divide in Colorado!

2 Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a.k.a. The CDT

The basics: What the Trail includes: History: Location: United States • 25 National Forests Founded by: Benton MacKaye and • 21 Wilderness Areas members of the Rocky Mountain Length: About 3,100 miles Trail Association and the Colorado • 8 Bureau of Land Management Northern Terminus: Canadian Mountain Club originally developed the Border, Glacier National Park resource areas concept of the CDT. Jim Wolf and the • 3 National Parks Continental Divide Trail Society built Southern Terminus: Mexican Border, • 1 National Monument upon their work and helped ensure the Big Hatchets Wilderness Conservation CDT was included in the 1978 National Area • Best place/time to start: Trails System Act. – Northbound: March or April Highest Point: Gray’s Peak, Colorado The first thru hike: David Maceyka at 14,270 feet from Mexico/New Mexico and a small group documented the first Border Lowest Point: Waterton Lake, in hike of the CDT in the 1930’s. – Southbound: June from the Glacier National Park at 4,200 feet Original Name: The Blue Can Trail. Montana/Canada border States it Travels through: Montana, Named for the founders who first Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New • Both directions have challenges walked the Trail, marking their path Mexico related to weather and terrain. with blue cans nailed to trees. What’s the Trail for: Hiking, • Most people who travel Northbound Year Proposed to Congress: 1966 end up “flip flopping” along the way horseback riding, cross country Year it was designated: 1978 skiing, hunting, sight seeing, wildlife to find best travel conditions, while watching, contemplation, solitude and most South bounders have the best Sources: Continental Divide Trail community. chance of a continuous thru hike. Coalition, United States Forest Service. Permits: There isn’t a broad permit for Fun facts: the entire CDT, but there are separate Protection: The CDT was designated ones for Glacier National Park, as a National Scenic Trail in 1978 by Yellowstone National Park and Rocky the Congressional oversight Committee Mountain National Park. of the National Trails System. Here kitty, kitty: Mountain lions, Thru Hikers: In 2013 we estimate grizzly bears, elk, rattlesnakes, Moose, 250 people will attempt an end to end wolves, javelinas - name it and you will continuous thru hike of the CDT each probably see it along the CDT. year. The average time to complete it is Challenges and Risks: Lightning, six months, averaging 17 miles per day. moving water, avalanche, hypothermia, Stand Alone: The CDT is the highest heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and most remote of the National Giardiasis, altitude, snow and sun Scenic Trails. It is also the longest of blindness, wildlife and human error can the Triple Crown Trails that include the all play into the chances of a successful Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. “thru-hike” along the Trail. Longest Roadless Section: Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado Trail marker. Photo by Paul “Mags” Magnanti

3 Excerpt from “I Hike” by Lawton Grinter 4 mosquitoes, wildfires, bears, mountain the buff hoping for any type of breeze Of Mice and Men lions, porcupines, skunks (yes skunks), to waft through and cool me down, tarantulas, scorpions, a surplus of I could hear the sound of fireworks There comes a point on every long hike poisonous snakes, deer flies, horseflies, going off in the distance. For hours where the will to continue no longer black flies, yellow jackets, hornets, the bang and pop of great Fourth of exists. Sometimes these moments are giardia, cryptosporidia, Montezuma’s July celebrations rang in my ears. I fleeting. Sometimes they last weeks revenge, Lyme disease, Rocky had visions of cheery people standing and are enough to send you looking Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, around barbecues, stuffing their faces for the nearest Greyhound station. Colorado tick fever, ehrliciosis, West with smoked pork, coleslaw and potato When things get bad, and typically it’s Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis, chips while drinking from kegs of ice- a mental bad in addition to a physical plague, hantavirus, staph infections, cold beer. They were high fiving their bad, you can convince yourself that any chafing, blisters, boils, poison ivy, buddies and oohing and aahing over other possible endeavor in the world poison oak, poison sumac, allergies, the roman candles and bottle rockets would be better than continuing your loneliness, home sickness and a broken making their way skyward. And they hike. Things like going back to a job heart to name a few. Any one of these would retire in a few hours to cool and you hated, going back to a significant misfortunes usually is surmountable. comfortable air-conditioned homes, other you left, taking that underwater The problem comes when you get completely oblivious to the heat and basket weaving course you had multiple hardships occurring at the bugs that had taken over the great previously considered pointless or any same time for weeks on end. They outdoors where I resided. host of other aspirations that weren’t slowly chip away at you until you break. even on your radar a week ago now I could do nothing but lay there and seem urgent. On the Appalachian Trail in listen to the high pitched whine of 1999, I had hiked from Georgia to half a million mosquitoes that would Connecticut... some 1,500 miles do anything to grow fingers with and almost 3/4 of the trail’s length opposable thumbs to unzip my tent and mentally I was done. It had been door and come in to dine. Why incredibly hot for multiple weeks - was I out here? What was I doing? mid-90’s everyday and humidity so Any remnant of the excitement and thick you could swim through it, like anticipation that I had that fateful hiking through molasses. Thick, sticky, day back in March when I set off syrupy molasses. The mosquitoes were from Springer Mountain to walk the relentless and attempted to drain my Appalachian Trail to Maine was gone. blood whenever I stopped moving and I was well behind my self-imposed stood still for more than a half second. schedule by some two weeks and had This went on for weeks. I was lonely been skipping town stops to try and too. I missed my girlfriend more than catch up. I was trampled and beaten I can tell you and was wondering why both physically and mentally. I was anyone in their right minds would ready to quit. voluntarily choose to be out here right now trudging up and down hillsides, The next morning I gathered my gear, swatting mosquitoes and deer flies in packed as quickly as possible while 96 degree heat? swatting mosquitoes, and literally ran out of Pine Swamp. By the time On July 4th, I camped by myself at I reached Highway 44, I knew that I Pine Swamp Branch Lean-to, a three- needed to do whatever I had to do to There is much in the way of adversity sided shelter in a lowly spot surrounded get off the trail. I needed a few days off on a 2,000+ mile hike, some real and by marshy vegetation somewhere in to evaluate my decision to quit. I ran some perceived. There’s heat, cold, western Connecticut. The nighttime into a few AT Ridgerunners in Salisbury rain, snow, humidity, ants, flies, gnats, temp got down to 73. As I lay in my who agreed to give me a ride to the tent as still as possible completely in town of Kent. Once in Kent I called my

4 friend “Dogman” who was also thru- Most hikers experience some type About the Author hiking the AT that summer. His parents of low point like this while hiking for Lawton Grinter is an author, lived near Kent and he had been taking months on end. It’s almost inevitable. hiking the AT that summer. His parents wonder what I had made such a fuss documentarythru-hike from Canadafilmmaker, to Mexico. forester and some time off to recoup at their house. It’s not always butterflies and rainbows. veteran long-distance hiker having Within 30 livedminutes near heKent picked and he me had up been in takingQuite about. the contrary. My friend “Buck- Oddly enough, I would find myself at a some time off to recoup at their house. completedbreaking point end-to-end almost a year hikes later of at the the front of theWithin local 30outfitters minutes and he picked whisked me up 30,”in aMost seasoned hikers experience long-distance some hiker, type Appalachiansame exact spot. Trail, Continental Divide of low point like this while hiking for me back tofront his house.of the local I was outfitters filthy dirtyand whisked developed a rating system during his Trail and two hikes of the Pacific and smelledme like back a cattleto his house.pen. I was filthy dirtyCDT monthsthru-hike on inend. 2005... It’s almost a misery inevitable. and smelled like a cattle pen. indexIt’s of notsorts. always He butterfliesconcluded and simply rainbows. We pulled up in his driveway and I Quite the contrary. My friend “Buck- We pulled up in his driveway and I that there30,” awere seasoned six specific long-distance things hiker, that immediately noticed the sparkling really pissed him off on the CDT: clear swimmingimmediately pool innoticed his backyard. the sparkling developed a rating system during his clear swimming pool in his backyard. CDT thru-hike in 2005... a misery Without hesitationWithout hesitation I shut the I shutdoor the to door to 1. Bugsindex of sorts. He concluded simply his car, walked over to the pool and his car, walked over to the pool and 2. Nothat Existing there wereTrail six specific things that jumped in withjumped all in my with clothes all my on.clothes The on. The really pissed him off on the CDT: cold pool watercold pool was water possibly was possiblythe most the most 3. Hot1. SunBugs refreshing thingrefreshing I had thing ever I had experienced ever experienced in my entirein life.my entireI spent life. the I spent next the three next three4. No2. Water/Cow No Existing TrailShit Water hours in thehours pool in just the poolsitting just there sitting there soaking my body and chlorinating my5. Allergies3. Hot Sun soaking my body and chlorinating my vile hiker garb. I devoted the better part 4. No Water/Cow Shit Water vile hiker garb.of the I nextdevoted two days the tobetter Dogman’s part pool.6. Very Steep Trail of the next two days to Dogman’s pool. 5. Allergies It literally changed everything. The heatHe told me that any of these by It literally changedwave broke everything. and I got back The on heat the trail a themselves6. Very or Steep paired Trail with one other About the Author wave brokefew and days I got later back right on where the Itrail had aleft off Crest Trail. In addition to the “Big 3” was no big deal. Basically these things Lawton Grinter is an author, few days laterand righthiked whereto Maine. I had left off He told me that any of these by he has also hiked the John Muir Trail were themselvesmore or less or pairedto be withexpected one other while documentary filmmaker, forester and and hiked toIn theMaine. end I didn’t need to quit the and Colorado Trail in his 10,000+ hikingwas in nothe big summer. deal. Basically Three these of them things veteran longdistance hiker having AT. I simply wanted to because I was miles of long-distance hiking since at oncewere meant more thingsor less towere be expected getting while completed end-to-end hikes of the In the end physicallyI didn’t need worn to out quit by the heat and 1999. He filmed, edited and produced hiking in the summer. Three of them Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide AT. I simplymosquitoes wanted to and because had beaten I was myself uptough, four is rough, five really pissed at once meant things were getting theTrail trail and documentarytwo hikes of the entitled Pacific “The physically wornmentally out about by the being heat behind and schedulehim off and six made him cry. And if tough, four is rough, five really pissed Walkumentary”Crest Trail. In addition which to thecovered “Big 3” his (schedules are for the workaday worldyou’re curious about the “Cow Shit mosquitoes and had beaten myself up him off and six made him cry. And if 2006he has southboundalso hiked the ContinentalJohn Muir Trail Divide and it was ridiculous that I had brought mentally about being behind schedule Water,”you’re well curious that’s aboutexactly the what “Cow he’s Shit and Colorado Trail in his 10,000+ this taskmaster mentality onto the Trail hike. He currently lives in Denver, (schedules are for the workaday world talkingWater,” about: well water that’s sources exactly whatfouled he’s miles of long-distance hiking since trail in the first place). I had convinced Colorado with his wife and fellow long- and it was ridiculous that I had brought and pollutedtalking about: by cattle water herds sources dumping fouled 1999. He filmed, edited and produced myself that I could no longer go on. All distance hiker Felicia Hermosillo. I Hike directlyand into polluted them. by Sometimes cattle herds dumpingthat was the trail documentary entitled “The this taskmasterI really mentality needed was onto a bit the of time off... is his first book. directly into them. Sometimes that was Walkumentary” which covered his trail in the infirst a pool...place). out I hadof the convinced heat and the the only water available for miles on the only water available for miles on 2006 southbound Continental Divide myself thatbugs. I could I needed no longer some gotime on. away All from end. Bottoms up! end. Bottoms up! Trail hike. He currently lives in Denver, I really neededthe madness was a bit to ofregain time my off... perspective Colorado with his wife and fellow The day he came up with this index, in a pool...on out why of Ithe was heat out there.and theMy two days The day he came up with this index, long-distance hiker Felicia Hermosillo he was at the tail end of Montana on bugs. I neededat Dogman’s some time did exactlyaway fromthat and when he was at the tail end of Montana on and their dog Gimpy. I Hike is his first the CDT during a 2005 southbound the madnessI hit to the regain trail again,my perspective I couldn’t help but the CDT during a 2005 southbound book. thru-hike from Canada to Mexico. on why I was out there. My two days Oddly enough, I would find myself at a at Dogman’s did exactly that and when breaking point almost a year later at the I hit the trail again, I couldn’t help but same exact spot. wonder what I had made such a fuss about. To read the rest of this chapter and all of the chapters in I Hike, please go to www.ihikethebook.com to order your copy today!

5 The Joy and Satisfaction of Trail Work by David Dolton I have been volunteering for trail building one. Unknown to the hiker a trench or ditch system is that they projects on the CDT since 2006. While is what lies beneath the surface and back up and get clogged easily. Gravel some folks work on multiple projects what it took to get it there. In a number works like a screen filter would. Usually, each year, I do just one and urge others of spots, rocks had to be carried or there should be at least one foot of to consider one themselves. The CDTA moved from the surrounding area to fill slope in the trench for every 100 feet coordinated projects through 2011 a depression or cross a ravine, crushed of horizontal catchment (which means then, here in Colorado, Volunteers (broken into small pieces), then covered it gets deeper, the closer to the end it for Outdoor Colorado took over. CDT with mineral soil. It would be beneficial gets). It keeps the surface water flowing projects in all 4 states the trail traverses if all hikers would participate on a crew. without the other stuff that comes can be found on the CDTC web site. Although building a new trail requires along with it in really heavy rain. The more effort than trail maintenance, it bigger the rocks, the faster the water Working on a project is a great way gave me a higher level of satisfaction to meet people with similar interests will flow. From: www.rain-barrel.net/ because no one had ever hiked there french-drain.html in the outdoors, hiking, and camping. before. It is a one-of-a-kind experience! And, the food is always great! One However, no matter what the project, As a historical note, Henry French's son of the most interesting aspects of the one can get a great deal of satisfaction was Daniel Chester French, a sculptor work is learning about trail building. in working to improve the trail for best known for sculpting Abraham Each year, there has been something hundreds or thousands of hikers. Lincoln for the Lincoln Memorial. new to do. One can find projects that are 2-3 days or a week long in duration. On my first project, one of the tasks About the Author In recent years, I've been involved in was to build a French Drain. Since a multi-year effort to reroute about 4 few people know the derivation of the David is a retired U.S. Fish and miles of the Continental Divide Trail off name, I have included it here for your Wildlife Service wildlife biologist who a heavily-used gravel road onto about educational enjoyment! worked with webless migratory game a 5 mile stretch in the forested area birds, primary mourning doves, and above the road from the Sheep Gulch A French drain is basically a trench administered a research program Trailhead to the Lake Ann Trail. It will filled with gravel (small stones or broken on these species. He is a Boy Scout provide a much more esthetic hike and pieces of large ones). The trench is leader and a volunteer with Colorado a safer one. This trail is also part of the meant to keep the water runoff from Parks and Wildlife, leading and helping Collegiate West section of the Colorado a sloping piece of land rerouted in a with youth big game hunts. When not Trail. productive manner. It was invented by volunteering on the CDT, you can find the farmer/judge Henry French who David hunting, hiking, photography, I learned that one cannot truly lived in Concord, Massachusetts and and woodworking. appreciate the work involved in creating first came into the public eye in 1859 a trail unless one has worked on a trail when Mr. French first published a book crew to build or rehabilitate one. Once on farm drainage [French, Henry F. a trail is completed, it doesn’t look like 1859. Farm Drainage. New York: A.O. it required that much work. A step is Moore & Co.]. From: www.concordma. one of those things that most folks com/magazine/janfeb00/frenchdrains. don't realize the work that went into html The fact that the French drain needs little to no upkeep makes the French drain stand out from all the others. Most drains suffer from the same problem, over and over. French’s design David working on the CDT along Hunchback Pass, CO. was developed around the idea of a common ditch/trench or gutter/pipe system of drainage that had already previously existed. The problem with

French Drain

6 BEFORE AFTER

Photos provided by David Dolton

For more information on CDTC Membership Programs please visit: www.continentaldividetrail.org/get-involved/join/

Photo by Meg “Little Bug” McAlonis 7 Letters from the Trail

Panorama of the San Juans From Meg “Little Bug” McAlonis take a higher route through the Park and compass when Aaron (my hiking on the Highline Trail, but I'm glad we partner/boyfriend) and I lose 'the trail', People often ask me when I'm going didn't attempt it, as someone trying to but we're still 2 of the very few hikers to start writing books about my travels, backpack on it the same time we were without a GPS unit to guide them and I always tell them it won't be until there slid down to their death! :( But along. I like the feeling of being closer I break a leg... but lucky for you, all it beyond the dangers that help make this to the land and using my head to find takes for me to write an update on my such a fabulous adventure, Northern my place on the map and the direction CDT hike is a sprained ankle! Montana was absolutely gorgeous, I need to go. But I must say the most I began my hike amazing country to walk through! confusing times are seeing all the nice southbound cow and elk/game trails crisscrossing Once I got a little farther south, the along the and traversing the mountainsides - jagged mountain peaks turned into Continental often times looking much nicer than more hikable rolling ridgeline terrain, Divide at the the actual CDT! where I could walk right on the Canadian border Continental Divide itself, with endless Which leads me to the wildlife - oh the in Glacier views of mountain ranges and valleys, wildlife!!! There is so much opportunity National Park, rivers and ranchland, and amazing to watch animals out here! I see white- Montana, on sunrises and sunsets from my camp tail deer, red-tailed hawks and other June 19th. The mountains throughout spots! But every rose has it's thorn, raptors, chipmunks, ground squirrels, Glacier, and the Bob Marshall and the thorn of being on the ridgeline and tons of song birds on a daily basis. Wilderness below it, are rugged and is lack of water, so it makes for a little I see at least a few, if not herds, of elk rocky, making it much too difficult to extra hiking a couple times a day to sometimes daily but at least weekly. walk on the actual Divide, so the trails drop down to a spring, but I always I've crossed paths with a few moose, a keep you lower in the valleys, traversing found the beauty worth it to stay high! huge black bear (amber brown in color), the mountain sides, and crisscrossing some big horn sheep and mountain the actual Divide over steep mountain I learned quickly that this isn't your goats in the higher mountains, and passes. There was still quite a bit of typical long-distance hiking trail like have followed lots of grizzly, wolf, and snow left in the mountains - nothing the AT or PCT... I call it more of a mountain lion tracks... and I'm not even like what I experienced in the Sierras of Continental Divide Trail System or halfway through this hike yet!! the Pacific Crest Trail in 2011 - but just Route, containing a connection of as dangerous, with it melting fast and many different trails, giving the hiker I have completed the entire Montana creating steep slushy slopes. I watched a chance to make multiple choices on and Idaho section of the Divide, 2 fellow hikers need to self-arrest on 2 a daily basis of what they want to see and am now in Wyoming, south of separate occasions ("Self-arrest" = while or do. There are signs along the way Yellowstone National Park, about trying to walk across a steep snowy for much of it, sometimes on hiking 920 some miles from Canada, and slope covering the trail, a foot slips trails (the Forest Service has been somewhere less than 2000 miles from and you begin to slide uncontrollably putting in some nice new trail tread Mexico. down to the rocks below - sometimes throughout Montana for the CDT!), hundreds of feet below - and you need sometimes along old logging road beds, This trail is so remote and wild, that to regain control by flipping on your ATV trails, or on Forest Service roads, resupplies have been very interesting! belly side and stabbing an ice ax or and sometimes there's just posts or For example, once we hit highway your hiking pole into the snow until cairns (rock piles) leading you across 26 the other day, we had to hitch it catches and you stop sliding!) Scary land without any kind of tread at all! 40 miles east to the nearest town of stuff! Northbounders hiking through It's really been interesting navigating Dubois, WY, and this town only has a Glacier later in the season are able to across the land with just topo maps population of 140 people! Many towns

8 in Southern Montana and Idaho were day for 3 days, to this town of Dubois, post some pictures on Facebook every the same - just one or 2 restaurants/ and after 2 or 3 days of rest, hope to few weeks or so if you're interested in cafes that would run out of food if too get back on the trail to enter the Wind seeing more... many people came in, one or 2 small River Range :) It's amazing what our motels with just a few rooms, and one bodies are capable of!! Otherwise, keep in touch, and hope little general store to buy food in! you've been enjoying your summer!! There's a lot of great people out hiking Up until a few days ago, my body has along the Divide this year. My guess is Meg (Little Bug) been feeling great! Aaron, and I have that there's about 40 of us going south, been averaging about 24-28 miles a and many more hiking north, probably Interesting Facts: day (not including days in and out of equaling about 200 people in all. It's • The difference between Black Bear towns to resupply on food). We even definitely a record number of CDT and Grizzly Bear tracks - you can did a 30-mile day to celebrate our 30th hikers this year, and has made for a always see a Grizzlies claws! day on the trail, taking advantage of the pretty nice community of friends along • Beaverhead County in Southeastern huge moon shining on a ridgeline! But the way that never really used to exist Montana is the same land size as as we were hiking through Yellowstone, on this more remote long-distance trail! the state of Connecticut, but only I took a step down off a boardwalk and In fact, Aaron and I have yet to go a has 9000 people! (Connecticut twisted my ankle...Yikes! (figures this single day without seeing other hikers has over 3.5 million!!) ...but they happened on a maintained trail!) At first (day, weekend or thru) or horse-back might have that many happy cows I was scared of how this might affect riders out enjoying the trails! roaming the land! my thru-hike, but with Aaron's amazing • The first couple of 2013 confidence in me, 800mg of Ibuprofen, I hope you enjoy looking at the pictures northbound hikers will be finishing and a good wrap job, I decided not to Aaron has been taking along the way! up their thru-hike in the next few backtrack 5 miles to the nearest road, Our internet access has been few and days! but to continue on my journey. Since far between, so you may not hear then I've walked about 70 miles on this from me again until I'm somewhere sprained ankle, hiking 20-24 miles a in Colorado, but we try and at least

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9 CDTC Accomplishments As of this year, the Continental Divide the New Mexico Volunteers for the the war” along the CDT and help us Trail will be 35 years in the making. . . Outdoors and Volunteers for Outdoor connect to the CDT Communities; and what an adventure it has been! Colorado; As part of our Warrior Hike Program, We can hardly believe that we’ve only Participated in public processes host a CDT Kick off and Shuttle at been here ONE year! to ensure the CDT Corridor is the CDT Southern Terminus to get Thanks to you, we have these adequately protected through CDT North Bound thru hikers safely successes in 2013 to share: countless agency project proposals to the southern Terminus to begin and energy developments along the their hikes; Two new miles of Trail complete in CDT between Mexico and Canada; the Carson National Forest of New Continue mapping the CDT and Mexico and signed over 100 miles of Continued providing Trail Data providing information on how to CDT in Colorado; to the public for free using both access and enjoy the Trail; our Interactive CDT Map and More than 100 volunteers have Assist the Forest Service, BLM most recently, release of the CDT participated in one our events, and National Park Service in the Google Earth Files available for free projects or efforts to help support planning, location and management download on our website; building and caring for the CDT— of the CDT; that’s an incredible 8,152 hours of Built countless relationships with Work with local communities and volunteer labor worth $179, 019 in individuals, groups, and local landowners to continue to protect volunteer service; communities to continue to support the last remaining critical segments the CDT and strengthen the reach CDTC signed and Memorandum of of the CDT and finalizing the private and power of the Trail Community. Understanding with the Headwaters land inventory of nonfederal lands Trail Alliance, and a Volunteer But now, we’re just getting started and blocking continuation of the Trail and Agreement with the Sulphur Ranger hope that you will continue to stand by developing a Plan to negotiate those District in our first cooperative us as we continue to move forward in parcels; partnership working together to support of the CDT. In 2014 here’s Continue to create greater awareness support Trail maintenance in Grand what we hope to achieve: and involvement for the CDT County, CO; Completed an two additional miles of amongst our Congressional leaders, Successfully launched and completed the CDT in New Mexico, installation Agency Partners and general public. our “Finding Our Way” Indiegogo of three informational Kiosks in the

crowd funding campaign and Weminuche Wilderness of Colorado This truly is a historic time for all of us. Although the 3,100 introduced thousands of people to and signing and maintaining over mile Continental Divide Trail is not the CDT through this effort; 200 miles of the CDT through complete, we can all be proud of what launching of our Trail Adopter Traveled to Washington, D.C. to we’ve accomplished in 2013, and the Program; participate in the Annual Partnership obstacles we’ve overcome to date. for the National Trails System’s Hosting a CDT Volunteer Imagine, thirty-five years ago few “Hike the Hill” to advocate with Stewardship Grand County Day with people even knew the Trail existed, our Congressional and Washington Headwaters Trail Alliance; overall Trail completion status was Office Agency Leaders on behalf unknown, and there wasn’t a strong Working with Silver City New of the CDT and its completion and CDT Movement to engage the public Mexico, launch our CDT Gateway continued federal funding; in support of the CDT. Today, thanks Community Program; to you, the CDT is 72% completed Launched a CDT Register Program Mobilizing more than 100 hard and more people than ever before to capture true numbers of Trail users working volunteers on 8 CDT have fallen in love with the CDT and out on the Trail; Sponsored volunteer projects; together we know we can keep the Provided Meals for volunteers CDT Movement alive and well! Partner with Warrior Hike (www. on projects in New Mexico and warriorhike.com) to support a team Colorado through partnerships with of combat veterans as they “walk off

10 An Interview with Jester 1. What inspired your first steps on relationship between weather and state work. At least a dozen. Plus a forest, the CDT? What inspired your last borders, Wyoming was indeed rainless. a hillside, a tree. Playing “It’s Your steps on the CDT? What kept you on So what now, science? House” was our way of breaking up the trail in between? the grind of 25 mile+ days in Montana, 3. You’re now a triple crowner, and I think initially the motivation for you’ve captured all three journeys on injecting a bit of levity into what was my first steps on the CDT was the film, what’s next? for us a lot of work, time-pressure, thought of another (and more difficult) and even stress. It was hard figuring challenge. The CDT has a reputation Well, I didn’t actually make a film of out how much of that to include in the as being tougher, more remote, and my Appalachian Trail hike, and I’ve film without overdoing it, because we requiring more back country skills than been told that trilogies are really the definitely overdid it in real life. thing in film -- “Wizards Of The PCT” other National Scenic Trails. I was at 6. How many times did you fall while the point in my hiking “career” that I has been described as “like Lord Of The Rings, but with dirtier feet.” So walking with a camera? How many felt up to that challenge. times did you fall with out it? maybe I need to hike that trail again, The last steps were tough, because they and I’m currently scheming of ways I For some reason people really enjoy ended up being an unplanned road might make it more of a challenge for watching me fall down on film. There walk due to snow, which wasn’t how myself, a different kind of hike than my are a couple of instances in the movie, I intended to finish my hike. But my previous AT thru hike. and one or two more I didn’t use in CDT hike was definitely a lesson for me the final version. The funny thing is about accepting the value of having my But the next thing for me is actually that people who see my movies think plans derailed -- and in the end, the end going along on my Mom’s hike -- she’s I’m clumsy, but in reality I pretty much was perfect. decided to become a long distance ONLY fall when I’m filming and walking hiker at the age of 68, and will hike -- because I’m watching the monitor What kept me on the trail between the Camino de Santiago next year. It’s and not using my Lekis. those steps? Definitely the camaraderie not my normal style of hiking, but she’s and support of the hikers around me, asked me to join her and I think we’ll 7. Where along the Trail would you but also the beauty and wildness of have an amazing time. most like to meet Oprah for your one the trail -- and the knowledge that the on one interview? things I get to see can only be accessed 4. Your movie captures the journey of a merry band of thru hikers as I’d like my never-going-to-happen by foot and with hard work, and that I they head toward Canada. There’s a Oprah interview to be at the spot that am lucky to have the opportunity to see lot of dancing, prancing, and general I got completely lost in the San Juans. and enjoy the places I get to hike. goofiness that ensues. In your opinion, It’s beautiful, it’s remote, and she’d be who was the best dancer of the group? 2. Was there one moment on the Trail completely out of breath so I’d get to that stands out as the moment when Without a doubt the best dancer in do most of the talking. Plus it would be you could have quit or kept going and the group on the CDT was Coyote. If the first time she’d give away free maps you decided to keep going? you’ve ever heard the phrase, “dance and compasses instead of cars. I’ve had an urge to quit a few times on like no one is watching” -- that’s ‘Yote. 8. You have a deep passion for the trails -- breaking my foot on the AT, But they all like to dance for some CDT? What does this Trail mean to completing California on the PCT and weird reason, even when the camera’s you and why did you want to share feeling a weird sense of depression, not running, even when there’s no your personal experience in the way but I never really had that moment on music, even when their feet hurt. I you did in Embrace the Brutality? the CDT. The amount of rain we had travel with a bunch of goofballs. I think the CDT in my mind means in Colorado did really start to grind 5. How many “houses” along the Trail freedom, beauty, and wildness in on us, but we assured ourselves that do you own? measures that can’t be found on Wyoming would be rainless and pushed other trails. I’ve never hiked under on. And while that requires one to have Well, most of my houses are apparently circumstances that were as challenging a very non-scientific attitude about the in Montana, and they all need a lot of Continued on next page

1111 but that offered rewards so far beyond actually be exhilarating and quite whatever challenges they think exist, what I put into the hike. I think that wonderful; and the moments when I and that overcoming those challenges comes through in Embrace The was sharing something special with my is incredibly rewarding. Brutality, not just for me but for all of friends -- a rainbow after a storm while 11. What words of encouragement the hikers involved in the production. bedding down in a culvert, lunch atop would you give to someone who after Knapsack Col, watching the sun set watching your movie decides- they are And my passion for the CDT is over a lake in Yellowstone. reflected in my passion for the CDTC -- going to hike the CDT? because I feel that what makes the CDT 10. ETB is unique in that between I would tell anyone who decides they special also creates massive challenges the music and the characters (albeit want to hike the CDT that there is for the organization. Its lack of real people) there’s a real authenticity nothing that can overcome your desire proximity to major population centers, to the experience, the viewer almost feels like they are part of the group if you truly want to hike the trail. Before its smaller volume of hikers, the and right there along with you as you you hike there are many aspects of the threats posed by future development make your way North. Do you hope to CDT that seem daunting, but those in a mostly undeveloped landscape, inspire more people to get out there, eventually become part of your daily and the philosophical problem of and experience this amazing Trail? routine. And what you will walk away building and improving the trail without I’ve described my films as “Anti- with from the experience will probably compromising what makes the trail Survivalist-Reality-TV.” Mainly because be far beyond your expectations. valuable and unique -- all of these are when I’ve watched those shows they big issues for a trail organization. And I make me feel like I should never venture suppose that I think that because there into the woods because they scare the About Jester are fewer of us -- lovers of the CDT -- crap out of me. My favorite emails Shane “Jester” O’Donnell is a Triple maybe we all need to take a bigger slice that I receive are from people who Crown Hiker and the producer/director of responsibility in caring for it than we tell me that the movies have inspired of the trail documentaries “Wizards Of do the other trails. The PCT” and “Embrace The Brutality: A them to get out -- not necessarily to Continental Divide Trail Adventure.” He is 9. If possible to pick just one, what do a thru-hike, although I get that too a contributor to the Yogi Guide Books and was the best moment for your along -- but to get outside and do something a Board Member of ALDHA-West, as well your CDT journey? they’ve been dreaming of doing. as an Ambassador for KEEN Footwear and It’s pretty much impossible to pick one The hikers in Embrace The Brutality a member of the Therm-A-Rest Dreamers are essentially normal people doing Program. When not editing film or writing best moment. But the best moments articles for the hiking humor blog “The were one of two types -- running up an extraordinary thing. And while the CDT has a reputation of being O’Mails,” he occasionally manages to against things I feared, like getting squeeze in some actual hiking. lost or seeing a grizzly up close, and incredibly difficult, I hope the film helps realizing that those moments could people realize that they CAN overcome

Shane “Jester” O’Donnell along the CDT

12 Thru Hiker List

2002 Michelle "Shell" Ellinwood Robert "Dr. Bob" Ellinwood Robert "Sly" Sylvester 2006 Shawn "Pepper" Forry Lawton "Disco" Grinter Felicia "Princess of Darkness" Hermosillo 2007 "Lint" Bunting 2008 Brian Miller 2009 Dylan Carlson 2010 Jacob "Don't Panic" Down Jack "Found" Haskel Philip "Nowhere Man" Hough Katie "Wing It" Howe Deb "Walking Carrot" Hunsicker Avelino "Makai" Tamayo 2011 Drew "Abear" Hebert Kevin "Fandango" Jacobs Brian "Gadget" Lewis Shane “Jester” O’Donnell Ben "Smooth" Newkirk 2012 Kaitlin "Jetpack" Allen Jerry Brown "Coyote" ULA is proud to be a business Elaine "Brazil Nut" Bissonno ULA is proud to be a Nancy "Why Not?!" Huber businesspartner partnerof the ofCDTC the Richard "Handlebar" Ostheimer CDTC 2013 Lightweight, durable and Meredith “Ninja” Altland comfortable backpacks Beau “Puck” Baker lightweight durable and sewn in the USA Eric “Balls” Gjonnes comfortable backpacks Reed “Sunshine” Gjonnes* www.ula-equipment.com Hans “NORM!” Praller sewn in the USA Erin “Wired” Saver www.ula-equipment.com

* Sunshine at the age of 13 is the youngest triple crowner on record

Disclaimer: This is by no means a complete list. This is simply the list of folks who have informed us that they have completed the CDNST and have received a CDT Completion certificate from CDTC.

1313 Charter Members Barney and Sandy Mann Donors Business Partners Bryan Martin CDTC wishes to thank Vince Auriemma $101-$500 Alex Martinez Family the following business and Mark Bankey Teresa Martinez Anonymous companies for all your support Chris and Sanne Bagby this year and willingness to Nicolas Martinez Anonymous Mike Bates become a CDTC Business Gary Monk Anonymous Susan Bates Member. For more in ation Janie and Randy Moore Jose Aragon on how your company or Lyndon Berry Peter Necarsulmer Mark Bankey business may collaborate Jim Boeck and Vivian Wilson with CDTC please go to our Shane “Jester” O’Donnell Tim Harrell Bob Brewer website or contact: Teresa Richard Ostheimer Debra Keller-Hayes Jerry Brown Martinez at tmartinez at Don Owen Lost Creek Brewing Company Chris Burke continentaldividetrail.org Greg Pierce Great Harvest Bread Co- Jeremy Burton Lakewood AC Golden Brewery Brad Pierson Claire Cain Sara Gorecki Bear Creek Survey Rex Alford and Alice Pierson Elisabeth Chaplin Gary Werner and Melanie Goss Copper Kettle Brewing Bill and Debra Pollick Paul Corbeil Frank and Jeanne Haranzo Double Diamond Digital J. Bruce Prior Mike Dawson Debra Keller Hayes Fireside Bed & Breakfast Miguel Quinones David Dolton Ryan Newburn Flagler Films Erin Saver John Dufour Sheila Pearson Great Harvest-Lakewood Carlos Shomaker Allen Filson Jan Pengally Greenpackin Kerry Shakarjian Arthur and Denise Foley Ann and Tip Ray High Country Market Josh and Lisa Shusko Dana Foulks Roanoke Appalachian Trail Lost Creek Brewing Company Mal Sillars Tambi Gustafson Club Lipsmackin Backpackin’ James Sippel Sara Glasgow Michael Ryan My Mountain Town Chris Smith Jim Hansman George Szeremeta Nature Elements Photography Morgan Sommerville Debra Hayes Jonathon Stalls Pie O Neer Cafe Rebecca Sudduth Jesse Hill Timothy Stiess Shadowcliff Steven Shepard Olivia Holmes Kirk Swan TBW Productions Robert Sylvester Thomas Holz Michael Tam Twin Lakes General Store Michael Tam Frank Haranzo Shane Wohlken Tell it On the Mountain Avelino Tamayo Nancy Huber Lora Zimmerman ULA Equipment Don Thompson Perter Karnowski $1,000-$5,000 Walk2Connect Gary Werner and Melanie Lord Matthew Kaufmann Anonymous Warrior Hike Scott Williams Deb Keller Hayes Chris and Sanne Bagby Yogi’s Books Bill Youmans Karen Keller Laura Burke Uprinting Tim Zvada Duane Koss Michelle Fuller 285 Bound 2013 CDT Thru Hikers Dick Kozoll Alex Martinez Family David Lattier Kevin Linebarger Paul Magnanti A big thank you to everyone who has joined the CDTC and all who made contributions. We wouldn’t be here without you. For more information on how you may support our efforts, please go to our web site or contact: Teresa Martinez at [email protected]

14 Yes, I want to support the CDTC! Membership Fees: CDTC “Friend” $5.00 CDTC Student Member $25.00 Name CDTC General Member $35.00

Address CDTC Charter Member $100.00 (exp. 12/31) CDTC Business Partner $200.00 City CDTC “E” members Free Depending on your membership level, you may State Zip receive the following benefits: • CDTC and CDT decals and 5% discounts at the Trail Store Phone • CDTC Newsletter (three times a year) • Invitations to CDTC events and volunteer projects Email address • Knowledge that your membership helps support the important work of the CDTC! Paying by check • CDT Calendar Thank you for your support! The Continental Divide Trail Coalition is a 501(c) Online Membership Form (3) non-profit organization. Your membership dues are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition would like to thank Great Harvest Bread Co. Lakewood – your whole grain specialists for supporting the CDTC and our efforts to preserve the CDT!

11068 W Jewell Ave, Lakewood, CO Kipling and Jewell (303) 716-0905 www.knead2bake.com/

15 Join us for the PREMIER of EMBRACE THE BRUTALITY

December 12, 2013

Foss Auditorium American Mountaineering Center Golden, CO

Tickets: $20.00, CDTC Members $15

Door prizes, special guests and introduction by Director/Producer Shane “Jester” O’Donnell

Ticket information: http://www.continentaldividetrail.org/news/ embrace-the-brutality/

Continental Divide Trail Coalition P.O. Box 552 Pine, CO 80470 US (720) 340-CDTC (2382) email: [email protected] Postage