HIKE DIARY
Backpacking & thru-hiking
is not always blissful
Great Himalaya Trail
This fall, I’ll begin walking a section of the Great Himalayan Trail which follows “the highest feasible route” through Nepal.
Canada’s Great Divide Trail
Thru-hiking the Great Divide Trail was one of the singular experiences of my life. Brutally difficult but deeply satisfying.
Aliveness
A wise person said that “The goal of life is not happiness, peace, or fulfillment, but aliveness.” Sometimes curiosity about what’s around the next corner is enough to keep us exploring and moving forward.
Mindset in Motion
Sometimes we can’t wait for the right mindset to show up. Sometimes we have to step into the behavior first, and trust that the mindset will follow.
Embrace the Suck
The trail—like life—may not always be what we want it to be, but it offers us the opportunity to choose how we respond to whatever it doles out.
Open to Awe
Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between is a great mindset when planning a major thru-hike – or any major life endeavor.
Freak Show
I didn’t expect much when someone asked to closely examine my deformed hands—but the moment ended up teaching me about what truly matters – and what doesn’t.
NM: Narrows Trail to Grants, 8 miles (with hitch)
The final day of my hike is past a glorious arch then across amazing and ancient lava fields before heading to Grants and home.
NM: Pie Town to Narrows Trail, 16 miles (with hitch)
I hitch most of the long, dusty road, but my walk continues on long dusty road ending in a miraculous campsite with a watering hole.
Second Spring
Spring reminds us that change is inevitable, and no matter how uncomfortable that might feel, change is also full of promise.
NM: Big Pond to Pie Town, 12 miles (with hitch)
It’s a short day since I hitch a ride for the last several miles of road, but ends with incredible generosity.
NM: Aragon Well to Martin Canyon, 24 miles
Three beautiful tanks offer water today as I climb up and over 9,000+ foot Mangas Mountain.