CDT a Day 67 Too tired to continue 

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23rd June

0 miles

Twin Lakes (983.6)

I woke with all the best intentions of leaving. I had breakfast and certainly felt a bit better than previous days. But something is still not right. I’m tired, weak, nauseous and my stomach is a bit bloated.

Many years ago I traveled to Africa, well, I’ve traveled there a couple of times. On the first trip I picked up Malaria in Cameroon. That wasn’t fun.

On the second trip I picked up a parasite called schistosomiasis or bilharzia. This parasite fell in love with my liver and weakened me the same way I feel now. Which got me thinking. Is it really the altitude or are there some hitchhiking parasites in my body. The most common parasite in this part of the world is Giardia. I have medication to combat Giardia. Should I take it, it can’t do any harm. If I still feel average I’ll get some tests done in a couple of days.

So I took the medicine to kill the Giardia. And promptly fell asleep. I can’t remember the last time I slept in a bed during the middle of the day. This trail is brutal. In every way. I guess that’s why the term ’embrace the brutality’ is used by CDT hikers.

By the afternoon I had stomach cramps. My stomach was making all kinds of noises. I couldn’t handle eating food, my appetite has disappeared. Maybe I do have parasites and they are dying inside me.

It’s times like these I need to dig deep. Every part of me just wants to be in a quiet room watching a movie or mindless tv. The last place I want to be is on the trail. Having said that I’m not quitting. I’ll have a good nights sleep and see how I feel in the morning.

my home for the night

Next – Day 68 I just hiked 1000 miles

Everything you need to know about hiking the CDT:
Complete Guide to Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
CDT Resupply Guide
CDT Gear List

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About the Author:
Brad is an Australian who has completed the hiking Triple Crown after he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail. He has hiked on every continent (except Antarctica) and has cycled from Alaska to Ecuador. He is an expert on outdoor gear currently living in Chile.

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24 thoughts on “CDT a Day 67 Too tired to continue ”

  1. Hope you feel better. Hate to see you take off by yourself when you aren’t 100%. Love the pictures, Colorado is just beautiful. (so are naked hikers) Take care and drink plenty of water!

    Reply
  2. Hey Shepherd, this is Thomas, Trevor’s brother. I saw Elizabeth Campbell’s post offering you a place to stay if you need it. Just wanted to offer my assistance as well. I’m in Denver so if there’s anything you need between Leadville and Steamboat don’t hesitate to ask.

    Reply
    • Thanks Thomas, I’m giving it another 24 hours to see how I feel. If I’m still not doing too well I’ll get myself checked out. Thanks I’ll let you know

      Reply
  3. Hi Brad
    I have nothing but admiration for what you have achieved so far. Having had a couple of parasites myself, it sounds like you have something. Take it easy, mate. Get better first before you get going again! Whatever you do everyone will know that you have given this trek your very best shot. Take care.
    Phil

    Reply
  4. Thinking of you and hoping everything settles down. I think I have a pic of you suffering from malaria in Cameroon.

    Reply
    • Yes you sent me that photo of me suffering. That was not a good illness, I’m not 100% but still able to love forward

      Reply
  5. I am so sorry you aren’t feeling well and hope you are back to 100% very soon! You are doing a great job of listening to your body tell you when it’s time to rest.

    Reply
  6. HI. Shepard, I am ABC’s mother and I will be driving to Monarch to drop ABC and his sister off on Sunday He had a medical issue that we hope is resolved. Spontaneous is spending Monday night with us before heading south to get back on the trail. If you need a break you are welcome to spend a couple of nights with us in Evergreen. I can get both of you back to Twin Lakes or Leadville to continue on Tuesday AM. If not, you are welcome to spend the evening at our home when you cross I-70. We can pick you up, drive 25 minutes to our home and feed you a healthy dinner, do laundry and get you back on the trail the next day. Let us know. We really love all of your posts.

    Reply
    • Wow, thank you for the kind offer. I will keep it in mind. I’m about to head off hiking towards Breckenridge, even though I’m not 100%. I’m going to listen to my body, if I’m still not well I’ll get off near Leadville or Breckenridge. Thank you

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  7. I hope you start feeling better soon, Shepherd! I’ve been following you since you hiked the PCT last year and really enjoy reading about your adventures.

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