CDT Day 102 Cryptosporidium and Wildfires

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28th July

6 miles

Eklund Lake (1630.5) to Pinedale (1636.5)

I woke somewhat refreshed. The fever was gone. And most of the fatigue had gone. I felt energised.

I only had a short couple of miles to hike. I made it to the trailhead quite easily. I think the worst is behind me, fatique wise.

I only had a short wait before a father, daughter, group picked me up and gave me a lift to Pinedale. I ate a Subway sandwich, checked into a hotel and rested.

I’m feeling better. The diarrhoea is still with me. I almost certainly have cryptosporidium. It’s a common waterbourne illness that hikers pick up. This trail is doing everything to make it tough for me. I’m still here. I’m still moving north. But it’s hard work.

Now there’s another problem to deal with. The wildfires just north of me that’s closed part of the trail. What an adventure. If I make it to Canada, and I’m very determined,  one thing is for certain. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

Next – Day 103 Rest in Pinedale

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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14 thoughts on “CDT Day 102 Cryptosporidium and Wildfires”

  1. It must be difficult to hike so many miles when you are ill and don’t feel well. I’m so sorry you’re having a rough time! But what an incredible story you will have to tell when this hike is over.

    Reply
  2. Hi Brad, hope you feel better soon. It sounds gruelling. If you are resting for a few days and have good wifi, check out the scandal happening in the NT with youth justice and Don Dale. Your previous life in youth justice – thought it might interest you . Look after that tired body of yours xxx

    Reply
    • Thanks for the info Dani. I’m feeling better. I think it will not be long before there is a serious review of youth just justice (again). I might come back as a consultant.

      Reply
  3. Do you usually use a water filter, or is there so much Giardia and Crypto around that you get caught out regardless? Thank goodness for our more or less unpolluted mountain rivers in NZ, where a filter is not something that is normally carried.

    Stay safe, Ross

    Reply
    • I use a filter. I am using a steripen at the moment. I think it must be useless. Lots of beaver, marmots and cattle assure the spread of all sorts of waterbourne diseases. I think I need to go back to a sawyer filter

      Reply
  4. Humm. I also use a Steripen which is supposed to handle both viruses & bacteria. But with your experience, I have doubts. Have also used the Sawyer. My one day of stomach issue this month might have come from not filtering between Crabtree Meadow and Sonora Pass. Hard to tell. Glad you’re recovering. Hiking sick sucks! ADL

    Reply
      • I used one (first time user) and found it is pretty easy. I know it does not handle viruses. For what reason did you change to a steripen ? What drawback do you find in the sawyer ?

      • I changed to steripen essentially for the clear mountain streams in Colorado. They are east to use and of the sawyer freezes at night it is broken and there is no way to know. So hikers wrap the sawyer in a zip lock bag and put it in their sleeping bag. Most viruses need to attach to bacteria or other organic matter to survive (so I’m told) so the sawyer should also remove them too.

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