17th August
28.1 miles
Rock Creek (1989.5) to Spring Camp (2017.6)
It was an early start. Elusive was already on trail, he started hiking early. It wasn’t long before Nips, Easyrider and I caught up to him. It also wasn’t long before we caught up to Stone. Stone hiked with us for the rest of the day.
I hiked with Stone through parts of the desert section of the PCT last year. We spent hours chatting about all things hiking and more. I realised something. I really like hiking. I really like talking about hiking. I guess I really like all things about the outdoors.
Most of the day was spent hiking on roads that followed the continental divide which is the border between Idaho and Montana. At times I could choose which state To hike in. Walk to the left and I’m in Idaho, walk to the right and I’m in Montana.
Late in the day we bumped into some southbound thru hikers. One guy had already hiked the Appalachian Trail (AT) and Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) this year. That’s right he had already hiked over 5000 miles since January 1. He is attempting the triple crown of hiking in one year. Then there was Brazil Nut. She is hiking the CDT for the second time. She had already hiked the AT and PCT twice. Makes my journey human like in comparison to these superhuman athletic types.
As the sun set we camped on a high ridge near a nice water Spring. Oh, I almost forgot, I clocked up over 2000 miles of hiking today.
Next – Day 123 Leadore Idaho
Everything you need to know about hiking the CDT:
Complete Guide to Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
CDT Resupply Guide
CDT Gear List
Seems like that girl is not holding a bear spray, like you guys. Has she a particular feeling/recipe with bears ?
Not sure I didn’t take any notice. Between Yellowstone and The Bob Marshall Wilderness the bear problems are minimal or non existent, maybe they posted it between towns. Hiking in a large group helps.
Hey Brad, congrats on 2K miles! Cool beans!
Question: I am a peakbagger, and often think that if/when I do a long hike like the PCT or CDT, I’d like to bag some peaks along the way. Have you gotten to the top of many peaks? Have you kept a tally or log of them?
Stay safe, mate.
Mike M., Riverside, CA
Thanks Mike. There are many 14ers to bag in Colorado that are near the trail, most are easily accessible via the CDT or Colorado Trail. Also in the PCT it’s the same. Whitney, Shasta, Hood and Rainier are regularly climbed by hikers on side trips. I’ve inly climbed Whitney on the PCT and one 14er on the CDT which is on trail
Congratulations on reaching the 2,000 mile mark!
Thanks Heather
Great accomplishment! 2000 miles. Wow! Like the pictures and all the different people that you meet on the trail. Each one has an amazing story and take on life.
Thanks Patricia. There certainly are some amazing people