It’s the beginning of a new year. That means it’s thru-hike prep time! I never really imagined I’d be in this position, getting ready to thru-hike the CDT. I can clearly remember walking through the beautiful, but long section of Northern California while hiking the PCT. I called home and said I’d likely never hike another long trail again. It just takes too much time. It was during that time that I learned to let go of my expectations of what the trail would be. Because me not enjoying myself, was simply a state of mind that wasn’t going to allow me to continue to my goal of Canada nor allow me to live up to my trail name, Sunshine. The adventures that have passed since that change in the state of my mind have been endless and have never failed to spark that part of me which I enjoy most. The Thru-Hiker.
Here I am. With another adventure around the corner, I slowly contemplate all that comes with planning a thru-hike. How much water will I need to be capable of carrying, how many miles do I expect to hike in each section and how many calories will I need to carry, where are the best locations to resupply and will I need to prepare of box to ship in the remote areas? Where is the best burger and which towns are hiker friendly? Who are the well known trail angels and which towns are worth spending time in along the way? That’s just to name some highlight decisions for the trail.
I must make some decisions from home before even launching. Subtle things like which tent should I take. Indestructible MSR hubba hubba (heavy), Light-weight but not so tanky MSR hubba hubba NX, or the ultra-light Z-pack duplex which is likely get get blown over in the wind. And there will be wind…
The CDT will be a different kind of thru-hike for me. With widely varying information about distances, logistics, actual route of trail and many other variables; I expect many decisions will need to be made on the way. To meet challenges, such as Yellowstone NP not allowing back-country camping at this time (Jan 2021), I’ll need to be patient, flexible and aware that I can pick my own way north following along the CDT. Who knows… I may find some hidden gems long the way. It feels a lot more like venturing into the unknown, which kindles a certain kind of excitement. That which leaves room for things beyond my wildest dreams along side a nervousness that brings along a heightened sense of what’s around you.