tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50341699588403643292024-03-13T02:35:58.996-07:00Wolverine HikesChris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-30410078045046492102021-09-28T07:25:00.000-07:002021-09-28T07:25:01.767-07:00Good Gear Bad Gear<p><br /></p>
Not all hikers like talking about gear. In fact, none of the hikers whom I really admire, talk much about their gear - they can make pretty much make anything work for them. But I DO like to talk about gear.<br /><br />
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eWxEkcma4Q11XCS33-G5HsnfoFdyf2sq_GOqMmFBDfXJeAGf2KUIm10nY_YO7Brx-nJryDi05675Fie7JfllWyhPFH1qp78Pb-ZtD2YfS1r-Q22SSo7u8o3OGNoJHooLYzn35X37LgQ/s886/20210925_190337.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eWxEkcma4Q11XCS33-G5HsnfoFdyf2sq_GOqMmFBDfXJeAGf2KUIm10nY_YO7Brx-nJryDi05675Fie7JfllWyhPFH1qp78Pb-ZtD2YfS1r-Q22SSo7u8o3OGNoJHooLYzn35X37LgQ/s320/20210925_190337.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I lifted this from Jeff McWilliams FB page.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><b>The Bad</b><br />
I've only had one major gear failure out here, so I'll get it out of the way first: My <a href="https://www.bigagnes.com/fly-creek-hv-ul1">Big Agnes Fly Creek</a> tent. I've been through five of these tents since I first borrowed (stole?) a Fly Creek Platinum from Jason 'Hee Haw' Phelps in 2015. They are a solid, free-standing tent that comes with a rainfly. Wildly popular on the Appalachian Trail this year, I have seen dozens of them. They WERE my go to tent until the company that makes their tent poles - <a href="https://www.dacpole.com/tent-poles">DAC</a> - started cutting corners. I've had three sets of poles break in the same place. Two other hikers have told me the same story. Getting stuck on the AT with no tent kinda sucks. Customer Service at Big Agnes tries hard but I'm done with them. Big Agnes = Big Headache.<br />
<br /><b>Good Gear</b><br /><a href="https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/levity-60-LEVITY60_577.html">Osprey </a>backpacks. I'm currently carrying a 60L Levity pack and I love it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtuJTcCUo-C7Zy1Lgh1s2ageTWmKbp_NrBtFkAzShQ0Wtw-R_3PnFTauf5GJZTz07jpPlVZoNltuka3-acfPJsE5jLfBWfrUEs_M26zkwzjQ4trDvn0cIjSY4K5n-V_cFITknTGBcIbg/s2048/20210604_142208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1763" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtuJTcCUo-C7Zy1Lgh1s2ageTWmKbp_NrBtFkAzShQ0Wtw-R_3PnFTauf5GJZTz07jpPlVZoNltuka3-acfPJsE5jLfBWfrUEs_M26zkwzjQ4trDvn0cIjSY4K5n-V_cFITknTGBcIbg/w275-h320/20210604_142208.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />I've also had good luck with the Osprey Aether pack. Again, I'm seeing lots of these same packs on the AT this year and the owners seem to be satisfied. Mine already had 1,200 miles on it before I hiked the last 2,075 (as of this writing) and it's still going strong. My last one also lasted thousands of miles before the buckle on the waist belt broke. That was no fun.<br /><br />My trusty <a href="https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/speedcross-5.html#color=59714">Salomon Speedcross </a> shoes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiru0UaKjl876xJcnw3ZeCaggvp0ulnBTETcwR3Gb_dgC3yZ2EvFCgOEwn15YoSnNqvOPHSveLQrJEC8zx0l_FOmT_6dwiGk4NFBc0KVzR9-b06aHBmfmfbpYgQMS9n_yXAGjsJA-YdF8/s2048/20210824_132000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiru0UaKjl876xJcnw3ZeCaggvp0ulnBTETcwR3Gb_dgC3yZ2EvFCgOEwn15YoSnNqvOPHSveLQrJEC8zx0l_FOmT_6dwiGk4NFBc0KVzR9-b06aHBmfmfbpYgQMS9n_yXAGjsJA-YdF8/s320/20210824_132000.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />Trail after trail - Israel, Mexico, Ecuador... This is my fave three-season footwear. I take them out of the box and wear them until they disintegrate, pair after pair. They're like slippers with cleats!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/product/trail-pro-trek-poles/">Black Diamond</a> trekking poles.<div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNGf52DJ7bGS3s2G1eS_zpE16Vo6jYeutnlY_e4rifByt2iDwSqDoESRvKwWxq4xki259nlb_NlPL1XdOcGVLR0IXjA466UJI22IdJH2jOsR7ve6GkopVHtch0mBVbfOJqmcVY7XsNgE/s2048/20210927_163529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1953" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNGf52DJ7bGS3s2G1eS_zpE16Vo6jYeutnlY_e4rifByt2iDwSqDoESRvKwWxq4xki259nlb_NlPL1XdOcGVLR0IXjA466UJI22IdJH2jOsR7ve6GkopVHtch0mBVbfOJqmcVY7XsNgE/s320/20210927_163529.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><div><br /><br />My current set (I've gone through many) also had 1,200 miles on them before I started this hike and they are hanging tough. Not all of their models were great - the 'Z-Fold' models held together with a shock cord both broke on me in Michigan's Upper Peninsula but the Trail Pro sticks I have now are awesome. Their headlamps? Well, I have owned four of them. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.<br /><br />My bulletproof <a href="https://www.marmot.com/men/jackets-and-vests/rainwear/mens-minimalist-jacket---big/AFS_195115030490.html">Marmot</a> shell.<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwADFHYbz7U3Fqkit0fDV8LhU9wq5fc-IkvcfO0Uo5NU5FomoaTfc63umH3dgn23RMKAMlILY5OA29FnTZj10oj2xNb1i6CN3leUNvOzQ99WbzCLrk9TQolwincEEqhngE7Qxhl5xTXZI/s2048/20210925_124147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwADFHYbz7U3Fqkit0fDV8LhU9wq5fc-IkvcfO0Uo5NU5FomoaTfc63umH3dgn23RMKAMlILY5OA29FnTZj10oj2xNb1i6CN3leUNvOzQ99WbzCLrk9TQolwincEEqhngE7Qxhl5xTXZI/s320/20210925_124147.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />The first of these (I'm on my third) was a gift from Traci Rink on the PCT '12. I've worn them ever since.<br /><br /> <a href="https://www.icebreaker.com/en-us/mens-tops/merino-tech-lite-ii-short-sleeve-tee/0A59IY.html?dwvar_0A59IY_color=070">Icebreaker</a> shirts! Traci Rink (again!) turned me on to these Marino wool shirts and I loved them. My first friend ever at Moosejaw, Perry Keydel, sent me a bunch of Icebreaker shirts for this hike. Even as bad as I stink - they don't.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTSyR20n3BkQW_igkkdGWzA6bNqsReVGMIC_tMNzLd3ClxeOCIYZyr-AgL_2mWT3KB_NQKSBzqKX-oTUYo1DqUby7977Jo2fs_IeWEmox2f54mh2tFlBErpIX301wFWotJESqIUYGeY0/s2048/20210808_172941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1719" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTSyR20n3BkQW_igkkdGWzA6bNqsReVGMIC_tMNzLd3ClxeOCIYZyr-AgL_2mWT3KB_NQKSBzqKX-oTUYo1DqUby7977Jo2fs_IeWEmox2f54mh2tFlBErpIX301wFWotJESqIUYGeY0/s320/20210808_172941.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /> <a href="https://darntough.com/collections/mens-hiking-socks/products/mens-merino-wool-mountaineering-otc-heavyweight-hiking-socks">Darn Tough</a> socks. Early on, I was a Smart Wool kinda-guy. Later, I was a fan of the plain, nylon sock for a long time - Ray Jardine style. Nylon dress socks wear out quick but they're cheap and they dry quickly. I had seen lots of Darn Tough socks on the trail but $30 a pair seemed excessive. But what if they lasted for hundreds of miles? And provided some compression? Darn Tough, IMHO, are worth it.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfPY9_PWXLlVY51StI_7UyfYxBNfkLiCWSnCeQQCiekSJ8t8nI85wWEvPOGRcvb9YPyBJ7-KB6bYAunPeBL-JbJnrkslg4OpKaG6UnaI30Dr7KvWXQKyyliwfn8NU-4m36uUzXDBD1gg/s2048/20210719_162013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1692" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfPY9_PWXLlVY51StI_7UyfYxBNfkLiCWSnCeQQCiekSJ8t8nI85wWEvPOGRcvb9YPyBJ7-KB6bYAunPeBL-JbJnrkslg4OpKaG6UnaI30Dr7KvWXQKyyliwfn8NU-4m36uUzXDBD1gg/s320/20210719_162013.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /> <a href="http://www.thetentlab.com/Deuce/DeuceofSpadespage.html">The Tent Labs</a>Deuce #2 trowel.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_A9So05dYgMJAZwLpVqX9ndcFyPMBteVuEDZ6BAgZpR86tjBKgRkKVAa3zccDaSWNq5mOcl5_ZdaJFc8JsRBSUwxBt2iUZBYmzRug8qb27T498J58Hlp-SqeLhx3Me0xPPwU0UET-Xw/s2048/20210927_163445.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_A9So05dYgMJAZwLpVqX9ndcFyPMBteVuEDZ6BAgZpR86tjBKgRkKVAa3zccDaSWNq5mOcl5_ZdaJFc8JsRBSUwxBt2iUZBYmzRug8qb27T498J58Hlp-SqeLhx3Me0xPPwU0UET-Xw/s320/20210927_163445.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br />You gotta dig a hole 4"-6" deep every morning. Thank Goodness for this lightweight, indestructible tool.<br /><br />I saved the best gear for last: <a href="https://ugqoutdoor.com/top-quilts/bandit/">Underground Quilts</a>! I went to them in 2016 to make an ultralight quilt for me for the Baja Divide Trail and I've been with them ever since. The Bandit quilt they made for me lasted for almost 5K miles!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YodbVKRyywJWZ2C49B1S4RNnQK_HNcoR_G2Hfh_pXqUR4Xx6_yG7K9AdtNYJ8CerQ70EyEgWWqjQp43e16w6HFgBAPjtzQV0uHu8SZBzHAUM-QOsPptfn5B0gGRjV0VRe1KlA3bipQg/s2048/20210626_204619.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YodbVKRyywJWZ2C49B1S4RNnQK_HNcoR_G2Hfh_pXqUR4Xx6_yG7K9AdtNYJ8CerQ70EyEgWWqjQp43e16w6HFgBAPjtzQV0uHu8SZBzHAUM-QOsPptfn5B0gGRjV0VRe1KlA3bipQg/s320/20210626_204619.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div> I'll be carrying my new Bandit Quilt this spring.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlK8YrTZSR8WxWqG3gRmpBeEoBKTSUEETFIOT0LqtsK5mm28v_8kJXBmPYW6UfrESJDTGYC0gLnT3PWz0e_G35PVN879fSyYBsfS67u3p2gTI8A_6XGDMpd7z8vb5lzB_z76OWAE_XjJM/s2048/123_1%25283%2529.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlK8YrTZSR8WxWqG3gRmpBeEoBKTSUEETFIOT0LqtsK5mm28v_8kJXBmPYW6UfrESJDTGYC0gLnT3PWz0e_G35PVN879fSyYBsfS67u3p2gTI8A_6XGDMpd7z8vb5lzB_z76OWAE_XjJM/s320/123_1%25283%2529.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /><b>Honorable Mentions</b><br /><a href="https://www.stormykromer.com/the-brimless-cap/">Stormy Kromer</a> doesn't make hiking gear, but the classic hat they make has kept me warm (and looking cool) even in the worst conditions.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhpCo2v9l0b7a78kFu3GdAtuVYViDFzpbdnBhRIX3e3oRCTgQdTsAXgadqx8yLNNzt7tNgkL3cE8RTq6TxU3AJXBsDd4_GBuxX-ppsjxn5zI6tZMArs7H1g6nhqh9Sa19iYalES-dfJg/s2048/16328390014615149287613897672731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhpCo2v9l0b7a78kFu3GdAtuVYViDFzpbdnBhRIX3e3oRCTgQdTsAXgadqx8yLNNzt7tNgkL3cE8RTq6TxU3AJXBsDd4_GBuxX-ppsjxn5zI6tZMArs7H1g6nhqh9Sa19iYalES-dfJg/s320/16328390014615149287613897672731.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /> <a href="https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/mens-ghost-whisperer%2F2-hoody-1874761.html?dwvar_1874761_color=233&pos=0">Mountain Hardware</a> puffy. The zipper broke pretty early on (see my fancy sewing?). Yet, I still carry it because it keeps me warm.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QKXl0j-N7DPkDJW1cOpVAb3S_rUi4UR3ew6UHSnstrZHKOFU1ehit0SdybTGBfRVR7dVowka3j3FiPDCaMRZYTDmozZ5D37aHnypwdVYX_-68kPzVUlGYWcA7uRcFuH4wcnG66SgChs/s2048/20210925_124030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QKXl0j-N7DPkDJW1cOpVAb3S_rUi4UR3ew6UHSnstrZHKOFU1ehit0SdybTGBfRVR7dVowka3j3FiPDCaMRZYTDmozZ5D37aHnypwdVYX_-68kPzVUlGYWcA7uRcFuH4wcnG66SgChs/s320/20210925_124030.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="https://www.columbia.com/p/mens-pfg-tamiami-ii-long-sleeve-shirt-FM7253.html?dwvar_FM7253_color=487&pos=6">Columbia</a> clothing. I buy convertible pants and a long-sleeved PFG shirt for every hike. Why? Bugs and sun. Many hikers prance past me wearing only running shorts and a tank top asking, "Wolverine, why the long pants and sleeves?" "Bugs and sun." I tell them, "Bugs and sun... "<br /><br />I've also carried a piece of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anchor-Tab-Products-Homewrap-Footprint/dp/B07V2XF98T/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=WYXWN4WQ5G7&dchild=1&keywords=tyvek+ground+cloth&qid=1632838472&sprefix=tyvek+ground&sr=8-6">Tyvek</a> as a ground cloth on every hike. My sister, Carol, even sewed a big piece into a bivy for me on the PCT '12.<br /><br /></div><div>Please note,I didn't include the hyperlinks in this post because I'm an 'affiliate marketer'. They're just so you can see the product. If you see something you like, go buy it at <a href="https://www.moosejaw.com/">Moosejaw.com</a> </div><div><br />I'm also a big fan of <a href="https://www.treelinereview.com/">Treeline Review</a> for articles and aggregate gear reviews.<br /><br />Or, just contact me! I'll talk about gear and hiking all day!<br /><br />Disclaimer: Every single piece of gear I mention above was either begged, borrowed or stolen. I take what I can get to keep me on the trail and I'm grateful for every bit of it.<br />Got a fave piece of gear? Leave a comment below!</div><br /><div><br /></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-29593723750389388582021-09-20T12:24:00.002-07:002021-09-20T12:30:25.381-07:00The Lost Art of Hitchhiking <p>I have lots to say about this topic, but first, a gentle reminder: Resupply here in super-remote central Maine is rare and very expensive.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6z7mpBk-6NpaEvKQ4GqbHypw3lBQiPz486_URpz0HrSYZWHXOomqHV3xmuq5AppmNdl3bRhTg1OqZBJpbkm2FGG4Rc1jui-gAIW7UIs8GVSkuSxzknlt9YkcwuOl8-8cJaCmvtNyIUU/s2048/20210907_185311.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1806" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6z7mpBk-6NpaEvKQ4GqbHypw3lBQiPz486_URpz0HrSYZWHXOomqHV3xmuq5AppmNdl3bRhTg1OqZBJpbkm2FGG4Rc1jui-gAIW7UIs8GVSkuSxzknlt9YkcwuOl8-8cJaCmvtNyIUU/s320/20210907_185311.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some hikers were complaining that this is 'gouging' but it's what the market will bare.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>I'm so close to finishing my third thru of the AT; I just need a little bit more help. I'll make you a deal: If you hit that 'donate' button, I'll PM you with details about my Top Secret (and controversial?) plans for hiking this spring!<br />
<br />
Now for the obvious yet obligatory disclaimers: Hitchhiking is inherently dangerous and often illegal. You should not do it. Nor should you pick up hitchhikers. And yet, hitchhiking is part of almost every long distance hike. If you're going to attempt a hike of more than say, five hundred miles, eventually, you're going to need to get off the trail and get to a town for supplies. If the town is close enough, you might be able to walk there. Otherwise, stick out your thumb and hope for the best. <br />
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Having noted that hitchhiking could be dangerous, it's a little different when you're hitching close to a well-known trail. People see the big backpack and they know what you're up to. So location makes a big difference. If you see a guy like me trying to hitch in Downriver Detroit, think twice about letting him in your car. If you see a guy like me carrying a giant backpack near the Appalachian Trail, chances are that I'm just trying to get to town - or back to the trail.<br />
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With a little planning and a lot of luck, you can get to your destination and possibly meet some really cool people along the way. Here are some hints for a safe and successful hitch:<br />
<br />
- Make sure you make your intentions clear: Stick out your thumb and smile. It helps to have a 'Hiker to Town' or a 'Hiker to Trail' sign. I have a bandana with that on it (thanks, Christina Ray!). Or write your destination on a piece of cardboard - or on your folded-up ground cloth, like I do. People are more likely to give you a ride if they know where you're going.<br />
<br /><br /><!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_210920_144349_486.sdoc--></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaASv2MAXhcd-K6sny-eR7tbODwZXmg7UZXYbcNE7ytwyczV5a5eEL301dduNbb5FGPlEZwJcOD2lwoQhb-D01XPkoCNJ2LNxOiH1RNkU7Xx2tXLeEG97q1yZ8DW3B0EvsOxzrD-TCpg/s2048/20210920_150934.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="2048" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaASv2MAXhcd-K6sny-eR7tbODwZXmg7UZXYbcNE7ytwyczV5a5eEL301dduNbb5FGPlEZwJcOD2lwoQhb-D01XPkoCNJ2LNxOiH1RNkU7Xx2tXLeEG97q1yZ8DW3B0EvsOxzrD-TCpg/s320/20210920_150934.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> - Stand well off the road and make sure that any car that slows for you has plenty of room to safely pull over. Don't hitch on a curve or the crest of a hill. Pick a spot where people have a chance to see you to see what you're doing. Sometimes, I walk in the direction of the town/trail and I only stick out my thumb when it is safe to do so. I think people are more likely to give you a lift if they see that you are trying, at least, to get your destination</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>- Never be negative towards drivers that don't pull over. Occasionally, people have passed me by but picked me up on their return trip. No one is going to do that if you gave them the finger for not pulling over the first time by. Be positive... Smile... Let them see your face and wave back to people who wave at you.<br /><br />- Be prepared to offer some gas money. I keep a few singles in my pocket, separate from my main stash in my wallet, just for this purpose.<br /><br />- When someone pulls over, hurry (run!) to their car; Don't waste their time. Have your pack in order and ready to throw in a trunk or the bed of a truck. Have your phone out and a map of where you're trying to get to.<br /><br />- I always approach the passenger side of the vehicle and wait for a window to come down or the door to open. BEFORE you get in, thank the person for pulling over. Make sure you both agree on where you are trying to get to and how close they can get you. I also warn drivers if I am particularly stinky, wet or muddy. You don't want to mess up their nice car!<br /><br />- Most people who give rides to hikers are like-minded people. I often see trekking poles or hiking boots in their cars. Sometimes, they're just curious about who you are and what you're doing. And sometimes, they're flat-out crazy. Be prepared for political or religious rants, off-the-wall questions and bad music. Sometimes, people are just looking for some company and, in exchange for a ride, it's the least you can provide.<br /><br />- Have an excuse to stop the car and get out. For example, if I ever got a really bad vibe from someone, I would say, "I just remembered that my buddy has my wallet! I was supposed to wait for him at the trailhead. I have to walk back there." This tells the driver that a)You have no money and b) Someone is looking for you. That should be enough to convince them to pull over and let you out. I've never had to use this.<br /><br />- Finally, when you get to your destination, thank the driver appropriately, offer the gas money and ALWAYS double check that you have all your gear: Trekking poles, phone, wallet... I forgot my phone in a guy's truck one time. Read <a href="http://wolverinecdt.blogspot.com/2016/01/saved-by-cops.html?m=1">that story here.</a><br /><br />People often seem to feel good about themselves for having helped you and they should! They feel good and you are grateful for the ride - let it be a positive situation! I sometimes say something like, "I hope someone does something nice for you like you did for me."<br /><br />I have met some of the nicest people through hitchhiking. I've had people open their homes to me and invite me to stay. I've met people with whom I've stayed in touch with for years. And I've had some pretty memorable characters that made for a great story later on.<br /><br />Obviously, I can't add the female perspective. The best I can do is refer you back to the guest blog post by Brazil's own Denise Stolnik. You can read <a href="http://wolverinecdt.blogspot.com/2017/04/hiking-int-from-female-perspective.html?m=1">that post here.</a><div><br /></div><div>Got a great hitchhiking story? Leave a comment below!<br /><br />Do you know me because you gave me a ride in the past? Leave a comment below!<br /><br />Do you completely disagree with me and wish I wouldn't encourage people to hitch? Leave me a comment below!<br /><br />Wanna know what my super-secret plans are for this spring? Hit that 'donation' button!<br /><br />Thank you!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-28685781857096808682021-09-10T11:07:00.008-07:002021-09-10T11:21:55.849-07:00No More Work-For-Stay?<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuYOSCNoSEN3o9hYuL_64UvyqCPCjMC7LjavOsxLXwiArDEKkQMC1bD9072ZNe5bIEwAoQw_l1kkUdl-LmgL6Yk17Dubrvxi1O-mObRMFNu-cEAEYG8pFQvTvepM0Bz3l9eb931bHLbg/s2048/20210908_104938.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="2048" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuYOSCNoSEN3o9hYuL_64UvyqCPCjMC7LjavOsxLXwiArDEKkQMC1bD9072ZNe5bIEwAoQw_l1kkUdl-LmgL6Yk17Dubrvxi1O-mObRMFNu-cEAEYG8pFQvTvepM0Bz3l9eb931bHLbg/s320/20210908_104938.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>The Lakes of the Clouds hut.</i><div><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGI1lqGFCGrUUtr983d3UVRkSt6qmK3AaN9kSZkOYp12s7DDkTCKUWMT-1oOnTortx75R4XS85m32C4KSkZ5DRYQieMZ3CVU8BYQv6to2pbJAVroM1G-rjM4i0DGWvrX4VXv_pwFWL3Ec/s2048/20210909_190117.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1809" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGI1lqGFCGrUUtr983d3UVRkSt6qmK3AaN9kSZkOYp12s7DDkTCKUWMT-1oOnTortx75R4XS85m32C4KSkZ5DRYQieMZ3CVU8BYQv6to2pbJAVroM1G-rjM4i0DGWvrX4VXv_pwFWL3Ec/s320/20210909_190117.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><p><i>This is 'The Dungeon'. It's an emergency shelter that hikers can stay in for $10. I stayed in there in '11. It was creepy and weird.</i></p><p>During both my previous thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail ('11 and '15), I was fortunate enough to trade work for a night indoors and I was glad for it. The 'huts' are kind of like a primitive hotel: For $150, you get a bunk, breakfast and dinner. There are no frills and you have to pack out your own trash. Lots of day hikers and section hikers gladly pay the cash for access to the beautiful White Mountains. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlJI5sTfYjGRzcG2Ewa4rexo1Q70DEKbc08GTBF838NMDANrn-kN2fw9rmie9FkC9e69yh5Hot0A-a6ve-IgpB4OnaZZ8-XDSUTR_j6Y8qfSmGWSihBMDtERZNFKKSgvjzX7gjd7-kDo/s2048/20210908_152949.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlJI5sTfYjGRzcG2Ewa4rexo1Q70DEKbc08GTBF838NMDANrn-kN2fw9rmie9FkC9e69yh5Hot0A-a6ve-IgpB4OnaZZ8-XDSUTR_j6Y8qfSmGWSihBMDtERZNFKKSgvjzX7gjd7-kDo/s320/20210908_152949.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><i>Zoom in to see the Madison Springs hut.</i><p>My first time thru the AT, fellow hiker Sabine 'Foureyes' Pelton, told me about WFS (work-for-stay) at the huts. If you work hard and earn a good reputation, other Hut Masters (the person who manages the hut) will be more likely to offer you WFS at the other huts. It was true! About 8 or 10 of us hikers showed up around dinner time. We cleaned up and did all the dishes. In turn, they let us move the dining room tables to the side and sleep on the floor. Same thing in the morning - if you stay and help clean up, you get to eat all the leftover food. WFS at a hut is a good deal for several reasons: One is that camping above treeline is not allowed so staying indoors in a hut is really convenient. </p><p>And the college kids who run the huts (part of a 'croo' that works a rotation at a hut) benefit, too. WFS was a mutually beneficial deal. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2ES216ugcK9Lh0cg0f95xiRuUnfpHLkxHMppFCivJUCTXL3mPaLYr4Bxi7uWF7HLnVoI0PtK1jE_bOvr_5Kic0uUysEydFQAAzTOTTwxQCQU93qOGBgSDIiNKz76AYOf6VhGtmsSF6Q/s2048/20210908_104726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1106" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2ES216ugcK9Lh0cg0f95xiRuUnfpHLkxHMppFCivJUCTXL3mPaLYr4Bxi7uWF7HLnVoI0PtK1jE_bOvr_5Kic0uUysEydFQAAzTOTTwxQCQU93qOGBgSDIiNKz76AYOf6VhGtmsSF6Q/s320/20210908_104726.jpg" width="173" /></i></a></div><i>This is how food and supplies are brought to the huts: On the backs of hard working college kids!</i><p></p><p>I had such a good experience doing WFS at a hut in 2015, that I wrote <a href="http://wolverinecdt.blogspot.com/2015/07/work-for-stay.html?m=1">this.</a></p><p>This time thru, I didn't hear many hikers talking about WFS. I also noticed the description of the huts in Guthook's app said that only two thru-hikers per evening would be considered for WFS. I also read some comments about scrubbing pots and pans for hours and getting only leftover oatmeal to eat. Also some comments about getting turned away when asking about WFS. Likewise, I heard rumors of hikers staying and eating but leaving before clean-up started. I hope that's not true!</p><p>All hope is not lost - there were also a few comments about good WFS experiences. I did not stay at any of the huts but I did stop in at two of them for water and weather info. Seemed pretty positive. </p><p>It's possible that the WFS experience is dependent upon the current croo and Hut Master. It's also possible that I'm completely wrong - this is only my impression of what I've heard and read. </p><p>Have you ever done WFS? Leave me a comment about it. Leave me a comment anyway!</p><p><br /></p></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-7718600848217361632021-08-22T10:20:00.015-07:002021-08-22T14:23:52.650-07:00How the AT Has Changed<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy5bdoZymd7OeJ3_RwaLLZpmQXd9UEGZ2h0xgmwfwsyfHQPSXG6pc9-1BsqY4uQslWpi_d85IIp9NPMfuVanRsa2fSsw0iLdwGfS2y4eDK6DSYeMC0J4q04ULjcxcKvEDoCKGSySlPHM/s2048/20210822_172114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="2048" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy5bdoZymd7OeJ3_RwaLLZpmQXd9UEGZ2h0xgmwfwsyfHQPSXG6pc9-1BsqY4uQslWpi_d85IIp9NPMfuVanRsa2fSsw0iLdwGfS2y4eDK6DSYeMC0J4q04ULjcxcKvEDoCKGSySlPHM/s320/20210822_172114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><br />First things first, if you want to help me finish this hike, Ima need more instant rice and hot sauce! Mash on that 'Donate' button if yer feeling generous. If you're viewing this on a phone, you'll have to scroll down to the very bottom of the page and click on 'View Web Version' please and thank you.</div><br />
So, this is my third thru-hike of the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail. I'm currently more than 500 miles from the end but, with massive quantities of both help and luck, I just might make it to Katahdin. My previous thru's were '11 and '15. I've noticed some big changes in the AT thru-hiking experience. Here are the top 5:<br />
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1. More dogs on the trail. Dozens of people attempting to thru-hike this trail with a dog. Certainly, it can be done - people have written books about it and, I'm told, there is more information available about 'how to hike the AT with a dog' than ever before. Alas dogs, like people, struggle out here; I've seen only a couple dogs make it this far north. <br />
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2. Poor Trail Etiquette. You're gonna have to consider the source here: A grumpy old man who thinks he's the only one who knows right from wrong on the whole trail. With that in mind... Doesn't anyone yield right-of-way to the hiker going up hill anymore? And since when is it okay to go to bed with a fire still smoldering? Hikers blowing up their packs in the middle of the trail... Blue tooth speakers blaring...I'm just saying that there has definitely been a change for the worse in the behavior of hikers.<br />
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3. More Hiker Services. More hostels, more shuttle services, more everything! And I'm glad for it. It gives hikers more options and if people can make money providing these services, then good for them. Of course, hikers need to be fair and always discuss prices for services up front. Read the 'Comments' section of the Guthook's Guide app for reviews of services. Speaking of Guthook's...<br />
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4. The Power of Guthook's! Guthook's Maps (by Atlas Guides) is THE go-to app for navigation and information. They probably have 90% of the market on this trail. Every hiker, hostel owner, shuttle driver... Even just friends and families of hikers... refers to Guthook's. It was unavailable in '11 and getting popular by my '15 hike. Now? It's essential. Full Disclosure: I'm friends with the people who started that company.<br />
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5. ATC Backlash. This year's class of thru-hikers seems to have a specific disdain for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) but they may be a self-selecting group: People who chose to thru-hike this year knew that they could not register their hike with the ATC because of Covid stuff. So they already don't hold the governing body in high regard. Add in the $20 million (in hushed money) the ATC accepted to let the Valley Mountain pipeline run across the trail and the fact that, compared to an organization like ALDHA (the American Long Distance Hiking Association), they just don't do that much for hikers.<br />
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Add to that, nonsense like the pic below. Edit: Trying to post this blog from my phone. It wouldn't let me put pics in line.<br /><br />
This was a water cache for hikers. The Trail Angels who put it there label the gallon jugs and clean up the trash. THEY are helping hikers. The ATC? Not so much. <br />
<br />'Also rans' for the Top 5 list: More slack packing, more repeat-offenders (those who have hiked the AT before), more Trail Magic, less camaraderie, more bears (I've seen seven so far) and more areas closed to camping because of nuisance bears, fewer hikers signing registers, more regulations...<br />
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TL/DR: Wolverine is broke, grumpy and apparently hates the ATC<br />
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Been on the trail lately? What have you seen? Please leave a comment below! Agree with me? Leave a comment! Disagree? Leave TWO comments!<br />
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Thank you for reading!<!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_210822_122644_768.sdoc--><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW-5XtYV3F0oTwU80Z_Ss_zf6D6WZa8shWdu4v_buXE9fTGDBVMCTq1Ay1EvRJTUvcQcSDPGblAeFN5FWLVXriSTGRG6O5RZ0fCLyKP807BhXlSdZX5rP6uQA7CCPBGMqaklUedTbFHY/s1520/Screenshot_20210803-072933_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="720" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW-5XtYV3F0oTwU80Z_Ss_zf6D6WZa8shWdu4v_buXE9fTGDBVMCTq1Ay1EvRJTUvcQcSDPGblAeFN5FWLVXriSTGRG6O5RZ0fCLyKP807BhXlSdZX5rP6uQA7CCPBGMqaklUedTbFHY/w155-h326/Screenshot_20210803-072933_Chrome.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrcZDQIQLHg3PkHZtasXxuzRJVA5Nax6RxPotIsMLWkf2ZCVKW-KGXH5UqeX1SWGEcX3qFqb-7T_G2GDZmRepNcRREJYNjd30QAlNUlGgW6352bP0F4JGj2tFnZIVm8tRk2u04S71th8/s1029/20210822_131546.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrcZDQIQLHg3PkHZtasXxuzRJVA5Nax6RxPotIsMLWkf2ZCVKW-KGXH5UqeX1SWGEcX3qFqb-7T_G2GDZmRepNcRREJYNjd30QAlNUlGgW6352bP0F4JGj2tFnZIVm8tRk2u04S71th8/s320/20210822_131546.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-35738334799091630352020-10-30T12:21:00.001-07:002020-10-30T22:41:16.103-07:00The Easiest Maze<p class="p1" style="margin: 0px 0px 3px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 28px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><img id="id_b9aa_f5c5_37ad_bff7" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Nh9ZdgxuXjFR2zV1ZmoelNZun7arloVMuAfhogoAapV85m6klsZxOzPng3bM1Co" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto; margin: 4px;"><br>Can you see what it says on my shirt as I’m pointing to a map of the trail? Turned out to be darkly prophetic. </p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">A guy walks into a bar carrying a giant backpack and smelling like the Devil himself. Server hands him a menu and says, “Everybody got a story to tell. You look like you got a good one.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">I’ve got a story, alright, about a sojourn of the North Country Trail as it runs through Michigan. 1,150 glorious miles from tiny Waldron, MI (at the border with Ohio) to the City of Ironwood at the far western end of the UP. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">The hike started off well enough: My friend Sandy got me to the trail and sent me on my way in a light rain. Almost immediately, that feeling of being back on the trail - of being ‘home’, swept over me and I really enjoyed the whole first week. I happened upon little towns about every other day so resupply was easy and I was making a special effort to visit as many Michigan Craft Breweries as possible (I’m a big fan). In fact, the whole theme of this hike was ‘How far would Wolverine walk to sample a Cold Iron beer?’ referring, of course, to Cold Iron Brewing in Ironwood. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">Somewhere around weeks two and three, I started feeling some serious bilateral foot and ankle pain. There was serious swelling and even some deep bruising that I found disconcerting. This was beyond the usual aches and pains I’d experienced when getting my ‘trail legs’ back under me. At one point, after a failed attempt to hitch into a town, I gimped pathetically along the side of the road, looking much more like a broken down homeless man than Wolverine, Triple Crown Hiker. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">But then I kept hiking and it went away. As does all my pain and woe, eventually. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">Part of my miraculous recovery had to do with spending a full Zero Day (zero miles hiked!) in town with my girlfriend (the lovely Jackie Papineau). After resting, hydrating and stretching, I returned to the trail feeling 100% better. This is when things got really good: I felt great, temps were perfect for hiking and the trail was flat. I started stringing together 20+ mile days with no problems. I also started ‘Platinum Blazing’ (as we Hikers call it): Spending a night in a comfy hotel with Jackie every couple weeks and eating at fancy restaurants every chance I got! Life couldn’t get any better!</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">But then it got better. I had made it to the Mackinac Bridge way ahead of schedule. Jackie met me there, as well as fellow long distance hiker Brian ‘Buck 30’ Tanzman. This was a big deal for me as he is a way more experienced hiker than I and this was my chance to learn from him. And oh, did I learn. More on that, later. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">I started hiking the 550 miles across the Upper Peninsula like a pro. The miles flew by. The highlight of the whole hike (perhaps of my whole life!) was hiking Pictured Rocks with Jackie. We spent almost a whole week together including a full zero in Grand Marais. It was fantastic. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">At this point, it was ‘all systems go’. I had just under a month to hike the last 250 miles or so. True, it was getting colder out but my gear was solid and I felt unstoppable. I couldn’t wait to see everybody at the end! My calendar for the last week on the trail filled up quickly with dates for doing trail maintenance, meeting up and hiking with Moosejaw peeps and plans for the ‘big finish’ in Ironwood. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">And then it all went wrong. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">Leaving out of tiny L’Anse, Michigan, I was good-to-go. I had a few miles of road-walking to get back to the trail and somewhere along there, I LOST MY PHONE. I walked up and down the mile of highway where I was sure it had fallen out of my jacket SIX TIMES to no avail. The phone was gone. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">A word about modern long distance hikers and smart phones: We love them. They are our (primary) form of navigation (see my previous post about cell phone apps for hiking) and they are how we communicate and coordinate things like dates and locations for meeting people on the trail. Not to mention our cameras, our music and our written and recorded thoughts. Now, I always say not to rely solely on your phone and to carry a paper map and a compass, just in case, and I do. Not a very detailed map, mind you, but enough to get me out of a jam. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">I was in a jam. Without that damn phone, I would only have the blue blazes that mark the North Country Trail. It would be risky and I would never know where I was at. Plus, if I didn’t show up with the people I was supposed to meet and didn’t let folks at home know I was okay, it would trigger a call for Search and Rescue. If I had printed and carried more detailed maps, I could have continued but still not been able to contact people.</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">I began to panic. Was this hike over for me? After all, this was supposed to be my ‘fall back hike’. An easy thousand miles that I could do if other plans didn’t work out. Now, here I was, freezing in the snow, asking a DNR guy at a campground if I could borrow his phone to call my brother. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">My brother Rob is an Information Systems Administrator but his real job is getting me out of trouble. He’s been doing it for 52 years, now. He told me to stay put for the night and he would be there the next day. That had to be one of the worst nights in my hiking career. Buried in my tent, huge snow flakes falling all around me and tears <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>streaming down my face. I had let everybody down. I would never make it to Ironwood. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">Rob and I talked about all the options during the long drive home. I crashed at his house for a couple days to dry out and gear up. The priority had to be to contact the people I was supposed to meet on the trail and cancel. Then, figure out a way to salvage this hike. Rob insisted that I get another phone before going back up there. Fortunately, I was able to pick up a used iPhone for $170 and Jackie helped me go over all my gear, making sure that I had what I needed to make it to Ironwood. I would ditch my stove and cooking pot and just eat cold. I added a $30 Frog Toggs rainsuit (good call, Rob) and an extra pair of socks. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">We decided that, because of the conditions (the weather, my shaken confidence and my desire to finish by Halloween), I would just road-walk it into Ironwood. Not the way I had pictured ending the hike but at least I will have finished. Rob drove me all the way back up to the UP and dropped me about 85 miles away from Ironwood. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">As I walked along the highway in the heavy snow, I thought back on my long history of relying too much on my cell phone: During the AT ‘11, I plugged my phone into a bad outlet and killed it. My sister Patti had to mail me a new one on the trail. On the CDT ‘14, I fell into a river and drowned my phone. My friend Martha was able to send me a new one. On the AT ‘15, I left my phone in the truck of a guy who gave me a ride to the trail. He was kind enough to leave it with the Sheriff’s office and it was returned to me. On the very first day of the Israel National Trail, my phone died (again, bad socket) but resurrected itself 12 hours later, Lazarus-style. Then, of course, my phone was pick-pocketed in a crowded bus station in Ecuador in ‘19. And now, I let my phone fall out of my jacket and the punishment for making the same mistake (over and over, apparently) is a long road-walk into Ironwood. This horrible task is a penance that must be served. Snow and sleet all day that freezes solid overnight. Double-trailer logging trucks blasting past just a couple feet away, spraying dirty slush on guilty hikers. No one offers a ride as there are no angels here on Purgatory’s Trail. I was feelin’ pretty low. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">And then it got worse. Temps dropped. The snow got deeper. I ran out of food. My water filter froze so I had to drink foamy brown river water. Road-walking into Ironwood in late October was the worst idea ever. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">I pushed forward into the little town of Marinesco, home of Two Fat Guys Bar and Grill. Not only did they serve up a giant bacon cheeseburger but they GAVE (they would not accept payment) me enough food to make it to the next town! My heart swelled with gratitude. Maybe I would make it, after all. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">Getting back to what I learned from Buck 30: Don’t make the hike more complicated than it needs to be. Brian rarely agrees to meet up with people on the trail. He’s not beholden to any sponsors. He doesn’t even take advantage of the hospitality that Trail Angels sometimes offer - he’d rather just get a hotel room and then keep moving at his own pace and without deadlines and appointments. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">TL/DR: I lost my phone and had to road-walk into Ironwood. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">Got a question or comment? Have any advice? Ideas on what I could have done differently? Click below and start typing!</span></p> Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-14715630575880730602020-09-29T06:35:00.000-07:002020-09-29T06:35:45.737-07:00Hiking Apps
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What follows is only my own experience with a few different apps designed for navigation on an iPhone. It is not a thorough review of all the apps available and all of their features. I’ll also throw in my two cents about how hiking apps and smartphones have changed the way I hike. </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ViIIdX937rGdOA-bjlK26SLVv8LIQ1Hj" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ViIIdX937rGdOA-bjlK26SLVv8LIQ1Hj" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></span></font></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br></b></span></font></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Atlas Guides/Guthook’s App</b></span></font></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">First off, I have to disclose that I have a history with the people who founded this company so, of course I’m going to be a big fan of their products! I wish them all the success in the world.</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1SxuIaE0ne1PsJEApJlLeCfi0hGPaDVCI" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1SxuIaE0ne1PsJEApJlLeCfi0hGPaDVCI" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></span></font></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In preparation for my ‘12 thru of the PCT, I purchased Paul Bodnar’s Pocket PCT Guid<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline !important;">. </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline !important;"><br></span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline !important;"><br></span></span></font></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1CsNJYKe5ZLpuE4_LpFZptFNcDFOVENuv" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1CsNJYKe5ZLpuE4_LpFZptFNcDFOVENuv" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></span></font></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Soon after starting the hike, I’d heard that Paul (Trailname: Tangent) and his wife, Alice (Trailame: Holstein) were also on the trail. I was fortunate enough to meet them and to get Paul to sign my book. </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1r7EvhmupBU9auorYckX_aRo99-7VPChu" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1r7EvhmupBU9auorYckX_aRo99-7VPChu" style="color: rgb(69, 81, 84); font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12pt; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></span><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Since then, Paul and Alice got together with Ryan ‘Guthook’ Linn to create an app that is designed by hikers with specific features that hiker’s want.</span></font></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I first started using Guthook’s Guides on the CDT ‘14. They were just releasing each state and we were greedily downloading them as we were hiking the trail. Having that information available made my CDT thru so much more enjoyable... Until I fell into Cochetopa Creek. And my iPhone was submerged (and thus, ruined). It was back to paper map and compass for me for about a month. Good to have those skills. More on that later. </span></font></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">On my SOBO thru of the AT ‘15, Guthook’s Guides really added to the enjoyment. Here’s the thing: With Guthook’s, you’ll always know where you are in relation to the trail. Even with no data signal. Even with no cell signal. Even in ‘airplane mode’. This adds a level of safety and enjoyment to my hikes that is invaluable. Again, you have to have a paper map and compass with you (and be able to use them) in case you fall in a river. But, as long as the phone is working, I check my position a million times a day, just to make sure I’m on track. </span></font></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">These days, Atlas Guides has tons of trails in their repertoire making this my go-to app for long distance hiking. Just download the Atlas Guides app and buy the Guthook’s Guide for the trail you’re hiking. You’ll be glad you did. </span></font></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Gaia</b></span></font></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Gaia has to be one of the most popular hiking apps available today. I first used it for my hike of the Baja Divide Trail in Mexico. I had all the GPS waypoints in a file that I got from Bikepacker.com but, actually getting that track to appear on your phone can be tricky. Every hiker has struggled with this. As I recall, I had some late night FaceTime sessions with my dear friend (and tech-genius) Noam Gal in Tel Aviv, Israel. He was very patient with me. </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1KMYXwa6D6J4shKri0GPtiG_2rF9TYbhw" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1KMYXwa6D6J4shKri0GPtiG_2rF9TYbhw" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></span></font></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once I got the waypoints downloaded, I knew I was good to go. Same as Atlas Guides, I could pinpoint where I was in relation to the trail even offline. Again, still with the paper map and compass but primarily using this app.</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1jH31w6SaxXjFw5_Lyct0obJ1aXDt--e9" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1jH31w6SaxXjFw5_Lyct0obJ1aXDt--e9" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></span></font></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I’m back to using Gaia again for my current hike - 1,150 miles of the North Country Trail as it runs through Michigan. Waypoints were courtesy of friend and badass hiker, Brian ‘Buck 30’ Tanzman. I’m finally getting used to some of the features that Gaia offers and taking advantage of them. </span></font></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br></b></span></font></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>MapOut</b> </span></font></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I only used this app because Bikepacker.com made me use it to get the waypoints for the Trans Ecuador Mountain Bike Trail. I had to pay for it but, once I downloaded the app, it was pretty easy to load the waypoints. No late night calls to Israel. I remember it being veryeasy to use. In fact, I was able to load both the TEMBR ‘Dirt Road Version’ and the TEMBR ‘Single Track Version’ so I was able to switch from route to route on the fly. </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=16lnZ5-UBLYmXMoU5tPQgNfLDEzUgVQsi" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=16lnZ5-UBLYmXMoU5tPQgNfLDEzUgVQsi" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></span></font></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Avenza</b></span></font></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This app is the only way to get current maps from the North Country Trail Association. Why? I don’t know. They must be in cahoots. If the NCTA wanted more people to enjoy their trail, they would let Atlas Guides feature their trail. Must be a financial thing? Dunno. </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1HsiXDcyrhbPTv9CEdpwSKK0N7hLx5Ypr" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1HsiXDcyrhbPTv9CEdpwSKK0N7hLx5Ypr" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></span><span style="text-align: left; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></p>
<p class="p4"><span class="s2"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I find this app to be a little bit clumsy in that, you have to download all the sections (So many sections... ) for the hike you’re doing. Once you find what map, what section and what page you’re on, you’ll see a familiar blue dot where you are and where the trail is. This appis really just a million pdf’s of pages of a map. They’ve overlapped your location and GPS coordinates but you still have to ‘leap’ from page to page. I wasn’t a fan but both Buck 30 and Steady (both seriously accomplished hikers) prefer this app while hiking the North Country Trail. </span></font></span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></p>
<p class="p4"><span class="s2"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>iMaps, Google Maps , etc...</b></span></font></span></p>
<p class="p4"><span class="s2"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">These apps have a place in long distance hiking. Some hiking apps will have a link to ‘open in Google Maps’ which I always appreciate. Maybe I’m in a town and need more information than just where the trail is. These apps sometimes have that info. Often too, it helps just to look at another version of the map you are primarily using, just to confirm the information. </span></font></span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br></b></span></font></p>
<p class="p4"><span class="s2"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>The Importance of Land Nav Skills</b></span></font></span></p>
<p class="p4"><span class="s2"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I learned the right way to use a paper map and compass during basic training in the Army. I learned the fine points of both day and night land nav while testing to become an Expert Field Medic (again, in the Army). Those skills were put to test after falling in the river on the CDT. Here’s the point: Almost anyone can go out, buy some gear, download an app and hike a trail. Good, I say! Get more people out there! The problem is that some folks are completely relying on their smartphones. Then they fall in a river. Or the battery dies. Now, it’s a rescue scenario that didn’t need to happen. Use these apps to increase safety and to help you enjoy the trail but know how to get out of it if your smartphone dies. </span></font></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s3"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s3"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I’ll add this as a solution (but for local folks only): Jeff McWilliams teaches a comprehensive land nav course through the SOLAR Club in Livonia. Get with them. Learn from him. </span></font></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s3"></span><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s3"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I welcome any comments or questions. </span></font></span></p>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-86376574933660052362020-08-25T08:35:00.000-07:002020-08-25T08:35:38.657-07:00The North Country Trail in MI
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1y2WoI0_LNTUJZkQXPRCCBAoCE_HWj_4T" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1y2WoI0_LNTUJZkQXPRCCBAoCE_HWj_4T" style="font-size: 12pt; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;">So, coming off a successful hike of Ecuador, I had big plans to fly to Asia and hike Kyrgyzstan. I was about to pull the trigger on plane tickets when The Panic hit. My home state of Michigan was on lockdown for about three months. During that time, as I realized that Kyrgyzstan was not going to happen, I began scheming and dreaming about doing a hike closer to home. As things slowly began to open back up, including trails and campgrounds, I thought about attemptin</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;">g to hike 1,150 miles of the North Country Trail as it ran through Michigan. The entire North Country Trail is a 4,600 mile monster that runs from North Dakota to Vermont.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;"> This would just be the Michigan section. I could start at the border with Ohio (way out in the middle of nowhere). My dear friend Sandy Lowe would drive me to the start of my adventure, as tradition holds. And so I did. On August 1st I hit the trail with the intent to hike north up the Lower and west across the Upper to the border with Wisconsin. More specifically, I want to hike back to the town of Ironwood, MI. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1u27eOvSPZmsWWG55Pmt4EkpajZPoPCoc" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1u27eOvSPZmsWWG55Pmt4EkpajZPoPCoc" style="font-size: 12pt; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;">It’s right on the border. I’ve hiked there before. In ‘13, I hiked from Belle Isle in Detroit to Ironwood. I call it the Ironwood Trail. Now they call it the Ironbelle Trail. I had such a reception in Ironwood in ‘13! Very cool people. At the time, they were talking about opening a craft brewery. Well, since then, it’s come to fruition: Cold Iron Brewing opened a couple years ago and I have to go back to try their beers! And what better way than to get there (I haven’t owned a car in a decade) than to hike there?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cJU517GHGJ3Q3w6K-k3CZGnsRCY_PNXH" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cJU517GHGJ3Q3w6K-k3CZGnsRCY_PNXH" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div>At this point, I’m about three hundred miles into it and I’m absolutely loving it. I struggled with some foot pain early on but I finally have my trail legs under me and the miles are coming easy. It doesn’t hurt that the temps have been fantastic, I haven’t had to use a rain fly in six nights straight and I’m coming off the best zero day EVER with my girl Jackie Papineau in Big Rapids, MI. The trail, too, has been really sweet. Part of the foot pain had to have been brought on by miles and miles of road walking. That part was not so good. But, since entering the Manistee National Forest here in Western Michigan, the Trail is giving up some easy miles: flat, compact earth covered with about a half inch of pine needles. SO nice to hike on. Well blazed/well maintained trail. Easy water and camping everywhere. I’ve hiked over 1,400 miles of trail here in Michigan but this is truly some of the nicest. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1TJgv5vXkBR9OX03_IVc-V-mBCIkmpJR4" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1TJgv5vXkBR9OX03_IVc-V-mBCIkmpJR4" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>I’m hoping to arrive in Ironwood by Halloween (1,150 miles over three months seems doable). It falls on a Saturday this year and, by that point, I'll be tired from hiking and looking for a cold beer! Know what else I’ll be looking for? A new hat. And not just any hat, a Stormy Kromer. And not just any Kromer. I wear mine brimless and backward.</div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=10ZNX2cKkWHqek-zaUc3I3IO77v9Jlq8C" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=10ZNX2cKkWHqek-zaUc3I3IO77v9Jlq8C" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div> See, they’ve been making these iconic hats by hand, here in Michigan, for years. The company is now run by my friend Gina Thorsen. She assures me that, if I walk more than a thousand miles to their factory in Ironwood, she’ll sell me a new Kromer. I can’t wait! My old one has some serious MILES on it. </div><div><br></div><div>I’m gonna push on and try to make to it the Traverse City area within the next two weeks and I’d better be across Big Mac by the end of September at the latest! The UP part of this trail is 550 miles long. October’s gonna start getting pretty cold up there. I’d better hurry!</div><div><br></div><div>Actually, I’d better slow down. Long enough to thank all the folks who are making this hike happen. Starting with Tom and Jamie at Moosejaw Mountaineering. From planning and advice to gear, I really appreciate these two people. Gina Thorsen at Stormy Kromer, Lee-Ann and John Garske, the owners and employees at Cold Iron Brewing. Can’t wait to see you guys! Paul and Missy McWalters at Uderground Quilts. The Trail Show podcast. Sister Carol’s Spices. Trail Angels Barb and Glenn Cazier and Tamera Dean. Treeline Review. Brian ‘Buck 30’ Tanzman for intel and advice. My dear friends Loren, Johanna and Luke Penny. You really lifted my spirits coming to see me in Lowell! Phil and Nan. Sandy Lowe. My friend’s at OBO #133. And last but most important of all, thanks for all the love and support to Jackie Papineau.</div><div>Got a question or a comment? Leave it below! I’ll check and respond as often as possible. Thankyou!</div><div>. </div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-44643125278902483702019-08-29T08:30:00.000-07:002019-08-29T08:30:03.624-07:00Hiking in Ecuador: The Good and the Bad<div>I covered about 800 miles over eight weeks hiking the Trans Ecuador Mountain Bike Route (the TEMBR). I started in Tulcan in the north (near the border with Columbia) and hiked to Vilcabamba in the south (near the border with Peru). These were my impressions:</div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1mHkGmqaesV3a2tle6UXI57o8k3uLfj2N" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1mHkGmqaesV3a2tle6UXI57o8k3uLfj2N" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div>The Good:<div><br></div><div>- The weather. Ecuador stays about the same temperature year-round and, in the mountains of central Ecuador, it’s perfect for hiking and camping. I had a few chilly mornings (in the 30’s) way up in the mountains and a few sweaty afternoons at lower elevations but mostly, temps were in the 60’s and 70’s. I planned this hike for June through September because I had read that this was the ‘dry season’ but I found that it rained at least as often as it seems to in the States. Sometimes for three or four days in a row. You’ll need a waterproof shell and lots of ziplock baggies if you want to be comfortable hiking in Ecuador. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1p3x88x3bIlsmBPIXgOKJsWGR2e8ZsyAd" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1p3x88x3bIlsmBPIXgOKJsWGR2e8ZsyAd" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div> - No bears, no bugs. Honestly, not even ants! I got a few bites from tiny black flies at lower elevations and I saw a few Tarantula Hawk wasps (we have them in the Southwestern United States, too) but, essentially, no bugs. I saw both a skunk and an opposum but they didn’t bother me. I didn’t even see any mice. Maybe it was the elevations at which I was hiking but I was glad for it. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1oopUBHqZybIn8IVBrvTbLYvyWdIx3-CA" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1oopUBHqZybIn8IVBrvTbLYvyWdIx3-CA" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div> - The Currency: Is good ‘ol US dollars! And the dollar goes a long way down here. A small hotel room near the airport was only $31. A liter of water or soda is about $.50. The bus ride from Quinto to Tulcan was $6. I could easily resupply for 3-4 days on less than $10. I would suggest, however, carrying lots of small bills. If you pull out a $20 bill in a tiny tienda, they are not going to have change for you. Also, they are very fond of the $1 coin which, while convenient, weigh a ton. I always had to remind myself to get rid of all my change before leaving town lest I looked like Kramer going to pay for his calzone. Keep in mind, too, that very few businesses take a credit card down here and ATM’s are only located in bigger cities so you have to plan accordingly. </div><div><br></div><div>- The Scenery. Hiking past (or climbing up!) 20K’ asl volcanoes like Cotopaxi and Chimborazo is an unforgettable experience. Central Ecuador is the start of the Andes mountain chain and amazing views are to be had every day. I just wish the camera on my iPhone could have captured them better. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1QPEf8EjeSm7-WdNfy848atibUQoPO7Iw" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1QPEf8EjeSm7-WdNfy848atibUQoPO7Iw" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>- Navigation. I used the Map Out app with GPS waypoints (plotted by bikepacker Cass Gilbert) that I found at Bikepacker.com. His trail is actually a combination of two routes: one called the Dirt Road Version and one, the Singletrack Version. The TEMBR Dirt Road is easy follow, runs at lower elevations and has a few more towns along the way. The Singletrack version is occasionally more difficult and runs at higher elevations. The two coincide and diverge often enough that you can pick which one you want to follow every couple days. My hike wound up being a combination of the two. Overall, Ecuador was very easy to navigate. I also carried National Geographic maps (just in case) but only used them for ‘big picture’ planning. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ClfCEJ8WhJQIWIO1Hzoc1_8izcSLXDMx" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ClfCEJ8WhJQIWIO1Hzoc1_8izcSLXDMx" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div> - The People. Overwhelmingly very friendly. I wrote about them in a previous blogpost but I was humbled by their generosity and impressed by their work ethic. If only I spoke more Spanish, I could have gotten to know more of them better. </div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ZjgE0fPGsNDDIOt6W7omdFN0uaSygK8h" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ZjgE0fPGsNDDIOt6W7omdFN0uaSygK8h" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Bad: </div><div><br></div><div>- Dogs. I didn’t think any country could have more stray dogs than Mexico but, Holy Smokes, the streets of Ecuador’s small towns are filled with packs (of up to 10 animals) of barking, pooping, traffic blocking, ownerless dogs. They just have a different view toward pet ownership down here so, if dogs scare you or if the sight of mangy, badly injured dogs bothers you (or seeing dogs feeding upon one of their own), think twice before hiking in Ecuador. </div></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=195eUBvgh3M98cNjiX5K2nwRcHOWpxXvc" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=195eUBvgh3M98cNjiX5K2nwRcHOWpxXvc" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>- Wind. I think this is true if you’re hiking above 10K’ asl anywhere in the world but sustained, heavy winds can make everything more difficult and much of this hike is above 10K’ asl. Winds strong enough to knock you off your feet. Hats blow off, sunglasses blow off, maps get ripped from your hands and setting up your tent can be very frustrating. Be ready for it. </div><div><br></div><div> - Camping. This topic could go in either category: the good or the bad. Some nights I was able to find a peaceful, flat spot with four inches of pine needle duff and a fresh water source nearby. I’d set up my tent without the rain fly so I could see the stars and sleep like a baby. Other nights, I’d find myself walking faster and faster, desperately looking for a spot, through fenced-off farmland that seemed devoid of even a few square feet of flat ground, let alone something that wasn’t obviously private property. As the sun sank, I wondered if I’d ever find somewhere to camp. Sometimes I’d settle for lumpy, uneven ground right by the side of the road or sometimes I’d breakdown and ask a farmer if I could camp on his property (I’d offer a few bucks, of course). At least a few times, I’d pick a spot that I thought was ‘stealthy’ enough only to be ‘discovered’ by the property owner. I’d try to explain who I was and what I was doing in my broken Spanish and they’d let me stay. I was never once told to leave. Figit and Neon of Her Oddesy fame used the (more practical) technique of asking for a ‘room to rent’ in the nearest small town. Their hosts were often very generous but, for me, I prefer to sleep outdoors. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1iuAiYazRR8ZhA0ARtDG3oMVgyYvJh8Mq" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1iuAiYazRR8ZhA0ARtDG3oMVgyYvJh8Mq" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Want to hike the TEMBR? I think it’s a fantastic trail (one of my top three hikes) that could be done by even a novice hiker. If you are comfortable with international travel, speak a little Spanish and don’t mind camping in some weird places, give it a try! Contact me first; I always love to talk about hiking!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=16lY5ZUcZu3zk3AH62bjMBpLXsR7U-31y" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=16lY5ZUcZu3zk3AH62bjMBpLXsR7U-31y" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-4167241202115301792019-08-14T19:00:00.000-07:002019-08-14T19:00:30.029-07:00A Stranger in a Strange Land<div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1kS-iIwSjTLG8_UnJ5egIcJkDDQAB1pNT" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1kS-iIwSjTLG8_UnJ5egIcJkDDQAB1pNT" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; border-left-width: 1px; border-left-style: solid; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-left: 1ex;"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.301961); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What follows are my obervations of the Mestizo people in rural Ecuador. They are based on only a few weeks of observations and a little research. Your comments are welcomed. </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.301961); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>The Mestizo make up 72% of the population here. They are a combination of Caucasian European Spanish and the indigenous Amerindians. The vast majority speak Spanish with a small minority of older folks speaking Kichwa. They are generally short in stature (making me feel like a giant) and they have dark brown skin. The men don’t grow much facial hair (which makes my beard a novelty - especially with little kids: they all want to tug on it!). They all have black hair and dark brown eyes.</span></font></blockquote><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; border-left-width: 1px; border-left-style: solid; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-left: 1ex;"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.301961); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>In the bigger cities, you’ll find a mix of contemporary and traditional dress. But out in the country, there is one, very specific way to dress: Everyone wears the traditional, wool poncho; The men wear darker colors, the women, brighter colors. Both genders wear the fedora style hat (which I think is very cool but I don’t think I could pull it off). Men wear jeans or slacks tucked into calf-high rubber boots. Both genders and pretty much all ages wear the rubber boots. Women wear pants with a dress over the top of them and usually a scarf - they are very modest. Adult men usually either carry a machete or have it attached to their waist.</span></font></blockquote><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; border-left-width: 1px; border-left-style: solid; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-left: 1ex;"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.301961); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Many can’t read or write. The average level of education is sixth grade and that’s for the younger people.<i> </i>That fact really trips me up when I have a whole message typed out in Spanish on my phone explaining who I am, what I’m doing and asking permission to camp; I show it to them but they can’t read it! </span></font></blockquote><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; border-left-width: 1px; border-left-style: solid; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-left: 1ex;"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.301961); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>They are far and away very friendly folks. And very curious. If they see my tent, they will almost always come over to check me out - even when I’m camped high on a hillside or way off they road. Sometimes individuals, sometimes the whole family. They slowly approach my tent and either whistle (which I dislike) or call out, “Hola!? Buen dia!”. <br><br>This makes stealth camping exceedingly difficult: Since they are outside working on their land (almost 100% are farmers) all day, every day and because they are so curious, I’ve been ‘discovered’ (but not asked to leave) about a half a dozen times now. <font><i> </i></font><br><br>Recreation for them is as simple as packing up the family and most of the animals (typically a few of each: llamas, pigs, sheep, goats and dogs - the horses and cows stay home) and heading for a local pasture for a picnic lunch. Each animal gets a metal stake in the ground and a ten foot rope. The kids and the dogs run around. The parents spread out big blankets and food. Saturday night is for socializing. Sunday is for church - even if it’s far away. <br><br>I’ve only had a couple of negative interactions with them. One older lady who was certain that I camped in her ‘official’ campsite (I didn’t) demanded $4 from me. Another younger girl wanted a dollar from me because I took a picture of her llama - I think she was kidding but I wasn’t certain. Everyone else just smiles and wishes me ‘Buena suerte!’<br><br>What I wonder as I look at these folks in their very simple, very small homes and with their very simple lives is this: Are they any better off than we are? They aren’t glued to their phones. They aren’t upgrading to a bigger TV. They don’t have cars, bills, bosses, insurance or dentists (apparently). The Mestizos have been living like this for perhaps hundreds of years. Our lives rapidly change with each generation. Who has it better? <br><br>Side note: Their restrooms often have the TP dispenser OUTSIDE the actual bathroom. This forces you to take some before you go in, thus announcing your intentions to everyone in the room. Plus, who knows how much TP you’re going to need? I take a LOT just in case. ;-) <br></span></font><br></blockquote></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-324442530451847402019-08-05T09:38:00.000-07:002019-08-05T09:38:40.764-07:00The Murals and Paintings of EcuadorThis post is a bit of a cop-out, I admit. It requires little to no effort on my part since there is hardly any writing to be done. However, I feel I must post it because some of the artwork I have seen in this country is so fantastic that I would be telling a lie of omission with regards to my adventure if I did not share it. Please enjoy and leave me a comment below. Thank you!<div><br></div><div>My fave. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=17kkUZn6dZoxpgk-MPX3BRYldLeSHu3co" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=17kkUZn6dZoxpgk-MPX3BRYldLeSHu3co" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1BBZyVUEKJXSHEJC-TBp2_LeC3bXLLntR" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1BBZyVUEKJXSHEJC-TBp2_LeC3bXLLntR" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next two are half in/half out of the shade. Sorry. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1YH3kvPkhhCQC-VTCdYzLUvspTzqCyGWd" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1YH3kvPkhhCQC-VTCdYzLUvspTzqCyGWd" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1EkIuzyFk-v11R3RbFJHLCSSLqqyajr9O" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1EkIuzyFk-v11R3RbFJHLCSSLqqyajr9O" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1s0mHRwFlj0xqeP3jakeUhQyy8LMAw0P1" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1s0mHRwFlj0xqeP3jakeUhQyy8LMAw0P1" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1s9poksK2BAXKtzLaiFrAP8zv4VFvyBlk" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1s9poksK2BAXKtzLaiFrAP8zv4VFvyBlk" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1SHaI626cVp8_J33Lj41-_LMOxg7pN3jc" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1SHaI626cVp8_J33Lj41-_LMOxg7pN3jc" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1GCGyGoJgP1MC6HdtY4I-Z-f8U9mxKbiH" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1GCGyGoJgP1MC6HdtY4I-Z-f8U9mxKbiH" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tGYqgjKjkq__q3ninZOf--iMOJy9TZty" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tGYqgjKjkq__q3ninZOf--iMOJy9TZty" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=11jgrAja70c9GiumjWWM6oG8uoQCA4B8c" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=11jgrAja70c9GiumjWWM6oG8uoQCA4B8c" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Q2i33vtGwRkgjRGYu9XnUfyjswS8U3HG" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Q2i33vtGwRkgjRGYu9XnUfyjswS8U3HG" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=10v2kthvDGQWGxxpJeI4fTQjakM1xiCmB" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=10v2kthvDGQWGxxpJeI4fTQjakM1xiCmB" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1lZkOYV9J3javFeUPiNNZAoFTFSWf7uA4" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1lZkOYV9J3javFeUPiNNZAoFTFSWf7uA4" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1J_TX-az4-aoqNQsK8qB0QXwmd6r6iM8K" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1J_TX-az4-aoqNQsK8qB0QXwmd6r6iM8K" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1O3NXAHGcjOzY4_L2-hSv6rAANmZhL68X" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1O3NXAHGcjOzY4_L2-hSv6rAANmZhL68X" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Please leave a comment below!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ueQHaRU-t_VM-4xkrLUXRlhwXv6mEIqH" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ueQHaRU-t_VM-4xkrLUXRlhwXv6mEIqH" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-71947739245254834872019-07-29T14:23:00.000-07:002019-07-29T14:23:12.556-07:00Hiking at ElevationI’ve been lucky so far in my hiking ‘career’ that I’ve never fallen prey to real altitude sickness but I know of many hikers (most more experienced than I) who have. I mostly associate it with folks driving to high altitudes and feeling the symptoms as soon as they get out of the car. I’ve always suspected that hiking to those same elevations gives my body time to adjust and, thus, avoid any symptoms. <div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=18dwDYzSs3IE9HhWcaw1_f9v-RRMvEJsN" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=18dwDYzSs3IE9HhWcaw1_f9v-RRMvEJsN" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>So much of this hike is above 10,000 feet above sea level (10K’asl), that I wondered if it would bother me. So far, only one month in, I’ve been (mostly) okay. I do notice that, at altitudes above 13K’asl, my breathing changes. If I stop breathing to take a long drink of water or yawn, I suddenly feel out of breath. I have to take several, deep, rapid breathes to ‘catch up’. I also notice a little bit of dizziness and some tingling/numbness in my hands. These symptoms resolve as soon as I drop back down a couple thousand feet. </div><div><br></div><div>Another issue with hiking at these altitudes is the wind. I suppose it’s true of hiking anywhere above 10K’asl but the wind can be consistently strong and it gets old after a while. It’s knocked me off my feet several times. You can’t set anything down, even for a second, lest it blows off the side of a mountain. Even routine actions like reading a map or setting up my tent become challenging in high winds. Mix in some dust and sand and you feel like your skin is being media-blasted. This can go on for days at a time. </div><div><br></div><div>My previous altitude ‘record’ was 14,508’asl. That was at the top of Mt. Whitney inCalifornia. It’s the highest point in the contiguous 48 states. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1vb9_VW9kvrNkmH9yAavy0ezMPg_HCD_e" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1vb9_VW9kvrNkmH9yAavy0ezMPg_HCD_e" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">During my current hike (Ecuador), I climbed three-quarters of the way up the 20,550’asl volcano Chimborazo for a new PR of 16K’asl. There was camping available up there but I decided that I already know what it’s like to camp with freezing winds so I made my way back down to around 14K’asl and found a spot for the night. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1DgYFqOHMQVuVAyQWg25duYysrMfP3SEf" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1DgYFqOHMQVuVAyQWg25duYysrMfP3SEf" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div>I felt pretty good up there - no symptoms at all. It could have been that I was just so excited to be up there that I didn’t notice or it could be that I hiked up there instead of driving. Either way, I feel like I’ve had my fill of super-high elevations for a while. I wouldn’t mind being a little lower, a little warmer and with a little less wind. </div><div><br></div><div>What’s the highest elevation you’ve ever been to? Leave me a comment below!</div><div><br></div></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-10335023991943071042019-07-20T09:38:00.000-07:002019-07-20T09:38:17.929-07:00Lots-O-Pics<div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1x3AwbxU4LBcvzdb43pRi1i6RThU3DA_T" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1x3AwbxU4LBcvzdb43pRi1i6RThU3DA_T" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div>But first, a couple of shout-outs:<div><br></div><div>- To Tom and all my friends at Moosejaw Mountaineering. I buy all my gear at Moosejaw.com and you should, too!</div><div><br></div><div>- To Paul, Missy and the crew at Underground Quilts. Check out their stuff at UGQoutdoor.com</div><div><br></div><div>- To Kelly O’Brien at Obriensales.com</div><div><br></div><div>Now, as promised, pics with stupid captions!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1CAK2xqv0KCPXrRRwAAMWqrcqOO4uJ28H" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1CAK2xqv0KCPXrRRwAAMWqrcqOO4uJ28H" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">This majestic cow. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1eV-jQryYxm5CbPzwPxgPsW01ErcB5iZN" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1eV-jQryYxm5CbPzwPxgPsW01ErcB5iZN" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">This spider bite.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1PbigdBnKLQ6s4dl3QTdyDHIG4AUA6wFu" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1PbigdBnKLQ6s4dl3QTdyDHIG4AUA6wFu" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">This almost perfect shot of Cotopaxi. That volcano is constantly surrounded by clouds. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1-Ojlk95Y5jW2k1JnIp_8WxftMc1e0_hV" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1-Ojlk95Y5jW2k1JnIp_8WxftMc1e0_hV" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">A poor hummingbird with a broken wing. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1zY1X68EAXXGV6yrvJFDiA3fcRalo79Bw" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1zY1X68EAXXGV6yrvJFDiA3fcRalo79Bw" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">This warning not to dump trash. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1rQY5z2x-_XFcDvCdipqwAsjSmYtRknLt" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1rQY5z2x-_XFcDvCdipqwAsjSmYtRknLt" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">This furry burro. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=11blRjx501MI_arjmLdMYqi1x_RjjtzpV" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=11blRjx501MI_arjmLdMYqi1x_RjjtzpV" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">How to dress for a sandstorm in Ecuador.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1QEag_NbC058UMan_h6ef4jp7yZi63Igc" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1QEag_NbC058UMan_h6ef4jp7yZi63Igc" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">This entire hillside on fire. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1savRmdoZ2RwH2O1fuCzaoG4e0WpSugTC" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1savRmdoZ2RwH2O1fuCzaoG4e0WpSugTC" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">This butterfly. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=16vSdTX4qAwyb0pObhTt1IdLyru85Laew" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=16vSdTX4qAwyb0pObhTt1IdLyru85Laew" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">“Well I’m standing next to a mountain</div><div style="text-align: left;">I chop it down with the edge of my hand.” - Jimi Hendrix</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=13c1LkKMXrrb5be8V4Xf_FR7KSQaOnEgn" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=13c1LkKMXrrb5be8V4Xf_FR7KSQaOnEgn" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looking out over Laguna de Quilotoa.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1qQXVgO-2px3vDPYlkL989_jC_eZjYsGx" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1qQXVgO-2px3vDPYlkL989_jC_eZjYsGx" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">The perfect campsite. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1fLS87pdP3OjSjWDEYXgrYOeRlQFvKzzX" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1fLS87pdP3OjSjWDEYXgrYOeRlQFvKzzX" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">My new friend. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1LdOF-x_Uu4cigDOc8BgvhCosu0rjzoV9" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1LdOF-x_Uu4cigDOc8BgvhCosu0rjzoV9" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">My new friend (and her skinny dog) leaving. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">And now, I must leave, too. Wanna know what you can leave? A comment below. Thank you!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-46055798922550118392019-07-13T08:58:00.000-07:002019-07-13T08:58:40.698-07:00The People I Meet in EcuadorNot even a month into my hike of the Trans Ecuador Mountain Bike Route (the TEMBR) and already, I’ve met some pretty memorable characters. <div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1vTbdnIW8PaGUwOIHW301qEeRf-svoFkx" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1vTbdnIW8PaGUwOIHW301qEeRf-svoFkx" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>Gotta start with the Dammer brothers (Michael, Mathius and Thomas) and their families. They have just been so charming and generous that I will forever associate them with this hike. They have all worked very hard to create a bucolic slice of heaven right here on earth. Picture acres of green pastures filled with cows, pigs, sheep and alpacas and buildings made from local stone and wood. Laughing children running around in homemade clothes, classrooms filled with books and art work and happy workers that smile and wave. I am fortunate to have visited twice so far</div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1CchCPOHq1rolf4GQRcWTxgDvTjuQZjNi" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1CchCPOHq1rolf4GQRcWTxgDvTjuQZjNi" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div>. </div><div>Then there was this family. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ss79oAD9MarJ36AmRVDkpgZ7gRfSp2JX" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ss79oAD9MarJ36AmRVDkpgZ7gRfSp2JX" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>They caught me trespassing on their farm but, instead of calling the police, they invite me in for breakfast! Turns out, Karina (pictured above) is a cousin of the Dammers. They gave me some great advice about what else to see in Ecuador and even gave me a hunk of dried, smoked pork to take with me (it was delicious!). </div><div><br></div><div>I can’t forget this guy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tuI0rZ_OI6TBztombUElVJM_gECjv4-k" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tuI0rZ_OI6TBztombUElVJM_gECjv4-k" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>I hiked into the tiny town of San Isidro early on a Sunday morning. Everything was closed but Fernando was just opening his tiny tienda. I’m afraid I came across as desperate when I said, “Nessicito cafe!” to him. He didn’t have any coffee to sell but instead, he insisted that I come in and join him and his wife for hot coffee (he served it black with tons of sugar in a small metal cup) and fresh baked bread. The conversation was lacking because of my poor Spanish but I was extremely grateful and I hope I conveyed that. </div><div><br></div><div>Watch out for this guy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ZpfesKAMJEwYPO1nTgEWWTLEj6Nr15t0" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ZpfesKAMJEwYPO1nTgEWWTLEj6Nr15t0" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>I met Jose and his buddies just outside of Guayllabamba. He insisted that I have a pull or two of what they called ‘puntos’. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1nZOpIDxpy1dp5EiTpFKRkPeSPNPnRJ0W" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1nZOpIDxpy1dp5EiTpFKRkPeSPNPnRJ0W" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div>It was some kind of fermented fruit juice that really packed a punch. They all laughed as I winced after each sip. I thanked them for their generosity and kept on hiking. </div><div><br></div><div>Then there was this group of crazy Americans.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1kgb8a8svPYQem72kWLwrtp5F57YUE-U3" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1kgb8a8svPYQem72kWLwrtp5F57YUE-U3" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>They are doing some horseback riding down here and they were very kind to a hungry Wolverine. It was good for my soul to sit with people from back home. We swapped stories and enjoyed a big picnic lunch. Very nice folks. </div><div><br></div><div>I don’t know why I’m lucky (blessed?) enough to meet the people that I do. Maybe they’re curious about the conspicuous American with a giant backpack? I simply smile and say, “Hola! Buen dia!” to everyone I meet. Almost all respond. Some are very kind just for he sake of being kind! I think the world could use more of that. </div><div><br></div></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-61236667388031612132019-07-13T08:23:00.000-07:002019-07-13T08:23:30.279-07:00Hiking in Ecuador - The First WeekThe flight(s) from Detroit to Quito, Ecuador took forever. I got zero sleep the night before I left so I mostly stumbled through the airports like a zombie. I didn’t arrive in Quito until very late at night. Fortunately, the hotel I was to stay at had someone waiting to give me a ride. <div><br></div><div>It’s ‘i-e-r’ but that’s okay. I’m just glad for the ride!</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1os-oMcbFUEuEZco9rog6oue2KcmDTYRG" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1os-oMcbFUEuEZco9rog6oue2KcmDTYRG" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>I slept solid for a few hours but I was anxious to get up and get going on my adventure. While I enjoyed a simple breakfast at the hotel, the clouds slowly cleared to reveal tall mountains all around me. This is, after all, the beginning of the massive Andes mountain chain that stretches clear down to Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=19NXu4Jrthxe70gInT6ZlIQtkJ9bDQ2TZ" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=19NXu4Jrthxe70gInT6ZlIQtkJ9bDQ2TZ" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>I took a short cab ride to the Nahual Farm and School just outside the city. This fantastic place teaches organic and sustainable farming techniques to people from all over the world. It’s run by the Dammer brothers and has a reputation for being friendly to bikepackers. I’d have to see how they felt about hikers. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1gdGd_o5F3I3yzv6GwVQBdtI23sEQ81xI" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1gdGd_o5F3I3yzv6GwVQBdtI23sEQ81xI" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>I was greeted warmly by Michael Dammer and given a tour of the farm. What an amazing place!</div><div><br></div><div>One of the classrooms at the Nahual School:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1iJNvzht-Tnhe5e3BW2CBmetWz3lH43IS" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1iJNvzht-Tnhe5e3BW2CBmetWz3lH43IS" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>Michael speaks perfect English (and Spanish and some French) and he let me stay the night in a very comfortable loft in exchange for completing some simple chores (work-for-stay). I used my free time to gather some last minute things (canister fuel, batteries, etc... ) from town. </div><div><br></div><div>Work-for-stay means turning this:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1XRpKQHER-TVww98x98PEwbElKs4lZ2LA" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1XRpKQHER-TVww98x98PEwbElKs4lZ2LA" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>Into this:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=10SSUhiksYxrfWBn-3b4PYotJf9T5gnxw" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=10SSUhiksYxrfWBn-3b4PYotJf9T5gnxw" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div>I set off early the next morning for Tulcan,near the border with Columbia. That trip took about six hours and a couple of different buses. Even with Michael’s help, navigating a busy bus system when you don’t speak the language can be tricky. Somehow, it all worked out and I made it to Tulcan. Since I didn’t get there until later in the day, I was anxious to get out of town and find a place to camp. </div><div><br></div><div>I made it to Tulcan!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1NkCmg0XxJDYGDiNh2ijhDkXmaPkYtWgG" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1NkCmg0XxJDYGDiNh2ijhDkXmaPkYtWgG" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>The route out of town seemed to climb relentlessly. I was soon up over 10,000 feet of elevation and I was feeling it! Exhausted but thrilled to have even made it to the start of the hike, I found a quiet spot to camp and crashed. Hard. </div><div><br></div><div>Finally home:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1suEQNSWRmocNhdDY2FPZ18jeyEiKAdWE" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1suEQNSWRmocNhdDY2FPZ18jeyEiKAdWE" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>Between all the travel and excitement of the last few days and the fact that I sleep best in my tent far away from towns and people, I slept solid for ten hours straight. I woke to a light rain but giggling with joy to be back where I belong: On the trail. </div><div><br></div><div>In my element:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1hOh0kiwPHW5VSpScp4_tfEIHeM8GNVQM" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1hOh0kiwPHW5VSpScp4_tfEIHeM8GNVQM" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div>The next few days were just what I had hoped for: Beautiful mountains and rolling, green farms, charming people and a trail that was mostly old dirt roads and two-tracks. It was easy to follow (thanks to the GPS tracks laid out by bike packer Cass Gilbert) and stunningly beautiful. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1i_CFvt-hAqqHfJD7DIRxt8VYCv_sRrjZ" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1i_CFvt-hAqqHfJD7DIRxt8VYCv_sRrjZ" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>I stopped at little towns like El Angel and San Isidro to get a cup of coffee or to buy more rice and hot sauce (the staples of my diet so far). I met some really cool people but my lack of Spanish kept me from really getting to know them. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1TZuL729D6Fqg078xAt1KgBBxfvkzngBJ" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1TZuL729D6Fqg078xAt1KgBBxfvkzngBJ" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>My new friend Fernando:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1F5rRNFlfkwl1ht5yaQfsWhB_AmTf_VKa" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1F5rRNFlfkwl1ht5yaQfsWhB_AmTf_VKa" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Every little town has a church:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1BrGeCsgPsMZ5EG8fvRnh8q9IOaRIYodD" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1BrGeCsgPsMZ5EG8fvRnh8q9IOaRIYodD" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">The St. Peter’s Parade in El Angel:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=10wZJ7GbhKXWiYZJFeSurO7y62OlVkT-d" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=10wZJ7GbhKXWiYZJFeSurO7y62OlVkT-d" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Quiet streets on a Sunday morning:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1k2XhZqMmXI0qOIfpKDjf0gJFWOgA5Wd1" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1k2XhZqMmXI0qOIfpKDjf0gJFWOgA5Wd1" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Typical breakfast in Ecuador:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1euyqxohzcLvQ3P1AhSK2KhzZVkUk4pqr" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1euyqxohzcLvQ3P1AhSK2KhzZVkUk4pqr" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lots of statues and murals depicting Jesus as a creepy farmer:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=16yh_bgqpty9N8Rm7Uo0CgXfW4d3v9ZEP" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=16yh_bgqpty9N8Rm7Uo0CgXfW4d3v9ZEP" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Giant hog ready for slaughter (trekking poles against the wall for scale):</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1E6-YYfCgwKYKvDPksaB4K5GhixspKtiB" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1E6-YYfCgwKYKvDPksaB4K5GhixspKtiB" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>Bigger towns like Cotacachi are cool, too, as they offer more choices for food and drink. I find I’m also more likely to meet people who speak English in these towns - there are a surprising amount of American ex-patriots down here. </div><div><br></div><div>Sunday open market:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tS4FCB4553r-qZ-IvXUiuZyvnXyj8a8F" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tS4FCB4553r-qZ-IvXUiuZyvnXyj8a8F" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>My goal, for now, is to make it back to the Nahual Farm. There, I have clean clothes and a new pair of hiking shoes waiting for me. It probably wouldn’t hurt to take a shower as the layers of sunscreen, DEET, dirt and sweat hide my actual skin. </div><div><br></div><div>I stink:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1oa6uz1ytYZgoQOcNIpARGApwJuEtx7m7" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1oa6uz1ytYZgoQOcNIpARGApwJuEtx7m7" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div><div><br></div><div>After that, I’ll just keep hiking south until Ihit Peru or until I have to fly home (September 10th), whichever comes first!</div><div><br></div><div>Got a comment or a question about hiking in Ecuador? Click below and start typing!<br><div><br></div><div><br><div><br></div><div><br><div><br></div><div><br><div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-91919695297066973992019-06-15T08:49:00.000-07:002019-06-15T08:49:32.454-07:00The TEMBROn June 25th, I'll fly from my home in Detroit, Michigan to Quito, Ecuador. After staying the night there, I'll take a six hour bus ride to the northern terminus of the <a href="https://bikepacking.com/routes/trans-ecuador-dirt-road/" target="_blank">Trans Ecuador Mountain Bike Route</a>. Here's how it all came about.<br>
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I first heard about this trail while following the bikepacking adventures of my dear friends, <a href="https://theredheadednomad.com/category/ecuador/" target="_blank">Neon and Onnamove</a>. They lead me to <a href="https://bikepacking.com/author/cass-gilbert/" target="_blank">Cass Gilbert</a>, who helped develop the trail. Along with important intel from Fidgit of <a href="https://her-odyssey.org/" target="_blank">Her Odyssey</a>, a plan came together.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXTDYvpX3aTPumcFGGIOdiFhBDetzRvtuQh33KygaNMQg7OI5YYxZv4iFjWwO6Jfcin1p3Km4NeapoukUOb9Cgb92EwyhjaWn8iDyX3lnUUAFo9ja3L2SZtqfxInYyvWoAd7XKabSytc/s1600/Neon+and+Onna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1238" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXTDYvpX3aTPumcFGGIOdiFhBDetzRvtuQh33KygaNMQg7OI5YYxZv4iFjWwO6Jfcin1p3Km4NeapoukUOb9Cgb92EwyhjaWn8iDyX3lnUUAFo9ja3L2SZtqfxInYyvWoAd7XKabSytc/s400/Neon+and+Onna.jpg" width="400" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neon and Onnamove hiked with me on the PCT '12</td></tr>
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There are actually two versions of the TEMBR, the 'Dirt Road' route and the '<a href="https://bikepacking.com/routes/trans-ecuador-singletrack/" target="_blank">Singletrack</a>' route. They intersect at multiple points along the way and I think my hike will probably be a combination of the two. My gear is in good shape. I'll be carrying my trusty <a href="https://ugqoutdoor.com/top-quilts/xl-bandit/" target="_blank">Bandit Quilt</a> from <a href="http://wolverinecdt.blogspot.com/2018/01/backup-underground-quilts.html" target="_blank">Underground Quilts</a>. I've been in touch with Michael from the famous <a href="https://nahual.com.ec/" target="_blank">Nauhal's School and Farm</a> near Quito and I hope to visit them. Travel plans are set. All systems are GO.</div>
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I really love this part in the planning process for a big hike when everything seems to be coming together. I constantly remind myself to have a plan and to prepare for contingencies but to be flexible and go with the flow. I also have to be careful to discern between gathering important information from those who have done it before me and not ruining my own experience by knowing full well what to expect on this adventure.</div>
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I just came off of a five day stretch out on the Appalachian Trail with my friends from <a href="https://www.moosejaw.com/" target="_blank">Moosejaw Mountaineering</a> (I've been <a href="http://wolverinecdt.blogspot.com/2012/08/moosejaw.html" target="_blank">Loving The Madness</a> since 2011). They went all out with Magic at the trailhead, shuttles to and from the trail, tons of SWAG for the hikers, goofy contests with great prizes (like serious gear from ThermaRest, NeoAir, Eno and Nemo) and beer tokens galore to spend at <a href="https://dbbrewingcompany.com/" target="_blank">the Devil's Backbone</a>.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71xU0ROwMvUQuBJ6IU_z3SGXO44Agii04yJ_2-tT2s_OjBXDMdhNi-BE2vgOUBiWimwguybZChWiiVa5WzMkuiZQH_5MExkIKiiaD5ynkBg06-Zq53vmJ4K6SVwp-VnpABybyLZDuExw/s1600/IMG_4426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71xU0ROwMvUQuBJ6IU_z3SGXO44Agii04yJ_2-tT2s_OjBXDMdhNi-BE2vgOUBiWimwguybZChWiiVa5WzMkuiZQH_5MExkIKiiaD5ynkBg06-Zq53vmJ4K6SVwp-VnpABybyLZDuExw/s400/IMG_4426.JPG" width="400" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Israel National Trail '17.</td></tr>
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I first visited <a href="http://wolverinecdt.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-devil-backbone.html" target="_blank">THIS AWESOME PLACE</a> during a SOBO thru of the AT '15. They were so very kind to me back then, it was really fun to return and see how much they've grown. And they were especially accommodating to all the hikers with free camping, bathrooms and hot showers and a $6 hiker breakfast special that filled their bellies. The whole thing was such a positive experience that it filled me with gratitude just to have been a part of it. However, it also left me jonsin' BAD for the Trail. I can't WAIT to get back out there. </div>
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I'm giving myself plenty of time for side trips. I'll be back September 11th. Think I'll make it? Leave me a comment below:</div>
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Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-29630169151352907692018-11-28T18:20:00.001-08:002018-11-28T18:20:03.932-08:00Lessons Learned from the Bruce Trail<img id="id_4c7a_b74e_c8e3_316c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hAV1WLdT9E0/W_9MwGQY5pI/AAAAAAAAEQ0/l9O6tjkPyP0jbDicG1A4qydR26Asa8xfQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br><div><br></div><div>Eight days ago, I began an attempted thru-hike of the Bruce Trail in Ontario, Canada. This is a 550 mile trail that starts on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls and finishes at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula that sticks out into the Georgian Bay. I knew there would be many hurdles to overcome with this hike, yet I was determined to start during the first week of November and finish by January 1st. Only 74 miles into it, I had to call it quits. Here’s why:</div><div><br></div><div>1) <b>Failed Sponsorship </b></div><div>I’ve worked successfully with many sponsors over the years. Most provided gear. Some provided cash. A few provided both. I had trouble finding support for this hike but eventually worked out a deal with a large, Canadian, agricultural firm. They grow and sell organic vegetables and their mission statement includes encouraging healthy lifestyles. We agreed that I would receive financial support and shipments of their veggies in exchange for submitting blog posts and photos for use on their website. I should have declined their offer since it was only a fraction of what I asked for and it came more than two weeks after the date I had intended to start. They did send me some yummy veggies during the hike but they never came through with the cash they had promised. I can hike on a shoestring budget but I can’t do a hike like this without some funding. I learned a hard lesson about being more selective about what companies I work with and making sure they understand the (often time-sensitive) needs of a thru-hiker before I hit the trail.</div><div><br></div><img id="id_6bf2_bed8_4e96_e4a7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XyhJVGOkbJQ/W_9M0BWr12I/AAAAAAAAEQ4/shk5_IJbdIYsfO4GmOZEKYWj6fYG8sLgQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><div> </div><div><br></div><div>2) <b>Nowhere to Camp</b></div><div>I had been warned repeatedly that this trail was not intended to be hiked ‘end-to-end’ as the Canadians say. Much of this trail runs through urban areas and across private property where camping is strictly prohibited. Secure in my stealth camping abilities, I was sure I could get away with it but the risk of getting caught and getting into trouble in a foreign country was huge. Plus, it sometimes took me hours to find a secluded spot to camp and that ate up valuable hiking time. Speaking of time...</div><div><br></div><div>3) <b>Limited Daylight</b></div><div>I have lots of winter hiking experience but at this latitude and this late in the year, I had precious few hours of daylight with which to make miles. It would often start getting kind of gloomy around 2:30pm and be dark by 4:30pm. If I hadn’t already found a spot to camp, I would find myself stumbling around in the dark with my headlamp blazing, giving away my position, looking for a place to set up my tent. Then I had another 14 hours of freezing boredom in my tent until it was light enough to start hiking again. </div><div><br></div><div>4) <b>Batteries Were No Match for Single-digit Temps</b></div><div>Even if I started the day with a fully-charged iPhone and a giant backup battery, both were dead by the end of the day. I kept my phone on a lanyard against my warm body but every time I took it out, the charge fell by 20%. I can navigate with a paper map and compass just fine but no phone means no pictures, no writing blog posts and no reading in my tent at night. I was back to 14 hours of shivering and waiting. </div><div><br></div><div>5)<b> No Local Support</b></div><div>Because I was often camping illegally, I had to do this hike on the down-low. I would have liked to have met and hiked with members of the local chapters that maintain each section of the trail but then I would have had to answer questions about where I stayed every night. I couldn’t even mention that I was thru-hiking to people I met on the trail; I would just tell them that I was day hiking and wish them well. Celebrating a thru-hike with locals often brings opportunities to make new friends, maybe enjoy a meal and sometimes even results in a warm bed to sleep in. Not on this hike. </div><div><br></div><div>Despite these challenges, I really feel like I could have completed this thru-hike. The biggest disappointment was my ‘sponsor’ not coming through with the money. I eventually found myself starving and freezing in Canada with just enough cash to get a bus ticket home. Overall, it was still a great adventure and I’m glad for the experience. I learned some important lessons and I am not discouraged. </div><div><br></div><div>Got a question or a comment? Leave one below and I’ll gladly respond. </div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-79498300043923371662018-06-10T11:04:00.001-07:002018-06-10T11:04:16.115-07:00Reflections on the Baja Divide Trail<div><img id="id_802b_d6f8_7757_9d72" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mgi4twCtMbI/Wx1oHUGI2QI/AAAAAAAAEDM/2-YgcJq_ZJcDgghIJRcXwtZ3Phqago1ZgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>I broke this topic down into two simple lists: Things I liked about the Baja Divide Trail (BDT) and things I hated about the BDT. ‘Hated’ may be a strong word but it’s accurate. These were things that really tipped the scale from having an easy, fun hike to a difficult (but rewarding) journey. <div><br></div><div>Things I liked about the BDT:</div><div><br></div><div>The Coasts. Both the Pacific and the Sea of Cortes offer fantastic hiking. The Pacific Coast features huge, crashing waves and cool breezes. The Sea of Cortes is like the Gulf of Mexico in that the water is warmer and the waves are smaller and there’s always weird but cool stuff swimmin’ around in there. Always something to see. Both coasts frequently had miles and miles of deserted beach and great camping. </div><div><br></div><div>The People. I found the residents of the Baja to be friendly and fascinating. I met loads of them on this hike but I was often held back from learning more about them by my lack of conversational Spanish. The expatriate community was a different story. Mostly friendly but with a bit of attitude. They can’t wait to tell you how long they’ve lived there and almost every one of them seems to claim to have been the first American to have moved there. </div><div><br></div><div>The Wildlife. I saw many species of birds that I’ve never seen before. Plus seals, whales and dolphin... All matter of flora (none of which I could identify)... All sorts of insects and reptiles.... Coyotes and jack rabbits.... Part of it is just being outdoors 24/7 (I only spent four nights indoors this whole trip). You’re bound to see more wildlife wherever you are just because of increased exposure. </div><div><br></div><div>No Bears. No need to tie your food up at night. Even eat in your tent, if you like. There were still plenty of mice, though, and they can be just as bad!</div><div><br></div><div>No Rain. I always try to see the beauty in all kinds of weather but heavy rain really slows me down. A wet pack is heavier and wet feet are more prone to injury. I didn’t see so much as a cloud the last two months of this hike. </div><div><br></div><div>Easy To Hitchhike. I often judge a community by how easy it is to get a hitch into town for resupply. I never had my thumb out for more than a few minutes before someone pulled over. Even when I was road walking part of the trail people would offer me a ride. My favorite hitch was jumping in the back of a pickup truck (which is perfectly legal in Mexico). No need to worry about the language barrier or offending anyone with my horrific body odor. Just make sure your hat doesn’t blow off and enjoy the ride. And they never took the money I offered for gasoline - they were just being kind for the sake of being kind. I love that. </div><div><br></div><div>The Food. The stuff I carried with me on the trail got old pretty quick (plain white rice splahed with hot sauce almost every night) but the food in the towns was pretty awesome. Ceviche, menudo, birria and tacos de pescado, carne, tripitas... even cabeza(!) were all amazing. Sweet fruit sprinkled with spicy chili powder and cold horchata made for tasty treats on hot days. </div><div><br></div><div>Things I hated about the BDT:</div><div><br></div><div>The Heat. This may seem obvious but toward the end of the hike, the heat was so severe that I couldn’t even sleep at night. It wouldn’t cool off until about 4am so I would only sleep from 4am to 7am some nights. Makes it really hard to hike 20 to 30 miles a day when you don’t get a good night’s sleep. Plus, my water was always warm (sometimes downright hot!). I would stash a couple of liters deep in my pack early in the morning so that it would stay cool but that didn’t last long and warm water is super unsatisfying - especially when you’re really thirsty. </div><div><br></div><div>The Flies. Luckily, they weren’t biting flies but they were often relentless; constantly trying to get into my eyes, ears and nose. I could wear my bug netting but that made it even hotter. I just had to do my best to get used to them. </div><div><br></div><div>The Unchanging Scenery. The first quarter of the trail did feature some interesting landscapes and different deciduous trees but after that, it was nothing but rolling brown hills and cactus. Every time I saw on the map that the trail turned inland, I knew it was gonna be miles and miles of plain dirt roads running through the desert until I got back to one coast or the other. </div><div><br></div><div>The Language Barrier. This one is my own fault for not learning (and remembering what I had learned years ago) more Spanish before I left. I knew enough to get what I needed but I dreaded that awkward point where someone would ask me a question and I could not answer. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Interesting that way more people in Israel spoke English than in this part of Mexico.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dogs. Lots and lots of stray dogs in Mexico. I used to brag that I didn’t carry a weapon when I hiked because I didn’t need one but I found myself wishing I had some pepper spray with me on several occasions. I experienced packs of threatening dogs with me in the middle fending them off with a two-foot piece of hose that I found on the ground. Not fun. Never got bit but still, not fun. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Cactus. I often joke that “every plant down here wants to hurt me!” While that may be an exaggeration, there are cactus with solid three-inch needles that will poke right through the sole of your shoe and into the arch of your foot. I met two Canadians in a van who were looking for ancient cliff drawings. One poor guy hopped out of the van, took two steps and got stabbed by a cactus. He showed me the bloody flip flop to prove it. He also vowed never to get out of the van again!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Beer. I’m a beer snob and proud of it. Part of the joy of travel to me is trying all the great beers from the places I visit. The Baja features nothing but mass produced lagers. No ales. No ‘craft beer’. Just loads of bad beer in cans. This aspect of the hike really made me miss Michigan. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Deep Sand. This was a problem because of the cart I had to push to carry my water. Every time the trail got sandy, my heart would sink. I knew it was going to be difficult and time consuming to push that cart through the sand. Even when I finally got rid of the cart, hiking in deep sand is no picnic. There were times when I’d trade anything for just a few feet of nice, compact earth. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Trash. One American expat that I met down here told me that the main reasons American pack it up and move home are the dogs and the trash. Most of the Baja does not have formal trash pickup. Folks down here just take their garbage to the edge of town and dump it. So, there I am with my gallon-sized ziplock baggie stuffed with empty wrappers and used wet wipes, carefully obeying the Leave No Trace principles when, all around me are mountains of trash! Even when I finally got to a town and responsibly put my trash in a can, I knew that it was going to be taken right back to that dump on the edge of town. The Baja Peninsula is sparsely enough populated for now but, eventually, they’re going to have to figure something out. </span></div><div><br></div><div>So, having read this, what do you think? Would you hike this trail? Leave me a comment below and let me know. Thank you!</div>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p><div><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p></div><div><br></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-5637578383760994712018-06-06T03:53:00.001-07:002018-06-06T03:53:22.755-07:00Thank You!<img id="id_e7f7_16ba_4402_966c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--bqTwGmZdLg/Wxe9Ie24mvI/AAAAAAAAECY/leVIe2A0TXUejj4-r6hoSpIC2M1F4dLVQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><br><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">No way I can do crazy hikes like this on my own. A ton of people helped me accomplish my goal of becoming the first to thru-hike the Baja Divide Trail and I am filled with gratitude and joy to have had so many friends and family with me on this hike. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">First of all, I am deeply grateful to my friend and AT ‘15 Trail Angel, ‘Camping Nancy’ Smith. I dedicate this hike to the memory of her son, Steven T Smith. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Huge thanks, as always, to Tom and Andrew and all my friends at Moosejaw Mountaineering. They have been with me since the early planning stages of this hike and I am grateful for all their help. I hope you’ll visit </span><a href="https://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/home____" id="id_28c4_ec62_8abd_f9cb">Moosejaw.com</a> <span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">whenever you need gear. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Big thanks to Paul and Missy McWalters and all my friends at Underground Quilts. They built a very special quilt for me to use on this hike and it was not only super comfy but super durable. Check out their stuff at </span><a href="https://ugqoutdoor.com" id="id_5197_1d1b_8570_7c23">UGQOutdoor.com</a></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Thanks to George ‘Neon’ and Onna ‘Onnamove’ Voellmer for hiking with me on the PCT ‘12, the CDT ‘14 and for all their help with planning and intel on this hike. They rode this trail (and much more!) on mountain bikes a month or two before I hiked it and they guided and encouraged me the whole way. Check out the blog of this globe-trotting couple at </span><a href="https://theredheadednomad.com" id="id_9fbb_775e_3f03_22e2">TheRedHeadedNomad.com</a> <span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Love you guys!</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">I am grateful for my friend (and computer genius) Noam Gal from Tel Aviv, Israel. He helped me a ton with planning and navigation for this hike. Noam, Orna and Cupcake were also very good to me on my hike of the Israel National Trail in 2017. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Thanks to all my friends at OBO #133 but especially to Roberta McCoy and Ruth Schenk. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Huge thanks to the entire Wolverine Lake Crew: Susie Hollyer and Drew Chinarian, Traci Rink and Ron Foon, and especially Marlyss Hollyer for keeping up the website. Check out her handy work at </span><a href="http://hillierhikes.com" id="id_7728_bfc9_b3ab_42c6">HillierHikes.com</a></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Thanks to my beautiful nieces, Dayna Hillier and Laura Marquez for welcoming me back to California and for getting me to the start of the trail in San Diego. Love you, both!</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Thanks to my friends and Trail Angels, Jerry and Becky Patterson of Virginia who welcomed a tired hiker into their home in 2015 and have been good to me ever since. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Thanks to my friends from the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, Dustin and Tiffany Newman. We spent many hours walking together to raise money for the fight against cancer and they’ve always been very supportive of my hikes. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Thanks to my Trail Angels from the CDT ‘14, Keith and Mary Schwarzer who took great care of me then and again on this hike. Because of them, my stop in Loreto was the highlight of this hike. Thanks to both of you!</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Thanks to Bob ‘Beaker’ and Chris ‘Dragonfly’ Turner for all their help. I’ve known them since the AT ‘11 and enjoyed every mile we’ve hiked together since. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Thanks to my friends Jenifer Tislerics and Carol Rogers from the </span><a href="http://solaroutdoors.com" id="id_cb23_dd0e_d63d_987a">SOLAR Club</a>.</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">I hope to get together with that bunch again soon and talk some trail. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Thanks to my dear sisters Pat Vineis and Carol Machak for helping out and following along. And for practically raising me since birth. Guess I should mention that. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Thanks to all my friends at the Michigan Hiking and Backpacking Facebook group, especially Eric Choi for his help. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Thanks to my friends POD, Disco, D-Low and PMags at The Trail Show for their encouragement. Listen to their podcast at </span><a href="http://thetrailshow.com" id="id_cddf_ecda_ccbc_ba3c">TheTrailShow.com</a></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Thank you to Nicholas Carman for mapping out this magnificent trail in 2016. I used notes and maps from his website, </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><a href="https://bajadivide.com" id="id_7e03_d11d_5c9d_1b7b">BajaDivide.com</a>, <span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">extensively to prepare for this hike as well as the Baja Divide Facebook page. The folks in that group were very welcoming and a great resource. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Thank you to Graham Mackintosh for being a hiking legend on the Baja and inspiring me. Check out his website, GrahamMackintosh.com.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Finally, to my friend since forever, Jeff Weiner and his wonderful family for helping me celebrate the big finish in style. Knowing that Jeff and Lori were waiting for me in Cabo with a cold beer really gave me something to look forward to during those last, long days in the burning desert sun. Thanks, Jeff!</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-23556630317551613102018-05-20T17:25:00.001-07:002018-05-20T17:37:16.526-07:00The Earl Shaffer Fantasy<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_bb57_d5e3_f85a_f06a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qex9LlrkwsA/WwIRwVAkATI/AAAAAAAAD_w/CeD4MmzYRwwvYdsWUBmKRF6At3HJvUPHwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">In 1948, Earl Shaffer was the first person ever to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. He wrote a fantastic book about it called ‘Walking With Spring’. Since his historic hike, Earl has become a legend among long distance hikers. Hundreds of people hike that trail every year and they all know who Earl Shaffer was. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">In 2013, I was the first to hike both the Ironwood Trail (now called the Ironbelle Trail) and the Great Lake to Lake Trail (both are in Michigan). With a little luck, I’ll be the first to have thru-hiked the Baja Divide Trail here in Mexico. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">The problem is that I will be the first and most probably the ONLY person to have hiked these trails. That leaves the fantasy unfulfilled: Earl Shaffer is only a legend because subsequent hikers remember him. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">The feat is further diminished by the fact that these trails are already changing away from the version that I hiked. The Ironwood Trail, for example, has since been split into two different trails: One for bikes and ATV’s and one for foot-traffic only. The latter is essentially the North Country Trail as it runs through Michigan. Even the name has been changed; When I first hiked it, it was referred to as ‘the Governor’s proposed but as yet unnamed trail’. After the amazing reception I received upon finishing it, I promised the City of Ironwood that I would forever refer to it as the Ironwood Trail. Months later, Michigan’s DNR had a naming contest and the winner was the ‘Ironbelle Trail’.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">As far as the Baja Divide Trail is concerned, I’m pretty sure that, in it’s current configuration, no one else is going to want to hike it. If I reported back to the long distance hiking community that this trail was fairly easy and lots of fun, some may try it. But I have to be honest when I say that it was difficult (yet rewarding) and had lots of highlights but wasn’t exactly fun. It was intended to be a mountain bike trail and many have reported that as such, it’s both challenging and fun to ride. Not so much doing it on foot. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">In the end, I guess I should just be thankful that I am able to get out and hike these trails. I should be less concerned with ‘who did it first’ and just enjoy it. I freely admit that it’s incredibly narcissistic to wonder if I’ll ever be remembered as having hiked these trails first. Maybe I should do as Thoreau suggested and “Be mindful of each step.”</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">It is just walking, after all, and I suspect I’m not the first person to have done that. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69); min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Got a thought or a comment? I’d love to see it posted below. In the meantime, mo’ pics!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_c485_9731_cc9b_71bf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hH5lphmy9sc/WwIRywMtD-I/AAAAAAAAD_4/_cPycx8WpTQa-9Wc9kpr-6T_MoqRvn4JgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>This might be me if I don’t get out of this desert soon. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_ac22_940b_fd91_43e6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VsokVQgEbdM/WwIR16kdD1I/AAAAAAAAEAI/ompNLrgvyFE-AIO4bUSmCSO-q8wcywn-gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>I was able to get >1000 miles out of these shoes by switching to crocs when the trail was easy. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_9ff4_6bb8_b85b_f2d1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AhYyzwJ6nzs/WwIRxfQsC3I/AAAAAAAAD_0/wUaexpSoPr8KsNh0jSrQFAbTJBSL8PgpgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>These guys work at (what I call) The Water Store. Almost every town has one and for just a few pesos you can get plenty of clean, cool, purified water. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_3a12_595c_d67f_a0b2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-afSWV9Li96k/WwIR0B-__3I/AAAAAAAAD_8/bPU3Ws9Q6bEl0I5tNEwET-h6fbXrH3kuACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Possibly my new avatar or Facebook pic. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_c081_debd_eef1_fbe6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iYW3wi58OEM/WwIR0w6pjsI/AAAAAAAAEAE/bRc2-RTA8zI4xc7Xj43JyyqL3LeBXHxdACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>The beach north of La Paz. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_34c_5f1e_91b9_ef13" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-__GYo9x-ux8/WwIR0bItk1I/AAAAAAAAEAA/7aSxIi8rHlkw-xUajCHwUxbuQTtLF4GEACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Feelin’ that cool breeze. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">And, of course, the obligatory sunset shot:</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><img id="id_9315_774e_a3c3_b62c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--_wVfZVOi_I/WwIR27q2yjI/AAAAAAAAEAM/dAva2EkPE_EmhB55ZE_sVyNGFG8TSrAYACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;"><br></span></p> Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-40296585132735148152018-05-04T10:26:00.001-07:002018-05-06T12:34:16.701-07:00The BDT: Loreto<div><img id="id_156d_b413_fc1c_a8d3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kuQ-T_bDJPQ/WuyXw0ddhSI/AAAAAAAAD8o/uYeVyD-rrLgLQe2HzVanRXj9hMJ5x2u_wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div><br></div><div>First things first: A sincere ‘Thank you!’ to everyone who clicked on that ‘donate’ button. The amazing outpouring of generosity was really heartfelt and now I should have plenty of funds to get me to the end of this crazy hike. My heart is full of gratitude and my spirits are soaring!</div><div><br></div><div>I’m also fresh off a great zero day with my dear friends Keith and Mary in Loreto. They were very kind to me and sent me back to the trail with a belly full of good food, clean clothes and a well-rested body. They blessed me with a head full of memories that will last a lifetime. </div><div><br></div><div>I can’t tell if I liked Loreto so much because it really was the coolest town that I’ve visited yet on this hike or if it’s because Keith and Mary took such good care of me. </div><div><br></div><div>Loreto sits on the Sea of Cortés and has a population of about 18,000 people (including many Americans). It’s actually 20 miles off the trail but it’s an easy hitch and the city has everything a thru-hiker needs including a well-stocked grocery store, several coffee shops with WiFi and some cheap motels.</div><div><br></div><div>The waterfront is fantastic. It goes on for miles and miles and features loads of ‘palapa’ which are little grass huts that you can use to get out of the sun. There’s a thriving town square with shops and restaurants and a good mix of locals and tourists. </div><div><br></div><div>I would have liked to have stayed longer in Loreto but I’m excited to get back to the trail and see what new adventures await me!</div><div><br></div><div>In the meantime, mo’ pics!</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_bca0_7eca_470b_d924" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kdaNbTliST0/WuyXykAnb6I/AAAAAAAAD8s/i8zChtbkh1I3j_9HwbDg7BntHdJKZ-XygCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Best food, so far, on this whole hike. Keith raves about this place and now I know why. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_d053_e34e_79e2_f707" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6wDw6TTTS94/WuyX0DkRf9I/AAAAAAAAD84/4MUm3r2eofAA2dLGRkpFjCB-fiUwLcECQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>What would you order at El Rey? Leave your answer in the comments below!</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_f94a_b0cd_7fe6_8599" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QNu6JYtZ1Wk/WuyX0IKtPmI/AAAAAAAAD80/-FrhhtW1HNULhcOl1EpEqQ8hzUot3JJWACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>I can smell this picture. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_27b1_487_6f65_293d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7NYD2M9JdOQ/WuyX0evANTI/AAAAAAAAD88/BUZvy5utJzwICX5i1_71YcqlGG14U0dsQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>The town square was busy including these kids practicing for a formal dance. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_43cd_d91b_2d6c_6ebf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oXZVL-RgKAg/WuyX0OyannI/AAAAAAAAD8w/psv56n0yYNsRRn2Xu4257C5N40SuQdtvACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Miles of empty beaches and the Sierra de la Giganta mountains in the background. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_44c7_1c16_8e63_4f9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6hSL6NqtRbE/WuyX152vhqI/AAAAAAAAD9E/8AWswTjiUr8HADEkQSIm9FVcXfQwvZEkACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Loreto has a really nice marina and some beautiful (but expensive) hotels along the waterfront. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_190a_7e0_bad9_d090" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-INFLWxNhRq4/WuyX1hIKe1I/AAAAAAAAD9A/gy_34Rk7WdQa-jV9bd0COaoxbOVmq9ZjQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Huge thanks to Keith and Mary for such a wonderful visit!<br><br><br><br><br><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-4706176286983232792018-04-27T11:01:00.001-07:002018-04-27T11:01:56.169-07:00The BDT: The Home Stretch<img id="id_6ed9_bf09_4590_52df" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eY8wvMNaXYY/WuNlRhbo8MI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/MVJH_nn6C-8d2uGj2nqLtZTc6e9d3MyAQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Blood? Check. Sweat? Check. Tears? Check. <div><br></div><div>I’m giving everything I’ve got to complete this trail and I’m getting close: I can almost see the finish line but I need a little help to get there. If you’re feeling generous and you want to see me finish this insane journey, please click on that ‘Donate’ button. Note: If you’re reading this on your phone, please scroll down to the botttom of the page and click on ‘View Web Version’. The yellow donate button will be on the upper right. Thank you!</div><div><br></div><div>And now, more pics from the trail!</div><div><br></div><div>(The pic above, BTW, was just a superficial scratch I received from not being careful around cactus. It barely hurt and healed quickly.)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_d48f_28b_c6ec_71cc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kkvjorI5IZw/WuNlW1-XE3I/AAAAAAAAD6c/X3TH6YYiu9sxRVAXs9mUyzCGz-sqVHl2QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Made it to Mulegé. Very cool little town. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_7e62_6013_95f7_bab6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GMCaGYdz97Q/WuNlYO8cgHI/AAAAAAAAD6k/G_GB1iEIYogWrYkkbQByw1BDxSPXE5-vQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>The locals seem fascinated by my cart. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b686_ae05_1088_3e9b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9CTNQFEThg4/WuNlZ5aXDoI/AAAAAAAAD6s/wUJYnBcXvrIT2o_Sg4oNwP0rOVuzx-gyACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>I include this picture because that’s what most of this part of the trail is: rolling brown hills and cactus. Lots and lots of cactus. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_cf9c_a761_8fe5_99b2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DoUjFJzL7fk/WuNlZcgh0CI/AAAAAAAAD6o/Fz_Surq4LR0OjqLoWF0ouGhi0JUGYIlewCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Typical hot sauces available at a Mexican restaurant. See your favorite? Message me below. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_e1c7_b8a0_1e15_f8ab" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jm6QA09jMdQ/WuNlXoyL38I/AAAAAAAAD6g/8PK3RiS2B0ghpunAdcQQJcU_T5gX7Kz2ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>I love when vultures do this. So dramatic!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_403e_69c6_2b31_134a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4jpZVLcGa-8/WuNlcE9usMI/AAAAAAAAD6w/2X_QfkrYuXcT3XaLD32eYpQHA2J4uK7QgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>South end of the Bahia de Conception. Really beautiful beaches. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_d30_121c_112e_a63d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xB_6F0fZiTQ/WuNlkXsFsPI/AAAAAAAAD7A/m7xeZnp7BGoegnnc-xginTvRs3RWSjNtACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Call me gringo, guero or chico blanco. Just don’t call me late for dinner!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_2744_d0cf_426e_9dde" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OSe3VNdHALc/WuNliTSPI6I/AAAAAAAAD68/fEDm32OWweYmsILJZVkyb9wUa4-RNXCIACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Camping on this trail has been a joy. Most every night is dry and quiet with temps in the 50’s. Occasionally, I get stuck having to listen to loud trucks or barking dogs but most often, it’s just the sound of the wind and a few crickets. It’s usually very easy to find a private, flat, sandy spot. Pretty much wherever I am at around 6pm, I just walk 50 yards off the trail and I can find a great campsite. <br><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_ae13_d385_e4c7_6c8d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XMgP9KAF-R4/WuNlern_oNI/AAAAAAAAD60/7yjslJ9XteYweNXvEqCrIoByNG1VCW8cACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>And the obligatory sunset shot. </div><div><br></div><div><br><br><br><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-48512386408564454152018-04-18T10:13:00.001-07:002018-04-18T10:13:14.784-07:00The BDT: Bird Nerd EditionWarning: Unless you’re a total bird nerd like me, do not read this post. If you have to click away from this page to look up the word ‘ornithology’, then you should just stay away. If you’re not fascinated that a woodpecker’s feet are zygodactyl while a sparrow’s feet are anisodactyal then get out of here while you still can! I said beat it, hipster!<div><br></div><div>Anyone left? Didn’t think so. Ahhhh.... Time for some totally self indulgent writing about the birds I’ve seen so far during my hike of the <br><div>Baja California peninsula. Ima do this as a ‘top ten’ list: </div><div><br></div><div>10. Gila Woodpecker</div><div><img id="id_b5a9_aad3_a9bf_bec3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bFJfDLx62KQ/Wtd8mwHtV7I/AAAAAAAAD4c/eBV0hDpIAaQ1JPof2w3ALu4J6a5BdPVSgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>These guys are loud and fun. They have a classic pattern to their flight that makes them easy to spot. </div><div><br></div><div>9. Roadrunner</div><div><img id="id_dbe7_6aad_34f6_8a0c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4zkp7Rq8n8o/Wtd8nWB0WOI/AAAAAAAAD4g/D1T8tMWdTVQaQxue08ocRVEhaT2BDRxagCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>The cartoon roadrunner looks kinda like an osterich but really, they look, sound and act like a skinny chicken. They are very fast and very fun to watch. </div><div><br></div><div>8. Pacific Loon</div><div><img id="id_f6cc_ca43_d4f3_bb57" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qx9xbyTyDS4/Wtd8ncKIpmI/AAAAAAAAD4o/AMghE9n9MngTBdxMw_h167Q2jmW9Zn9egCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>When I first saw one of these on the ocean, I thought it looked like a loon but I didn’t think they liked salt water. Then I heard that familiar call and I thought I was back in Maine!</div><div><br></div><div>7. California Quail</div><div><img id="id_7728_c1c4_556c_a2d6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KkXZt3Nr0Ok/Wtd8nTwnPHI/AAAAAAAAD4k/x3DSXyBZpZkrFlaUOhT9juSz7Fd9YXJNwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>These things are everywhere and when a flock of fifty or more takes off, it sounds like thunder in the distance. <br><br></div><div><br></div><div>6. Burrowing Owl</div><div><img id="id_d400_90d7_d799_73db" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Axvt4h-QFH0/Wtd8n8yjGXI/AAAAAAAAD4s/a5Aoh4Lc13Ym4bJO-cSzB5vQvkf_VelGQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>I love all the strigidae family but these little guys are especially cool. They have bright white eyebrows and unusually long legs. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>5. Turkey Vulture</div><div><img id="id_1040_5d5e_53ac_7087" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZD7eQq5vD1I/Wtd8ohBcSLI/AAAAAAAAD4w/KMVLnHnKvb4dqRCk9iIXjrXE957Z5vr_ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>It’s not their fault that they have weak feet! Otherwise, they’d be killing live prey like other raptors. Instead, they circle endlessly, looking for something dead to feast on. Tell this one at your next cocktail party: What did the flight attendant say to the vulture with two dead rabbits under his wing? “I’m sorry, sir. Only one carrion allowed.” Ha! See what I did there? I kill me...<br><br></div><div><br></div><div>4. Humming Bird</div><div><img id="id_4d64_d450_304_4ffb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o-PzHdKcj24/Wtd8ouMkxgI/AAAAAAAAD40/VXucEjiOzyMKbShySTMF-PHtuQeEs1W_gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Ima let you down here (who am I kidding? no one is reading this!) when I say that I couldn’t really identify the different species of humming birds that I’ve seen. I looked at several lists of the species that are down here but they all seem to be in some kind of ‘winter phase’ where their plumage is darker and much plainer than usual. </div><div><br></div><div>3. Prairie Falcon</div><div><img id="id_a400_77ee_13fa_7b50" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-092zJta4Axg/Wtd8pIcDRlI/AAAAAAAAD44/a1UVDoOE0rMN7sam1bRV-w2UbxW4xR2sACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>One of the few species (other than humming birds) that can truly hover. If I spot one of these, I’m stopping until he is far out of sight. It’s like I can’t NOT watch. </div><div><br></div><div>2. Brown Pelican</div><div><img id="id_3a_1b26_6ed8_350" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qfh94RWP36w/Wtd8pyAWj9I/AAAAAAAAD48/COBpXBcQ4IEy_U5CA4G1cExhGw9UJnRegCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>One of my new faves. They are so graceful, gliding just inches above the waves. When they spot a fish, the fold their wings in and dive bomb hard into the water at breakneck speeds. And that plumage.... I could go on forever about these birds. <br><br></div><div><br></div><div>1. Harris’ Hawk</div><div><img id="id_44a8_1eaf_7f81_97d9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eDsGR9ZjnyM/Wtd8pyUiSzI/AAAAAAAAD5A/D5mSxoJbYXY83hgEqq8SFr8y3qWNx2RjgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>One of the only species of raptor to hunt in groups. I often see three or four of them, each perched at the top of a cardon cactus, scanning the desert floor for movement. Really beautiful, really aggressive...<br><br></div><div><br></div><div>If you’re still reading this, you should be embarrassed. And, if you dare leave a comment below, Ima call you out as a NERD!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-48419501805448798912018-04-11T14:00:00.001-07:002018-04-11T14:00:59.054-07:00The BDT: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly<div><img id="id_1e82_ad5a_a8bd_a317" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Bn9fQ_E0N8/Ws53cj8U7mI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/6iIQBrimE2kvj02D9_TqBiX1H7Oi6kARQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>A clean Wolverine<br><br></div><div><br></div>If I had summarize my experience on this trail thus far, I could break it down into three parts. <div><br></div><div> The good part is anytime the trail goes to or along the coast. Both the Pacific Ocean (to the west) and the Sea of Cortez (to the east) have their own special kind of beauty and this trail bounces back and forth between both of them. I LOVE hiking by the ocean. There is always something to see (like the grey whale I saw coming up for air) and there’s usually a cool breeze coming in off the water. And camping by the ocean is the best; I always sleep well to the sound of crashing waves. Also, the coasts are where most of the people are. Sometimes just sleepy little fishing villages, sometimes bigger cities. I’ve met loads of really cool people here in Mexico and I’ve become enamoured of the culture. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_9571_11ff_fd95_df52" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F4jPedUnQBI/Ws53frMxKDI/AAAAAAAAD3U/ukUg_JokVdkRe21ZpEd4-UCon3LNSnniwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>I love hiking along the coast.<br><br><div><br></div><div>The bad part is pretty much anytime the trail heads inland. I know right away that it’s going to be substantially hotter and that I’m going to need more water. The scenery is going to become, for the most part, monotonous rolling brown hills and cactus. Lots of cactus. There will be no people, there will be no water. These are tough stretches. I find myself staring at the map, longing for the trail to take me back to the coast. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_1654_2a90_c7_ff4b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AtRg9RIc-7Q/Ws53g0HZaUI/AAAAAAAAD3Y/WAplNdsuG_cvkXvOzrzkABjafWoub4TPgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Heading inland means nothing but cactus and rolling brown hills. <br><br></div><div><br></div><div>The ugly part of this trail is that damn cart. True, it does what it’s supposed to do: Carry tons of water and some gear. But the worst is when the trail turns to deep, loose sand; That’s when it’s really ugly. Pushing that cart through the sand, especially with a full load of water, is exceedingly difficult. It slows me way down and it takes a ton of energy. Sometimes the sandy stretches can last for miles - I have no choice but to literally push through. I swear, when I get home, I’m never using a cart again. I’m never using a wheelbarrow. I’m never so much as pushing a shopping cart down an aisle! I’m done with carts. </div></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_e2a5_b28c_80e0_185e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LVJZ1RLOO_U/Ws53iDNI0-I/AAAAAAAAD3c/4YGHYPdEmz47AvfsXIlX3yciXiRWxxKvQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>And I’m absolutely NEVER hiking with a cart again!<br><br></div><div><br></div><div>I’m really only halfway done with this trail so stay tuned to see if the second half gets any better or worse. And please leave a comment below!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-70779824143032540072018-04-07T11:14:00.001-07:002018-04-07T11:16:25.049-07:00The BDT: I Wanna Quit!<div><img id="id_e746_22c0_e17b_79b1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-COoYyCpYTMc/WskKdkeq-KI/AAAAAAAAD1w/vFycG1Ddlxw-LOC1v8-P9w_3c1l-q5RbACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>This is an unhappy Wolverine </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>I wanna quit. I’m done with this stupid trail. It was not meant to be hiked - it was meant to be ridden on a sturdy mountain bike. <div><br></div><div>I’m broiling in the hot sun. I have precious little water to drink but it’s as hot as I am and it smells like gasoline (I knew that last water tank seemed funky but I had no choice). </div><div><br></div><div>I’m out of cannister fuel. My headphones are shot. My shoes are wearing out. My back is killing me. And the cart... OMG do I hate pushing this cart! </div><div><br></div><div>Next town I get to, I’m taking a bus to San Diego and flying home. I’ve had enough. </div><div><br></div><div>Just then, a Jeep pulled up out of nowhere. Guy says, “Hey, man! How’s it going? Wanna cold beer?”</div><div><br></div><div>Hmmm... Maybe I’ll keep going for a little bit longer. </div><div><br></div><div>It’s funny how a stranger with a smile can break you out of a funk and get you back on track (Thanks to Fernando and his friends for the beer and the company. They are true Trail Angels.).</div><div><br></div><div>As long as I’m gonna keep at it, I might as well post some more pics from the trail!</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_ac0a_b53_358e_2192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Op7OyTGU_34/WskKgCyodXI/AAAAAAAAD14/M_hytMxp4hULQ9Rfo3wa5Uecf19PAb9SwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>My hat is literally caked with all the salt and electrolytes that my sweat contains. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_41aa_cb67_fe1f_342" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zq-unQQ9U8c/WskKenrVNUI/AAAAAAAAD10/BtsDmAIzHXg4J6rUmDv20RCpiMOZZ1xywCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Fishermen returning with the morning’s catch. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_dbaa_8d22_1d21_2753" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j8hX64ILDGM/WskKgSI_U1I/AAAAAAAAD18/f0ieHOAQrYknB8lXFJeT83P7O2vHc_1cQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>How do you know?!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_810c_625_6758_2043" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NNjTiuS4hpc/WskKmWchGnI/AAAAAAAAD2E/SmrNam5Hcmch_1zq7sWoaeMuctzQdElNgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Hmmm.... Doubt it. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_f8e8_33da_8c82_c845" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pu6TwkY1mkM/WskKnoSivGI/AAAAAAAAD2I/rEggol8rNQgTSZL6RcBFHwbdxMm1BcVCwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Camay and Alexandro from the Rancho Piedra Blanca. Two of the kindest people I’ve met on this trail. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_92cc_99fe_1016_f57e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tkTTqEStJak/WskKiAKlwvI/AAAAAAAAD2A/KN9mMpnbYGM277hqySuHFypoFIYD9Q06wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br>Obligatory sunset pic.</div><div><br></div><div>I could use a little encouragement so please leave a comment for me!</div><div><br><br></div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034169958840364329.post-18516921953987314632018-03-29T10:55:00.001-07:002018-03-30T11:02:48.449-07:00The BDT: The Sea of Cortez!<img id="id_ad85_cc8_f8a7_22e1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JI4rvUnyoLo/Wr0oJ8fHsmI/AAAAAAAAD0A/v-w1yC6SMoQGr6vALslCuDOxT9RNRexiACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br><div><br></div><div>I finally made it to the Bay of Los Angeles on the east side of the Baja peninsula. This last stretch was a long one but it mostly followed the Pacific Coast which was not only beautiful but provided nice, cool weather. </div><div><br></div><div>The Sea of Cortez has a different vibe all together. Much calmer and warmer; Full of islands big and small. The trail has me follow this coast for a few days before cutting back inland. Next stop: Vizcaino!</div><div><br></div><div>In the meantime, pics from the trail!</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_2c2_9f32_eff5_b5a3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nj4dHUsAtT8/Wr0n8dLgpiI/AAAAAAAADz8/D23utdV1OMAkbRw8_RlJanMI9FaKd02MwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br>Lots of gear to be mended including this mouse hole in my food bag. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_d1f0_c315_d191_9731" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dQ4Xj0mmh5o/Wr0oNueQIxI/AAAAAAAAD0E/KFbdirv7zuE0NP_si9eO0UJ8rIXX5RkBQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_6b7d_5567_b5e1_3dc5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BugESXa5UCM/Wr0oWAEcvPI/AAAAAAAAD0I/XbIIWeA8rsAqMWPWCTSkLQJ8RlwE_HE4ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br>If something only has one use then it’s USELESS. Dental floss doubles as suture. I fixed the hole in pants AND they smell minty fresh!</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_76a3_3249_7e43_af4b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kZD2iZcZRIE/Wr0oZCvoNJI/AAAAAAAAD0M/yPAbksFYyrUQPJOTni9aGv3rM9Ozkf8owCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br>On the map, this was a giant blue lake. Hmmm..... Not so much. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b3f0_5b64_ade0_310" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4HpD_dK7l_k/Wr0ocoHZ5oI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/MIdnHyyQnxgNdREB5ikHd9LF8H88wXYoQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br>Every plant down here want to hurt me! Especially this species of cactus that drops golf ball - sized nuggets with some of the toughest needles anywhere. I don’t care what kind of shoe or boot you’re wearing, these things will jab right through the sole and into your foot. Nalgene bottle for scale (and shameless promotion). </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_3f36_76f2_621c_842a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EW2rrTYs3II/Wr0olM2BJ1I/AAAAAAAAD0c/tmJWKaxfEHcfzBBLrnYFRY6B3RFDb3jZQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br>Ten miles to town and you’re out of water. Do you drink this? Sure, it has a little algae and some cow poop in it but it’s still water. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_870d_d036_15d5_4745" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tQwzrGN88PE/Wr0on1V_A_I/AAAAAAAAD0k/63S1KZZy9-0wMN9-pmWNJ4fnV-C8biCyQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br>Purple flowers everywhere. </div><div><br></div><div>And lastly, the obligatory sunrise/sunset shots:</div><div><br></div><div><br><img id="id_6aa0_4fe9_753e_4c42" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_DCiHJL3Qc8/Wr0ojTVrOvI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/pQCxJx98Z6oPj0WuD-y6OxfRLwDJLO6mwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_fda_a24_4a0a_3598" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IZ5PL4Mufqc/Wr0oiH4DpUI/AAAAAAAAD0U/sbqo-B4tvI0iVys0IEtw-KdL94g7F9AWQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 298px; height: auto;"><br><br>Please leave a comment below!</div>Chris Hillierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08992687337882874258noreply@blogger.com15