Author: Nicolas
Day 99 – October 4: Zen and the art of smelly socks
Highlights: 1. Finishing Why Buddhism is True—yes, it took a hike to figure that one out. 2. Hiking a ridgeline at sunset—dangerously beautiful, like a bad idea in a pretty dress. 3. Watching Messi’s free kick, courtesy of some sweet cell service. Daily Summary: • Distance hiked: 43 km • Starting point: km 3359 •… Read more
Day 98 – October 3: “The Bagel Bounty and Moose Musings”
Highlights: 1. Encountering two large moose by the lake where I stopped for lunch. 2. Plenty of hiker interactions throughout the day—good company! 3. Finding an unexpected (and mysterious) bag of bagels on the trail. Daily Summary: • Distance hiked: 41 km • Starting point: km 3318 • Ending point: km 3359 • Weather conditions:… Read more
Day 97 – October 2: “Danke Germany”
Highlights: 1. Meeting German hikers—Danke, guys! 2. Epic grand views, reminiscent of Kleden but with that American flair. 3. Fresh water—a true luxury out here. Daily Summary: • Distance hiked: 44 km • Starting point: km 3264 • Ending point: Stony Pass, 3318 • Weather conditions: Sunny Daily reflections: So there I was, freezing my… Read more
Day 96 – October 1
3 Highlights: 1. Hitchhiking into town with Peter and Diane from Boston, and later with Chris Cooper and his sweet Jeep Wrangler. 2. Finding my size of Altra shoes and a bright orange Buff to avoid getting shot during hunting season. 3. Connecting with fellow hikers in town—Shovel, Ready Fin, Fabio, James, and Sparkle. Daily… Read more
Day 95 – September 30
3 Highlights: 1. Wildlife extravaganza—deer, six moose, a small snake, and more deer caught in my headlamp at night. 2. Stunning views along the trail. 3. Staying connected with Lansky and friends. Daily Summary: • Distance hiked: 50 km • Starting point: km 3196 • Ending point: km 3246, East Mineral Creek • Weather conditions:… Read more
Day 94 – September 29
3 Highlights: 1. Achieving serious miles 2. Hiking and chatting with Sparkle 3. Texting and staying connected with Lanski Daily Summary: • Distance hiked: 48 km (51 on trail) • Starting point: SF Mesa Trailhead, km 3144 • Ending point: Junction at km 3196 • Weather conditions: Sunny with some minor rain. Daily Reflections (challenges,… Read more
Day 93 – September 28
3 Highlights: 1. Breakfast at Robin’s (omelette with way too much meat, but I kept it down!) 2. Friendly hitchhiking encounters 3. Stunning views of aspen trees Daily Summary: • Distance hiked: 24 km • Starting point: Marshall Pass, km 3120 • Ending point: SG Mesa Trailhead, km 3144 • Weather conditions: Sunny Daily Reflections… Read more
Day 92 – September 27
3 Highlights: 1. Hitch with Ivan (Nebraska cowboy) 2. Keeping down food 3. Two hours on the grass with squirrels as company Daily Summary: • Distance hiked: 0 km • Starting point: Marshall Pass • Ending point: Salida • Weather conditions: Sunny Daily Reflections (challenges, insights, musings): Woke up feeling like a weak, wet noodle.… Read more
Day 91 – September 26
3 Highlights: 1. Wild Flower’s kiss 3. “Why Buddhism is True” book 3. Two quick hitchhikes Daily Summary: • Distance hiked: 18km • Starting point: Monarch Pass • Ending point: 1 km from Marshall Pass • Weather conditions: Sunny Daily Reflections: The night before was restless—sleep eluded me as I got lost in a 4-hour… Read more
Day 90 – September 25
3 Highlights: 1. Swimming in “hot springs” pool park 2 Time with Wild Flower 3. Sunshine and warmth Daily Summary: • Distance hiked: 0 km • Starting point: Buena Vista • Ending point: Salida • Weather conditions: Sunny Daily Reflections (challenges, insights, musings): I woke up at 3 am, had trouble falling back asleep, and… Read more