[𝗠𝗮𝗰'𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 - 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗜𝗫] It took a long time, but 2017 brought me back to the long-distance trails of the United States with a thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail. This trail heads (officially) 3,100 mi / 5,000 km from Mexico to Canada via New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana (and just a little bit of Idaho). I set off with @itsbleucheese and @simajohnr, two of my friends from the Pacific Crest Trail, and encountered an entirely different world from my first thru-hike (the PCT). In Colorado's San Juan Mountains, I dealt with hiking through snow (for days at a time) for the first time. I also carried snowshoes for the entirety of Southern Colorado and never once put them on (I'm still upset about this). Then, in Wyoming and Montana, I unsuccessfully sought to lay eyes on a wild grizzly bear (I did see a lot of poop and pawprints). Two questions I get a lot now? "Which did you like better, the PCT or the CDT?" Honestly, it's hard to say. The PCT was my first long trail so it will always have a special place in my hiking heart. The CDT was much more of an adventure as far as the on-trail challenges and mental struggles were concerned (this is a positive). I made excellent friends on each (whom I still talk to and hike with), so it really is hard to pick a favorite. Honestly, I would probably hike either one again (given infinite time and resources). The other question I get a lot? "When are you going to hike the Appalachian Trail?" Honestly, probably never. If you are curious as to why I suggest you head over to the blog (link in bio) to read my detailed post as to why. But if you love the AT more than anything and aren't okay with people sharing your opinions, I suggest you keep the amount of inflammation in your comment to a minimum. Disagreeing is okay (sometimes). 📸: @simajohnr
