by Melanie McManus | Sep 18, 2022 | Continental Divide 2022, New Mexico, Trail Journals, United States
Can’t believe I was standing at Crazy Cook Monument this morning, starting my section-hike of the CDT. I’ve thought about this trail for so long – it seemed so wild and daunting. But one day I realized if I was smart, I’d hike it sooner than later....
by Melanie McManus | Sep 19, 2022 | Continental Divide 2022, Hiking, New Mexico, Trail Journals
Today’s trek from the Big Hatchet Mountains to the Little Hatchet Mountains was intense. And not so much fun. Just being honest. I awoke to a beautiful sunrise, and took my time packing up and having breakfast. I was on the trail by 8:15 a.m., feeling pretty good...
by Melanie McManus | Sep 20, 2022 | Blog, Continental Divide 2022, Hiking, New Mexico, Trail Journals
Today’s hike from Hachita Peak to near Vista Tank was interesting, to say the least! So was last night. As I was setting up camp a few miles shy of my goal, if you recall, I’d messaged Jeffery about possibly dropping off water for me tomorrow, as I was pretty low, and...
by Melanie McManus | Sep 21, 2022 | Continental Divide 2022, Hiking, New Mexico, Trail Journals
I don’t want to seem like a whiner, but rather a realist, so other hikers know what to really expect. So many people downplay the hardship of various hikes. The CDT in mid-September through October is supposed to be glorious. At least before our weather got so wonky....
by Melanie McManus | Sep 22, 2022 | Continental Divide 2022, Hiking, New Mexico, Trail Journals
When hiking long distances, you have to be flexible and ready to pivot. I kind of hate doing that; I love to follow my plan. But as I looked over my itinerary, I’d need to hike roughly 25 miles (40.2 km) today to get to Lordsburg and stay on schedule. Not too bad if...
by Melanie McManus | Sep 23, 2022 | Continental Divide 2022, Hiking, New Mexico, Trail Journals
This is officially my first zero day. Sort of. I had to take a zero day on my 2013 thru-hike of the Ice Age Trail due to a case of cellulitis. But I never just took one to rest up. I decided to take two during this hike because, well, I’m getting older! The rest days...
