by Melanie McManus | Sep 18, 2022 | Continental Divide 2022, Trail Journals
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 16, 2023 | Continental Divide 2022, Trail Journals
A year after being forced off the Continental Divide due to a torn meniscus (which needed surgery), I’m back on the trail. This time I’m starting around Mt. Taylor north of Grants, N.M. I left off last year in the south in Silver City, so why am I resuming...
by Melanie McManus | Sep 17, 2023 | Continental Divide 2022, Trail Journals
As per almost any day on the trail, today’s trek up Mt. Taylor was full of surprises. My trail angels, Carole and Hugo, set aside the day to help me. Hugo picked me up from my motel and dropped me off at the trailhead. It was 8:30. The forecast was for a pleasant day...
by Melanie McManus | Sep 18, 2023 | Continental Divide 2022, Trail Journals
I woke up at 6:00 a.m. today, hoping to get an early start to reach a sweet camping spot south of a cattle guard, according to the FarOut app. It would be about 17 miles (27.4 km). There was an owl in a tree right near my tent. It didn’t stir as I got out of the tent,...
by Melanie McManus | Sep 19, 2023 | Continental Divide 2022, Trail Journals
The hike to the cistern area featured the usual: the good, the bad and the ugly. Last night, my ORV neighbors headed out around 8 or 9 p.m. They appeared to use the spot in front of my (hidden) tent as their rendezvous point with their friends. I heard them again...
