Hiking the Continental Divide – The Aftermath

Part 1 of this story is here.

This year I attempted to hike the 3100 mile long Continental Divide Trail and failed. But, I failed with lessons learned the hard way, and those lessons are sticking with me. I will complete this trail.

What did I learn?

I learned that with complete focus anything is possible. I also learned that with desert heat, low water due to bad decisions, and a bear can easily invoke emotions that destroy that focus when left unchecked. I learned that for me, I should never, ever, make important decisions prior to noon. I learned that I need to habituate Unbeatable Mind further prior to my next CDT hike.

I proved that by actively using mantras and breathing I was able to continue hiking with very painful blisters and bruised feet for 70 miles before a break to heal up a few days and get larger shoes. This stuff does work.

Destiny favors the prepared: I needed much more experience in hot weather. I have always been in cold weather growing up and have worked in the arctic most of my adult life. Early on during the planning I was taking that fact into account. But then, when winter storms rolled into my area, my training and planning began to focus solely on winter areas of the trail, not the heat of the deserts.

The most important lesson I learned is that, even though I failed this attempt, the trail is still there, just waiting until I have more experience, but I have to return to try again. Get knocked down, get back up.

Between now and my next CDT hike in 2019 I will be shoring up my weaknesses and honing my strengths I am looking for hiking partners – preferably SEALFITTERS. Keep in mind it is a 4.5 to 6 month hike.

What am I doing to gain experience and hone skills prior to the return to the CDT?

2017:

Rainier – Six day mountaineering course on mountain with a summit if weather permits. January – February.
Section hiking locally here in the North West, USA.
Attend at least one 20x.
Enjoy another SEALFIT academy.
Rock climbing with ropes training.
Desert survival training.
Maybe visit a bear training facility? Meet some bears up close in a controlled setting.

2018:

Section hike part of the CDT in New Mexico.
Section hike parts of the PCT.
Another 20X.
Kokoro Yoga camp.
Maybe climb Denali?

2019 – CDT start and complete.

Somewhere between Mt. Rainer and hitting the CDT again: Kokoro camp!

Kevin McElliott

 

 

 

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