I have arrived at the Southern terminus of the Continental Divide Trail. Starting right on the Mexican border near the city of Chihuahua, I am about to take my first steps as I follow this National Scenic Route 2,865 miles (4610 km) heading NOBO (northbound) through five states, across deserts, mountains, forests and glaciers until I arrive at the Canadian border.
This is a thru-hike, meaning I won’t be breaking the trip up or tackling a single section, but going the whole way. The journey should take me about 5 months, so I’ve started in early Spring. That way, when I arrive at the Canadian border, I’ll have balmy summer weather to look forward to.
The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is the youngest of the Triple Crown, the three great hiking trails that span the USA from north to south. The other routes, the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, were established earlier. But don’t let its relative youth fool you; the CDT has just as much character, heritage, and hiker culture as its elder sisters. First conceptualised in 1962 during the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson, it was designed to follow the crest of mountains that bisect the North American continent into two watersheds. As I walk, the rivers flowing to my west will empty into the Pacific, those to my East into the Atlantic, forming the Continental Divide.
The trail was not completed until 1977, and its creation was the result of the cooperation of government agencies, forest rangers, and passionate hikers. The trail is maintained thanks to the efforts of the Continental Divide Coalition, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Park Service, as well as an army of dedicated volunteers. Hard work and government funding keep this achievement in working order, available for everyone to enjoy.
The trail is one of the best ways to appreciate the vast natural diversity of the USA. Along the way, I’ll pass through the longest continuous wilderness corridor in the States and some of the world's most pristine and beautiful landscapes. Over 400 species of mammals, 1500 different species of plants, and countless reptiles and insects are found along the way as the natural biomes and ecosystems change from desert to forest, to mountain, to tundra.
The trail, with its many, many steep ascents, is also said to be the most challenging of the Triple Crown, and much of it is poorly marked; I expect in some sections I’ll have to become a trailblazer, bushwacking through the undergrowth. I’m going to have to clamber through the trees, ford the rivers, and scramble up the mountains. I’ll have to become a true pioneer if I’m to arrive at the end of the trail.
So, that’s it, some preamble! Now, I’m standing in the hot sun next to the Crazy Cook Monument, which marks the start of the trail. The desert stretches out before me now, an endless flat expanse, and it seems impossible that my legs will carry me from this sun-baked wilderness to the pines and glaciers of the north. Well, nothing to do now but apply some sunscreen, hoist my backpack on my back, find a good sturdy stick to support me and begin the trip. Away we go!
This is a new Conqueror challenge! It was released at the same time as two redesigned medals for the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. I didn't think I would ever sign up for these long ones, but the medals are real eye-candy with patches!
I gathered members from my last Silk Road team to do another one.
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