It is wonderful to me how the trail takes simple things and turns them into great pleasures. For example, tonight I am camped at 8,500 feet. It is cold and rainy. I am so excited about being cozy in my tent and cuddled in my sleeping bag. I even gave a squeal of delight when…

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The real challenge is for me to believe that I am enough. I have been reminding myself to drink more water. It is plentiful now, though still sometimes as far apart as fifteen miles over a long tough ridge. But I’ve been without plentiful water for long enough that I have gotten into the habit…

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I try to get creative when I have a painful last mile to walk. I play different games with myself to make it easier. I envision walking down my road at home for what I know to be a mile. I tell myself, “now I’m at the bottom of the driveway . . . now…

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Mary Anderson is hiking the Continental Divide Trail and writing a book about it. Above: The Spanish Peaks range in Montana. It is fairly certain that on a long hike, some piece of clothing or equipment will need repairing. We try to plan for such things, carrying small repair kits. I check my clothes periodically…

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Enjoying a lake, stopping early to bathe and wash clothes. The clouds and mountains reflected in the lakes. The silence and sense of deep peace. Missing Jenn. Learning guys I met and taught how to use/carry bear spray got grizzly-mauled later same day. Steep ups/downs. Some scary ridge walking. Not looking down and talking self…

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From Helena to Whitehall By Mary Anderson What I’ll remember: The smoky views. Feeling like I am walking in an eclipse due to the smoke. Having to keep changing my route because of fires. Setting out for maybe 200 miles cross-county by myself. Feeling strong and satisfied with my walking pace. Feeling accomplished and okay…

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