Some of the things that made up my first 200 miles of hiking: Not talking to another person for days. Talking to a lot of cows. Drinking water from cow troughs. Not taking a shower for over a week. Wearing the same sweaty clothes for all that time. Eating pretty much the same food for…

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My injured knee iced with snow June 18: “I just completed the first 201 miles from South Pass City to highway 70 near Encampment, Wyoming. Now have a two-day drive to Glacier. Will start from there as soon as I can get a much-coveted permit. Then, knee willing, I have 1,350 miles back to South…

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For me, trust is an important part of many long-distance hikes. First, I must trust that what people have written about the trail is accurate, that water will be present and the trail passable. I trust the wildlife not to harm me as long as I follow some common-sense rules. I trust in my abilities…

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By Mary Anderson After some days off to rehab my knee, I’m back on trail. Managed 13 miles today (June 16) to finish the Rawlins road walk in high-90-degree heat. Used the crutches today to take the slight twinge out. All told, I have walked over 30 miles on crutches. Knee held up pretty well…

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By Mary Anderson A trail angel near Rawlins offered Mary his work gloves. One thing I love about hiking is how simple life becomes. My possessions are few and they all go in the exact same place day after day. Each day is similar to the last, though with enough difference to keep it exciting.…

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Reaching the top of a climb is a goal for many hikers. It is where we like to take breaks and enjoy the views won through our hard efforts. But ironically for many in=shape hikers it is the downhills, and not the ups, which are harder. The uphills take strength and perseverance. One foot placed…

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