The begnning of a 500,000 step journey

[Snatch Napkin]

That is going to be fucking awesome!!

I have never hiked in that elevation, but I did get the opportunity to hike 187 miles in Philmont. It's a Boy Scout ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.

It will pale in comparison to your trip, though. These trails are in the foot hills of the Rocky mountains.

<----Jelly. Horrifically out of shape for that kind of trip, but still jelly.

[Danny46]

That is freaking awesome, I have always wanted to do something like this and publish a photography book on the adventure. Let me know if you decide to partner up hahaha I may just be down for the hike. Not sure on the whole no gun policy though lol

[Sean88gt]

That is freaking awesome, I have always wanted to do something like this and publish a photography book on the adventure. Let me know if you decide to partner up hahaha I may just be down for the hike. Not sure on the whole no gun policy though lol

Even when I was in the mountains and in a park that didn't allow firearms, I still carried.

[Strychnine]

Horrifically out of shape for that kind of trip, but still jelly.

I'm on a mission to get in better shape than I was when I was riding a coulple hundred miles/week. Getting back into some olympic lifts and way more cardio.

I've never been there but here's one in Arlington for you: http://www.dynorock.com/

I'm part of Crossfit North Arlington and our gym is inside Dyno Rock. That's part of the reason I want to get back in it... but I don't really have anyone to climb with. There's a deep trust that goes along with letting someone belay you... I'm sure you know where I'm going with this.

[Trick Pony]

I have had the pleasure of visiting a lot of the places along the route you posted when I lived in Cali. Hiking the whole way will be epic. The scenery there is absolutely breathtaking.

[Shorty]

I'm part of Crossfit North Arlington and our gym is inside Dyno Rock. That's part of the reason I want to get back in it... but I don't really have anyone to climb with. There's a deep trust that goes along with letting someone belay you... I'm sure you know where I'm going with this.

Definitely. My climbing partner has been my best friend for 8 years so trust has never been an issue.

You can always boulder. If you ever want some idiot from DFWM to belay for you holler at me. I'm free most weekends.

[Treybiz]

Looking forward to seeing your progress and the eventual trip.

[Treybiz]

Also, really interested to see the gear you pack...

For some reason I really like everything in my life like a swiss army knife and backpacking gear peaks my interest. My car camping bag could probably be lived out of for quite some time and my truck has similar equipment stowed away 24-7.

[Strychnine]

Also, really interested to see the gear you pack...

I'll make sure to update every now and then. First order of business is a pack. Doing some reaseach now.

[Snatch Napkin]

My advice will be to pack as light as possible.

When we did Philmont I was 12 years old, 5'8", and 130 lbs. My pack weighed in at 67 lbs. It then began to rain for 10 days straight, so my pack topped out at 83 lbs. This is when I started dumping all non essentials into any trash can I found.

Are there going to be trading posts along the way for you to resupply with dried foods?

The most beneficial workout we did was to fill our packs with water bottles (as close to approximate weight as you can get) and walk the bleachers at our local football field. The sloshing water will feel exactly like your pack when your tired on the trail.

[Strychnine]

My advice will be to pack as light as possible.

When we did Philmont I was 12 years old, 5'8", and 130 lbs. My pack weighed in at 67 lbs. It then began to rain for 10 days straight, so my pack topped out at 83 lbs. This is when I started dumping all non essentials into any trash can I found.

Are there going to be trading posts along the way for you to resupply with dried foods?

The most beneficial workout we did was to fill our packs with water bottles (as close to approximate weight as you can get) and walk the bleachers at our local football field. The sloshing water will feel exactly like your pack when your tired on the trail.

67?! for a 13 yr old!? Damn, son, leave your cast iron skillet at home next time! lol
I'm shooting for a pack in the low-mid 40 lb range. Weight will be a big priority in gear choice.


There are four resupply places in the first half that you can mail your own care pkg to and pick up whenever:
Touloume Meadows post office
Mammoth Lakes post office
Vermillion Valley Resort
Muir Trail Ranch

From there you're on your own for the next 100 miles.
You can carry a lighter load in the beginning and it gives you a chance to GTFO if something goes wrong. The southern half is definitely more remote and higher elevation... the general hope is that by the second half your conditioning (to altitude, esp) will be better and you'll be ready to mule 1-1.5 weeks worth of supplies up to the peak of Mt Whitney.
One headache will be deciding how resupply and eat. A bear canister [absolutley required] can only hold 5-6 days of food for one person.



I also just ordered what have been called "the best" maps for the entire trail... 1:63,360 scale (1in = 1mi) waterproof topo maps should be here soon. I guess it's official now.




Here's a little better overall map:

[talisman]

Looks incredible. Now you're giving me jitters for my trip to get here. Just joined Triple A for the huge rental discounts. Lol

[Sean88gt]

Well, this created a night's worth of thoughts that royally fucked up my sleep.

[Jose]

Even when I was in the mountains and in a park that didn't allow firearms, I still carried.

It's only illegal if you get caught

[Jose]

Sounds like an awesome trip. I need to get out more often