Training on the Klickitat Trail
After nearly killing myself the past few weeks at home getting things in order for my CDT hike, I decided it was time to take an overnight trip to test out my gear kit and knock the rust off my joints. I met up with “Tomato” and “Sweet Potatoe”...A Leap of Faith
I can still remember that cold March morning on Long Island in 1996 as I struggled to lift on my heavy Dana Design pack and load it in my parent’s car for the trip to Penn Station. In a few hours I would be on a train to DC then a few rides with my future hiking...
25 days later and we’re back to where we started. The Northern New Mexico Loop was an awesome hike with a ton of diverse landscapes, flor and fauna. Thanks to @hikeinvention for creating this amazing route, New Mexico has once again stolen my heart. ![]()
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#nnml #thruhike #thruhiker #backpacking #sixmoondesigns #katabaticgear #montbell #point6 #wekeepyououtdoors #leki #purplerainskirts #astral #landofenchantment #santafe
Holy blowdowns Batman! The NNML is still going well despite some tougher trail conditions the other day. We’re in the home stretch now, and enjoying a new variety of landscape since leaving the tall mountains. #nnml #thruhike #backapcking #landofemchantment #astral #point6 #wekeepyououtdoors #montbell #sixmoondesigns #katabaticgear #landofenchantment
Some shots from the last 131 miles of the NNML. 6 days without resupply was just what I needed. Currently hanging at Ghost Ranch before the final push starts tomorrow. #thruhiking #landofenchantment #hiking #wilderness #point6 #astral #wekeepyouuotdoord #montbell #sixmoondesigns #wildernesstherapy
Kdog![]()
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Oh the miles you have hiked and the love you have given us can never be measured. You were the greatest gift in life, when I was at my lowest point your mom @suzylaruffa knew you were what I needed. I’ll never forget meeting you at the humane society, you looked up at me with those big eyes, floppy ears and goofy smile I knew right away it was meant to be.![]()
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Over the years you have always been there showing us love and happiness. You walked beside me, well mostly right behind me or whoever was in the lead when we hiked. Thru-hikes, mashing 30+ mile days and then wanting to play ball when we got to camp will always be how I remember our time together in the woods. ![]()
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I’ll always remember being injured in Opal Creek and Bull of The woods wilderness and how you guided me through each blowdown. You would go ahead and show me the way, then turn back to come and get me. You would nudge my leg to keep going knowing we had to make it to the trailhead while we could.![]()
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I’ll always remember though the love you gave to me, Suzy, and all of your cat siblings over the years. Besides us you also never ceased to amaze me at how friendly and patient you were with everyone and every animal you ever met. I’ll never forget @jenpharrdavis asking me at OR, “is he good with kids?” As Gus had his hand halfway down your mouth and you just stood there licking him. Your love is what I will always hold dearest to my heart.![]()
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You lived an excellent life, and over the years you got to travel the west with us. I would say few Americans have had the opportunity to see as much of this country as you have. The Olympic Peninsula, the Redwoods, Alvord Desert, the Four corners, arches and southern NM. The list goes on and on!![]()
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I feel terrible to not be there and hold you in my arms as you cross over to the other side, but we always knew this was a risk in life. I’m just glad you are surrounded by so many that love you at this moment.![]()
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Until we meet again my dear boy, have fun up there with Erwin, Crosby, rabbit and Tres. Don’t chase too many balls and then drink too much water, that combo had always made you puke!![]()
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Happy trails little buddy!
We have made it through sections 7 and 6 of the NNML it’s been rugged, wild and absolutely stunning. We stayed the night on our friends Pepper Flakes property and got to@check out his hand built hay bail house. Crossed the rio grande and walked ridges for miles, oh and we saw tons of big horn sheep too! #nnml #landofenchantment #thruhike #backpacking #sixmoondesigns #montbell #point6 #wekeepyououtdoors #astral #katabaticgear
We’ll the USFS is doing fire prevention in the forest by making giant fire breaks in the forest. This caused a wrinkle in our hike, as we had to jump around the closure, luckily NM had a free bus. So a 5 mile road walk, a 30 minute bus ride and I’m know taking a rest day in Taos before getting onto the next leg of the hike. #nnml #firesafety #thruhike #hiking #landofenchantment
A few shots from the past few days of the NNML. Some great country, but rugged trails with mega blow downs and tons of elevation. Yesterday had us high on the ridge, only to be spanked by a major monsoon storm. #nnml #thruhike #backpacking #montbell #point6 #wekeepyououtdoors #astral #hike #landofenchantment #sixmoondesigns