Now What?

I am about to start another hike. All the planning, preparing, and training is done. This trip is unique because I had to “cache” food and water along an 1,100 mile route.

I am attempting a brilliant trail called The Great Basin Trail. It was created by a hiker who goes by Dirtmonger. He is an exceptional backpacker and I have followed his many trips online. Over a few years he created and verified this 1,100 loop trail through eastern Nevada.

It’s a clever trail because it connects existing paths, route-finding when there are no trails (what I call bushwhacking), and wild animal trails. I actually be better off defining this as a route. There are no white blaze, PCT conforming elevation grades, or trail angels. As you might imagine, water is scarce and important, but the trail appears to have a number of natural springs, man-made water tanks, and, when necessary, caches of water.

The part I admire the most is that he has stitched the route together all on public land. I’m only familiar Dirtmonger and Brett Tucker as reliable wizards magically making new trails. I’m excited. Aboiding private property on a long route is difficult. If you have the Pacific Northwest Trail and remember that section where you basically walk through that dude’s backyard to get to a gravel road, you’ll know what I mean.

But I’m also scared shitless. This is remote country. There are extensive long ridge walks with potential snowfields, lightning, and all around “I’m scared of heights” moments. Honestly the times I get crankiest hiking is when I’m either bushwhacking or thirsty and this trail seems to indicate I might be posting quite a few cranky blog entries. (Sorry in advance Dirtmonger.)

But, from driving a route to cache food I was amazed. There are mountains, wide open flats, and incredible solitude. I will see more cattle than people. One beautiful section will be the Ruby Mountains. I snapped photos (below). I pray a whole bunch of snow melts before I reach this section in June.

It was interesting having my wife come out with me and help cache food. She is a great traveler and we buried ten odor-proof food bags plus water. I showed here where I would be hiking (jagged snow-covered ridges, arid dusty plains, and cow tanks I would drink out of) and I could see her trying to appreciate it, but momentarily asking herself why she married me. It truly was great to have her support on this crazy endeavor. I wouldn’t be anywhere without her!

Lastly, I’m not even going to try to provide a daily blog. I’ll provide posts when I can. I hope you enjoy them. If you don’t, then don’t.