It won't be long before I set foot on the CDT. The work behind a distance hike is mind-boggeling, particularly when the path is not clear and so many choices will be mine to make in the middle of nowhere. The logistics behind a plan that cannot be clearly mapped out is a whole new ball game for me. The Appalachian Trail offers white blazes to guide a hiker. The Pacific Crest Trail is fairly well marked unless one chooses to hike in a high snow year. But, maps and/or a gps can guide a PCT hiker from point a to point b sooner or later. No matter what I read, I will not have a clear plan in my head when I set foot on the Continental Divide Trail. I know that I will hike northward. I know that I will hike 20 mile days or more. And I know that I will carry my typical heavy pack.

And I also know that I am truly blessed to have the love and support of my husband and three adult children. One of my sponsors called me a "weirdo" in jest. I laughed and then agreed with him. I am a weirdo. What kid at any age wants to tell their friends that their 52 year-old mom is out there popping a squat in the middle of nowhere for six months and then writing about it for all the world to see? But the guy who called me a weirdo gets it. I knew when he made the comment that he had been there, done that. My husband cannot fully grasp my passion, but he listens and at least pretends to get it. And he visits me every now and then out in the middle of nowhere. Sometimes, I am amazed that he can even find me in the vast wilderness. Sometimes, I am amazed that he even wants to find me...lol! The part of my plan that is clear is that I will set foot on the CDT with my family's love and support. And if any of my readers actually hear one of my adult children outwardly singing my praises, please let me know. Because they agree with my sponsor....they all think I'm a weirdo! Gotta love them.