From Mexico to Canada on the Continental Divide Trail

Despite a bunch of training, I've felt rickety and unhealthy in the past few weeks. I figured out why. Maybe it'll be useful to y'all in your own row through the ocean of this world! (And maybe not... Around a campfire many notions are shared) I'm semi-retired now, or at least I name myself that way. Additionally, with the start of this big journey, I'm taking many months off from the incredible part time job I've been given. And so, my mind is often concerned with money... Investments... The currently unfavorable inflation situation... The effect of war and pandemic on the easy flow of business, in which I've put my faith and my money. How self-centered you might say! I have no defense...I only report. Taxes have been especially difficult. For some reason, at my prior job, there was some deferment for a period of years, which means I need to pay the German government a large amount. The cost of a brand new car, basically. And then more money to the American...

50 kilometers (31 miles), with 2400 meters (7700 feet) up/down over two days.  I planned a tour on Komoot that would walk some mix of familiar and new ground, and be long enough for a chance to test out my sleep system and gauge food requirements. I brought tortillas, hummus, cheese, nuts and chocolate. Also oatmeal for breakfast, cous-cous for dinner and a ramen noodle packet. This was enough. I had a tarp, my quilt and sleeping pad, also an umbrella to use for blocking wind. I started walking at 10 and the weather was beautiful. I took a slightly different way than usual along the Osterbach, travelling through farm country on the right side for broader views. Then I walked up Schwarzenberg. Really cool, they have a restroom and a little room where you can sit and buy a drink. It was early for me, so I didn't get a drink. Now I walked east to some odd forested summits: Sternplatte and Sterneck. The ridge between the two was quite pretty, even though a bulldozer had had its way wi...

 At the end of January I did a 21 mile hike from my home up to Erding and back. I was so tired once I reached eErding, that my choice of return route shows a bit of desperation: I cut off the nice rounded loop with a few miles heading due south, making for home as quick as possible! Now, more than a month later, I'm in better shape and not so desperate. And this time, I've got a significant pack on, about 20 pounds (9 kilos). I'm learning different ways of pitching a tarp, and slowly convincing myself to bring a tarp instead of my Lunar Solo tent: For this pitch I just wanted to block the north wind, and enjoy as much sun from the south as possible. Also featured is my trusty Tyvek ground sheet, my Nemo Tensor pad, and Enlightened Equipment quilt. Nice! After another hour of walking, I reached Erding and continued grandly east, feet 100% okay. I only slowly circled to the south on a scenic route. It really is incredible how the body adjusts to the challenges you place befor...