5 Scariest Things on the CDT

I intend to hike the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) in 2024 and will vlog my experience. Follow me under "Old Man and the CDT."
I am Mike Current, 61-years-old, and retired military. I served for over 30 years in the US Army.
After retirement, I opened two small businesses. But after a few years, I sold both businesses because they were taking time away from pursuing personal goals, like hiking and sailing.
I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2020 and Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2022. I vlogged (video journaled) my experiences under "Old Man and the PCT" and "Old Man and the AT", respectively.
I sailed around the Chesapeake Bay in my Tayana 37 sailboat over the summer of 2023 and vlogged the experience under the KZbin channel "Old Man and the Sea."
I do not monetize my videos in any manner. However, if you would like to contribute to helping veterans thru-hike as a form of therapy for PTSD, please consider donating to Warrior Expeditions at warriorexpeditions.org/

[@shanksmare]

Man, the time flies. Can't be four years ago I watched your first PCT video. Hope you have a safe and fun trip. Look for Dogfoot on the trail. ~S

[@DJMoore-001]

Just for a laugh, Colorado has a lot of bigfoot sightings. You will be pretty much in bigfoot country. I live at the base of the San Juans. The west side has a pile of snow on them still, But the hikers seem to have good trail going through. Glad your channel popped up in my recommended. My Son was Army and a combat vet, Thank You for your service.

[@duckypam]

I would have thought #1 was water, but you have hiked the other big trails and you're pretty good at dealing with the water situation.

[@karimedinburgh]

Awesome video my friend , always enjoy your wonderful videos , thank you for sharing and thumps up , have an amazing day

[@OneEyeHikes]

Always appreciate your logistics, planning and preparation! I have two close friends striking out ahead of you. God bless and I know you’ll fair well.

[@jeevjagostudios]

One step at a time is the only way to go on a thru-hike, unless you want to start a new hop, skip, and jump trend. I'm anxiously awaiting your 1 May, step 1.

[@montegomm]

Energizer, first of all, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. Frankly I will watch your travels closely as based on your previous hikes it is hard to see you taking up to 40 days to get through NM. I certainly understand your 8000000 step concern. It took me three years to do the PCT due to a nasty fall at about mile 65 with a fall and meniscus tear. But I agree that failure is not an option. I look forward to your adventure.

[@user-id6yb2zk6n]

Go get ‘em Mike! I’ll follow every step you share with us. I know you’ll be successful in this endeavor. Tod “one D” Davis

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

Thank you!!

[@scott.the.sailor]

Hey Mike, just came across your channel. I'm a big backpacker and my wife and I also own a Tayana 37! Hope you're enjoying the CDT.

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

I love my boat!!

[@jimmydavidson5167]

Looking forward to more videos

[@clydevanwinkle7382]

Thank you for sharing

[@TheHikingChick1]

"Chicks dig scars..."😂 We do like our guys tough. I respect your determination! 🌻

[@michellebentley7159]

We share the same concerns! Depending on the conditions next year when I start the CDT, I might add water crossings. I have extensive training in swift water rescue and am pretty confident in the water…but I imagine I’ll feel a little uneasy crossing swollen creeks while solo in the wilderness. I’m really looking forward to following your journey!

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

I'll let you know via the videos about water crossings. I don't think they are as big an issue as on the PCT in the Sierra. I think once the CDT hits an elevation, it kind of stays there. If not, yea, it could be an issue.

[@michellebentley7159]

@@oldmanandtheat3093 thanks!

[@pauliedavis49]

Interesting and enjoyable... thanks! Looking forward, and we'll be praying for you!

[@truckercarlson9081]

He says he's going to be pacing himself but I have a feeling we're going to be seeing "well, I did 175 miles this week instead of 180 so I think my plan of pacing myself is working out pretty well" Love following your hikes. Thanks for sharing.

[@anitasimmons3599]

Thank you for another informative video. ❤ best wishes on your thru hike. Thank you again for taking us along on your journey.

[@chrisshannon4523]

I would add concern about water, and cranky cows or a bull.

[@meriwethersayan]

Excellent video! I grew up in Carson City, NV. I am looking forward to following your CDT adventure. Hopefully I will be hiking the CDT in 2025 to earn my Triple Crown as well.

[@CindyTaylor-mr4wf]

So excited for you - you’re gonna do great!!! Will def be following along!!! Oh and you have a pretty amazing wife, I love that you share how she is involved!

[@judithpearson3968]

Well, Col, it's just about happening. A good list of fears. Your wife sounds like a typical, long time, military spouse. I'll be praying for you as you embark on this journey - for your safety, for your wisdom in decision making and for your protection. Take care. Stay safe. See you next video.

[@glengullickson6538]

I like your wife! As for injury, I tore the calf muscles in my right leg on a flat, open section going in to NOC on the AT. Ended my hike and 7 years later, it still bugs me that that will always be unfinished business. But, I was the best trail angel and spouse support person for the AT class of 2017. Praying for safe steps for you! Yard Dart.

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

Thank you!

[@billheatherseanrapp103]

No shade and no water for at least 12 miles.

[@garthwick19]

number 4....makes me wanna number 2

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

Perfect. Wish I would have thought of that before I made the video, because that's exactly how I feel as well.

[@AccidentalHiker1]

Yes, I also do much better in summers ☀️. I like spending time in Palm Springs when it's hot hot. 🔥 Lol

[@christopherhaak9824]

Heat is not really an issue for someone who prepares. Proper attire and regimented drinking work wonders.

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

Experienced thru-hikers know that they can do everything right and still things can go wrong. They know this because they have been there.

[@popeyehikestheappalachiant2699]

Why did you choose to go NOBO vs SOBO?

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

Three reasons. First, while one could make an excellent argument that the CDT is best done sobo, most thru-hikers go north. And I wanted to be with the bubble, as much as it is on the CDT. Second, similar to the PCT, I like the idea of starting in the barren desert and ending in the majestic mountains on the Canadian border. Waterton just seems a great place to finish the trail and the triple crown. Third, if you haven't noticed, I have a little OCD going on. I did the PCT and AT as a nobo, so.... Hope this helps.

[@popeyehikestheappalachiant2699]

@@oldmanandtheat3093 Thanks. I have 3 AT friends that all want to go SOBO, starting somewhere near June. I have no preference.

[@Biteyourownteeth]

I live in Alaska I see brown bears everyday on our homestead. Just dont feed the bears bro

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

Good advice.