Day 52: Rain or Shine / CDT Thru-hike 2024

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/

[@grahames9228]

Well done, 1000 miles and going strong.

[@chrislonsberry1974]

Congrats on hitting the 1000. Mile mark! LOL! Naked hiking. Cold weather is not flattering to a male hiker!! I have to remember that one! Looking good Mike!

[@michellebentley7159]

The prairie dogs!!!🥰🥰🥰

[@douglasscharnberg3883]

I am glad the rain subsided for you Mike. I am also thankful for the rain! The Cochetopa Hills are tame after the San Juans. Congratulations on your 1000 mile milestone!

[@galeclay8866]

Goooood morning! Another great video - naked hiking day ! Lol Stay dry and warm !!

[@TheHikingChick1]

That squirrel footage! 💯

[@suecox8355]

Good for you 1000! 🦋❤️

[@jeevjagostudios]

Congratulations on passing the 1000-mile mark of the CDT. As old farmers and old hikers say, "You gotta make hay and miles when the sun shines." You changed your clothes six times and still didn't even hike one naked mile?! I had to go back and rewatch your June 21 video from your 2022 AT thru-hike (which was also day 52 and when you passed the 1200-mile mark on the AT). I was not disappointed -- what a fun video! I highly recommend watching (or rewatching) it. And regarding cold conditions and the male anatomy, who can forget George Costanza's famous line on Seinfeld, "I was in the pool!"? IYKYK 😉

[@SeejAyess87]

Welcome to Colorado. Get use to the wild weather days lol

[@tonieiselt6274]

Loved the prairie dog shot. The missing cattle might be because they aren't there yet. I think they get trucked up to the high country in CO after the snow has receded. So it might just be your timing.

[@johnl8738]

Hi Mike. Congratulation on that 1,000 mile mark. That is such a great accomplishment under all these conditions. After the whole night of rain, if it was raining when I got up I think I would stay in the tent too. The weather was all over the place, and still did 23 miles. Great Job with the videos, showing us a lot of things with scenery, animals, etc. We are able to see things most of us will not get a chance to see.. Thank You! Be Strong, Be Safe, and thanks for taking us on this Journey.

[@wineberryred]

It's probably a little early to be grazing cattle at that altitude, I'm sure they will be up at that pasture later this summer.

[@ksgtokgo]

1000 miles! Haven’t seen Early Bird lately. Is she still on trail?

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

Yes. She is in upcoming videos.

[@duckypam]

Ooo those ground squirrels are so adorable.

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Mike, congrats on 1,000 miles. Such moody weather for you today.

[@glengullickson6538]

Thanks for taking us along!

[@pauliedavis49]

Great video but where is Early Bird? Hike on!

[@marthaee]

Wow! Bet you did the happy dance when you hit the thousand mile point! Woohooo!

[@malcolmcheney3640]

You managed to make the most of today's hike (23 miles) given the vagaries of the weather predictions and actual conditions. Wise move to dry out your gear mid-day when the sun came out. Love the shots of the ever present marmots. Mac

[@marthaee]

Happy trails!

[@RafaIglesia]

Congrats Energizer! 1000 more miles... Looking other comments I see that some people are concerned about Early Bird. She's fine. I'm one of Early Bird blog readers. :) She writes a lot about Energizer. An amazing group of human beings hiking. Enjoy!

[@honeycurrentcook4967]

Address of her blog please! 🙏

[@RafaIglesia]

@@honeycurrentcook4967 Combining Easy Bird photos & texts with Energizer videos enhances the experience.

[@kaystohr5260]

Congratulations on 1000 miles! You rock! Hope the weather gets better but Colorado weather is fickle You can experience 3 seasons in one day.

[@DJMoore-001]

I'm not blaming you, But can you come back next summer so we get early rain like this. 🤣🤣🤣 It has been years since we have had this much rain. Our normal weather after the last snow is Hot then Hotter. I know it sucks for you, But it sure helps out with the drought we have been in. Way to keep your spirits up and laugh it off.

[@judithpearson3968]

Good morning, Mike. Congrats on 1000+ miles hiked. That's great. I noticed your clothing varied. Shame on you for not hiking naked on the International celebration day. Don't think I would have participated either. Beautiful country. Nice views. Did you ever see any cows? Made decent miles. Didn't see your hiking companions. Did they decide to stay put or did you each hike individually today? Take care. Stay safe. See you tomorrow.

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

No cows.

[@clydevanwinkle7382]

How is your tent doing in the rain ☔ ? Are those replaced zippers ok 👌 ?

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

Doing great.

[@nml4546]

Where's Early Where's Early Bird?

[@dennislavelle6909]

did you lose your hiking partner?

[@marthaee]

Wonder who came up w the “hike naked” day??! 😉🥴🙄☺️

[@lawrencejohnrobinson4843]

Hiking naked is a 'thing' with the naturists, and I have to assume that they came up with the special day. It has been a 'tradition' for a very long time.

[@marthaee]

@@lawrencejohnrobinson4843 oh yeah, I’ve heard of it.. kinda funny but I opt on the side of safety as I tend to think it’s best to wear a layer of protection from critters, pests, elements, etc. but that’s me… I do respect others choices tho’ ☺️

[@lawrencejohnrobinson4843]

@@marthaee Yeah, I'm with you on that one. I'm not exactly a supporter of hiking au natural, but my hot springing is that way, which is why I seek out hot springs sans company.

[@glengullickson6538]

Are you Speed Goats model 5 or 6 and are you happy with them?

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

Both. Watch Day 61.

[@jimmydavidson5167]

Naked Hiking interesting :)

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

It's a big thing on 21 June.

[@popeyehikestheappalachiant2699]

Is there a way to direct message you? Wife and I will be in Colorado (vacation) from 5th - 12th. We're dedicated followers (AT thru hiker 2022) and would love to provide trail magic, while there.

[@oldmanandtheat3093]

I thank you for the thought, but it's too difficult to determine where I might be for a link up.