How Dangerous is the Continental Divide Trail?

[@vitaflo]

NOAA Storm Spotter here, some of what you said about lightening is true, some are old myths. First, lightning is not attracted to metal, it will always take the path of least resistance, it doesn't care what the makeup of the item struck is. The 30/30 rule is fine, but in reality the general rule is if you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning. Also keep in mind that when lightning strikes the ground, it spreads out along the ground in all directions. Never be on all fours and certainly do not lay down. Less point of contact with the ground the better (IE, be on two feet). While lightning will often hit tall objects, it doesn't need to. Lightening travels in 150ft increments on its way down, taking the path of least resistance on each step. If you are the tallest object within its last 150ft you might be that path, even if there's a tall tree 300ft away from you. The safest place to be is a shelter, otherwise lightning crouch. If your hair is starting to stand up like it was in your video, you need to take action immediately. This means positive charge is rising through you towards the negatively charged part of the storm. You are MUCH more likely to be struck if this happens, as the negatively charged storm seeks out positive charge on the ground. Stay safe out there.

[@Pwrcritter]

Then why not crouch on a log?

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Thank you so much for sharing! There is a ton of info out there...some of it contradictory. I appreciate you stating what’s current and the logic behind it. Happy Trails!

[@rkatrails]

To learn even more about lightning, I highly recommend the book, Shattered Air: A True Account of Catastrophe and Courage on Yosemite's Half Dome. A group of hikers ascended Half Dome during a thunderstorm with disastrous results. The hair standing on end, the buzzing, all this happened just seconds before the group was struck. But there's a whole section in the book about everything you need to know about lightning. Very educational.

[@Pwrcritter]

Tabby wins the day!

[@Mtnsunshine]

rkatrails Thanks for this link. Hope the library carries it. Lightning is fascinating, so looking forward to learning more about it. Thanks again. 👍

[@crystalcreekstonejewelry9237]

I'm a Colorado native and have done a fair bit of hiking and backpacking in the state. Of all the risks, lightning is the one that I take the most seriously. I've been in a few electrical storms in our mountains during monsoon season (July and August). They can be quite nasty and fast forming. Your hair standing up while you were on the ridge was pretty frightening. You kept your cool. I would have been making a bee-line for the shortest distance down into the trees. Good info here, thanks for sharing! Edit: Also, with animals, you mentioned snakes, bears, and mountain lions. Lot of people don't realize that moose can be dangerous in Colorado. They don't move like deer or elk and will charge/trample a person who doesn't give them space. If you face a moose, walk well around it. Don't walk right by it just because it won't get out of your path.

[@billcampbell1627]

And don't poke it with your tracking pole. Seriously. It can put you in the hospital.

[@ChefKristiThymetoCook]

Hi Dixie, I wanted to let you know that something you said on the CDT really impacted me. You mentioned that there are two kinds of people those who think of all the things they want to do but never do it and those who embrace the challenge and go for it. I have decided to go for it and I’ve started a cooking KZbin channel. I am a hiker and have enjoyed watching all your through hikes. But seriously thank you!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Chef Kristi Thyme to Cook Yayyy! That’s so wonderful to hear. Too many people don’t turn their thoughts into action. Im glad you did :)

[@bovineking8927]

Wishers and Willers!

[@Mtnsunshine]

Chef Kristi Thyme to Cook Excellent! Make those dreams come true!

[@OttawaOldFart]

Just be consistent and be yourself. It will either work for you or not.

[@MrJason9142002]

There are two kinds of people. People that do this and people that do that. Dont be those that do that. Do this and not that. That is not this and those people are not these people.

[@yourroyalhighness7662]

I am astonished by your courage. Grizzly bears, mountain lions, deadly snakes, the threat of dangerous weather and the chance of running into the wrong type of individual...too much for me. I applaud your spirit of adventure!

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

I think the higher you go the less you see snakes and Mt lions hang around deer but you will rarely see them...Have nt seen bear but they are out there

[@kb7217]

Regarding hypothermia - I learned it as the Umbles. If a person is stumbling about when they walk, mumbling when trying to speak, and/or fumbling when trying to do simple tasks with their hands (and having been in conditions where hypothermia could occur) go check on them. Could be other medical issues as well but the key is just to be observant of each other out there. Thanks for another quality video!

[@felipecastellon4740]

Thank you for being candid. Much too many you tubers want to show the fun and cool thrill of the wilderness but I know that this is not always the case. There is a reason why the boy scouts which I was one, teach to be prepared and the mountaineers from Seattle came up with the ten essentials.

[@griffinwagner8577]

What are the ten essentials?

[@georgedelgado9597]

I hiked the CDT 2019 _ a newer danger that is emerging is being in beetle kill pine during high winds. Twice I witnessed trees falling like toothpicks all around me especially in Montana.

[@Jimbo-pm1dp]

There was a guy killed by a falling tree on the PCT in 2019 .

[@robbanks4356]

I backpacked in Rocky mountain national park about 13 years ago. I didn't sleep much because of the high winds and standing dead trees that I was surrounded by.

[@solomonstello]

Snags and Widowmakers.

[@johnalden5821]

Very good points regarding hypothermia (among your other good points). It's a constant thing to look out for, and people often do not self-diagnose. Rainy weather, accompanied by wind and falling temps, can be dangerous in every area of the country, but higher elevations are particularly a threat. It's a good idea when you meet a hiker in these conditions (either passing them or going the other way) to ask how they're doing and observe to see whether they seem panicky, confused or distressed. Sometimes the best thing is to just get them in a tent, in their bags and in warm clothes. Have them eat something and wait for the weather to change.

[@tonydownunder5703]

Hi, My name is Tony from Australia 🇦🇺. I just want to say that I have just finished watching all 3 of your Triple Crown Trails 👑 Congratulations and well done 👍I to have done the Triple Crown Trails. YES. I did every step with you, When you were tiered I was tiered, When you were hungry I was hungry, When you were wet and cold I was wet and cold, When you got considered I got considered, When you had good and bad ups and downs I had good and bad ups and downs, When you finished each trail I finished each trail. Wow 😳 it was incredible to do those Trails with you. The way you showed these traits on your videos really really made me feel I was with you. Thank you so much for sharing and showing. And yes I'm watching more of your videos 👍👍👍👍👍

[@codycouture1]

Seeing the guy with the fly swatter always makes me smile

[@JDGypsy72]

I do a lot of desert hiking, which I consider most of the CDT to be, compared to the AT/ PCT. Dehydration is the silent killer here; Out of state friends often come from lower elevations and are breathing heavily within the first mile. I constantly have to keep an eye on their water intake. The exertion, the breathing, the environment, are all working to suck every drop of water out of you. If you aren't urinating regularly, or your pee is darker, you really need to up your intake. Some advice on water sources; peach (fruit in general, but peach is the worst IMHO) flavoring enhances the taste of frog in tadpole water, and the warmer it is, the less you want it. Fizz does help to an extent, but after some trial and error I've found carbon filtration does make a difference, and it's worth the extra weight for me. I've even gone so far as to carry a frozen bottle of water next to my H2O bladder in areas of the desert, because hot frog water makes me gag. Much like in cooking, the colder something is, the less you can REALLY taste it. (Ice cream excluded)- Just some advice from a desert hiker.

[@davincent98]

As a desert rat, I can certainly concur with the hydration advice.

[@arthurrsaker8893]

It is possible to slow down the rate at which the human body de-hydrates by doing everything you can to avoid exertion to the level where you must breathe through your mouth. High altitude mountaineers do this to mitigate the drying effect of large volumes of cold, very low moisture content, air being sucked in and drying the lungs and airways. Keeping exertion below the level where we are mouth breathing, panting, gasping for air, will not eliminate the de-hydrating effect of the atmosphere at altitude, but it can ameliorate the effect enough to make your body moisture content and available water supply last longer. Hopefully there will be a physician with high altitude medicine specialisation, reading these comments, who can contribute a science based opinion. Slowdown, take every opportunity to maintain good hydration and stay safe everyone.

[@DirtDigglerDetecting]

I have anxiety and your Videos are really helping me just get outside. Knowing you hike so far. Thank you.

[@OneEyeHikes]

Good info and guidance Dixie! Realizing we need to balance risks etc... I heard someone say once, “if your not living on the edge, your taking up too much space.” However, we still need to use critical thinking and common sense! You covered this subject very well in every respect!

[@Ureyeuh]

If you're in Colorado during "monsoon season" just expect thunderstorms every single day at or after 12 noon. Just expect it.

[@beccakreidler8290]

And the good discussion of just getting off the damn ridge was super critical.

[@386Clarke]

Enjoyed the video Dixie! One thing: dry camping is no big deal, not sure why so many make it out to be. It just means you take the water with you to camp. And no, you’re not going to spill it all and be stranded. It’s important because in the arid west where water sources are not plentiful, these sources need to be unobstructed during the night so that animals can get to them. If you camp there the animals will smell you and not come for a drink. People also like to pee and poop when they get up so not camping near water makes ensures that riparian areas/water sources won’t be negatively impacted. I’ll get off my soapbox now. Hike well mates.

[@wimahlers]

When I hiked the PCT I virtually always, and whenever pratical and possible, did dry camping. Reasons why: 1. Not disturbing wildlife. Most wildlife drank at these water sources at twilight or at night time. 2. Less to no dew in the morning at higher elevations away from water. 3. Less to no insects at higher elevations. 4. Less nuisance by campsite visiting black bears (in my case, never). 5. Less to none annoying chipmunks (hated the little bastards ;-) Though at some locations at higher elevations the marmots were a nuisance again (I should have stayed at home ;-) 6. Sometimes I camped at the top/crest resulting in a relaxed descent in the morning to start with, instead of a more strenuous ascent from a (valley) river/lake. 7. Earlier start with higher elevations because of earlier sunrise (due to no mountain/forest blocking shade). Disadvantage: Yes! I indeed had to carry extra water at the end of the day up the mountain. But all the previous mentioned advantages outweighted all the disadvantages by far. For some people another disadvantage might be that doing the above is more lonely because most hikers did and do sleep nearby water sources. NB Of course all of the above was not always doable nor a holy dedication. For example, sometimes I also used the convenience of an actual (commercial) campground. Most of them situated at a lake with lots of people.

[@alantaylor6691]

@@wimahlers That's a great comment that should have a love heart. How long did it take to complete the PCT and did you see any black bears or grizzly bears? Have you done other tru-hikes?

[@wimahlers]

@Arahorn To clarify… I am Dutch. I walked the PCT in 1986 (I am 57 years old now). I did not complete the PCT due to some misfortune. I never walked a thru hike before or after. I did return to the USA and the PCT 3 more times. Every time to the same area (High Sierra) with different persons. The irony is that I had planned to thru hike the PCT this year. Double irony is that just yesterday I received a confirmation from the American consulate that my visa was approved. I aloso have my PCT permit. All this is an irony because I can't go due to the Covid-19 virus outbreak. I can't go because a) Covid-19 hits me financially hard and b) I am in the extreme high risk group. If I catch the virus it is almost a certainty I will die. That is, in 2015 I was affected by a rare funghi that almost killed me. I was in the hospital for 3 weeks with a double pneumonia. I hardly reacted to any anitbiotics. It took me months to recover and left me with a sensitive respiratory system and asthma afterwards. Some details about my 1986 PCT thru hike (attempt): There was no internet in 1986. Information about the PCT was scarce in 1986. In 1985-1986 information about the PCT was even more hard to come by in The Netherlands. I had, and still have, 2 books (volume 1 and 2) written by Jeffery P. Schaffer and Bev and Fred Hartline (ISBN: 0-89997-015-X and 911824-82-0). Excellent books , but a bit out of date, I think ;-) I had zero hiking experience. And there were no communication tools available in 1986 once in the mountains. As a safety precaution I called in (collect calls by land line!) everytime I was in town. Told my parents where I was. Where I go. And the amount of days I expected to do that particular section. I left a complete scenario to follow (who to call, what and when to report) in case I did not report in. Now (2020) I have a Garmin Inreach. At the time, in 1986, my parents had a full copy of trail maps, trail info, and emergency/contact addresses and phone numbers. I started in mid June in 1986 in Manning Park. It was nice weather. But just a couple of days later I ended up in a blizzard. My tent was frozen solid to the ground. I carefully got it loose using my knife. Everything was frozen. I could not even lace my boots because even my shoestrings were frozen solid. At the time I had to decide to walk forward on to Rainy Pass (unknown territory) or walk back to Manning Park (with known obstacles). Given the circumstances I walked back to Manning Park. As a result of the blizzard and extreme low temperatures I had frostbite on both feet. Not enough to kill the cells permanently, but it did damage my feet. Given my experience and (frostbite) condition I did not consider it wise to walk through Glacier National Park. Keep in mind that at the time, 1986, you did not have a phone app with weather and snow conditions. So, at the time, I decided to skip Washington state and start in Oregon. Note: Later I heard one person had died in this blizzard. How he died I never knew. But given my personal experience it was not hard to imagine how he did die. I picked up the trail again in Hood River. Hood River was the nearest Oregon town to the PCT at the Columbia river. From there I walked to Tuolumne Meadows (California). I got sick in Tuolumne Meadows. Not serious. But the high fever (40 degrees Celcius / 104 Fahrenheit) did affect my overall condition. That, together with the fact that it was late in the season, my frostbite damaged feet, and my close to dead experience due to harsh winter conditions during the blizzard meant that Tuolumne Meadows marked the end of my PCT thru hike. Later (1992? I forgot the year) I did walk the High Sierra (John Muir trail, this time north bound). I have been in the states again in 1998 and 2002. During those years I also visited Zion Canyon, Bryce Canyon and the Mojave dessert. Incidentally, I am familiar with the dessert. For 6 months in 1985 I lived in the Sinaï dessert (Egypt). Being a member of a peace keeping force (MFO - google it). I had a lot of experiences on the PCT. More than I can tell or write now without extending this already lengthy reply 10 times longer than it already is. But, to answer one issue specifically, I did see many black bears (there are no Grizzly bears on the PCT). I like black bears. Kept my distance. And learned a lot about their behavior. At least enough to avoid being ransacked by them. Smart animals. I literally saw bears observe campgrounds from the bushes. I could almost read their minds thinking "Where shall I have dinner tonight". But I was most afraid/annoyed by chipmunks. Cheeky little bastards willing to gnaw right through your backpack to reach food. In my case they never did.

[@alantaylor6691]

@@wimahlers That is the biggest bummer that the Covid-19 has derailed your plans. I think based on your past experience with the PCT that you'd really enjoy and get a lot out of doing it now in the modern era with all the support that now makes it a very doable and predictable endevour. I think that would have been an enjoyable contrast to your 1986 experience. Perhaps next year. I was wondering what the problem was with chimpmunks, I suppose same problem as with squirells, eating holes in your backpack to get to the food. I'm Australian and we don't have those animals. So in 1986 you went in winter? I know that the tru-hikers now have a set time they do it that is conducive weather-wise. But even still it can be hairy, but at least as you said, now there is weather monitoring and so forth. I'm amazed at the motivation and adventurism of you trying to do the PCT as a non-US citizen in 1986 with such little information and support to go on with. You are awesome haha. I laughed when you said you like black bears, that's classic XD Glad you got your fill of black bears in 1986. I like bears too, especially brown bears. How many days exactly did you spend on the PCT in 1986? It's amazing how you tried to perservere despite very serious physical problems, people these days wouldn't do that until recovered. Well that's smart and better for health, but you didn't have the support and resources to be able to muck around like we can these days, especially given most tru-hikers are US citizens and it's a lot easier to jump on and off the trail. Not so when you're coming from overseas and have the limited 1986 support and resources.

[@wimahlers]

Some corrections… I did not start in the winter. I started mid June 1986. But with the blizzard in June I experienced hard winter conditions. I also took some time to recover. That is why I ended late in the season in Tuolumne Meadows. I also have an alternative plan. I am now planning to make a bicycle round trip to Nordkapp (Norway). Which is another wish I want to fulfill. The way I plan it, it will be around 12,000 km (note: not the shortest route. But a scenic route). Here too I have to consider the weather (seasons). At the latest I should leave beginning June (from my town,, near Rotterdam, The Netherlands). The catch/twist is that I am not going to cycle on a regular travel bike. Instead I am going to cycle on a heavy duty two wheels cargo bicycle. Namely, this one:pasteboard.co/J1MlsNP.jpg And yes, this is my bicycle. This bicycle is heavily customized. The frame had to be specially made to be able to hold the Rohloff speed hub in the rear and the disk brake in the front. The Sonn dynamo hub in the front also is nonstandard. I do have 4 other bicycles. All of them much lighter. All of them suitable for this trip. But the point is to do this on this cargo bicycle, not on a "normal" bicycle. NB I already have made a round trip through Denmark in the past (on a Trek 830. bought in the early 1990ties. I still have this bicycle). Also I have lived and worked (and cycled) in Norway (Oslo and Bergen) for almost 3 years (1997-1999). Why use this cargo bicycle? Am I mad? Here is the background... The Netherlands is a bicycle country. See, among others, the excellent, English spoken, web site of: kzbin.info I have seen many discussions explaining why it is not possible for your country (i.e. any country not being The Netherlands) to develop a bicycle infrastructure like The Netherlands. Here are some of the excuses: It is too cold. It is too warm. It is too hilly. The roads are too narrow. The roads are too wide. Our country is too big. Our city is too big. Our city is too small. It will harm the economy … and the world will come to an end. Automotive traffic will come to a stand still. There is a bicycle culture in The Netherlands only because cars/fuel is too expensive (not true). There is a bicycle culture in The Netherlands only because there are fewer cars (not true. As a matter of fact, there are per capita more cars in The Netherlands than in the UK). Not possible here because our cars are different/bigger. People don't want to cycle. All people currently cycling are selfish bastards. It is too dangerous. To disprove I will cycle very long distances through vast landscapes (Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and The Netherlands) with lots of hills and mountains in all kinds of weather using a bicycle originally intended for city dwellers. See, among others: kzbin.info/www/bejne/in6QpHSgqteihqc . Another brand than my bicycle brand. I have a "WorkCycles" cargo bicycle). And: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJaUhZuFjqlrf8U . A very relaxing video. Transporting 2 kids. And: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZW3aqSHeKuNpac . A Danish brand. It is lighter, leaner, and meaner. But not to my taste. The ergonomic position is more "sporty". And I prefer the more relaxed sit up position of my WorkCycles bicycle. Furthermore, my chain protection and speed hub is more robust than this Danish cargo bicycle. Mind you, this Bullit bicycle is an excellent high quality bicycle. It just does not conform to my special wishes.

[@darkbluematter1753]

I was the most scared for you watching the CDT series compared to the other trails, the heights and lightening, but it was truly spectacular. Glad you took us along.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

This was an awesome video, I really want to do the CDT someday and your info was practical without overplaying the danger. Thank you for that.

[@chrisblevins5143]

I didn't know you followed Dixie's channel Carolyn!

[@madratter]

Your hair was nuts !!! People thought I was lying about feeling the tingle of electricity and my hair standing up while I was touching a tractor trailer during a storm. It made me so nervous I ran and jumped inside the truck.. That was 1994 on the Eastern end of Long island. I'll never forget it.

[@greg1030]

Lifelong Long Islander, here. I read that while AZ gets the most frequent lightning strikes NY gets the most violent. I've been seriously lucky so far.

[@TiggerTellsTales]

😂This is me getting ready for my first thru hike on the Appalachian Trail in 2 weeks but dreaming about the PCT and CDT in the future at 56 years young. I guess I better get through my first long distance hike and settle down 😅. Love your videos, they’ve been very inspiring!!

[@jeffperson3592]

The lightning stance is meant to minimize the chance of getting hit by lightning and the effects of a near strike. Yes, the strike is VERY loud (personal experience). Keeping the minimum of ground contact (balls of feet) deals with the voltage gradient set up from the current flowing through the ground. With your feet apart a near strike could cause hundreds of volts between your feet which could cause a current to flow through you. Also if you are in a group, stay about 50 feet from each other. If one of you is affected by the strike, then the other(s) can render aid.

[@bearanoia673]

The CDT definitely seems more remote and wild. You really had trail extremes out there. The mountain lion, grizzly sightings, lightning and that truly sketchy snow storm at the end - maybe some day! 🐻🌲

[@bdickinson6751]

I was genuinely concerned for you safety when your hair was standing on end. Awareness, not fear, is paramount to effectively dealing with all potential dangers in life. Thanks for taking us along! God bless!

[@markmaris5355]

Hi Dixie! Very belated congrats on the Triple Crown!! Love your stories. Please keep them coming... I did a short section of what is now the CDT back in the early 70's at high elevation in Colorado (before there was a CDT, and before there was electronic navigation. Almost before there was dirt...). For remote hiking, I would strongly suggest that -- in addition to having an InReach or equivalent -- if possible you carry a physical topographic map of the area you're hiking and a plain old compass. In the US, these maps are available from the USGS. In the (hopefully) unlikely event that you lose all your batteries and have no electronic nav, then you can at least point yourself in the right direction and keep going (or get to the nearest town for help). And they're only a few ounces, so you stick them in a ziplock at the bottom of your pack as a last resort and hope you never need them.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

Those buzzing trekking poles were the craziest thing to witness!

[@stevejazzband]

I spent 9 weeks in upper Utah wilderness, not by choice, and every afternoon the lightning storms came through. We sat on our packs and counted off every time a strike happened. Fond memories of those times....

[@burtvincent1278]

Dixie you do an excellent job with your videos. From my experience every point you make is dead on and should be considered by every new hiker. I was not a recreational hiker but experienced plenty of back packing while wilderness hunting. Lightning, cliffs, critters, hypothermia and other pleasures are all part of the experience I enjoyed during extended hunting adventures from 1974 to 2008. In later years I transitioned to horse packing. A pair of other issues you might address consequential to persueing your passions would be bankruptcy and divorce 😊. One point I would like to make is to do it while you are young. It is much more satisfying looking back on your life being able to relive your adventures than to regret having never tried.

[@RS-pk4mp]

Thanks for the always sage advice, Dixie! Your hypothermia comments are right on. Hikers are more apt to face this peril, esp. on the always rainy and often cold AT, than all the other threats combined! The closest I ever got to hypothermia was in Georgia, in December (with the Army, not on the AT), when I was soaked to the skin with rain and sweat and then had to lay down, motionless for hours, as the temperature plummeted, wearing nothing but cotton fatigues. Had no choice, but it was touch and go. Pay attention to clothes. Have layers on hand. Watch the sweat. And watch that temperature. It can sneak up on you! Always great to spend an unexpected Sunday with Dixie! Hike on. Tortoise

[@thisbeem2714]

That would have killed me

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Yup in Colorado the weather can change very quickly

[@jasonOfTheHills]

Your last section of the CDT in that blizzard gave me real and genuine anxiety. That was some 'for real' stuff right there and I was more than a little impressed. I have a long hike on my bucket list and had always thought it would likely be the CDT but you made me appreciate that it requires some real respect.

[@1jesus2music3duke]

Holy shit. I love day hiking and occasional car camping but I’m not sure I could ever handle something like this. Props to you, the trail looks amazing.

[@mikehamilton3833]

Hey, Dixie. Great video. Have watched all three thru hikes, love your genuine southern belle narration. You are an inspiration to all. Thanks for your channel. Bless you.

[@johneason6540]

You are amazing. Very informative again. Hiking is a real pleasure, but it has risks. Using you mind and knowing your li.itations is important! Unfortunately we learn the most by our mistakes. Always my pleasure to watch you! Thanks

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

All activities have a risk, few know their limitations and even fewer learn by their mistakes. Just set a goal and do it. Give more weight to those who are experienced...tKZbin videos are good for this however the comments below a video are often misguided. Get busy living or get busy dying. See you on the trail.

[@johneason6540]

@@geraldhenrickson7472 I'm not sure if I should respond to this? I, personally hike in 9 National parks, many state parks and BLM lands in 2018. From the lowest in the US death valley, to the highest point MT Whitney. I. Have plenty of experience!

[@sarahgreen3663]

Hey y'all, Dixie here ❤️❤️❤️ This intro makes me smile! 😀😊..

[@stevenmontoya7275]

I live in Western Montana, and the danger with cold is real, I do mountain hunting trips where we go and backpack hunt for a few days, and just recently the temperatures were in the 70s during the day, and at night they were still around 40 degrees but by morning they took a huge dip to about 15 degrees. My friends had there summer sleeping bags and I was the only one slightly warm in my 30 degree sleeping bag (42 comfort/15extreme). With the constant rain and wind as well in the rocky mountains it makes for a pretty dangerous experience if you are not properly prepared. Be safe and go out a few weekends in Montana/Colorado during spring/fall to see how it is and what you need to bring/change gear wise before doing a thru hike like CDT in the Rockies!

[@michaelb1761]

Zipp Fizz FTW! I bring along one per day on the trail and have it as a treat either in the middle of the day or at the end of the day whichever when I'm near water so it will be cold and fizzy.

[@Funkteon]

Great video and very informative for those who are yet to attempt the CDT - I've found that the most dangerous track is the one not well marked and not loaded with other trekkers - The 680km I solo trekked through Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan during the depths of winter using only printed satellite and topographic maps was without a doubt, the most gripping and dangerous shit I've ever done... The CDT is a nice hike for intermediate to advanced trekkers. My next hike will be a 220km trek across the Dasht-e Lut Desert in Iran during the height of summer, where surface (the sand) temperatures have reached 70 degrees Celcius (158F) and ambient air temperatures in the shade have reached 61 degrees Celcius (141F). Myself and my expedition partner will be the first humans to cross the desert in the summertime since Marco Polo in the year 1271, raising money for Cool Earth charity (and yes, I see the irony).

[@frankjones3671]

Just remember s ifns something's was toos happened to you !! Whatever s woulds we all's does ! So s stays safe s out there's ahikings ! Cause s we all's woulds , nodoubts miss the like yous ! Amazing awesome pretty young's ladies ! Yeah! Mtn.lions bears wolf coyote s ! You're not on there's foods list ! Besides there's foods aplenty out west pdc !! Thank you

[@ThisRightSideUp]

Great video, as always, Dixie. I know this has been said before, but it’s important to know how to use a paper map and a compass. Anyone can learn and practice at home. It’s the best insurance for safety...and going in the right direction🤸‍♂️

[@ThisRightSideUp]

_ _ I’m dancing to your videos! They are sooh inspiring.

[@twocinc]

Problem is it's hard to take a paper map that is detailed enough for orienteering that covers the whole length of the trail.

[@ThisRightSideUp]

twocinc, no need to have it for the entire trail...sections between resuppies are fine, and the compass as a backup to your GPS, esp, for example, to know which direction you should go when things get confusing. I have had the experience...haha

[@jerrybobteasdale]

I'm not a hiker. I do live in the West. For those not experienced with the weather along the Divide, I'd say take it much more seriously than on trails in other parts of the country. The rapidity, and severity of a change in the weather will likely surprise you. It's not like the weather might surprise you, and make you just uncomfortably wet or cold. The change can be serious; don't take it lightly. You're probably a long way from help. Be a little more cautious and patient about weather, than in other parts of the US.

[@dotty7789]

I've always lived along the east coast and the farthest west I've ever gone is Oklahoma. The weather changed so rapidly for some of the days I was there that I appreciated the east coast much more.

[@BlueF350]

I am so impressed with your knowledge bank of information. I can tell that you were an amazing employee in the rat race, and that is how you saved up so much dough for these hikes. Some of the comments on your videos are insane with all of the disputing people out there. I love following and keep up the videos, we all would watch you hike these trails a second and third time!!

[@Rob-uy9dx]

Very good advice for any hiking or backpacking adventure. Backpacking in Colorado is on my to do list. One of my highlights during your CDT videos.

[@lilywhite1065]

Dixie - What I've been told about the "lightning stance" is that it is important to touch your elbows to your knees while you're squatting down, with your fingers interlaced over your head (wherever the highest point is). The idea is that the shape of your head, arms, and legs, all being in contact, will allow the electrical current to pass through your limbs instead of your core, thus minimizing damage to your internal organs. I've even heard that it is ideal to take your shoes off as well, to "ground" yourself and allow any current to pass through you, not end in your body (thus burning you). I'm not sure if any of this has any merit, it's only what I've heard from other hikers. Cheers to you for helping to keep everyone safe!

[@beatbasher]

I can tell you now that this is flawed. Most people who are injured by lightning are not directly hit, but suffer the residual effects of the lightning in the ground, which is easily enough to cause cardiac arrest amongst many things, and arc flash caused by the superheated air exploding in the immediate radius around the lightning bolt. Putting your hands on your head will likely do very little, quite possibly nothing for a direct strike - very few people survive direct strikes regardless of their stance, because the human body cannot cope with that much electrical current measured in the tens of thousands of amps and voltages are in the millions.

[@lenamoser3888]

Yay, I had been wondering about this. And 27 mins! On a Sunday!! You're spoiling us! Thank you :)

[@bigal7454]

Another fantastic video! I can't wait to see your next adventure. I suggest coast to coast along the Canadian border. There's got to be a trail up there somewhere!

[@douglassudsbear7880]

The Trans Canada Trail or the Great Trail. New completed (?) thegreattrail.ca/

[@LJHowardPhoto]

@@douglassudsbear7880 beat me to it! The Trans Canada Trail (TCT) has 3 main trailheads, on the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans. It's about 15,000 miles. I don't think anyone has hiked the entire length (yet!). A few people have done the Victoria to St. Johns portion that sort of parallels the US border taking you through the most populated areas of Canada. Looking at the map, it appears to follow the highway through Manning Park which is the northern exit point for the PCT. The TCT is like a double triple crown all by itself!

[@PsychoFisho]

Lewis & Clark Trail 3,700 miles Illinois to Oregon Part of the National Trails System of the United States

[@307cavalier5]

Great Basin area, gets ball lightning. Kinda neat. Your video is really well done. I grew up along the big horn mountains, listening to you talk about preparation, great, this is awesome.

[@bdickinson6751]

Loved your point at the end, your brain is always the most important tool you have with you at all times. Pop always told us, "God gave you a brain, use it"! Good advice in any situation or stage of ones life.

[@robertrockwell7581]

thank you Dixie. people should really pay attention to through hikers who have done these trails like yourself and have the best advice.

[@christianhancock4019]

I have watched all of your videos with my young son. This weekend will be his first backpacking trip with me. Just a small section hike but hope this is a the start of a lifetime of discovery for him lime it has been for me. Thank you for doing these videos. If you’re ever in Utah my son wants you to sign his pack. God bless Dixie and i hope you get back to your normal, kick ass routine by next spring. Gods speed. There is so much out there for you to see and do. You have a great life and you are living it your way. Very proud of you!!!

[@Adiscretefirm]

Love that Southern accent in the way you say hiking, and lightning.

[@MiTmite9]

Don't know how I got here, but I watched this video start to finish. Now feel much more educated re: The Triple Crown of Hiking/Continental Divide Trail. Thanks for making and uploading this absorbing and entertaining video. Subscribed. (Oh, wait. I just figured it out. I was watching a video about the Santa Barbara Wildlife Rescue Network rescue of a Pied-billed grebe. Your vid came up as a recommendation. How random . . .)

[@mhuntz]

I would love see how you deal with the logistics of thru hiking, Mailing supplies to where ? to whom? and just getting resupply in towns. And what about park wilderness permits and specific requirements like bear canisters on the pct?

[@Romin.777]

I would like to see that too! Invaluable info.

[@gregknipe8772]

planing and developing self sufficiency is the true art being left out of most conversations. the true gateway....

[@kdavis4910]

Do some research.

[@montyollie]

Everything I know about hypothermia, I learned from you, Dixie, so I'm grateful for that! Having a WHOLE dry layer to sleep in is something you taught me, and I'm forever grateful for that!

[@amygodward4472]

I live and hike locally in an area where there are lots of thunderstorms and to see your hair THAT static ontop of a ridge line had me worried. You looked like you had been "chosen" and I will say you are an extremely lucky lady. For those reading you should descend to lower ground immediately when you heard thunder - whether the sky is blue above you or not. Strikes from the blue exist and lightning can travel for kilometers from the side of a cloud - especially when you are exposed like a sitting duck on a hill! Also lightning strikes travel through the ground like a root system - try to keep a distance of at least 20 metres from your friends if you are exposed and hope your friends are taller than you haha. I have also heard to switch off electronic devices as the em frequency attracts a charge. Although I haven't found much information on this, it seems logical.

[@nickgarcia7415]

The idea of doing the at pct and cdt have been on my mind for awhile now. Never backpack or thru hiked. But I think if I start gearing up now do some bigger challenging hikes. Next year I'm going for the cdt thru hike all in 1 go.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

A nearby lightening strike is amazingly loud and bright. It left me stunned and the tree it struck was nearly 200 feet away. I would suggest the covering the ears and looking downward a good idea.

[@traveller9625]

Excellent video, great information. I loved the way you presented this, not scary but not a cake walk. Lightning, had plenty of dealings with it on the water and no place to go, off shore 80 miles from land and the tallest thing around. Hold fiberglass and let go of the metal. Love your videos

[@michaelfarmer9901]

Thanks for sharing! I have never been up high during a lighting storm I think that must be as scary as running into a grizzly! Some of that pond water looked equally scary lol

[@miguelmarquez4192]

Thanks for the colorado shout out! We definitelty are outdoorsy and friendly when on trails. Wind hail sleet rain and snow can happen in summer up in those ridges and as someone else mentioned, rapidly forming thunderstorms almost every july afternoon.

[@davidmccarthy9650]

aaron's 1st hike was to thru- hike the CDT 26:05 Kudos to him and you as well Dixie. :) 🥳

[@gregorygamache821]

I took a Wilderness first aid course through NOLS and the instructor described an experiment they were shown during his training. They filled a florescent tube which was several feet long with dirt. Then they hooked it up to an electric current. if you touch it in the middle with two fingers close together you felt nothing. The further apart you put your finger the greater the shock. Really wide and it would knock you off your feet. The lightning stance with feet together uses that concept. So, laying down, for example, would not be a good idea since it would increase the distance the electricity would travel. No sure I could stay in that lightning stance very long however.

[@professorsogol5824]

How do you "fill a fluorescent tube" with dirt? First, the tube is evacuated and has almost no air inside. When one attempts to disassemble one, it tends shatter. Second the tube contains mercury and the mercury should not be allowed to escape into the environment..

[@gregorygamache821]

No sure exactly how this was done. It may have been a channel the shape of a florescent tube and then they used some of the electrical elements. The "how" is beyond me but the lesson was the smaller the footprint the less the electric shock. That gives some basis to the lightning stance.

[@John_Ridley]

Regardless, the point is that several million volts are discharged through the ground. It's a few million volts at the strike point, zero a hundred or so feet away. If your contact points to the ground are 3 inches apart it's maybe 20 volts, but if 3 feet apart could be several hundred volts.

[@NearlyNativeNursery]

Dixie, your videos and opinions are valid and entertaining. thanks for all your time producing all your videos. All the very Best! Jim Rodgers Fayetteville, Ga

[@edgarhume8184]

At 13:13, lightning position... Balls of feet on ground, hands over ears, crouched on ground with elbows to knees: this allows secondary strikes to pass through your limbs without interacting with your major organs as the charge travels along the wet surface ground.

[@DavidIrthum]

I totally appreciate the common sense you talk about and give the resources or list where to go. I happily subscribed and hit the bell symbol. Your personality and voice inflections really set you apart in the positive from other videos I watch about hiking. Thanks again for a job well done.

[@Pwrcritter]

Rattlesnakes are actually docile creatures. They just don’t like being stepped on!

[@JDGypsy72]

Agreed. I grew up in rattlesnake country, and managed to run into about a dozen of them one day looking for stray golf balls on the edge of a golf course. I had reached into a stack of blowdowns after spotting a ball. Once my eyes adjusted from the bright light to the darker shadows I realized what I had just done; they blended in perfect. Slowly removed my hand and was just fine - except for the mini heart attack... All I got was some viper side-eye, and a lesson on REALLY looking where I'm going.

[@gregknipe8772]

thus: don't tread on me! dogs yipe before biting.

[@catman8670]

That’s the problem, my vision 😎

[@TheUnhousedWanderer]

18:22 my first thru-hike of a national trail will be my own state's 1,200mi Ice Age Trail. While not common, our Northwoods has wolves and cougars. Bears are more common. I intend to take my time, hunting and fishing as I go.

[@billcampbell1627]

I taught winter warfare and in our speal we put out hypothermia conditions start at 53 F. At that temperature you can be loosing more heat than you can sustain. Hypothermia sneaky. I got it while on a night navigation course on cross country skis in Norway. You ski in overwhites which are thin material designed to cover your uniform in all white. One of the basic things taught at all levels is never drink snow. NEVER. Well I went ahead and about 2/3 of the way through the course we picked up an injured member of our team. He had hurt himself to the point where he couldn't ski. So we slowed way down, and they went for a direct route to the administrative area where they could get the medics involved. In the mean time I and another team member paired up and went to punch in all the remaining numbers in the course and then get to the finish. I kept eating snow. Finally my partner told me to look that the finish was just ahead. It was about 100 yards away. When I looked it seemed like it was on the horizon. I couldn't make it. I told my partner to go on without me. He came over and drug me to the finish line with his arm under mine I was barely skiing. They immediately give you a blanket put you in the heated passenger area in their Bandwagon. A 4 track snow vehicle that can move 20 troops in deep snow. Made by Volvo. Warm fluids and after a bit I realized what a fool I was for eating snow. Cold survival 101.

[@jameshudson7053]

Thanks Dixie

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

Encountered my first 14er via Mt. Democrat with my father in June 2009. One of the best experiences in my life and could see the Continental Divide so surreal to the west.

[@ericwiitala5407]

Absolutely fantastic video and I've gone through a lot of the comments. Great stuff here and you're spot on. I was watching your CDT video and when your hair stood up and you could hear the electrical charge, I wasn't feeling so comfortable. I live in CO and when on trail or doing whatever I'm doing, I'm looking to be where I wanted to be by noon and we'll on my way down by 2 pm during monsoon season. Love these videos. 😊

[@morgan10152]

I always enjoy your videos, but I thought this one was especially informative and thorough. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@JayBirdTreks]

that clip about 9mins in with the pink umbrella. so so good

[@ninjadogs3389]

Metal objects can actually be more helpful in a lighting storm then you think, I remember watching a documentary about a family that was playing in the snow up on a mountain, and this kid got struck by lightning, he had a metal necklace on, and his snow suit was covered in water. Between those 2 things when the lighting struck, the necklace pulled the lighting out of his body before it reached his heart, it did burn him where the necklace was, but that and the water allowed the electricity to travel down the outside of his body sparing his heart the jolt from the strike.

[@AlexanderMason1]

This is absolute nonsense and non-scientific in every way.

[@Wondering_Fireball]

I’m looking at doing the AT in 2022, the PCT in 2023 and The CDT in 2024

[@griffinwagner8577]

Update?

[@2121baze]

8:25 "ya got sum hale on yer britchis". I'm from NC. That sounds like home!

[@rickchollett]

When I lived in Colorado I would hike every chance I got! Then the wildfire started and I never got to hike my favorite Waldo Canyon again.

[@jeddimich2779]

I go camping on the river in MN in April and October and I always bring and alcohol burner. Runs for about 45 minutes on full blast and will make your whole tent about 65 degrees when it's in the 0 to 10 degrees range, saved me from going home or freezing to death so many times.

[@k1dicarus]

The lightning stance is working because of two reasons. You are low to the ground and do not fall like a sack of rice from a standing position when you get hit. The more dangerous aspect, you avoid step voltage. In the event of a near impact, the further two of your body parts making ground contact (your feet) are apart, the more current travels trough your body.

[@themaupinfamily2195]

By far my favorite trek I've done so far was in the Ozarks during a tornado.

[@davidcooper5790]

Really appreciate such a thorough gear list, that must have taken a bit of time. Learning a heck of a lot from your vids too. Thanks very much Dixie and happy trails from NZ :)

[@shadsluiter]

Takeaway for a summer trip: Sierra Nevada = 1 week of sunny skies. Beautiful views. Low humidity. Colorado = 1 week of misery, cold, lightning, high elevation sickness, hypothermia.

[@Cccoast]

So awesome. Thank you for inspiring me to find my path again! Went through a wild couple of year and "went off path." I'm going for a hike tomorrow. :)

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Dixie, happy Sunday to you. Thank for another fine video. Your videos are always very informative as well as entertaining. You are a wealth of information. Take care out there and always have a lot of good fun. 🤗

[@stephenbranson6358]

1st 😜 aww nvm... anyways cool video. I’m about to start the AT in 3 weeks, thankfully it’s supposed to be quite a bit less dangerous than this one 😱. Also, thanks Dixie, your channel was by far my biggest source of info in preparing in literally every aspect for this. Maybe someday I’ll attempt the CDT, but ide prolly go for the PCT even before thinking about it...

[@wilbertolugo8700]

thank you so so much for share ring your wonderful journeys. i m truly in total awe of your determination and will. to accomplish your goals and dreams. many blessings many hugs and a thousand smiles.Looking forward to many more of your awesome journeys. Un fuerte abrazo.

[@airborneshodan]

Got caught in lightning storm on 14 teener. Wish I knew about lightning stance then. Trying to out run storm by glissading downhill was not best strategy. Proof that lightning stance works is that no one has died from lightning while in lightning stance.

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

Yup and my first One Four was with my father whom was experienced having 24 or so under his belt. I climbed Mt. Democrat in mid-June 2009. We started out well before sunrise with headlamps as needed. Dad always said be OFF the Mt. by 1:00pm in summer months given the Afternoon Storms and Lightning. Great experience and Thanks Dad.

[@stevensevek6151]

How can you be sure?

[@stevecook413]

If you have coffee, is one truly alone?

[@timshel011]

And toilet paper...

[@tennesseetrekker1951]

You. You get it. #CoffeeIsLife

[@bdickinson6751]

@@timshel011🤔 Not a problem on the AT, if you know which leaves to use!😉

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

Do you always wear a superhero cape or only on the weekend.

[@JDGypsy72]

Coffee is a religious experience. With cream and sugar you have the holy trinity, so technically you are not alone. ....::takes lightning crouch stance:: ....

[@savage22bolt32]

11:20 I love your sense of humor! You really cracked me up there.

[@AmericanPatriot-bp7cu]

The mountains and the weather are serious business that need to be respected. Stay on the trails and don't try to bushwhack the big mountains. Getting off trail is the number 1 reason people fall. Try to avoid the weather above treeline but I realize you may never finish if you don't risk that some. Hail is a problem in Colorado, so be aware. The animals are probably not a big worry- almost always they are more afraid of you than you are them. Good hiking and enjoy the beauty!

[@brucebeckmann6661]

FYI: The crouching lightning stance you refer to was removed by the NWS in 2008 as a suggested position; as it offers no measurable protection from lightning. NWS's position now is to get out of the area well in advance. Lighting can strike 20-30 miles from the core of a storm. So having clear sky above you is NOT a safe indicator, even if the storm is on the next ridge. Avoidance is the best option. Yes, stay away from high points, saddles, and tall trees, do spread out if in a group (hoping you are not hit) so you can help those who are hit. Too, in Colorado, lightning is now most active in late morning (1100 hrs) through early afternoon (1400 - 1500 hrs). We suggest summit by 1000 hrs and being off the peaks and ridges/saddles by 1100 hrs. Major impact is hearing and or vision loss, trauma due to being thrown due to force of the blast; and of course cardiac arrest at times. To your 30/30 rule, we add 30% - If there is a 30% chance of a storm, stay off the mountain. Yes, it's tough on a through hike, but be aware and avoid the lightning the best you can. Have situational awareness of what is coming via the prevailing winds, changes in wind directions and abrupt temperature changes. Remember, height, isolation, and shape plays a big factor in being struck; composition of the item has no bearing. Do not lie down on the ground, do not get under rocks (lightning can travel through it hitting you). Avoidance is the best option. Be safe, I enjoy your videos. Great job...

[@LorenPechtel]

And note that the lighting position was never about surviving a hit, but surviving a near miss.

[@SlumberBear2k]

I did the AT and found it an easy trail. I think that what made it easy was accessibility to other hikers, resupplying, trail magic and the rareness of needing to hitch rides. All you need is to be physically strong for the AT. It requires very little thinking or preparation because you can quickly buy what you need or find others to help you. CDT sounds like it requires more planning because it lacks the things that make the AT easy.

[@tengonadacluewhatsgutsprec1419]

It may have been mentioned somewhere in the comments already but another thing you can do to help your chances of surviving lightning strike (if it's not too cold outside) is get soaking wet, the current takes path of least resistance which is to travel around you in the water rather then through you. It's still going to suck but you're way more likely to live.

[@notconvincedsmith8217]

Great info and well detailed. Thanks for sharing.

[@Onlinesully]

gosh that really is some trail. hope you enjoyed it dear person.

[@vpanetta1993]

Well presented video,...thanks. Some scenes made me wonder though,... how are you keeping your legs shaved on a significant thru-hike like this?

[@michaelcee8348]

i thought this was an amazing speech. very thorough. very not boring. thanks

[@JoshHerodOutdoorAdventures]

When I did 4 pass loop in the Maroon Bells we was at the top of frigid air pass during a lighting storm. Definitely a scary moment, no where to go out in the wide open. We also had a few sketchy snow traverses coming down to Snowmass lake. Great video and great tips

[@dyannedelancey9738]

Subaru Josh, that was crazy to watch you guys!

[@JoshHerodOutdoorAdventures]

Wrong Josh , Subaru is the other Josh lol

[@dyannedelancey9738]

Terribly sorry for the mix-up!

[@JoshHerodOutdoorAdventures]

@@dyannedelancey9738 lol no worries

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

I believe my Uncle mentioned the Maroon Bells as being less than easy regarding the 14eeners. Well done and not for the light hearted.

[@theimperialsage]

I am very interested to see this video. Even though I have not hiked a long distance trail like this, it is the only one I have ever considered to hike.

[@JudyGoodwin-l9b]

I imagine that it makes a pretty big boom....lol...to be sure. Thanks for the laugh. Enjoyed the entire video.

[@elizabethfree5294]

I grew up in the Rockies, then moved to the Arizona desert. As a kid I took many ignorant risks hiking all over the place in all sorts of weather. I guess you could say I was a poster child for what not to do. A couple of things... Heatstroke is serious stuff. I have had it twice and it has permanently affected my body's ability to regulate temperature. I would never hike in the low desert again after March, as direct sun and low humidity can dehydrate you *very* quickly..even when you're drinking water. In the Rockies, I stood within a couple feet of a bush that was struck by lightning, I heard nothing but a low hum.. It was close enough that I felt nauseous afterward. .I can only imagine how horrible a direct hit would be. In the mountains above the treeline, you definitely don't want to get wet because water is a great conductor and most of those big lightning strikes happen in the afternoon above the treeline. Lightning will happen where the ions build up, so it is often deceivingly illogical as to where it occurs. The best thing you can do is to plan your hiking to do your above-treeline hiking early in the day. You absolutely don't want to camp up above treeline, and you don't want to take shelter against a big boulder or under a cliff face up there, as lightning does not travel in a straight line, and oh my landslides are a real thing. The best thing for anyone is to get down below treeline without delay... actually jog/run if you're on a decent trail. You don't want to be fatigued if you have to trot down below the treeline. BTW, this is a horrible time to take a shortcut off trail. The landscape up there can be deceiving (green moss and ground cover over holes and gaps, not to mention mine vents that are boarded over and the wood is rotten!) It's perilously easy to hurt (or kill) yourself falling into an abandoned mine shaft. The wilderness is not a place you want to get stuck. Rescue out there is EXTERMELY EXPENSIVE. I have seen it destroy people's finances.

[@jamesbooker9411]

Man, I love your channel! I thru-hiked the AT in 2009, and am starting to get the itch to go on another adventure. Haven't decided between the PCT or CDT first, but I figure the more I watch your channel the closer I'll get to figuring it out. Also I can't believe how much the technology has changed since 09. Guthook wasn't even a thought back then. So cool to be able to charge my phone on the go with a brick and use it for pictures, navigation, reading, or whatever else I want out there. Definitely going to get a Garmin Inreach too after watching your videos too so I can stay in touch with my family and let them know I'm safe every night. Thanks for everything you're doing for the community, and happy trails!

[@lrose711]

Excellent video Dixie! Thanks for sharing...

[@jedikaren8112]

You are inspiring out of bed and into 37° for an hour walk!