In 2023, two Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) travelers found more than adventure. This Valentine’s Day story is an example of how making connections can enhance the trail experience and provide a boost of support during a challenging adventure.
By Zen (Kate) and Spreadsheet (Eric)
Spreadsheet and Zen started the CDT SOBO a week apart in early July from Glacier National Park. Before meeting, they had each seen much of what the CDT has to offer – from the breathtaking views of GNP and the peaceful solitude of the Teton Wilderness to the smoky tinderbox of southern Montana and the boggy trails of Yellowstone [National Park].
Through eight weeks on trail, they had missed each other at Looking Glass Base Camp by a day, Priest Pass by hours, and Union Pass by minutes. Their paths finally crossed in late August at 43°25’ 20.3”N 109°53’40.2”W, just north of the Wind River Range. The day prior to their meeting, Zen had a close encounter with a pair of hunting wolves in pursuit of a bull elk. The experience left her resolved to get off trail in Pinedale, WY. Likewise, Spreadsheet had been worn out from chronic blisters and isolation, and planned to finish his hike in Lander.
The trail had other ideas. The morning they met, Spreadsheet got an early start and happened to stroll into Zen’s camp as she was starting her day. After an awkward introduction – in which Zen temporarily forgot which direction she was hiking – they agreed to hike together until they got sick of each other. But the hours flew by as the miles passed. They learned they had grown up just hours apart in the Midwest U.S.
They shared a sense of humor, policy on breaks (if you need one take one), and an affinity for Futurama quotes. Spreadsheet’s knack for navigation nicely complemented Zen’s lack of directional awareness (compass “N” means “no”), while Zen never failed to have enough snacks to offset Spreadsheet’s chronically light resupply. As the days went by, they shared laughs, meals, and stories, and relied on each other for encouragement and finding unique alternates with all the best deadfall.
Spreadsheet said his goodbyes in Steamboat [Colorado] to go back to work while Zen continued alone, flipping to New Mexico. However, she found hiking was not the same anymore and decided to get off the trail. One InReach message later, Spreadsheet was en route to Albuquerque to meet her.
Their journey home solidified their bond and culminated in the two moving in together. They will continue the CDT together in 2024 and have many more trail miles planned.
Since their 2023 CDT hike, Spreadsheet and Zen relocated to the gorgeous mountains of the Pacific Northwest where Spreadsheet works in health care, and Zen is on hiatus from her career as an engineer to hike and travel. The duo is planning to finish the Colorado section of the CDT (Steamboat to Chama) in Aug/Sept 2024 and the NM section in 2025.
