Tag: backpacking
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A Trek Around the Mountains/A Lap Around the Sun – Torres del Paine Day 2-4
After a busy first day in Torres del Paine National Park, Maggie and I started making our way into the backcountry along the O trek. It didn’t take long to find some solitude, which was a welcome change and nice surprise. Fresh views were found around every corner as we wandered deeper into Patagonia. 29…
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Towers and Traffic Jams – Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine Day 1
One of Chile’s many crown jewels – the Torres del Paine massif – is tucked away near the southern end of the continent. It is far from just about everywhere, yet it has become a destination for backpackers and big wall climbers from around the globe. Maggie and I made our way to this remote…
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A Tough Hazelnut to Crack – Torres del Avellanos
Ad·ven·ture (noun): an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity… Maggie and I were heading into the mountains on a suggestion, a trip report translated from Spanish to English, and a low resolution screenshot of the route. We weren’t entirely sure what to expect, but we knew we were in for a big adventure… ***UPDATE JANUARY…
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Puzzles in the Mist – Curacautín & Conguillío National Park
The Andes were calling. Volcanoes, lakes, and bizarre trees were just up the hill from us in Curacautín. Without a car, we enlisted a local eco-tourism outfit for lodging and transportation, but first we had to prepare for a night out in the mountains. 9 January 2023 Maggie and I had wanted to go to…
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PCT FAQ
When Maggie and I returned home after hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, our friends and family naturally had lots of questions about our journey. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions: What were your trail names? Russell: Fanny SnacksAfter the 100 mile mark and a few beers at the Montezuma Valley Market, we…
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Terminus – Stehekin to Denver
You never know what is around the next bend on the Pacific Crest Trail. With less than 100 miles to go, Maggie and I were eager to reach the Canadian Border, the northern terminus of the PCT. We were feeling the fatigue from five months of hiking, but we knew we could finish the journey.…
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A Warning in the Sky – Leavenworth to Agnes Creek
Maggie and I were headed into the insanely gorgeous Glacier Peak Wilderness. Canada was within reach, but we were seeing signs that we might not make it… Day 154 – 6 miles/2471 (8/29/22) Maggie and I moseyed out of bed in the hotel and started getting our stuff together. Naturally, we were in the room…
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Ramping Up the Vert and the Views – Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass
The Cascades are North America’s youngest mountain range. The bulk of the mountain building in the Cascade Range occurred about 10 million years ago. They are the new kids on the continent compared to the 70 million year old Rockies and 250 million year old Appalachian Mountains. The nascent character is unmistakable in the striking,…
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Berries, Beer, and Rainier – White Pass to Snoqualmie Pass
The crown jewel of Washington state – Mount Rainier. If you’ve been keeping track, then by now you may have noticed the PCT doesn’t actually go over any high peaks. Rather, the trail just gets close enough for a good view. Mt. Rainier is one peak I was happy to admire from a distance as…
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Of Glaciers and Goats – Trout Lake to White Pass
Washington started to deliver the goods! Mount Adams and the Goat Rocks Wilderness were some definite high points in this gorgeous state. Day 142 – 24 miles/2255 (8/17/22) With the big bubble around, we realized sleeping in and rolling into camp at 7 pm wasn’t gonna work much longer. The tent sites were typically getting…
Distance Over Time 