Continental Divide Trail Research Paper

How far would you go to support a good cause, how about hiking 3,100 miles along the spine of the Continental Divide? On April 28, 2017 Michael Hervey began his quest to complete the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) in a single season. The trip will take him from the badlands of New Mexico to the Canadian border. In the process, he will traverse a series of remote mountain ranges, on of more challenging long–distance trails in the United States, if not the world.

Aside from having an epic adventure, he’s undertaking this trek to support the nonprofit organization Outdoor Outreach. A San Diego-based group that helps underserved and at-risk youth to reach their full potential through outdoor leadership and mentoring programs. Thus far,

I think that there is, from my perspective, it’s so comfortable here in terms of the weather that for me going out into the mountains, or out into the wild is that spice. It’s exciting to feel that exposure and to feel vulnerable.

In my 20s, I equated fun with danger. Are the perils of embarking on a 3,100-mile journey part of the fun?

I think more than the danger it’s the mystery of these sorts of hikes for me. I plan to stay on the CDT trail most of the time. And if you think about it, the trail is the flattest and safest way over the mountains. I plan to take as few risks as possible and come home in one piece.

So how do you perceive risk?

Well, the mountains don’t scare me. I did the Pacific Crest Trail three years ago. Overtime, the trail became my home. I felt as though I was exposing myself to more risk each time I entered town, than when I was on the trail with a small group of hikers.

Do townies worry you more than extreme weather and wild animals?

Big Time! (he laughs) And yet there’s a weird paradox, because thru-hikers are not able to do this kind of hiking without help from town. Whether it’s the resupply of food or hitching a ride into town, I wouldn’t be able to do this trip, if I was completely