Walking the Backbone: A Journey on the Continental Divide Trail

Paul, these photos are truly an inspiration, my friend. Thank you.

Tears came into my eyes at the shot of the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness (top of Mt. Ethel). I grew up packing through the area every summer with my parents. I last was there in 1987. I gotta go back at least once more!

Mags says "Any person who hikes the long trails is asked “Why go?” "

I say, "If you have to ask, you will not understand the answer.".

A 3rd CDT gem in one day? What is happening here?

Very good writing, Paul. Wonderful pictures too.

Nice pictures

I like the evolution of your gear

Nick: Its Continental Divide Trail Week here at BPL.

Another great article…definitely looking forward to getting out on the trail. Nicely done Paul.

Thanks for the kind words all.

Was a great experience and glad I could share part of it.

Very, very nice writeup and pics, Paul!!

Very enjoyable. Well done.

Really good article. Enjoyed the pictures

Well done! Thanks.

How do you protect your camera? A waterproof case?

Thank You for the excellent pics/post

You the minimalist Rhode Islander done good!

A very well done photo article

Ron: I think you, Andy and myself are the only RIers to leave the state. :D)

Camera: A ziplock bag Seems appropriate based on the rest of the gear. ;)

Very inspirational Paul, good for you. My grandparents are from Ireland, so when people ask me why I hike, I tell them this Irish saying, "Your feet will take you to where your heart is." My heart is on the trail. Obviously yours is too. Slainte.

Mags–seeing that photo of you getting out of your tarp made me laugh. Definitely not the same clean shaven guy I saw at POD's and Disco's wedding!
-Zack, of 'Buddha and Zack'

What a great piece! Enjoyed it very much….

Dirk

Zack: Yep, definitely sporting a different look vs. my normal, clean shaven look!

The editor for the local paper had a caption with this photo that said "This is either and extra from the "Lord of the Rings" movie or Paul Magnanti peaking out from his snow covered tarp".

:)

Irish saying: Most, cool. Thanks! The only ethnic sayings I picked up from my Italian grandparents seem to be food related. But, food is always outdoor related, isn't it? :)

Beautiful and inspirational photos! Thank you for sharing them. I ache to see those areas for myself.

Your photos make me want to ditch the house, ditch the car, have a gigantic yard sale to unload all my stuff, and be a modern-day nomad, backpacking all the trails I've ever dreamed of backpacking! I should do it now, while my faculties and my body are still intact (well, pretty much intact! LOL)!

Thanks again for the kind words…

I have some of my favorite photos here:
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Photography is more of an avocation than a vocation. Let’s me buy the very occasional six pack of a favorite microbrew. :)