· By Lyndsay Hupp
Well on Her Way: Ambassador Heather Anderson and her 7,000+ Journey to follow her dreams, celebrate trails, and maybe even make some history while she's at it.
How many of us wake up every day and do what we are meant to do? To know what that even is is one thing, to live it is another. Heather Anderson knows she is meant to hike. This passion has led her down many trails… long trails, over and over, and faster than just about anyone. In 2003 she did her first thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail (AT). In 2013 she broke the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for an unsupported thru-hike on the 2,700 mile Pacific Crest Trail, and in 2015 did the same thing on the AT. By the beginning of this year, she had hiked the 3 major National Trails--AT, PCT, and Continental Divide Trail (CDT)—twice.
And she wanted to keep going. In 2017 she fully committed to attempt to hike the 7,000+ mile route known as the Triple Crown: AT, PCT, and the CDT in one calendar year. Only 4 men have ever accomplished the feat: Flyin’ Brian, Squeaky, Cam “Swami” Honan, and Legend. No women, yet…
Not only will her hike be her own personal journey to celebrate, but will also coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the National Trails Act—the first legislature outlining a strategy to create and manage trails in the U.S.
Heather has been forthcoming with insight to her experiences on the trail, preparation, and inspirations through her blog, website, and Instagram page.
I caught Heather in transit to the CDT a couple weeks ago and she was kind enough to answer a few questions I had about her journey thus far…
When did you a) conceive of this idea and b) when did you commit to it?
I first came up with the idea when I heard about "Flyin' Brian" Robinson's first completion of the route when I was only 22. I knew I wanted to do it, but life too me some other routes. I finally committed to it 14 years later in the winter of 2017.
How many miles done and how many to go?
Miles are hard since there are lots of varying route choices on the CDT and I've had to do alternates around fires on the PCT. But, I'm 2/3 done.
Did you meet any resistance with this idea, from life, others, etc?
Not exactly. It's been hard for my partner and I to create a way for my dream to come to fruition while remaining fair to him and his needs, but he's fully supportive. So far we've been successful.
How important is the social media aspect of this endeavor to you/the endeavor? What if it wasn’t there, how would the experience be different?
Social media is something I do because I feel like there's a value to it. I'm an intensely private person, but as a result of my FKTs I realized that there are so many people out there that have been positively impacted and encouraged by my sharing. So I keep doing it. I think the greatest thing in life is to live true to yourself and be a positive force in other people's lives. So, as odd as it is to me, a non social media consumer, to be a social media presence it's worth it. Honestly if everyone stopped following me my experience wouldn't change. I always do what I want for myself. I'd probably just take a few less pictures.
How do you feel?
Tired, but otherwise good.
Biggest surprise of this hike?
Being able to share so much of it with my partner.
When/where do you feel the best out there on the trail?
Sunny days above treeline
Any gear epiphanies along the way?
Not really. I have a pretty good idea of what works for me at this point. I'm still trying different things though, some I like and some I don't. Nothing major though.
Noticed any transformations within yourself so far? How do you differ on this hike vs other long hikes you’ve accomplished?
I've definitely noticed that my preferences on tails have shifted. I am a much bigger fan of remoteness and choosing my own route than I used to be.
Toughest part? Easiest part? Best part?
TBD...
What was the hardest moment so far?
Walking away from my partner.
Your mantra when going gets rough?
You do this because it's fun.
Favorite Huppybar flavor? When to eat?
Definitely love them for breakfast. Apple Cinnamon Raisin. Never gets old.
What does hiking mean to you? Where does the drive in you come from to keep it going?
Hiking is just what I'm meant to do.
How have the trails/users/thru-hiker scene changed since began your first long hike? Any issues there?
There are far more people on the trail these days. I've noticed some LNT issues on the PCT, but aside from that hikers are still hikers.
Share:
10744 comments
-
The River Opus Showflat offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the development’s elegant design and thoughtfully planned living spaces firsthand. Its appealing layouts, modern finishes, and welcoming atmosphere give potential buyers a better feel for the quality and lifestyle that The River Opus has to offer. The River Opus Showflat
The River Opus Showflat on
-
The Orie is an impressive residential development that brings together modern architecture, thoughtful design, and comfortable living. Its stylish spaces, attractive surroundings, and lifestyle-focused features make it an appealing choice for those looking for a refined and convenient urban home. The Orie
The Orie on
-
Aurea is a beautiful residential development that offers a refined blend of modern design, comfort, and contemporary living. Its elegant architecture, thoughtfully planned spaces, and appealing lifestyle features make it an attractive choice for homeowners and investors looking for quality and convenience. Aurea
Aurea on
-
ALPHA RECOVERY EXPERTS ARE THE MOST RELIABLE CRYPTO RECOVERY TEAM
With expertise in crypto recovery, Alpha Recovery Experts provides legitimate services to assist clients in recovering misplaced or stolen digital valuables. With a global team of investigators and advanced recovery techniques, they provide reliable solutions for individuals facing crypto theft. Their expertise in tracing and restoring funds, combined with a commitment to security and professionalism, guarantees clients can trust Alpha Recovery Experts team for efficient recovery and peace of mind in navigating crypto-related issues.
Contact info;
Email: ( Alpharecoveryexpert@consultant. com )
WhatsAp: ( +44 745-742-4681 )
Web: Alpharecoveryexperts.commary jones on
-
What is the best crypto recovery company? Crypto Scam Recovery Services
While recovering stolen cryptocurrency is a sophisticated and frequently difficult task, it is not always impossible. Companies like ALPHA RECOVERY EXPERTS specialize in cryptocurrency recovery, using advanced blockchain research and investigative tactics to track down stolen funds and assist victims in their recovery attempts.
These organizations can create a narrative of where stolen money has traveled by studying trends in transaction flows and identifying wallet addresses associated with illegal activities. This procedure necessitates not only technical skill but also an awareness of the legal frameworks governing bitcoin, ensuring that recovery operations adhere to regulations while increasing odds of success. While not every case ends in successful recovery, there are numerous instances where companies like ALPHA RECOVERY EXPERTS have made significant strides in helping victims reclaim their stolen assets. Success stories often involve detailed investigations that lead to freezing accounts containing stolen funds or even recovering assets through legal channels.Contact: Email; Alpharecoveryexpert@ consultant. com
Website; alpharecoveryexperts. comDaniel Ross on
-
What is the best crypto recovery company? Crypto Scam Recovery Services
While recovering stolen cryptocurrency is a sophisticated and frequently difficult task, it is not always impossible. Companies like ALPHA RECOVERY EXPERTS specialize in cryptocurrency recovery, using advanced blockchain research and investigative tactics to track down stolen funds and assist victims in their recovery attempts.
These organizations can create a narrative of where stolen money has traveled by studying trends in transaction flows and identifying wallet addresses associated with illegal activities. This procedure necessitates not only technical skill but also an awareness of the legal frameworks governing bitcoin, ensuring that recovery operations adhere to regulations while increasing odds of success. While not every case ends in successful recovery, there are numerous instances where companies like ALPHA RECOVERY EXPERTS have made significant strides in helping victims reclaim their stolen assets. Success stories often involve detailed investigations that lead to freezing accounts containing stolen funds or even recovering assets through legal channels.Contact: Email; Alpharecoveryexpert@ consultant. com
Website; alpharecoveryexperts. comDaniel Ross on