Hi, JC Van Etten, aka Catmando here! Intrepid adventurer with over 12K backpacking miles. I’m a Triple Crowner and have thru hiked seven trails so far. With many more planned, this year’s hike is the TMB, Tour du Mount Blanc! I am an outdoor enthusiast, passionate about hiking and sharing my adventures to hopefully inspire others to the benefit of being outdoors! I am also a published author - Backpacking the Continental Divide Trail, Embracing the Brutality 2026 - Amazon. I’m a horticulturist by occupation (retired) and botanist by avocation. Along my journey I will share flora and fauna that I encounter. Enjoy the ride! Happy Trails ~ Cat
Posts
The TMB Recap ~ Insiders view
I want to begin part II of my recap with my perspective of being an International hiker! With the exception of maybe one trail, I’ve had the pleasure
The Tour du Mont Blanc ( TMB) Recap
My hike is over and I’ve returned back to the states, it’s been over two weeks but I still dream of the Alps every night. The TMB has been on my
Switzerland to France completion!
Our last full day in Switzerland would be a mild hiking day covering less than 10 miles and a small climb of 2,300’ and a healthy
The TMB, Italy to Switzerland
My last Sunset in Italy lingered in my mind as I drifted off to sleep. At home I’m accused of hiking in my sleep because my legs are
The TMB, Italy – days 3&4
Another shuttle ride back to our trail head and we looked forward to a continuation of gorgeous weather, we were expected to enter the low eighties
The TMB France to Italy
The TMB was going to be a reality check in elevation gain the first two days. I dug in and resolved to flex my
Hiking Abroad – Venturing across the pond
In 2019, I ambled onto the AT for my very first thru hike. It was a singular goal for me at 55 years old. It was a dream from my childhood. I had
Alternates routes I absolutely loved on the CDT!
If you’re planning for the CDT you already know this trail is a true choose your own adventure trail! It was one of the things I loved most about
Actually putting pen to paper!
My published book- a year in the making ! Once we decide to write that book, and we have determined whether we would self publish or
Man, you should write a book!
I can’t tell you how many times I heard that after hiking the AT! I was almost convinced too write - almost! My hesitation was, first and foremost-







