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Megan Paluska "Cookie Monster"

Hi I'm Megan! I'm a recent college grad thru hiking the CDT SOBO with my girlfriend this summer. I'm from Illinois originally, I went to college in Vermont, I studied abroad in South America for a year, and soon I'll be high up on the Continental Divide. I'm a lover of all things outdoors, including plunging into freezing water, stand up paddle boarding, biking long distances, and of course walking as far as my legs can take me. I can't wait to share my journey on the CDT!

Posts

Pies, river crossings, and Halloween festivities: Grants to Silver City

Pies, river crossings, and Halloween festivities: Grants to Silver City

Hello again! It's been a long break since we've returned to finish the blog. Time flew by in the middle/end of New Mexico, and it kept flying

Apr 12, 2026 : Megan Paluska "Cookie Monster"
A grand desert welcome: Chama to Grants on the CDT

A grand desert welcome: Chama to Grants on the CDT

We're in NEW MEXICO, the fifth and final southbound state of the Continental Divide Trail!!! Hello again from the CDTers, Cookie Monster and

Nov 23, 2025 : Megan Paluska "Cookie Monster"
Sidequesting in Santa Fe and Albuquerque

Sidequesting in Santa Fe and Albuquerque

This is a special edition piece brought to you by Beanie Baby! The CDT is rife with opportunities for side quests—both on trail and off. We’d

Nov 6, 2025 : Megan Paluska "Cookie Monster"
A little bit of everything: beauty and challenge in the San Juans (Lake City to Chama)

A little bit of everything: beauty and challenge in the San Juans (Lake City to Chama)

Hellooo from New Mexico, our final state on the CDT! Wohooo, Beanie Baby and I made it this far, and we just went through a crazily terrifying and

Nov 6, 2025 : Megan Paluska "Cookie Monster"
Cow patties and bright aspens: Salida to Lake City

Cow patties and bright aspens: Salida to Lake City

Beanie Baby and I have made it to Lake City! We just experienced some true fall colors in Colorado and we want to share some of these beautiful

Oct 5, 2025 : Megan Paluska "Cookie Monster"
College grads take on the Collegiates: lovely Leadville to sunny Salida

College grads take on the Collegiates: lovely Leadville to sunny Salida

Hello dear readers! Beanie Baby and Cookie Monster here. We are a bit behind on blog posts—it’s been a busy and tough few weeks in Colorado. But

Oct 5, 2025 : Megan Paluska "Cookie Monster"
Finally fall in Colorado! – A hearty dose of thundersnow and frosty mornings from Winter Park to Leadville

Finally fall in Colorado! – A hearty dose of thundersnow and frosty mornings from Winter Park to Leadville

Beanie Baby and I are back in Leadville for a second round! We arrived in Leadville for just a nearo, as we are now scrambling to get to the San

Sep 25, 2025 : Megan Paluska "Cookie Monster"
A Spontaneous, Sparkly Visit to CDT SOBO Trail Daze

A Spontaneous, Sparkly Visit to CDT SOBO Trail Daze

It’s Beanie Baby and Cookie Monster checking in! Here’s a short recap of our eventful detour to Trail Daze in Leadville. For those unaware, Trail

Sep 20, 2025 : Megan Paluska "Cookie Monster"
Crushing Miles in Colorado: Steamboat to Winter Park on the CDT

Crushing Miles in Colorado: Steamboat to Winter Park on the CDT

Hello from somewhere in the middle of Colorado! Beanie Baby and I have traveled far and wide across this great state and we have many of our latest

Sep 20, 2025 : Megan Paluska "Cookie Monster"
Unglamorous habits that keep our thru hike successful

Unglamorous habits that keep our thru hike successful

Welcome to another Beanie Baby special!  Solidly over halfway done with the Continental Divide Trail, Cookie Monster and I have built up

Sep 12, 2025 : Megan Paluska "Cookie Monster"