Pilar Schmidt

My trail name is SnM, or Spaghetti & Meatballs for long. I caught the backpacking bug four years ago, and soon enough the occasional week or weekend exploring California's wilderness and open space left me wanting more. I hiked the PCT in 2017. Because I love potato chips, Sour Patch Kids, walking a lot, and sitting in the dirt under pine trees or firs, I'll be heading out on the CDT in 2019.

Posts

CDT Road Walks: It’s Not All Paved Highways Out Here!

CDT Road Walks: It’s Not All Paved Highways Out Here!

The CDT between Pie Town and Grants has two major alternate options. In fact, if you were to take both the Cibola and Bonita-Zuni alternates, as Josh

May 15, 2019 : Pilar Schmidt
234 Crossings And A Log Was Only One

234 Crossings And A Log Was Only One

Josh and I took our first zero and we met a bunch of new hikers at Doc Campbell’s. Folks who were hanging out planning to go down to trail days, who

May 10, 2019 : Pilar Schmidt
Through the Gila, Part One; Hot Springs!

Through the Gila, Part One; Hot Springs!

Following a restful nero in Silver City, just ten miles in and an afternoon off, getting back on trail felt good. Josh had new shoes and said he

May 5, 2019 : Pilar Schmidt
Single Track and Thunder in the Burro Mountains

Single Track and Thunder in the Burro Mountains

On the way out of Lordsburg, Josh and I loaded up on water at Saucedo’s Grocery, then made a stop at the post office. At 11 a.m. we headed into the

Apr 30, 2019 : Pilar Schmidt
How To Choose the Right Use-Trail Through New Mexico’s Bootheel

How To Choose the Right Use-Trail Through New Mexico’s Bootheel

The night before leaving for the CDT, I struggled to get everything done. I hadn’t sorted food into my resupply boxes, let alone actually put all

Apr 19, 2019 : Pilar Schmidt
Ten Reasons Why I’m Hiking the CDT

Ten Reasons Why I’m Hiking the CDT

I'm about to head out on my second thru-hike, after the PCT in 2017. I've been thinking a lot about what's driving me to get out there again.

Apr 14, 2019 : Pilar Schmidt
Prepping by Mostly Just Thinking About Grizzly Bears

Prepping by Mostly Just Thinking About Grizzly Bears

In less than two months I will be hopping on a plane to Tucson, AZ. After I take a Greyhound to Lordsburg, then sit in a van for three hours

Feb 22, 2019 : Pilar Schmidt