Richard

Useless fact: I named my left quad "brute-force" and my right quad "ignorance". Alternative fact: originally from the UK, I've lived in the USA for over twenty years. I've spent most of my trail-time in the western states of the US, but also hiked in Scotland, Canada and New Zealand. I planned on being in the PCT class of 2020, but had to postpone. My 2021 SOBO attempt was interrupted by fires and closures. In comparison, my 2023 CDT thru-hike was almost problem-free. --Richard, aka "LowRange"

Posts

Yellowstone National Park to Pinedale

Yellowstone National Park to Pinedale

Getting murdered would have spoiled the rest of my day. Luckily, after hiking about two miles into Yellowstone National Park, I made it safely to

Jan 9, 2024 : Richard
To The Zone of Death

To The Zone of Death

Idaho State Highway 29 is not a busy road. Rather than hitch, I arranged a ride out of Leadore with Jen, a local trail angel. But first, I needed to

Jan 2, 2024 : Richard
The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

Anaconda is a large town, but it didn't feel like it. Everyone was friendly, and everything I needed was less than a block away from the alternate. I

Dec 26, 2023 : Richard
The Path of Most Resistance

The Path of Most Resistance

Once upon a time, there was a social trail. It was "the most easily navigated route between an origin and destination", and it eventually achieved

Dec 19, 2023 : Richard
A Case of Deja Vu

A Case of Deja Vu

It's not a great idea to begin a long hike while recovering from an overuse injury. That's how I started the PCT in July '21, and it's how I started

Dec 12, 2023 : Richard
Error 404 – Trail Not Found

Error 404 – Trail Not Found

If you've hiked any of the other National Scenic Trails, you may have certain expectations regarding trail quality. You should lower those

Dec 5, 2023 : Richard
How Long Will A Sawyer Squeeze Last?

How Long Will A Sawyer Squeeze Last?

I started the CDT with a brand-new Sawyer Squeeze and 2L CNOC Vecto. I left my old, heavy, MSR Dromedary at home. Instead, for spare capacity, I

Nov 28, 2023 : Richard
What Worked and What Didn’t – CDT Edition

What Worked and What Didn’t – CDT Edition

Normally, I'd leave this post until last, but I think it might actually be more helpful than my usual ramblings. I'm also including a "Needs

Nov 21, 2023 : Richard
So. Many. Alternates.

So. Many. Alternates.

I'm thinking about hiking the CDT this year, and I'll probably be going SOBO. It all comes down to Colorado. The state's snowfall is currently about

Apr 4, 2023 : Richard
Ignoring A Fire Closure Order

Ignoring A Fire Closure Order

During my southbound hike of the PCT in 2021, I spoke to several NOBOs who'd hiked through the area that was still closed following the Lionshead

Nov 29, 2022 : Richard