Samwise Hikes the Colorado Trail 2003!

Samwise is my "trail name," a name I chose for myself when I began hiking the Appalachian Trail, where trail names are very common. Samwise is a hobbit in the series The Lord of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. He is a faithful friend and gardener to Frodo Baggins, the main character of the story.

I chose the name Samwise based on my love for Tolkien's writing, and in particular for the admirable qualities of this character. Samwise has been described as stout-hearted, brave, faithful, simple, and down-to-earth. He goes on a very long journey and does not accomplish any speed or strength records but he does finish the journey despite unbelievable obstacles. I, too, aspire to finish the journey of the Colorado Trail, despite the difficulties I know I shall encounter.

See the UPDATES page or the MAP page. .

There are many reasons that I undertake a long-distance hike. The simple reasons are: because I like to hike, and because it's there. Like a fish is drawn to water, I am drawn to the challenge, enjoyment, beauty and sense of accomplishment gained by completing a long-distance hike. I love people, but I also love solitude and the beauty of nature. I enjoy the feeling of simplicity that I can walk all day, every day, fully sufficient with nothing more than a pack on my back.

I will start hiking from Denver on June 19. I expect to finish in Durango by the first week of August and will return home to DC by mid-August.

See the UPDATES page.

Leave No Trace is system of wilderness ethics that respects the environment, wildlife and others. Whenever I hike, camp or spend time in the wilderness, I seek to practice Leave No Trace so that the area I have visited will be the same experience for the next person who visits. I don't want to find trash, burned earth or barren forests due to those who visited before me; therefore, I try to leave no trace of my passing for the next person to enjoy.

LNT principles are:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors

More information on LNT is on their website: lnt.org