Episode Details

Episode Overview: Doc welcomes back Jared "Fisherman" Lampal for his first official on-trail check-in. Standing right on the border looking into Colorado, Jared has checked the massive milestone of New Mexico off his list. In this raw look at life on the Divide, Jared breaks down how his structured mindset translates to the unpredictable backcountry, the reality of desert water management, and what it’s like to shift from a desk job to full-time trail life.

Key Discussion Points:

• The New Mexico Milestone: Jared reflects on spending over a month completing his first state section, contrasting the massive scale of the CDT against the AT.

• The "Corridor" Philosophy: Embracing advice from a veteran Triple Crowner, Jared explains his route approach—treating the CDT as a continuous corridor from Mexico to Canada while taking scenic dirt alternates rather than sticking strictly to a red line on a road.

• Trail Highlights: A look at the standout beauty of the river-crossing canyon of the Gila alternate and the wind-worn sandstone mesas between Grants and Cuba.

• The Crowded CDT: Why Jared was surprised by how social the bubble is this season, including a heavy trail town gathering in Chama.

• Horrendous Water Realities: A deep dive into the brutal water logistics of New Mexico, from relying heavily on 20-mile cache carries and cow troughs to a sketchy, desperate camp session beside a murky, cow-poop-ringed pond.

• Looking Ahead to Colorado: Transitioning from the high desert directly into peak country and high-altitude climbs.

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