When I started the trail, I also felt that intense exhaustion from the combination of travel prep and heavy packs. Just like the article mentions, I remember those punchy, sleep-deprived first days, especially that challenging 10-mile road walk with a backpack loaded down with five days of food. The Bob Marshall wilderness section brought back memories of constantly being on alert for grizzlies while trying to maintain a decent pace, which definitely adds another layer of mental fatigue to the journey.
The key to managing the CDT's demands is proper preparation for those initial days. I learned to gradually build up my daily mileage instead of pushing for 15-hour days right from the start. The exhaustion mentioned in the article is something I wish someone had warned me about, it's not just physical tiredness from hiking, but a combination of travel stress, altitude adjustment, and the mental load of constant navigation and wildlife awareness. I now always recommend new CDT hikers to plan for shorter days in the beginning and prioritize rest, even if it means adjusting their overall schedule.
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