Just hiking through

Spanning 3,100 miles from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada, the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is one of three long-distance hiking trails that combine what is often called the "Triple Crown" by thru-hikers. The other two trails being the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail. Approximately 200 people attempt to complete the hike every year, though less than half completed the over 3,000 mile trek in 2017.

The CDT makes its way through the Platte Valley with a stop in Encampment. John Farr, a resident of the area, has been an advocate for the CDT and has often been a point of contact for hikers of the trail, frequently working with the Wounded Warrior Project. Farr would pick hikers up on Battle Pass and bring them into town so they could rest before continuing their trek.

Earlier this year, however, Farr suffered a stroke and was unable to perform this task while he recovered. Fortunately, the passion for aid runs in the family. Farr's two daughters came up to Encampment to care for their father while he recovered and ended up helping out with hikers from the CDT. Susan Michalakes, one of Farr's daughters, was able to help a group of hikers on Tuesday, July 17.

"The contact came through my dad," said Michalakes. "He's been part of the Wounded Warrior Project for a number of years and people will contact dad and give him an estimated day and time they expect to hit the top of the pass. They contacted my dad and my sister intercepted that message, so I was able to connect with the veteran."

The veteran, whose trail name is Music, was one of four members of the Wounded Warrior Project hiking the CDT this year. While he started out alone, as did most of the other members of the group, they formed a bond as they hiked along the trail. Music, who grew up in Ohio, was joined by four other hikers from different parts of the world.

Chimp, who is from England, and his wife, who is from Ireland, also joined Music. As did an Australian hiker by the name of Chippy and a Burmese native, who now lives in Los Angeles, Calif., named Pegasus.

"The little gal from Burma, she was tiny, she's got four degrees in really advanced things like organic chemistry," Michalakes said. "She took a real long six hour nap. They were just real happy to sleep in a real bed."

During their overnight stay in Encampment, the hikers had dinner at D's Bar and Grill in Encampment followed by breakfast the next day at the Red Wagon before resuming their trek along the CDT. While speaking with Michalakes, the group informed her the trailbox just outside of Encampment was one of the most well stocked they had come across in their travels.

The group said "it's not normal for them to be this well stocked and it's all out of the kindness of people's hearts that live in Riverside, Encampment and, probably, Saratoga," said Michalakes.

Following the stay of the eclectic group of hikers, Michalakes encourages others to follow the example set by Farr and open their homes to future hikers of the CDT.

"Being able to spend time with them and hear their stories is really special. Opening your home to them or sharing a meal with them or letting them spend a night on your couch. They're so grateful and really relish those contacts that they make along the way," Michalakes said.