ECHOES FROM THE DIVIDE: Building Community in Nature

By Jesse Cody

Lured by the allure of America’s legendary trails, my quest for the Triple Crown commenced in 2015 on the Appalachian Trail. It marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey into uncharted realms.

The notion of conquering the trio of iconic trails and the Pacific Crest Trail was barely a flicker in my mind. As I set out on this adventure, I realized it would be more challenging than I had ever imagined. Spanning from the Appalachian to the Pacific Crest and now to the Continental Divide Trail, it was a formidable odyssey.

I found myself engulfed in darkness and grappling with suicidal thoughts shortly before embarking on my hiking treks. I felt utterly lost and thought there was nowhere to turn until fate placed Bill Bryson’s book, A Walk in the Woods, into my hands. Like countless others who found solace within its pages, I wondered if a long walk could illuminate a path toward a life worth living.

Believe it or not, my first-night camping in the wilderness was on the Appalachian Trail! And despite having no prior hiking experience, I embarked on a six-month journey. This journey granted me the will to live, a newfound sense of purpose, and sowed a seed within me.

This seed carried the promise that I would share my own story and create something that would offer others a platform to share their experiences of how wilderness exploration has positively impacted their mental well-being. Knowing that many others grapple with mental health challenges and seek guidance, this platform would be that promise for them. These aspirations laid the foundation for what would later evolve into my nonprofit organization.

By 2023, standing on the verge of completing this ambitious trek, my journey transcended mere miles.

During the concluding moments of my Appalachian odyssey, I made a promise to Mother Nature that fueled my journey from the 1,100-mile Florida Trail to the expansive Southwest leading to the CDT. I vowed to share the salvation I found in hiking, giving life to “Hike The Good Hike.”

This commitment inspired 5,000 miles of hiking in 2023, aiming to spotlight our emerging nonprofit and mental health awareness. Walking for the voiceless, I found a more profound purpose beyond personal healing, with the wilderness serving as both refuge and therapist.

My mission to build a community through “Hike The Good Hike” (which is dedicated to mental health advocacy) never wavered while trekking the CDT. The trail underscored the power of shared stories and nature’s healing, providing hope for those facing mental health challenges.

Amid the breathtaking beauty of glacial lakes, high alpine passes, and the majestic Rockies, the camaraderie with fellow hikers became invaluable. These connections forged in the heart of nature sparked a sense of community, reminding me of our shared journey’s purpose.

In this grandeur, the essence of my discoveries transcended natural wonders, highlighting the profound impact of companionship. Together, we navigated life’s narratives against a wilderness backdrop, weaving a resilient tapestry of mental health recovery.

During my thru-hike, I encountered a grizzled hiker named Shady—named for his remarkable knack for finding shade on the trail no matter the conditions. We quickly bonded due to our experience in life and hiking. The trail was a chance for us both to redefine our lives amidst nature’s beauty. By walking together, we balanced our similarities and differences and formed a dynamic duo with unique perspectives on our journey.

On our second day, Shady recounted an unforgettable moment from years back in San Diego. Initially intending to surf, an impulse led him to run, bringing him near a bridge where he encountered a soul teetering on the edge of despair. Shady intervened without hesitation; his earnest words convinced the stranger that life held more chapters. The man desperately sought a sign to hold onto life, finding it in Shady.

While the aftermath with the authorities remained uncertain, Shady was profoundly moved. He knew he had been the crucial difference between life and departure for that young man. This pivotal moment planted a seed within Shady—a profound realization of nature’s role as a sanctuary and an essential lookout for his mental well-being.

As our adventure together waned, with Mexico still on the horizon, Shady and I dwelled on the profound connection we’d nurtured. The unpredictability of life mirrored the untamed wilderness, yet it was through our intertwined stories that we drew strength. The trail gave us invaluable lessons, teaching us to find meaning in each step despite the hurdles.

This expedition didn’t just enhance my abilities as a hiker; it gifted me a friend for life. Our bond, meticulously woven on the trail, underscored that experiences are indeed life’s most eloquent mentors. My journey with Shady, imbued with collective insights and shared endeavors, profoundly touched my soul, leaving an indelible mark that continuously shapes my path.

Caught in a freezing rainstorm just days from Wyoming, I was engulfed in a perilous chill unlike any I had faced on the trail before. The relentless downpour threatened to freeze me to my core. Recognizing the imminent danger, I made for a nearby dirt road (a potential path to safety). Though daunted by the idea of trekking about 5 miles in such conditions, the hope of finding warmth and shelter in a nearby town spurred me forward.

By a stroke of luck, I managed to hitch a ride into town and found refuge in its sole motel. The warmth of a hot shower began to thaw my chilled bones, starkly contrasting the biting cold outside. I ventured to the local diner across the street, craving a slice of ordinary life. I was drawn by the promise of some comfort food and a frosty beverage—simple pleasures after a day battling the elements.

The diner welcomed me with the inviting aroma of sizzling patties that immediately warmed my spirits. Sitting at the bar, I ordered the most substantial burger and a beer to wash it down. Each bite of the juicy burger and sip of beer brought a comforting sense of normalcy and joy—a much-needed reprieve from the trail’s harsh realities.

While savoring this moment, a man beside me asked if I was hiking the Continental Divide Trail. Confirming his guess, I learned he was biking from Alaska to Mexico City, a journey he deemed less crazy than hiking. Caught off guard by his recognition of me as the “Hike the Good Hike guy,” known among followers as the “Boston Mule,” I listened as he shared his story. A military veteran struggling with severe PTSD, he found inspiration in my social media posts to embark on his journey. His admission that my adventures had partly inspired his mission filled me with a profound sense of purpose and connection.

The journey’s onceadventurous spirit became a grueling test. It prompted a deep introspection about my hiking passion and advocacy work, casting me into a sea of self-doubt.

Our conversation revealed the shared spirit of those who seek solace and strength in the wilderness. While he credited me for inspiring him, his courage and determination inspired me to continue promoting the message of hiking the good hike. This unexpected encounter, rich in mutual admiration and understanding, underscored the powerful impact of shared stories and the enduring bonds formed on the path less traveled.

Basking in Salida, Colorado’s warm sunshine, a voice suddenly interrupted my tranquility. A distinctive southern twang called out, “Boston Mule?” Glancing up, I recognized Puddin, a fellow hiker whose spirit I’d come to admire greatly through our social media interactions. This was our first unexpected in-person encounter despite the sense of mutual friendship and the encouragement we’d shared over the year. Our parallel paths finally intersected like the trail gods had conspired for us to meet.

As I embarked on the Continental Divide Trail, with thousands of miles behind me, I was at a crossroads.

The journey’s once-adventurous spirit became a grueling test. It prompted a deep introspection about my hiking passion and advocacy work, casting me into a sea of self-doubt.

Puddin’s timely arrival marked a serendipitous turning point. Our shared path from Salida became more than a coincidence; it reignited a spark within us both. Our dialogue ventured into self-discovery, acknowledging the trail’s challenges and beauty. This experience transcended a mere physical endeavor; it was a quest for meaning and a commitment to “Hike The Good Hike”—it pushed us toward personal enlightenment.

Our journey wove a healing tapestry through meaningful conversations and shared silences, embodying the trail’s unpredictable yet deeply educational nature. Despite our contrasting personalities—my stubbornness against Puddin’s spirited energy—we found a harmonious rhythm, committed to reaching Mexico together. This commitment deepened our connection and underscored our mutual purpose.

Puddin shared her longing for escape from life’s monotony, a sentiment I knew well. Like many we encountered, her story showcased the trail’s capacity for transformation and hope. Her authenticity and relentless pursuit of genuine living have inspired me and many others.

As I reflected on our shared journey, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the insights gained, the bonds formed, and the sense of community that the wilderness fostered. Puddin’s impact on my journey is a powerful testament to the strength of shared experiences, the importance of vulnerability, and the pursuit of growth. Our time together emphasized the profound influence of personal connections and the collective wisdom found on the trail.

Amid countless miles and moments of doubt, an unexpected thought struck me on the final day of my CDT thru-hike: “It’s over?” Rather than a beacon of return to normalcy, the end presented a challenge to accept its reality. The staggering beauty of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) and the year’s adventures overwhelmed me, yet the connections and the trail’s community resonated deepest. They became my trail family and living embodiments of the stories that had propelled me to Mexico. These magical and transformative encounters laid the foundation for “Hike The Good Hike” (HTGH) to become a tangible community driven by a shared desire to tell our stories.

Our vision is clear as we step into 2024: to cultivate a sanctuary for all who seek solace in nature’s therapeutic embrace during moments when it’s needed most. Inspired by every trail (especially the CDT), “Hike The Good Hike” embodies the promise made atop Katahdin many years ago. Far from concluded, our mission thrives on a collective spirit powered by the wilderness stories that have touched us. Our platform will do more than share my journey; it will give a voice to those who’ve walked their paths.

In the shadow and light of their experiences, we find a universal truth: nature is a beacon for us all.

The Good Hike.