The run up

Its still a month before I hit the trail, but my preparations are actually winding down, having already purchased most of my gear and confirmed my travel plans to the southern terminus of the CDT.

Organizing my gear: a work in progress
CDT southern terminus: the “Crazy Cook” monument

I decided to make my way to the trail by train this time as I understand the route on Amtrak’s “Coast Startlight” line from Seattle to L.A is particularly scenic, and I wouldn’t mind avoiding the shenanigans I encountered on the Greyhound heading to the AT. The green circular end points below are Seattle and Lordsburg, New Mexico, the closest town to ‘Crazy Cook.’

Amtrak route from Seattle to Lordsburg