Brothers Campfire Not A 100 Mile Trek

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Hello Friends!

It is my intention to try and complete a 30 + mile hike in one day.

When I was a teenager, my record was 36 miles with a 25 to 30 pound backpack. I was 145 pounds soak and wet. 

Now, I have what may be known as a “Dad Bod” or “Non Vegetarian Bod.”

 In fact, I recently received a note on my contact page stating I am “a fatty.”

Indeed, I am most assuredly not light for my height weighing in above 190.

The description is accurate. 

However, I spoke with a good number of my family members and they feel like I can make this happen while a lot of folks I have consulted outside of my family think my goal is unreasonable. 

Thanks for the love and faith in me, Family!

Importantly, 30 miles does not seem unreasonable to me, and I will be walking it.

To be safe, I researched a little anyway and found these sites insightful as to what I am proposing. 

How to Conquer 30-Mile Days Regardless of Hiking Speed

Ultimate Adventure Handbook: Hike 30 Miles in a Day

50 mile day

A good portion of what is important on this particular hike is the weather.

The forecast is in my favor and it should be a comfortable 77F 25C; there is a 60 percent chance of afternoon showers. Being in an open area without cover in a rainstorm is a slight concern for me.   

This can kill you
This can also kill you.

The route is relatively flat and is designated as a tropical/subtropical steppe climate.

While I am not sure what that actually means, I would call it semi arid desert. I may get to see a lot of prickly pear, yucca, and antelope.

There probably will not be much of this.

I have never been where I am going, but I plan for it to look like this.

Dry and Desolate. A thirsty land with little water.

Due to the potential for excessive sun exposure, I will take the advice of Darwin on the Trail. In his tutorial called Tips for Hiking in the Desert, he advises wear long sleeves, pants, a gator and ballcap. 

To provide shade, my wide brim black hat would be a good choice if it was lighter in color. It also hits the frame of my backpack and would not stay on my head well with the gear I am selecting.

My supplies will include a rain slicker, jacket,umbrella, ace bandages, trekking poles, and a headlamp. For hydration and energy, I will carry 3 gallons of water and Clif Bars.

Finally, Here is a map of the proposed route. It will be from Pueblo, Colorado to either Fountain or the Colorado Springs City Limit. 

https://goo.gl/maps/s3AYt1RbaKmqYrrx5

If you look at the map, you will see Fountain Creek nearby. 

While I have a filtration system, I would rather carry 25 pounds, 11.3 Kilograms of water than drink from there if I can help it. The creek has a horrible reputation for industrial pollution. 

I would like to make a blog post about my adventure and I would admire your interaction along the way. My next post will serve as a method of communication with me while I give it my best shot. If all works as planned, I will ping my location for you upon request in the comments.

I will begin my hike at approximately 0600 hours MST on July 27th and walk until I get there or call for a pickup if I cannot.

This conversion table may help with the time so you can join me. 6:00 AM MST to Your Local Time Conversion, but I will send the post when I start walking.

As always, thank you for your encouragement and support. I look forward to having you in my front shirt pocket as I travel.

Author: Benjamin

Benjamin Thiel is a community leader, urban farmer, and author of The Ongoing Tale at Brothers Campfire. He might know a guy...

55 thoughts on “Brothers Campfire Not A 100 Mile Trek”

      1. Ishaan Sharma says:

        You’re welcome. Keep us updated.
        Is it Walmart? If so, I can see it. Else there might be an issue. There’s a thrift store and a steak shop next to it.

        1. Benjamin says:

          You got it. So tomorrow about this time I should be 3.5 miles into the trip. I will send links just like that as to my real time location.

  2. Lydia Potter says:

    Wow! Way to go, bro! That is awesome! I used to weigh as much as you do now, but something amazing happened and now I’m a twig!
    The “this can also kill you” pic is what I was out with yesterday. Talk about freaking epic!
    Us in your front shirt pocket… uhhh that sounds really…. odd.🤣

    1. Benjamin says:

      Hail is no joke. I have few options to get away from it. I will curl under my frame pack if necessary. Hopefully, a lot of the hike will be completed before it gets too late in the day.
      As for the shirt pocket, that is where I keep my phone.

      1. Lydia Potter says:

        You’ll be fine.
        Oh, that makes sense!!!!!!! Smart… just don’t drop it.

          2. Benjamin says:

            So, on request, I will post my real time location. I hope to see you tomorrow!🤠🔥

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thank you Stuart! I will make a post first thing in the morning so people can interact with me. I should be able to ping my location on request so you can follow along if you wish. I appreciate your encouragement!🔥🤠

      1. Stuart says:

        I will definitely follow with interest. Enjoy the stroll! 😉😊

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thank you Pam! I look forward to seeing you tomorrow in the comments. I will put out a special post as soon as I start and will give a link as to my location so you can follow along!🤠🔥

  5. Sarah Angleton says:

    Good luck! I’ve only ever done 26 miles, but on pretty rough terrain. Difficult, but very satisfying. You’ve got this!

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thanks for the encouragement! I did Pikes Peak in a day which is somewhere in the same ballpark of 26 miles. Way to go Sarah! You are amazing!

  6. inspirechief says:

    I look forward to your posts. You will crush this. Just one step at a time. If you need some inspiration check out my post on how I completed The Murph Challenge at 59 years old. Thank you for sharing. Good luck.

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thank you friend! I appreciate the encouragement! Have a beautiful day!

    1. Benjamin says:

      Will do. Keep an eye out for the next post which will serve as sort of a time keeper. I will try to interact live with everyone.

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thank you Krista! Be sure and keep your eyes open for my next post. I will put it out as soon as I get on the trail. Ask my position and I will send it live hopefully.

    1. Benjamin says:

      Sounds good. I will be drinking my way to freedom along the way. The load just seems lighter when I do that.

    2. Benjamin says:

      Thank You Petra! I look forward to hearing from you while I am on my way! I am sending a post when I start!

  12. Bro Elvin says:

    Go Ben! Go Ben! You may already know all of your gear, because I know you have been doing quite a bit of hiking. However, this seemed to work for me many moons ago: 1. After the first hour, stop, make adjustments to things that don’t feel quite right and then blaze the trail. 2. No one is chasing you and you’re not racing the clock, “be the tortoise and not the hare”. I’m an old used up Army Grunt, so I will sit this one out, but I’ll be cheering for you from afar my friend. You’ve got this! HOOWAH!

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thank you Sir. I will most assuredly take your advice. I appreciate your continued encouragement. Benjamin

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thank you, Family! You are A really nifty dude. Perhaps I will play a little ” Hey Gurtrude”.
      Praying for your job situation.

        1. Benjamin says:

          There’s this place called the Puking Peasant that I heard does auditions. Talk with Galvin.

  14. Beverly says:

    I will check in on you when I can, nephew. I will definitely be praying. Yes, you can do this!

      1. Anonymous says:

        You’re welcome, tracking and praying!

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thamks! Walking now! Use my next post and ask about my progress!

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