#84 | India Wood on Her Colorado Transect Hike

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by India Wood. India, despite having no backpacking experience, decided to hike diagonally across the state of Colorado, from the southeast to the northwest corner of the state. Along the way she had an encounter with a bear, had soft threats of being shot by rangers, and learned the importance of digging a cat hole the night before. We learn how India went about planning her route, the challenges associated with doing such a hike during COVID, and what advice she has for others who want to create their own unique hiking routes.

We have a triple crown of halloween candy, dive into our favorite youtube videos, get into an impromptu debate about wearing leggings in ranch country, and get a horse fact about moose.

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00:06:17 - Why did you decide to hike across Colorado?

00:07:27 - Can you talk about drawing up your route?

00:08:11 - Take us deep into the specifics of the route?

00:11:09 - When you were talking to the person that helped you with maps, did he think you were crazy? Did he pry about your hiking experience?

00:16:05 - How many road crossings did you cache water at? Did you have it buried? Tell us about water logistics!

00:20:04 - Are you staging your car and then doing an out and back?

00:20:58 - What was it like getting hitches? Did you get hitches?

00:22:54 - Tell us about your time in the prairie section of Colorado?

00:25:20 - Did you know all the types of grasses in the prairie?

00:26:23 - What's the most interesting turd you saw?

00:27:27 - Do you have any grass or prairie facts?

00:28:27 - Can you talk about your family?

00:29:44 - What's the name of your daughter's documentary?

00:30:24 - What did your family think of you taking on the hike?

00:33:09 - What happened with your bear encounter?

00:43:30 - Can you talk about the transition of hiking through the prairie and then through the mountains?

00:45:00 - Was Bear Peak in your training regimen?

00:46:44 - Where did you go from Minturn?

00:48:04 - What went wrong with your maps?

00:52:47 - Were you ever tempted to turn down a private road?

00:54:59 - Where did you run into the man who was wanted?

00:56:14 - Do you have a detailed outline of your route anywhere?

00:57:47 - Why did you choose southeast to northwest?

00:58:36 - What kind of dinosaur did you find?

00:59:25 - Do you think the southeast corner is more beautiful than where you come into CO on 70?

01:01:17 - What's a good town to go to in the southeast corner?

01:05:02 - Did this hike give you the adventure itch?

01:06:05 - Would you stay in a hotel if you did a transect of metro Denver?

01:06:28 - Did you carry anything to protect yourself on your hike? Was your safety something you were highly concerned about?

01:08:23 - Were there ever political debates that ensued when you said you were from Boulder?

01:10:09 - What do you think would happen to Chaunce if she was hiking through ranch country in leggings?

01:11:40 - Is the area you primarily saw other people through the Breckenridge area?

01:11:56 - Do you have any general pieces of advice for people wanting to develop their own hike?

01:12:55 - Will India's talk be on Youtube? Yes, the link is here.

01:13:00 - Any last pieces of advice?

01:14:10 - Where should people go to learn more about you and your hike? Your books?

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Segments

Debate: Is it safe for women to wear leggings in ranch country?

Triple Crown of the Best Halloween Candy

Triple Crown of the Worst Halloween Candy

Ask ??? > Send us your favorite videos!

• Zach: Bloopers from Anchor Man
• Chaunce: Shia Labeouf Live - Rob Cantor

1 Minute Gear Reviews

• Zach: Native Sunglasses
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Hiking from Home by Chaunce and How to Afford a Thru-Hike by Kelly Floro

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