2002-2008: The Nimblewill Nomad’s Great Western Loop (GWL)

Journals

This page is a “me too” page, pure and simple. Who wouldn’t enjoy a moment or two basking in the light of one of this era’s greatest young long-distance hikers! And that great young fellow is none other than Andrew “Andy” Skurka.

Andy’s latest accomplishment, one in a long string of accomplishments, has come to be known as The Great Western Loop (GWL). How many of us can say, or might possibly ever say, “I did that!” So, now for the record, the old Nomad says, “I did that!”

But, honestly folks, there’s very little to compare other than the name. Andy’s GWL covered 6,875 miles, Nomad‘s only 5,000 and change. And Andy hiked his GWL as a thru-hike. What passes here as Nomad‘s GWL is an amalgamation of sections that comprise four separate treks.

Anyway, Walt Whitman is known to have said: “If you done it, it ain’t bragging.” So, out of great respect and admiration for Andy, here’s Nimblewill Nomad’s GWL.

The Nimblewill Nomad’s GWL Segment Details

Northern Leg – 610 Mile
From: March 29, 2006 – Bridge of the Gods, Cascade Locks, Oregon
To:     April 23, 2006 – Rogers Pass, Montana

**Accomplished during Odyssey 2006: Journey of Discovery, Return: Lewis & Clark National Scenic Trail, Fort Clatsop, Oregon to St. Louis, Missouri

Eastern Leg – 1,947 Miles
From: July 5, 2005 – Dearborn River, near Rogers Pass, Montana
To:     September 3, 2005 – Silverthorne, Colorado (off CDT due to health)
From: August 14, 2007 – Silverthorne, Colorado (returned to finish CDT)
To:     October 2, 2007 – Pie Town, New Mexico

**Accomplished during Odysseys 2005 & 2007: Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Waterton Lakes, Alberta, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico

Southern Leg – 652 Miles
From: October 7, 2002 – Pie Town, New Mexico
To:     November 6, 2002 – Campo, California

**Accomplished during Odyssey 2002: From Sea To Shining Sea, Cape Hatteras Light, North Carolina to Point Loma Light, San Diego, California

Western Leg – 2,154 Miles
From: April 23, 2008 – Campo, California
To:     August 24, 2008 – Bridge of the Gods, Cascade Locks, Oregon

**Accomplished during Odyssey 2008: Pacific Crest Trail, Campo, California to the Washington/Canadian border

Total Distance = 5,363 Miles

My Way