233. Embrace The Brutality On The Continental Divide Trail With Thru-Hiker & Author J.C. "Catmando" Van Etten
The Thru-Hiking PodcastShow Notes
New author and triple crowner (aka Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, & Continental Divide Trail thru-hiker & backpacker) J.C. "Catmando" Van Etten joins us to talk all about the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) and his new book for aspiring CDT thru-hikers and weekend backpackers alike!
In this episode, you'll learn about: 1. His book and how it can help you prepare for your CDT journey 2. The rare and harrowing animal encounter he had just outside of Yellowstone 3. Favorite and worst experiences from trail, the type II fun - & more!
Connect & follow along with Catmando: Buy his book: "Backpacking The Continental Divide Trail" Catmando's Instagram Catmando's Facebook Catmando's YouTube Grizzly Bear Charge Footage!!
Past Episodes With Catmando: Episode #2: Appalachian Trail Q&A Episode #90: Pacific Crest Trail Q&A Episode #150: Pinhoti Trail Episode #159: Foothills Trail Episode #165: Hurricane Heline Relief Episode #175: Continental Divide Trail & The Triple Crown
Sign up for the THRU-r mailing list so you don't miss a thing! (No spam, no selling, just thru-hiker things.)
Did you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Connect With Us: Join The Trail Family THRU-r Website THRU-r Instagram THRU-r Facebook THRU-r Youtube THRU-r Threads Cheer's YouTube Cheer's Instagram
Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
More from The Thru-Hiking Podcast
In this episode of The Thru-Hiking Podcast, Cheer talks with Kylie “Bluebird,” a seasonal park ranger, birder, and 2025 Pacific Crest Trail section hiker. Bluebird hiked northbound on the PCT with her husband, “TripAdvisor,” starting at Campo and making it to around Burney Falls. She shares the highs, lows, and unexpected moments from her hike—from an incredible stretch through the Sierra to norovirus, rattlesnakes, injuries, burn scars, and unforgettable trail magic.
In this episode we are coming at you LIVE from Pacific Crest Trail Days ("PCT Days") in Cascade Locks, Oregon! PCT Days is an annual thru-hiker gathering right on the border of Oregon and Washington - and right next to the iconic Bridge of the Gods. Here, Cheer talks with current and prior PCT hikers and asks them pointed questions about how their hike is going, or how it went if they hiked in prior years.
Today we are coming at you LIVE from Pacific Crest Trail Days ("PCT Days") in Cascade Locks, Oregon! PCT Days is an annual thru-hiker gathering right on the border of Oregon and Washington - and right next to the iconic Bridge of the Gods. Here, Cheer talks with current and prior PCT hikers and asks them pointed questions about how their hike is going, or how it went if they hiked in prior years.
Today we welcome back Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker Stevie Teran or "Blue Dream" as he's known on trail. Stevie has been part of the THRU-r community for years and since 2021 - he's told us about his dream of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail! 2025 hit...and the rest is history. Here, we deep dive into his experiences on trail - which were full of wonderful moments, less-than-perfect moments, and surprises along the way. Sneaky epic trail magic included!
In this episode we welcome Appalachian Trail trail angel Mike "Pinnacle" DiCello who goes into life as a trail angel, his personal stories from hiker interactions, how he got into trail angeling, and more! Trail angels are an integral part of the thru-hiking community, and we were honored to have Mike on as a guest to spotlight the important and selfless work they do.