top contributor badge 2025

Charles Gutierrez

Trail Name “Boomerang” Retired Military Officer, World Traveler, Chef, and aspiring Thru Hiker. Taking the all-of-the-above approach to not growing old gracefully and living the quiet life in Montana. My wife and I have a small ranch and 18 horses and mules. Having successfully thru-hiked The Appalachian Trail in June, 2024 I spent a few weeks healing overuse injuries and started SOBO on The Continental Divide Trail in early August, 2024 and came off trail for foot surgery. In January 2025 I began to walk the 560 miles from France to the coast of Spain on the Camino Frances and came off the pilgrimage with the flu for 18 days. In March 2025 I will begin my trek North from Crazy Crook NM to Canada to complete the CDT. Upon completion I will either begin a SOBO journey on the PCT or return to Spain to complete the Camino Frances. We'll see what the far side of the year will bring.

Posts

Continental Divide Gear List for 2025 NOBO Start

Continental Divide Gear List for 2025 NOBO Start

After some fits and starts, ordering and reordering, weighing and replacing, And going through my gear bins I am finally packed for my noble start on

Mar 10, 2025 : Charles Gutierrez
Camino Frances Day 11 Santiago de la Calzada to Belorado and The Flu

Camino Frances Day 11 Santiago de la Calzada to Belorado and The Flu

What Had Happened Was... I have put off writing this post and the last few probably because I'm still in denial. Bottom line up front I returned to

Mar 4, 2025 : Charles Gutierrez
Camino Frances Days 9 & 10 Navarrette to Santa Domingo de la Calzada

Camino Frances Days 9 & 10 Navarrette to Santa Domingo de la Calzada

Slowing Down and Enjoying the Beauty I had planned on going from Navarrette to Santa Domingo de la Calzada in one day. My plans went astray

Mar 2, 2025 : Charles Gutierrez
Camino Frances Day 8 Logroño to Navarrette

Camino Frances Day 8 Logroño to Navarrette

Happiness is New Trail Runners So tempted to take a zero day and stay in Logrono for another day. The walk from Los Arcos made for a long day and

Feb 25, 2025 : Charles Gutierrez
Camino Frances Day 7 Los Arcos to Logroño

Camino Frances Day 7 Los Arcos to Logroño

An Early Start The room at the pension in Los Arcos was more than adequate although simple. Two metal single beds, ensuite bathroom, and most

Feb 24, 2025 : Charles Gutierrez
Camino Frances Day 5 Puenta de la Reina to Estella

Camino Frances Day 5 Puenta de la Reina to Estella

Remembering We Are Guests Day by day I feel a little more comfortable on this journey. The fellowship with the other pilgrims I've met it's good and

Feb 23, 2025 : Charles Gutierrez
Camino Frances Day 6 Estrella to…

Camino Frances Day 6 Estrella to…

Trying to Keep Up I'm running a little behind on everything the flu has taken me for a bit. In the future I will try to do better As I have a long

Feb 23, 2025 : Charles Gutierrez
Camino Frances Day 4 Pamplona to Puenta de la Reina

Camino Frances Day 4 Pamplona to Puenta de la Reina

Morning in Pamplona  While thriving it doesn’t seem busy. Noah and I met up to start the walk to Punta de la Reina. We made our way to the

Feb 9, 2025 : Charles Gutierrez
Camino France Day 3 Zubiri to Pamplona

Camino France Day 3 Zubiri to Pamplona

Sleepless in Zubiri  While I do recommend the Alburgue not much sleep was had and the time to leave was welcoming. Into Each Life Some Rain

Feb 9, 2025 : Charles Gutierrez
Camino Frances Winter 2025 Day 2 Roncesvalles to Zubiri

Camino Frances Winter 2025 Day 2 Roncesvalles to Zubiri

A Slow Beginning To the Day After much tossing and turning in the bunk room at the Albergue the lights finally came on around 8 AM. Everyone had

Feb 7, 2025 : Charles Gutierrez