Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20and wet, when I couldn’t properly dry out, were a slog, and to keep moving was the only way to survive. Moments with a wolf, a lynx, and a grizzly were serene and special; perhaps more impactful were myriad encounters with pine martens and marmots, the antics of lizards, a woodpecker tapping a tree in the near distance, and pausing to visit with a badger or wolverine. Missing my dog, kiddos, wife and friends was palpable; but I was never lonely — reveling in solitude and the reflection it affords. What Message Do You Have For HD families? In many ways, those of us with HD will become shadows of our former selves. I hike for the important places each of our shadows hold. Forever a wanderer reveling in the range of light, all are welcome to friend and follow me on FaceBook, to peruse my photo albums, discover trail stories and share the next adventure. Check out my YouTube video on my hike across the Pacific Coast Trail for HDSA — Shadow Walking by Jason Evans. Stay tuned for an upcoming video about the Continental Divide Trail, in addition to a documentary all about long distance trails and HD in my family. gear and keep going when I got near town. On several occasions I ran out of water in the desert, where expected sources were dry, and had to push on. Disconcerting to say the least. Ran out of food on a couple occasions too, particularly when slowed by snow in Southern Colorado. Many of the most dangerous snowy traverses I picked over at night when snow was firmer — chipping one inch foot holds with my trail runners. A slip could have been a 500 foot uncontrolled slide and off a cliff. Extreme focus is profound and exhilarating. Several stumbles upon timber rattlers in the Gila National Forest lent perspective; they didn’t warn me I was close. Coyotes, javelinas, and black bears threatened to raid my camps some sleepless nights. Days muddy How has HD impacted your life? Eight years ago my grandpa and mom were simulta- neously diagnosed with Huntington’s disease. After they were diagnosed, I elected to be tested and discovered that I also carry the mutated gene. My two sons have a 50% chance of inheriting it as well. I was crushed to have lost my grandpa to complica- tions of HD a few years ago, and to the symptoms of HD long before he passed. Mom is always more a shadow of her formal self, and yet a fixture. Struggle swallowing and adventuring in her environment is a dance. Her wry smile still makes mine. We have fun, and her part of me feeling home is the world to me. I would give anything for my kiddos to have known her as I did when I was young. Still, every time I see her, she amazes me in her thoughtful consideration and ability to communicate all the same. What long distance trails have you hiked solo to raise funds & awareness for HDSA? This year I completed the Continental Divide Trail (3,100 miles). I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (2,669 miles) in 2014. I hike alone for the adventure, to honor the memory of my grandfather, and with hope for my boys at risk. The trail is a metaphor we lose or find. The great outdoors has always been my muse, whether scuba diving, cross-country skiing, hiking, camping, or fishing and canoeing with the family. I hope people from around the world will consider donating a penny-per-mile. Together we can make a difference. The funds support HDSA’s mission to continue efforts for effective treatments and a cure. I hike in the hope risks to future generations will someday be mitigated. What were some of the challenges during this year’s hike on the Continental Divide Trail? The single greatest hardship was remaining spiritu- ally strong despite the fact I didn’t get the support from sponsors I hoped for, and so was often unsure if I would have access to funds to resupply/replace