Veterans Trek Over Nine Miles, Camp Out at ASFs WIM Backpacking Event

WINDHAM — Despite a sweltering heat wave, four U.S. veterans hiked more than nine miles and summited two mountain peaks during the Adaptive Sports Foundation’s (ASF) Warriors in Motion® (WIM) backpacking event, held June 24–26.

This was the first WIM event attended by U.S. Navy veteran Cristian Cantos, who welcomed the challenge.

“This was my first hike. We did over nine miles, and I’m very proud of myself,” Cantos said. “The veterans I spent time with were wonderful. I made some great friends. I loved it. I hope I can return.”

The four veterans met with program director Tony Vasile and the ASF staff at noon Tuesday at the Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center. After lunch, Vasile briefed the group on the three-day trek, demonstrated how to properly pack their backpacks and emphasized the importance of staying hydrated in 90-plus-degree heat.

Once packed, the group was dropped off at the Batavia Kill trailhead and began a 1.3-mile hike to the Batavia Kill lean-to. The rocky, rooted trail served as a preview of the terrain ahead.

After an evening around the campfire—sharing stories and listening to owls and coyotes—the group woke early Wednesday to beat the heat. By 5:15 a.m., they had packed up and begun the steep 1,000-foot climb over 0.9 miles up the back of Blackhead Mountain, one of the more challenging ascents in the region.

After descending Blackhead, the group crossed Arizona Mountain before heading down through Dutcher Notch to Colgate Lake. They reached the primitive campsites shortly after noon, set up camp and cooled off in the lake. Wednesday’s hike covered more than eight miles.

The group had a slower start Thursday, leaving Colgate Lake around 8:30 a.m. to return to Windham. They stopped for breakfast at the Windham Diner before heading back to the ASF lodge to clean up and depart for home.

“It’s very important for me to get out of my daily routine,” Cantos said. “It helps us vets relax and talk to each other with similar issues going on. It’s very peaceful for me.”

Through grants and private donations, the ASF provides participants with all necessary equipment, meals, lodging, water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, ponchos, and printed and digital maps—at no cost to the veterans.