Jake Callahan

Day 9: The final checkpoint

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
10 miles to go

I'm exhausted. My legs are aching, my pack feels heavier every day, and I have more blisters than I can count. But every time I start to doubt myself, I remember why I’m here—why I set out on this journey in the first place.

I’m trekking across Texas for the ocelots that still roam these wild places. For the ones that don’t make it across the highway. For the ones running out of land to call home.

I’m almost there—both in miles and in fundraising. If you can, please donate to help me cross the finish line.

A huge thank you to Sarah and Tom Wilson for their donation today—you just helped fund a wildlife camera to monitor ocelots in the wild. Every contribution matters.

Day 7: Pushing through the hardest stretch

Baffin Bay → Laguna Atascosa
Blisters, heat, and a tough day on the trail

Today was brutal.

I started strong, but by mid-afternoon, the heat was relentless. Every step felt heavier, and my boots are rubbing raw spots on my heels. At one of the checkpoints, a volunteer patched me up, and I kept moving forward. Because that’s what this is about—pushing through, no matter how hard it gets.

I passed through some of the last remaining dense thornscrub habitat in Texas—the kind of landscape where ocelots once thrived. Knowing that these cats are still out here made every step worth it.

I just hit $4,250 raised—a huge thank you to Mark Davidson, whose donation today helped fund habitat restoration efforts in South Texas. Mark, your generosity is keeping me moving.

If I can hit $5,000 before I reach the finish line, that would be incredible. Please donate if you can.

Day 5: Halfway there!

Choke Canyon → Lake Corpus Christi
75 miles down, 75 to go

I made it halfway! It feels unreal to know I’ve already come this far. The last few days have been a blur of sunrises, endless steps, and checkpoint refuels.

The highlight of today? A late-night campfire, looking up at a sky full of stars, feeling completely alone in the wild. I’m exhausted, but there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

A special shoutout to Lisa S. and Outdoor World Gear for their generous donations today—you just funded GPS tracking collars that will help scientists study ocelot movement patterns.

I’m at $3,800 raised and still climbing. If you want to be part of this mission, now’s the time to donate.

Day 3: First glimpse of ocelot territory

Hill Country State Natural Area → Choke Canyon
Feeling the weight of the trek

I won’t lie—today was rough. The trail was long and exposed, and I’m already feeling the weight of my pack settling into my shoulders. But I made it to Choke Canyon, where the terrain is starting to change. This is the kind of habitat where ocelots once thrived.

At a checkpoint, a conservationist told me about the last known Texas ocelot populations. Hearing how few remain gave me a second wind.

I’m at $2,900 raised—almost halfway to my goal! A massive thank you to Emma R. for her donation today. Emma, your support just helped fund restoration of native plants in ocelot territory.

Let’s keep this going—donate today if you can.

Day 1: And I’m off!

San Antonio → Government Canyon
The journey begins

It’s finally happening. Months of training, fundraising, and prepping, and today, I took my first steps on this 150-mile journey.

I started early, leaving San Antonio just as the sun was rising. The excitement is real, but so are the nerves. 150 miles is a long way.

I’ve already raised $2,100—thank you to everyone who has supported me so far! A special shoutout to The Callahan Family for their donation today—you’ve just funded two weeks of ocelot tracking research.

This is just the beginning. Let’s keep going!

One week to go: final training trek

Training hike – Enchanted Rock
Testing my gear before the big trek

One week from now, I’ll be deep in the Texas wilderness, making my way toward the finish line of this challenge. Today, I did my final training hike—a 12-mile trek around Enchanted Rock—to make sure my gear is ready for what’s ahead.

The biggest lesson? Break in your boots early. My feet are sore, but I’d rather feel it now than on day one of the real trek.

Thank you to Rachel P. and Jonathan W. for donating this week—you just funded a wildlife crossing study that could save ocelots from road collisions.

There’s still time to support this cause. Let’s hit $2,000 before I start the trek!

One month to go: why I’m doing this

Fundraising update
This is about more than just a trek

In one month, I’ll be lacing up my boots and setting off on a 150-mile trek through some of Texas’ most remote landscapes. It’s going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done—but I know why I’m doing it.

The Texas ocelot is disappearing. Roads, development, and habitat loss have left fewer than 80 in the wild. I can’t imagine a Texas without these incredible animals, and I don’t want to.

That’s why I’ve set a goal to raise $5,000 before I reach the finish line. Every dollar will help:

• Restore ocelot habitat

• Build wildlife crossings

• Support conservation research

I’m already at $1,500 raised—thank you to everyone who has supported so far. If you believe in protecting wild places and the creatures that call them home, please donate today.