Month: May 2019

Goodbye Pennsylvania

by Erin

Koreen and David have officially left Pennsylvania!

*see editing note at end of blog*

After 229.3 miles of jagged, knee busting PA trail, Rabbit and Greyhound have conquered their very first hike through an entire state on the AT.

Man.

What a GREAT and probably exhausting feeling.

They did take a couple breaks or “zero” mile days along the way due to weather, to recoup, or to just plain catch up on laundry. But they are back at it again and in full gear as they start the next leg of their journey into New Jersey. And for those of you keeping track, and who also put in a vote for how long it would take them to cross one of the longest states of the Appalachian Trail … their Personal Best Record (and probably life long record if David has anything to do with it) is a whopping 26 days! Not too shabby for a grumpy old man and one super motivated rockstar with a drop foot that won’t hold her back!

BUuuuuuuut … I don’t think David could be any happier about leaving! Listen again in the video below, where David graces us with his first personal recording (accepting petitions for more), and also declares his love of the rocky terrain of PA. I think he will probably vacation there often.

This portion of the hike consists of only 72.4 miles, and will probably feel like a breeze (as we move hotter into summer?) compared to the rocky, muddy, and sometimes treacherous terrain they just completed.

But while they may be glad to be out of PA, “elevation changes in NJ are still considered generally moderate and vary from relatively flat and gentle to short, steep, rocky pitches. Other sections cross bogs and wetlands, including a wildlife sanctuary that features a wide spectrum of bird species”. Which will be such a nice change from the rattle snakes … although I read they are now supposed to keep their eyes out for bears, not to mention the restriction on campfires … throughout the entire 72 miles of the state.

Small publishing error:

While I was soo excited to announce the end of their Pennsylvania hike, I miss communicated with Dave and announced their completion a tad early in my last post. I have edited the previous post to remove the error, but for those of you who celebrated early with me, feel free to do another little dance party at your desk now in good form of our secondary celebration.

In the video from Dave 2 days ago (that I reposted above), I deduced they would be crossing the PA border in “9 miles”. Which they didn’t. I can never totally understand this man. 😉 They in turn, had that much more to complete after they reached their camp site that night. Which is clarified in the next video (below) from Koreen. They also took a “zero” day between to gather more supplies and only just stepped over they PA border into NJ earlier today! And I quote directly from Koreen,

“Never thought I’d say this but, Yay! New Jersey!”

– Rabbit

So , very sorry for the 3rd party mistake. But now we are “back on track”. And either way, they are completely rocking this hike and I am loving being able to see where they are and how they are doing!

As always, take advantage of the opportunity to support Koreen and David in their fight against MS by donating here.

On The Road Again

by Erin

I’ve said it before. But I’ll say it again. These two are just straight amazing!

Today marks 30 days since their trails began and Koreen and David have;

traveled through 3 states

walked over 200 miles

hiked over 67 hours

elevated 1483 feet

fallen 5 times

worked through 1 pair of hiking boots, each

undergone 1 steroid shot to the knee for tendinitis

wrangled snakes

traversed rocks

sloshed through countless soggy rain filled steps

blown past the infamous Lehigh Gap

and spent 27 nights under the stars (or clouds, and thunder, and lightning).

zoom in, they’re there, in the distance, through the fog …

All of this in the name of MS.

In the hope that their influence, their efforts, and your contributions, will one day assist in this communities overwhelming desire to find a cure to Multiple Sclerosis.

As always, take advantage of the opportunity to support Koreen and David in their fight against MS by donating here.

Trail Names

by Erin

Some of you may have been wondering about the seemingly random names Koreen has been throwing out during her videos such as; Treadmill, Chop, Clingman, Cap, No Service, Pause-y, Volcan, and Boo-Boo Boy. Well, there’s a story behind each name (some I’m more interested in learning then others …). Some belong to those that have become apart of what Dave and Koreen consider “Tramily” or Trail Family. Others who will cameo shortly in Koreen’s vlogs (video logs) and pass on in their own journey of the AT (Appalachian Trail) hike. Either way, each name we hear is unique to the individual hikers these two come across along the way and who are also completing the thru hike of the AT.

Left to Right: Greyhound, Rabbit, Cap, Treadmill, and Clingman (assumedly Chop is behind the camera)

But the concept of trail names is not specific to the AT. Many long distance hikers, such as those exploring their way through the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail), also choose to adopt a trail name rather than using their given first names.

So many people are hiking that it is easier to keep people straight if they are called by a nickname specific to them. As you can guess, there are bound to be a lot of Chris’s, John’s, Amber’s, and Katie’s, so trail names are a unique and helpful way for hikers to connect in a fun way.

The idea is that you choose a name that you can identify with, or that is special to you. It could be the city you hale from, a character (fictional or not) that you like, or as simple as your favorite food that you will be craving during the entire dehydrated food hike. Sometimes you can’t commit right away, and trail names are “discovered” along the way. Do you remember Buckles, mentioned a few videos back? Seems she had a some trouble with her pack along the trail and has been coined with “Buckles” ever since.

David, the ever clever man that he is, chose Rabbit for Koreen and Greyhound for himself, as a symbolic metaphor between their life and the race track, where the greyhound is ever chasing after the rabbit. I guess one could say life is one big race? And if you have to chase tail, David certainly chose a pretty damn cute one.

In Rabbit’s next trail update below, you’ll have the chance hear the story of why Greyhound may be adopting his own new trail name … “Snake Wrangler”!?

Rattle Snake Encounter Saturday, May 18th
Black Snake on the Trail

Personally, I suggested “Big Foot”, because he’s so elusive and rarely seen on video. Almost as if he wasn’t there … but this video proves he’s working his happy little butt off right along with Rabbit, who to be fair, is almost always ahead of him.

Either way, keep it up, Greyhound, Bigfoot, or Snake Wrangler. Whichever it is, we appreciate your efforts and hope you and everyone on the trail stay safe!

As always, take advantage of the opportunity to support Koreen and David in their fight against MS by donating here.

There is a Strength in Her

by Erin

We see her power through as a shining example proving that there is hope to all those suffering from M.S.. And since 2007 Koreen has been cycling and hiking her way down this path of life, with the deck sometimes stacked against her, to show that there are so many ways to crush the often overpowering effects of this debilitating disease.

Yet you may not know, that Koreen not only battles MS, but that in the Spring of 2017 Koreen was also diagnosed with breast cancer. It doesn’t seem quite fare that anyone should have to endure two such physically and emotionally crippling diagnoses as this. Yet she underwent surgery and radiation, and was back on her bike, with Dave by her side, to work toward completing their M.S. biking mission within just 2 short weeks. 2 years have passed since she was declared cancer free (!!!) and Dave will attest to that, “It will take more than MS and cancer to turn that smile upside down.” He is her biggest advocate and most stubborn supporter. From his mouth to your ears he will admit that, “She is the toughest person I know.”

Listen now to her touching story of discovering and coping with the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.

“I was just starting graduate school at The Ohio State University when David and I got engaged.  I was working on my Master of Science in Pathology and working full time for the OSU Dept of Neurology when one day I woke up with flu-like symptoms and a strange sensation on my left side.  It continued to get worse.  I mentioned the symptoms to a Neurologist that I worked with and right away he got me in for an MRI.  After a few weeks of testing and worsening symptoms the diagnosis of MS was conclusive.  I think even after the oral steroid treatment and some of the symptoms started to subside, I was quite depressed. 

I felt embarrassed about my diagnosis.  Like I was damaged goods.  I wanted to keep it a secret and not tell anyone. 

Fast forward several years and we moved to Alaska.  We were happy and I thought I was doing well managing the occasional MS symptom that would come up.  When I was diagnosed there were no FDA-approved drug therapies to treat MS.  When I had a flare up they would treat me with IV steroids.  Luckily I didn’t have many flare ups.  Today there are over 15 FDA-approved drug therapies for MS.  One day I had a bike accident.  Everything seemed to spiral out of control.  I shattered my collarbone and the trauma and subsequent surgery threw me into a nasty flare up.

 That’s when I really understood just how awful this disease could be. 

I lost my speech, fine motor skills, I walked with a limp and was experiencing cognitive issues.  As I began to recover from these symptoms I realized how lucky I was. 

I was recovering. 

I did not have the progressive form of the disease.  I could recover where many people living with MS could not.  David and I agreed it was time to up the ante on sharing our story and raising funds for a cure.  That is when we decided to ride a Bike MS event in every state.

That was 12 years ago. 

This year as we hike 2200 miles of the AT I am still reminded of how lucky I am.  I have drop foot so my left foot drags when fatigued.  I have a brace that will help me on the trail.  I have heat sensitivity that can affect me, bringing on symptoms like blurred vision, headaches, weakness and fatigue when I least expect it.  I will be carrying about 2 pounds of medication and supplements.  And because of my ongoing treatment for MS, I am immune suppressed, leaving me extra vulnerable to insect bites and illnesses along the way.  So why do I do it?  Because I can and I am so much more fortunate that many others living with this horrible disease.”

Mission Accomplished

by Erin

They made it through their long haul yesterday, one of many rough patches they will encounter on the Appalachian Trail, and found shelter with some adopted trail family. These two are always making friends, and so far the A.T. has been full of fantastic folk.

So glad they are still well and safe.

More Tramily. L to R: Clingman, Greyhound, Rabbit, Treadmill, Chop, Cap

“The trail, she’s a mean and jealous b$&@h! You take your eyes off her for a second and she’ll take you down!” – from section hiker Turtle after twisting his knee while looking up to see a view.

As always, take advantage of the opportunity to support Koreen and David in their fight against MS by donating here.

A Grueling Day

by Erin

No matter how advanced you are, when starting off a long distance hike, you have to plan an adjustment period. A time to get your sea (hiking) legs, if you will. And a normal day for these two has ranged anywhere between 8 to 12 miles of hiking. But 10 miles would be considered a good long, successful day of hiking at this point in the game. And 12 miles means they are not only crossing “smoother” terrain, but are often “pushing through”. To be sure, a successful 8 mile day is nothing to shake your head at, and is the more likely scenario when they are traversing over rocks, changing elevations, and/or trampling in soggy weather. Personally, I feel pretty exhausted after a 5 mile trail hike. So this amatuer hiker is super impressed by each day they complete, much less day, after day, after day.

Soo …

Today, they will be crossing an 18 mile stretch of the AT where there is no opportunity for camping. Which means … no room for back up plans or places to stop in case of hardship. Not to mention that they will be pushing through what could be considered 2 full days of hiking. In. One. Day.

Oh. And did I mention that the last 2 miles will be the toughest of the day? Nothing like saving the best for last.

So as you are relaxing on your Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend, maybe doing yard work, running errands, or bbq’ing, feel free to send your extra energy, inspiring vibes, and motivational messages straight their way!

Because today, mile by mile, they will need all that good love.

Pit Stop At The AT Shelters

by Erin
“Thanks again to all of our amazing supporters!”

Fun Fact: There are over 250 shelters along the Appalachian Trail for thru hikers to take advantage of.

“Studies have shown that as few as 10 camp-nights a year in the same place will cause long term observable changes in vegetation in woodlands. A.T. overnight sites see many times that amount of use, so durable, well managed locations are highly desirable.  Only a very small percentage of A.T. hikers camp by themselves.“

May 1st: Koreen and David took shelter on the state line between MD and PA, they stayed with about 10 other hikers this night.

Also a Fun Fact: When it rains, you have to show up early and cop-a-squat to reserve your space, because these coveted shelters may not be much, but they are first come first serve, and they are like gold on a rainy trail night.

Safe in a shelter on May 5th, Koreen and David listen to the rain, while 12 other hikers were swimming in their tents outside. #blessed
May 5th: Dave on the muddy, swampy trail a day after a solid night of rain. Squish, Squish. #justanotherdayonAT

Shelters are an average of about 8 miles apart, but can range from 5 to 15 miles from the last shelter, or even as much as 30 miles apart when there is a town with some sort of lodging in between. Hikers must plan ahead and prepare for tenting on the evenings they aren’t able to snag a bunk.

More Shelter Facts:

  • Shelters are the best places to stay dry in wet weather
  • They are often a good place to meet and talk with other hikers.
  • Most have privies and water sources nearby.
  • Staying at shelters reduces hiker impact on the Trail environment and is a good Leave No Trace practice. It concentrates use in a relatively small area. Meanwhile, other areas stay pristine.
  • There are a few “guidelines” hikers are expected to follow:
    Make room for other hikers. Concentrate your gear into a small space.
    Keep the grounds litter-free. Carry out all your trash and leftover food.
    Make phone calls and smoke away from the shelter. These activities may be pleasurable for you, but for your shelter mates, not so much.
    Don’t cut down trees. Collect sticks and downed small limbs along the trail’s edge as you approach your destination for kindling. Keep fires small to conserve wood and avoid unsightly unburned logs.
    Dispose of waste liquids at least 100 feet from the shelter and 200 feet from water sources.
    If a shelter has a privy, use it. If not, dig a cathole 200′ feet from the shelter (6-8″ deep, 3-4″ deep). Bring a trowel or tent stake for this purpose.
    If you have a dog, consider tenting. It’s not a requirement, just a courtesy, especially if your dog barks, growls, drools, is wet or muddy, or is over-friendly. Consider that your dog may have ticks. Keep your dog on a leash at all times, and on a short leash if you bring him or her to the shelter to meet hikers.
    If you snore, tent. Not everyone will realize they snore, so bring earplugs just in case.
    Don’t tag (graffiti) the shelter. You can express yourself and get artistic in the shelter register.
    Avoid eating in the shelter if at all possible. Spilled food can attract rodents and other animals.
    Do not leave or burn trash or garbage in the fire pit. Don’t leave extra food in the shelter, in any storage boxes, or hanging from trees, either.
    Sweep out the shelter when you arrive and leave as even the smallest crumbs can attract rodents. 
    Be considerate of others hikers. All  shelter etiquette boils down to common courtesy in a very small shared space. Visit our Leave No Trace page to learn more tips on how you can preserve the trail and its environment. 
May 7th: Lunch stop at Quarry Gap Shelter, then back on the trail.

Don’t forget to monitor Koreen and David’s progress on the SPOT locator found in the Main Menu section at the top of the blog.

As always, take advantage of the opportunity to support Koreen and David in their fight against MS by donating here.