Out of the Whites and into the Wildcats

by Erin

The White Mountains of the AT, apart of the Presidential Range, are nothing short of gorgeous and provide for some pretty spectacular views. They are also no joke and require a lot of heart and grit by AT hikers to cross over. For example, known for some of the worst weather on Earth, Mt. Washington at 6288 feet is home to the highest recorded wind record at 231 mph! Average wind power at it’s peak is 35 mph and it is covered by clouds 55% of the time, with snow falling every month of the year. Rabbit and Greyhound didn’t make a big fuss as they where reporting in, but check out this description of the Whites to get a good idea of what our power couple just plowed through.

I mean, when you see a sign like this … any sane person would start to second guess …
Lake of the Clouds Hut, Mt Washington

Included below, are some innocent pics of the Cog Railroad that Rabbit and Greyhound came across during the hike of Mt. Washington. They have not admitted to it (and picture proof could have them held to charges for it), but I wouldn’t be surprised if one or both of them took part in this AT tradition of Mooning the Cog.

The most notable summits of the White Mountains are named after American Presidents, i.e. Mt. Washington, Mt. Eisenhower, Mt. Monroe, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Quincy Adams. Of which, Koreen and David will have to label for us later from these photos they shared. For now, simply enjoy some of the beautiful views they have been witness to that prove that some of this hard work is worth the reward.

Cairn at peak of Mt. Eisenhower

After their exhausting but satisfying trek through the White Mountains, Rabbit and Greyhound underwent an equally taxing adventure of the the Wildcat Mountain. This Mountain is apart of the Carter-Moriah Range, and is actually made up of multiple peaks, conveniently labeled, A, B, C, D, and E. Here David and Koreen are atop Peak E at 4046 feet, one of many 4k mountain peaks our daring hikers summited during their trails of the NH mountain ranges.

Peak E Wildcat Mountain

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) generously maintain multiple huts or tent sites along this portion of the trail. Some of which are like remote mountain hotels. Here a few AT hikers are selected daily to Work For (their) Stay, and Koreen and David have been picked a few times. It’s a pretty good gig. After you put in a couple hours of hard work (of which, thanks to Schlotzsky’s, David has been well prepared for) you earn a free nights sleep and a piece of the pie (part of the meal they helped prepare for the paying guests). And while I don’t believe a big enough piece of pie exists to convince David to spend any amount of hours laboring in a Schlotztky’s again, here are some pictures of them being put to more welcomed labor at one of the AMC huts. Also, doesn’t David look great in yellow?

There is more than 300 miles of mountain terrain the AMC helps to maintain. You can see some of the trail maintenance being undergone below, of which much of the proceeds earned by the AMC helps provide. It’s good hearted people and organizations like this that keep the Appalachian Trail alive and safe for these adventurous hikers.

Enjoying an evening with fellow AT hikers outside of Carter Notch Hut in the Wildcat Mountains
Carter Notch Hut

Thanks again for checking in on Rabbit and Greyhound, they enjoy sharing their exploits and are ever grateful for all of your loving support.

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

Blazing

by Erin

While indeed, this courageous pair have been blazing their way through their journey of the AT (Appalachian Trail), their speedy efforts are not the “blazing” I am alluding to.

Some of you may have noticed the painted white marks that keep popping up on the trees and rocks of Koreen and David’s photos. These painted marks are called “blazes” and they are strategically placed as the bread crumbs (if you will) that guide thru-hikers on their journey of the AT.

Single White Blazes

“White blazes mark the A.T. and may be located on trees, rocks, posts or guardrails, among other places.”

​Double White Blazes

“Two white blazes, one above the other, signal an obscure turn, route changes, an incoming side trail or other situation that requires you to be especially alert to changes in direction. Sometimes the two blazes will be offset in the direction of the turn.”

While these comforting white guide posts have been a beacon along their path for many the mile, our intrepid hikers have reached a portion of the trail where blazing is not an option. Deep into New Hampshire, Greyhound and Rabbit have summited Cube Mt., Moose Mt., Mt. Smart, and Mt. Moosilauke. And I mean, Daaaaaaammmmn friends, they be moving their cute little behinds pretty fast.

But the reason blazing is not a thing in this part of NH is because the terrain is often covered in snow, rendering the white trail marks invisible. And even in these dog days of summer, when snow is not the culprit, the weather above the treeline in these mountains is often rough enough to wear away any painted blaze marks attempted to be placed on the rocks.

Instead, the AT thru hikers who travel the New Hampshire White Mountains are following a path of something called Rock Cairns. Cairns are mounds of rock piled high and likewise strategically placed along the path, used to guide hikers along their way just as the painted white blaze marks had done throughout the rest of the AT. They are easy to spot, they withstand all 4 seasons, and there are never any shortage of rocks in this part of the trail, so they are easy to build.

Also a great game of Jenga

Distance between blazes and cairns vary, but they say if you have gone a few hundred yards without seeing a blaze, it’s best to stop. Retrace your steps until you locate a blaze. Then, check to make sure you hadn’t missed a turn.

There are 25 federally designated wilderness areas the AT passes through. Here blazing is intentionally much less frequent and signage is minimal to retain the wilderness character of the land. In these areas found in Georgia through Virginia, and Vermont and New Hampshire, blazes may be 1/4 mile apart, and side trails may not be marked at all. Carrying a map and compass are especially important. Thankfully, Greyhound and Rabbit are smart hikers, and are also continually adopting new Tramily into their fold. So between their smarts and their charm, they are in good hands.

  • Giddy Up and Greyhound
  • Rabbit and Giddy Up
(L to R) Giddy Up, Greyhound, and Rabbit
Tramily at the top of Mt. Moosilauke

Now back to they blazing pace of our zealous hikers. Here high into the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Greyhound and Rabbit are well on their way to Mt. Washington, the 4th highest elevation of the AT trail. To be fair, mountains are not new to our native Alaskans. However, as we all know, there has been such a long journey including over 700 miles of sweat and tears (David’s), that have brought this pair to the point they are at today. And while these “mountains” may not be able to touch some of the amazing heights of those they have otherwise encountered in Alaska, the up and over, mile after mile, day after day, and peak after peak of New Hampshire’s long portion of the AT is a new testimony to the guts and glory Greyhound and Rabbit are displaying in the name of their fight against MS.

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

Birthday Wishes

by Erin

With this adorable video sent out into the world, there may be some new comers to the blog. So if you are just tuning in, this is Koreen Burrow and David Fox (trail names: Rabbit and Greyhound). They are two stubbornly committed MS warriors who are hiking their way through the Appalachian Trail in hopes of raising donations to reach their goal (and the goal of all MS fighters) to live in a world free of Multiple Sclerosis. And they are crushing it. #foxburrowcrushms

You can read their full story in the link on the side bar. These posts are a record of their journey. I encourage you to follow their quest by using the link to follow this blog.

A huge congrats to Koreen and David for hitting 700 miles!!! And “almost” a third of the way through the 2200 miles of Appalachian Trail! You are amazing, and we are here ever cheering you on.

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

State by State

by Erin

As I think of Koreen and David hiking day after day, and sweating through all of their hiking gear, I can’t help but imagine Dory in my head chanting “just keep swimming, just keep swimming”. It makes me wish I could drive over and hand them a beer. Thankfully, this wonderful Trail Angel, did just that.

Steve is one of the many thoughtful souls who travel the AT and leave treats for the AT thru hikers. They keep them well cared for and raise their spirits. Koreen and David met Steve on the trail in Vermont where he had burgers, hot dogs, soda pop, beer and all sorts of other goodies. Dave even sweet talked him out of a couple extra beers to take with them for the campsite. Which was well worth the added pack weight for a night. Steve is a good man.

Passing between New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and on their way through Vermont, they have ventured through some really beautiful trails, crushed mile after mile of mud, happened upon some fun rock art gardens, and spent a little extra time frolicking in the flowers along the way. Yet the most impressive in my book is discovering that Koreen can scale a rock side as well as any mountain goat. #holdmyms #ihaveamountaintoclimb

Once again, I am left amazed at how much they have already accomplished and dumbfounded at how much further they have yet to go.

As always, keep on keep on, you MS crushing masters of the trail.

Vermud

by Erin

Koreen and David have navigated their way over Stratton Mountain in Vermont and are on their way today to Manchester Center. Just four miles from the Appalachian trail, Manchester Center is a convergence point of the Appalachian and Long Trails, which makes it a hot spot for hikers in the Summer time. While they will go a short distance out of their way, this area is a designated AT Community and they will be able to resupply here where there are many “hiker-friendly” amenities to be found.

These two are still trudging through hot, humid, and buggy conditions, with interspersed rains showers. Far from ideal, Vermont is cleverly dubbed “Vermud”, and there have been no exceptions in regards to our hikers travels. They are putting their equipment and motivation to the test these days. So once again (as I leisurely post from my families lake house on a pleasant and breezy Summer day), keep them in your thoughts and send them encouraging vibes. They are working hard through the Summer to keep pace with their goal to make it through the AT. And with your love, and much appreciated fundraising support, we all hope to help fight MS right along with them.

“For miles and miles” – Koreen.

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

Another High

by Erin

A beautiful hot day of hiking checks Koreen and David into another high point of yet another state. At 3491 feet, Mount Greylock near Lanesborough, MA is the tallest point of Massachusetts and brought along with it 88 degree weather, strong humidity, and “voracious” bugs. It’s not all fun and games, but these two still put on their infectious smiles and keep on hiking.

They met some new friends.

  • Left to Right: Drink Mix, Shoes (his Dad), and Brick

And have this to say about their travels so far:

“We are getting to the hardest part of the trail. In fact PA prepared us for the rocks. NJ gave us a little break. NY kept us climbing. CT we climbed more and scrambled a lot. MA was the start of the mud with roots and rocks. Soon we’ll enter VT. Supposed to be a mud fest and the mountains get bigger. Then our biggest fear, the whites of NH. And finally on to ME, with the 100 mile wilderness and Mt. Katahdin.”

It amazes me how much they have done in the last 2 months. At the start of the most difficult part of their trail, there is soo many more miles to travel, and soo many more things too look forward to. So keep sending them good vibes. They are pushing hard to put your hard earned donations to work.

Milestones

by Erin

56 days in and Koreen and David have accomplished 500 dirt covered long miles. I think their video says it all.

Keep on keeping on my friends. No one could do this in the same style as you do. We love watching your journey and continue to support your efforts.

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

A Dedication Day

by Erin

There are many worthy causes to support to help further research and ultimately in hopes of finding cures to all sorts of diseases and conditions. And while MS is soo relivant to their lives, and will ever be in the forefront of their efforts, today Koreen and David are dedicating their hike to another cause that is also important to them, the Melanoma Awareness Walk. If they weren’t already engaged in such a noble endeavor as they are, I’m sure they would be there in person. Instead, during their 12 miles from Barrington MA to North Mt. Wilcox shelter, they will be collectively walking in spirit with the many other participants of the Melanoma Walk taking place in Canfield, OH and hosted by the Western Reserve Park.

Take a moment and check out this site to educate yourself on this common but deadly disease. Consider your risk factors, and be proactive in assessment and prevention.