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.

How’d you Cinco de Mayo?

by Erin

May 5th marks the 8th day since these two amazing kids left the common conveniences of day to day life behind to hike the Appalachian Trail in their mission to help support a world free of MS.

In just one short week, Koreen and David have covered an impressive amount of ground! As they push through the beginning of the longest state this half of the flip flop hike will take them, their hiking goal today will reach Caledonia State Park and will bring them days away from one of the toughest terrain they will cross in the Appalachian trail, the Lehigh Gap . There they will truly be working for all the amazing donations you are so generously contributing. More on the Lehigh Gap as they get nearer, but for today, let’s wish them luck in avoiding black bears and rattle snakes as they hoof through another 10 miles today! What did you do this Cinco de Mayo!?

Here’s to another day of Happy Trails!

I’m beginning to think David is camera shy …

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

Welcome to Pennsylvania

by Erin

They continue on their mission, mile by mile in support of finding an end to MS. Watch Koreen’s vlogs below for an insight to their last few days and a unique PA challenge.

Don’t forget, you can monitor their progress through SPOT in the menu tab.

Day 7
“It’s not where you take the trail … it’s where the trail takes you. “
Koreen’s PA challenge. Listen to her message from day 7 on the trail and cast your votes!

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

Day 3 and Counting

by Erin
Another Message from Koreen, direct from the trail at the Washington Monument, Maryland.

With 12 miles from yesterday already under their belt, David and Koreen planned on a solid 9 miles today, only to push past a campground they didn’t want to settle in and ended up rounding out their 3rd day with a total 14 miles!

Little did they know the last 5 miles would be as grueling as this! Don’t forget to track their progress on SPOT (link is always in the MENU above).

What the Washington Monument looks like when it’s not closed for repairs!

The first step

by Erin

In every journey there is a beginning.

A journey to be filled with adventures, shaken by mistakes, sprinkled with laughter, and salted with tears.

But one best of all overflowing with memories.

At this point, as they trek forth into the beginning of their adventure, I’m pretty sure David is already longing for the end (or a beer break, or an Uber), while Koreen is dreaming about all the moments in the middle. The sun and the rain, the life and the beauty, the smooth trails and rocky peaks, and the friends along the way.

Their path is an ongoing journey that they began over 10 years ago, and one they continue to master their way through. Together.

There has been soo much to consider, to worry over, and to plan. And they’ve reached the point where “we’ve done what we can” to prepare, and it will all work itself out from here.

So let’s wish these two the best of luck as today they take the first steps of their next adventure in the “flip flop thru-hike” of the Appalachian Trail.

We look forward to watching their progress and rejoicing with them in each of their milestones.

We love you, we walk with you in spirit, and support you in mind and hearts throughout your efforts to help find the cure to MS.

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

Count Down

by Erin

With only 7 days to go until they hit the hiking trails, Koreen and David have already put in many miles in support of MS on what will be their last bike ride for the calculable future. Approximately 5-6 months of the calculable future! Follow the blog below, or check back often to monitor their progress.

Starting and Ending their 2019 Bike MS in Arizona, these two knocked out another awesome ride where the sunsets made all the hard work worth it.


Well, the sunsets and the doughnuts.
It was a great ride shared with amazing friends and a festive sombrero sporting bag of bones (and no Dave was not the one wearing the sombrero).

I think I can speak for most of us when I say that we are all excited, inspired, and ever motivated by this power couple! But on the same note, I think that we can also agree that we are 100% nervous. Am I right? Let’s start sending them prayers for a smooth start and an awesome send off coming up this April 25th!

A big thanks to the friends and family who donated to their most recent venture, and keep it coming with all that love and encouragement!

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