Tag: Appalachian Trail

The Conclusion

by Erin

I don’t know about you guys … but I have just straight been in awe of these two MS warriors since the first time they discussed with me that they were going to try to tackle the Appalachian Trail. I really never had any doubt that they would do it. I think most of us who have had the privilege to get to know these two realize that Koreen will make anything happen after she sets her mind to it. And where Koreen goes, so goes David. For better or for worse. Right? It’s just that I was in awe that they simply weren’t stopping after their previous endeavors. That they had completed a pretty awesome accomplishment when they swept through all 50 states on MS bike rides, only to continue on to set even higher goals by undertaking the formidable journey that is the Appalachian Trail. Yet again furthering their hand in supporting a cure for MS.

The end of Rabbit and Greyhound’s journey came and went quietly here in the internet realm. Because they not only finished earlier than expected, but also in time to go be with their family for the holidays. Celebrating Thanksgiving with Family in Florida, picking up their cat Francis (who by now probably doesn’t remember who they are and will need convincing to return back to RV life), and have hitchhiked (kidding …) their way home to Las Vegas. There they have been soaking in some well deserved rest for the last few weeks. Although, according to Dave, Koreen is still finding her way out of the house to sneak in day hikes from time to time. Because apparently, she’s addicted.

All of it makes me look back, as I have many times along the way during the last 7 months, and realize, I could do more. Couldn’t we all? But they’re out there doing it. Over and over again. It’s amazing, to say the least. However, YOU too are apart of that amazing success! Because with your help, Rabbit and Greyhound have raised over $15,000 in donations to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and it’s bold mission to see a “World Free of MS”! $15,000! And I tell you what my friend, that is just damn fine human-ry right there. I am proud to know them, and I am thankful to be apart of their community of givers.

As most of us know, Koreen is indeed a force to be reckoned with, and an inspiration to all those who would otherwise like to shake their fist at this disease and may not be as capable. But I’m not gonna lie, every step of their journey (both on trail and off), I am continually impressed with the manly steps David takes to keep up with his fireball of a wife. MS does not keep Koreen down. But it sure as hell doesn’t keep Dave down either. And as we celebrate in Koreen’s constant waving of the “F-YOU” flag to MS, I would also like to give a quick shout out to Dave and all the other loved ones who support a family member or friend with MS. David and Koreen are the perfect example of how important it can be to have someone by your side who is willing to walk, crawl, scoot, or wheel their way with you through life. I admire them both and am amazed at how hard they work to find a cure for this crappy MS card they have been delt. It is my hope that those of you who are also battling MS have an equally stubborn and supportive loved one in your life cheering you on and keeping you tethered to the real you, the one that MS does not define, and will not contain. And if you have one of those special people in your life, they know you are grateful, but give them a little extra love back today and every day to honor their side of your story. And if you don’t have one of those people in your life, reach out to this beautiful MS community, it is chock full of people ready to throw some love your way.

For our part to the end of this tale, I would encourage you all to join in on their excitement in pushing through yet another incredible effort to support the mission of a world free of MS. Take this opportunity to fully, and wholeheartedly, congratulate them on their success. Leave a note here on the blog, give them a call (now that they have reliable service), or send them a message on FB to shout out your admiration of their accomplishments. (Perhaps just not as long windedly as I myself do, and did.) 😉

And without further ado, and because I know you love them too, and have been anxiously following their journey, please enjoy their final trail video, with all the love and good feels that come along with it.

Side Note: Since 1958 Springer Mountain has been the southern most terminus of the AT. Many AT hikers begin their journey here and conclude their hike at Mount Katahdin in Maine. But as you recall, Greyhound and Rabbit completed what is called a flip-flop through hike, starting their journey about midway in Harper’s Ferry and traveling north to Mount Katahdin. Then returning to Harper’s Ferry and completing the southern portion to round out the 2190 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Phew.

The End is Nigh

by Erin

With only a single state left in their arduous adventure, Rabbit and Greyhound find themselves in the home stretch!

Well, if you can call 110 miles a “home stretch”?

And yet, when you consider the previous miles, it truly does seem minor. A walk in the park, if you will.

A long, demanding, back breaking (or in Rabbit’s case, wrist breaking, and in Greyhound’s case, hip jarring) walk in the park.

Passing over the Wayah Bald in North Carolina, Rabbit and Greyhound have vanquished the 2000 mile marker of their journey! Another huge mile stone in their hike of the Appalachian Trail. And on October 28th they celebrated 6 months since they first set foot on their adventure. A journey consisting of constant formidable trail blazing days of hiking in the name of MS. From here they have a meager 110 more miles before they cross their finish line.

I mean 2-0-0-0 miles! Seriously (not to diminish anyone else’s efforts), but what did you accomplish this year? Or even the last 6 months? Because I sure can’t compare to the dedication and tenacity these two have shown, including celebrating many holidays and both their birthdays out in the wilderness. NOT to mention the years of work they have already put forward in their efforts to further this cause. They are point blank, awesome. And CRUSHING MS.

53′ three-story stone lookout over the Wayah Bald, a vantage point at 5,342 ft. in elevation.
A wildfire spread throughout the Wayah Bald in 2016 leaving the remains of burnt trees amongst the once again beautiful terrain.
Greyhound, Fearless, and Rabbit atop Wayah Bald

To recap a bit on their last few weeks:

Rabbit and Greyhound have hopped around from strategic point to point to get through their southern portion of the Appalachian trail. Completing the miles, but not always in the direct path a traditional thru hiker would travel. This has turned their last half of the hike into a compilation of section hikes (without all the conveniences of heading home between hikes or only hiking on the weekends). As you know, they segwayed from the tail end of their Virginia portion of the trail to avoid exhausting heat and troublesome smoke from fires. This was not only hard on Rabbit with her MS, but also a struggle for Greyhound (as I think would be for any hiker on their route). Virginia is home to 544 miles of the Appalachian Trial, more miles than any other state, and they spent almost an entire month within it’s borders. So breaking up the path and heading down to the Smokies was not a difficult choice. Not only did it give them the respite they needed from heat and smoke, but it ensured they were not traveling through the highest elevations of the trail during the coldest time of their journey. When they returned to VA, they had the opportunity to travel through 101 miles of the beautiful Shenandoah National Park. There they enjoyed some beautiful Fall colors and met even more amazing AT hikers. They are now back on their original course. And while they were previously avoiding the heat in VA, and while this is indeed the most southern portion of the trail, they are still having to endure below freezing temperatures by night and brisk weather by day. After all, it is November, and nobody said this was going to be easy (I can see David scoffing at that while reading it).

Beautiful Fall colors from the scenic Shuckstack Tower
Rabbit and Fearless at the Fontana Dam
Greyhound submitting his required overnight-stay permit at the END of the Smokey Mountain trail.
Rabbit and Fearless hiking Wesser Bald

The highest point in the entire Appalachian Trail is found in the midst of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The Smokies are a mountain range running along the Tennessee–North Carolina border. They are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, and form part of the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province. Rabbit and Greyhound summited the tallest point of the Appalachian Trail at Clingmans Dome over a week ago, backpacking up a whopping 6643 feet. The Smokies make up 71 miles of this part of their journey starting south of the Fontana Dam and exiting in the Davenport Gap. There are many notorious landmarks along this path including the Rocky Top of Thunderhead Mountain, Mt. Cammerer, and Charles Bunion.

There have been many bumps and bruises along the way. Including run-ins with snakes, and bears, enduring both smoldering and freezing temperatures, and trudging through some pretty challenging terrain. Through it all, our powerful MS fighting duo have persevered with only days of trail time left before they complete their ambitious journey.

On Tuesday they entered into Georgia, their 14th and final state. From here they will travel the last 110 miles in gratitude. Grateful to be finding an end. Grateful to have made it so far. And most importantly GRATEFUL for all of the love and support you have given them along the way.

Through most of that journey they have had the pleasure of traveling with and being supported by another power duo, Fearless and Giddyup. You’ve seen them appear in many of their travel photos, but I’m sure if you get the chance to catch up with Koreen or David after the hike is over, you will get to hear just how influential they have been to our friends. These two have truly been a God send and are proof that Rabbit and Greyhound had saved up their good karma, as they have done all along their MS journey, in finding and connecting with the most amazing and giving souls.

Greyhound and Fearless
Rabbit and Giddyup

The fundraising portion of their journey is completed, and I’m sure I can speak for them in Thanking each and every one of you for your generosity. As always, if you are interested in donating your time or money to this important cause, you can find the resources here at the MS home site. There are always great ways to give.

  • Siler’s Bald
  • Fall showing off on the trail
  • Fearless in the shadows of the trail
  • Fearless, Chelsea and Greyhound at Derrick Knob Shelter. It was Chelsea’s 30th birthday and she decided to do a solo hike in the Smokies!
  • Timex, Peepshow, and Rabbit at Winding Stair Gap

Section Hiking

by Erin

Greyhound and Rabbit have broken their southern portion of the trail by segwaying down to the Great Smoky Mountains at the North Carolina and Tennessee border. In Virginia they were struggling through 100+ degree weather and smoke from fires, so the cooler weather of the Smoky’s will definitely help ease their journey.

The Smoky’s are home to the highest elevations on the Appalachian Trail and are often snow capped. Going through now will be a much smarter way to tackle both portions of the trail. After tackling 100 miles of tough climbing there, they will head back to Virginia where they hope to find calmer and cooler hiking than there is now.

Along this part of the journey Greyhound and Rabbit are excited to get back in tandom with this hiking duo that have been such a great support system along the way.

Trail Angels : Fearless and Giddyup

Enjoy their most recent check-in from one of the Shelters they stayed in.

Through The Wilds

by Erin

Rabbit and Greyhound (Koreen and David) have reemerged from their time in the 100 mile wilderness, where they gloriously conquered their half way point at 1096 miles!

  • Enjoying the sunrise at 5 am.
  • Drying out hiking gear at the campsite.
  • River Crossing
  • Ragnar, Gils, and Greyhound
  • “What happens on the trail, stays on the trail.”
Rabbit and Greyhound about 40 miles into the 100 mile wilderness and stopping for lunch.
They pushed through 16 miles in one day to camp in this paradise.

Following the wilds, they trudged on in their adventure to top Mt. Katahdin, the tallest point in Maine. At 5267 ft, Mt. Katahdin may not be the tallest peak they will encounter, but it is certainly a feet to be hold. And while it was a bit foggy, they were still able to enjoy some amazing views and relish in their accomplishments.

  • At the top.
  • Cloudy climb.
  • Rainy 10 mile approach trail.
  • Battle of the beards.

From Mt. Katahdin they were transported by a kindly Tramily member to Harper’s Ferry West Virginia. The exact spot where they began their daring adventure just a short 133 days ago.

For those of you keeping track, that is 36.44% of the year.

That’s what I call tenacity.

This transition from Maine back to Virginia is the beginning of their second half of the flip flip thru hike. And while they have many miles behind them. There are many more to go. They are taking a well deserved respite and will venture on into new territory beginning tomorrow.

After Mt. Katahdin, the northern most peak of the AT, Greyhound and Rabbit will begin their trek south.

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

Look At US!

by Erin

A huge shout out to all those who responded to my last post and rallied to help meet (and SUCCEED) Koreen and David’s $10,000 fundraising goal! You did it! They did it!

We will CRUSH MS together!

If I had access to all the names of each of the donors, I’d thank you personally. But know that YOU, and all of the supporters, that have backed this dynamic duo along the way are WELL appreciated. I knew we could do it, I’m proud to be apart of such an encouraging and engaged group of advocates, and I can’t wait to hear from the couple personally when they see how generous you have all been!

Unfortunately that personal recognition will have to be sweetly anticipated, because our MS power team are currently traversing the “100 Mile of Wilderness” portion of the Appalachian Trail, and it could be a while before they are able to properly check in.

Until then, we have upped the ante and raised their goal another $5,000. Because why stop now? And because they still have half the Appalachian Trail to conquer!

You are all amazing, and they certainly couldn’t do what they do without you.

During this stint of the hike, Rabbit and Greyhound (Koreen and David) will have even less contact with the outside world then before. As they cross over the northern most point of their journey that, you guessed it, is made up of 100 miles of trail. Of that 100 miles, they will be without any pit stops or towns to resupply in. That means they have to be prepared to hike the full 100 miles on what they have on their backs as they enter into this section of their hike. All of there tenacity, training, and hard work thus far has prepared them well for this formidable portion of the trail. Because if you can’t hike 10 miles a day, carrying at least a 40 lb pack, including 10 days of food supply, or be prepared to eat toads (just kidding that’s just Dave), than you’re not ready for this round of the dice game. As always, Rabbit and Greyhound are at the mercy of Mother Nature’s whim. It’s bound to rain, there may be bears, and if you truly want to start panicking about their well-being, check out this lovely side note of a blog post, 5 Dangers That Could Kill You Hiking the 100 Mile Wilderness.

The AT does not mess around with their “BEWARE” signs …

But don’t worry too much. This is one of the busiest times to hike this portion of the trail, so there will be plenty of folks around should something go wrong. Hopefully. This however, will also have its own pro’s and con’s. Some sections of the trail may be busy, especially the shelters and campsites. So they will have to plan their day wisely and get to the shelters early, or be willing to tent it. But, it also means they will be adding to their growing list of “Tramily” (trail family), so we’ll get to see some great new faces and get a kick out of each of their trail names.

So, yes. Pro’s and Con’s.

(Let’s hope Greyhound can “con” their way into a sleeping space inside the shelters more often than not.)

Here’s their last message from a few days ago as they crossed over the Bigelow Mountain.

Thanks again for all your continued support.

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

A Challenge To You

by Erin

It has been … 110 days, since these two amazing souls have embarked upon their quest to hike the Appalachian Trail. This trip was not a bucket list item, it wasn’t to prove they could do it, and it certainly was NOT a retirement plan. This adventure was set forth for the singular purpose of raising funds, in support of the research, to end the world of the crippling disease, Multiple Sclerosis.

And one hell of a job they are doing.

We’ve followed along as they have plunged their way through the wilderness, one mile at a time. Each story bringing us closer to them, and bolstering our admiration of their commitment and dedication to each other, and to their cause.

As they are steps away from reaching the half way point of this flip flop thru hike (and currently out of touch in the 100 miles of wilderness in Maine), I put forth a challenge to their followers …

As of today, Koreen and David have raised an impressive $9,334 of their lofty $10,000 goal.

To that I say, Thank You. And Thank You. And Thank you. It amazes me what we can do when we combine the giving hearts of soo many generous souls.

My challenge however is thus:

Can we as a community of supporters, pull from our collective resources and surprise them by capping off this goal before these two have the chance to pass their 1095 mile (and half way point of their 2190 mile long journey)!?

To this, I supply a resounding YES. I whole heartedly believe we can. I also whole heartedly believe it would be the best way for us to congratulate them on their success and to kickstart them into the rest of their journey.

So please, consider today the day you choose to put in your donation, or add to the one you’ve already made! Without sounding too much like a televised prompt (but also taking a page out of their book), consider that a donation could be as simple as $5. Because it would only take 133 of us to forego our coffee or latte today and instead use that $5 to donate toward this awesome couple, for them to reach that goal. Heck. Let’s be bold. Let’s surpass it!

Now, they would never ask this blatantly on their own. They know that you care. That you give what you can when you can, and in any way that you can. I however am shameless enough to ask this boldly on their behalf! Let’s make this happen! Throw a coffee their way. (I’m sure they wish they could also have the real thing.)

And Thank You, also on their behalf, for all that you have already done, for all your continued support, and all the loving ways you show it.

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

Another Mile in The Name of MS

by Erin
“We made it through the famous Mahoosuc Notch and up the Mahoosuc Arm.  The notch is known as the most difficult OR the most fun mile of the AT, making your way through, around and under a huge jumbled pile of boulders.  The Arm is one of the steepest continuous climbs on the AT.  After making it through the Notch, the three of us voted it fun, but the SLOWEST mile of the trail!” – Koreen (Rabbit)

Rabbit and Greyhound have made it unscathed through the Presidential and Carter-Moriah Ranges of New Hampshire. They crossed their 900 mile mark on August 5th, and are now well into their path through Maine. There are more adventures to come, and while a lot of the climbing challenges are over, they are still on their way through the notable 100 mile wilderness of ME, followed by the intense climb of Katahdin Mountain, and sooner than you know they will have hit their half way point! Keep them in your thoughts and send them extra love in the next few days so they can feel the support along the way.

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

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.