Tag: End MS

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

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.

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.

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.

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.