In the News

[Wildhorse]

Three people fell off a cliff near Moonshiner's Arch. Rescue workers believe alcohol was involved. No joke, apparently. Read about it here: http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Thre ... 00011.html

Traffic has increased significantly on a trail in Virginia over the last few years. Trash, damage to wildlife and land erosion have increased significantly. Imagine that. A local outfitter is sponsoring a Leave No Trace workshop. Another example of prospering from doing the right thing, one might say. Read about it here: http://www.wdbj7.com/video/leave-no-tra ... s/35525754

Heather Anderson broke the unsupported backpacking speed record for the Appalachian Trail last Thursday. Just two years ago, she set the record on the PCT. Truly impressive. She ended the hike the way she began - alone. No police hassle on Katahdin in Maine or on Springer Mountain in Georgia. Moving so quietly and with such a low profile, she must have escaped notice. Its a good way to hike.

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/s ... on-breaks/

[cynthia23]

Wow. Anderson's feat is quite a story. I have to say that personally I find this much more impressive than Jurek's 'supported' trek.

[Wildhorse]

Here is an interesting article at backpacker.com written by another woman who has hiked the Appalachian Trail. She has addressed who addresses the feelings Cynthia has expressed, among other important feelings, and that many of us have felt.

http://www.backpacker.com/trips/long-tr ... ian-trail/

She addresses the difference between supported and unsupported hiking records, and more. The "more" has to do with the effects that women setting such records has had on men. In a paragraph under a photo of Jennifer Pharr Davis, who held the supported speed record until Scott Jurek broke it, she wrote: "You would think that her success would set a new standard of excellence for people to aspire to, but Davis’ accomplishment has actually led to fewer men attempting the supported record. Instead, men are now going for the unsupported record in full force."

And then came Heather "Anish" Anderson. It is delicious irony.

The author, Maggie Wallace, offers great perspectives and describes her own journey with her husband. They have set no speed records, for sure, but what a journey of unsupported mutual support they have enjoyed. She sums it up this way: "we didn’t support each other by leaning against one another; rather, I liken my six months with Mark to being on a see-saw. It was a constant balancing act between two people attached by a common goal–and we never let each other touch the ground." The article ends with a photo of Gail and her husband at the summit of Katahdin. (I hope the rangers were not watching.)

[Hikin_Jim]

I find this much more impressive than Jurek's 'supported' trek.

Hear, hear.

HJ