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Blind Hiker Tackles Appalachian Trail With Only His Wits and a GPS
Hiking the Appalachian Trail is no small feat. Its 2,174 miles of winding trail is steep, rocky, and occasionally treacherous. If you manage to walk the length of it in one shot, it constitutes a badge of courage. If you do it without ever being able to see the ground in front of you, well, that's newsworthy.
Mike Hanson is an avid outdoorsman, a bit of a gadget hound, and completely blind. And, despite this disability, he plans to hike the entire Appalachian Trail -- unassisted. Previous attempts by blind individuals to tackle the trail have included guides and seeing-eye dogs, but Hanson will be facing the challenge with nothing more than a cane, a GPS receiver, and his tremendous will.
Hanson has spent the last several years carefully plotting out waypoints on the trail that he will use to guide him. His GPS receiver, which includes text-to-speech capabilities, is accurate to within 10 feet and will alert Hanson if he wanders even slightly off trail.
The mapping software was already given a test run in 2006 when Hanson completed roughly 30 miles of the Trail in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. With that out of the way, March 3rd is the moment of truth. Hanson will be setting out with his GPS and backpack, and touching base via his blog (www.blindhiker.com) and Facebook along the way.
The last obstacle to overcome is funding. He estimated that he would need $25,000 to complete the trail, but so far he has only collected $9,000. He's hoping that generous supporters will donate the rest along the way, but he won't let the shortage of money delay him for even a moment.
All that's left to do is wish Mike the best of luck, and bookmark that Facebook page; we're sure there will be some interesting updates coming soon. [From: Backpacker Blog and StarTribune]
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Comments
11
Subscribe to commentsRobinMar 2nd 2010 9:21AM
I interviewed Mike yesterday, see blog entry:
http://backpackbasecamp.com/basecamp/blogengine.net/post/2010/03/02/Interview-with-Blind-AT-Hiker-Walking-2175-Miles.aspx
LizabetsyMar 3rd 2010 7:10AM
I know a couple of men who have thought about or attempted to "through" hike the AT. None have made it. It takes a special breed and isn't for sissies! Go Mike!!
robertMar 3rd 2010 7:33AM
My wife and I have hike the trail TWICE and can not imagine why "Mike" requires $25,000 to attempt it. God Bless brother Mike. But, I want receipts
DavidMar 3rd 2010 7:57AM
why does someone need 25,000 to walk in the woods on a trail that many people have done so many times before? can anyone tell me why he needs 25,000?
borisMar 3rd 2010 8:26AM
my son is planning on hiking the trail.. and has done massive amounts of research... mostly at my insistance..there is no way it costs that much to hike the trail.. there are no fees for being on the trail.. they only cost is food, equipment and emergency funds should you need it.. 25,000?.. is he planning on staying at a hotel every night?
that being said.. this is a foolish attempt for a blind person to do.. alone.. only for safety reasons.. no reason why he shouldn't do it.. but for god's sake.. take someone with you.. even if all they are is a companion.. and before you jump my butt.. i was raised by 2 blind parents amoungst many blind friends and acquaintences and there's nothing they can't do (except drive :) )..my dad himself walked part of the trail as a kid.. with friends.. and HE even says he wouldn't attempt it alone as a blind man..and he's fearless!
ttrexxxMar 3rd 2010 9:15AM
Yea, but the guide dog said no way.This guy is stupid and blind.
donraymMar 3rd 2010 4:56PM
Only a lawyer would be this stupid. Nonetheless, I wish him luck.
MikeMar 4th 2010 8:37PM
I crossed the AT by car twice today in Georgia at 3,000' at Unicoi Gap on GA75, a 1-2 day hike from the beginning of the AT. There's heavy snow up there everywhere because of a surprise storm yesterday so I wonder if Mike started as scheduled. It could be the heaviest snow up there in 5-10 years right now.
aznagtrekMar 10th 2010 7:48AM
Hassan is a federal Mountain guide & Trek organizer in Morocco , he is specialized in climbing , hike, cycling, mountain security, sking monitor, he was graduated by FRMSM & CRET
Hassan was a Tour leader with different Travel Agencies in Morocco and knew all destinations and the high Atlas Mountains, Sahara and the Atlantique coast, he has crossed them several times. He loves his job and still wishing to spend his life discovering the beautiful places, forgotten traditions and Berber hospitality.
As Hassan was born in a Berber family he is always proud to introduce his own culture to the foreign people whom wants to know the berbers of the North Africa .
In addition to this he is an actif person in the village he was qualified to create adeveloppement Association of the village AWASTAGH. New
bay : www.aznagtrek.com
I_de_clareApr 6th 2010 12:13AM
Hey! Mike and Gary, what a great country! Scenic and colorful so it seems I can nearly smell the woods! I hope you have plenty of food and snacks. Nooooo foot blisters, and more film for the rest of the hike. I am so proud of you! God bless you both and everything about the trip!!! I'm sending love, prayers, and so happy to hear your comments. Forever friend, Clare
laine walterJul 31st 2010 11:24AM
I know of another blind hiker who hiked the trail prior