Jeff Hollis Appalachian Trail Hike
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Avid Backpacker Follows his Dream to Hike the Appalachian Trail
I’m Mark Huling and my good friend Jeff Hollis will be attempting to hike the Appalachian Trail starting March 16, 2017. The hike will be 2,190 miles long, traveling through 14 states, and will take about 6 months to complete. While Jeff has been a backpacker for a long time, this will no doubt be the biggest challenge of his life. The elevation gain for the Appalachian Trail is equivalent to hiking up Mt. Everest 16 times but the mental challenge will be the toughest part. Hiking through rain, sleet, cold, heat, bugs, pain, and injuries will require his total commitment. It is has been roughly estimated that maybe 25% of people who start out hiking the AT actually finish. But no scientifics data exists so many believe the completion rate is less than 15%. For someone Jeff’s age of 57 the odds are even less.
The Appalachian Trail has been a life-long dream of Jeff’s since his first backpacking trip along a portion of the trail with friends while still in high school in Virginia. Even though he had considered hiking the entire AT several times, it was musing over a job transition in November that led him to an epiphany: This was his opportunity to finally fulfill his dream!
Jeff has initially invested about $1,500 in gear. Every four to five days he will need to replenish his food supply, add a few trail necessities, take a shower, and wash clothes. Those costs will add up to at least another $7,000. His friend Jeff Lawler will be his support person, storing and sending him gear along the trail as the seasons change.
I have set up this Go Fund account to help Jeff defer some of his expenses. If you are able to contribute to his hike, we will both be extremely grateful. Fifteen percent of your donation will go to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, which is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization, and that portion of your contribution is tax deductible. The ATC is the largest volunteer organization in the world that built and maintains the Appalachian Trail for the enjoyment of everyone.
You can follow Jeff on his hike by asking to join his Facebook group, Prone 2 Wander on the Appalachian Trail: Prone 2 Wander on the Appalachian Trail
Thank you for following him on his journey and lending your moral and or financial support to his dream. We are truly thankful for your kindness.
Mark Huling
I’m Mark Huling and my good friend Jeff Hollis will be attempting to hike the Appalachian Trail starting March 16, 2017. The hike will be 2,190 miles long, traveling through 14 states, and will take about 6 months to complete. While Jeff has been a backpacker for a long time, this will no doubt be the biggest challenge of his life. The elevation gain for the Appalachian Trail is equivalent to hiking up Mt. Everest 16 times but the mental challenge will be the toughest part. Hiking through rain, sleet, cold, heat, bugs, pain, and injuries will require his total commitment. It is has been roughly estimated that maybe 25% of people who start out hiking the AT actually finish. But no scientifics data exists so many believe the completion rate is less than 15%. For someone Jeff’s age of 57 the odds are even less.
The Appalachian Trail has been a life-long dream of Jeff’s since his first backpacking trip along a portion of the trail with friends while still in high school in Virginia. Even though he had considered hiking the entire AT several times, it was musing over a job transition in November that led him to an epiphany: This was his opportunity to finally fulfill his dream!
Jeff has initially invested about $1,500 in gear. Every four to five days he will need to replenish his food supply, add a few trail necessities, take a shower, and wash clothes. Those costs will add up to at least another $7,000. His friend Jeff Lawler will be his support person, storing and sending him gear along the trail as the seasons change.
I have set up this Go Fund account to help Jeff defer some of his expenses. If you are able to contribute to his hike, we will both be extremely grateful. Fifteen percent of your donation will go to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, which is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization, and that portion of your contribution is tax deductible. The ATC is the largest volunteer organization in the world that built and maintains the Appalachian Trail for the enjoyment of everyone.
You can follow Jeff on his hike by asking to join his Facebook group, Prone 2 Wander on the Appalachian Trail: Prone 2 Wander on the Appalachian Trail
Thank you for following him on his journey and lending your moral and or financial support to his dream. We are truly thankful for your kindness.
Mark Huling
Organizer and beneficiary
Mark Huling
Organizer
Ormond Beach, FL
Jeffrey Hollis
Beneficiary
