Hiker in midst of scenic record-breaking trek

“Dateline: Bannoc Pass, Idaho (Associated Press)

"Darkness is falling in the Bitterroots, but Brian Robinson can't stop walking."

"He has been hiking virtually non-stop since sunrise - 30 miles and 13 hours ago. And he still wants to do two more miles before making camp on this remote gap on the Continental Divide. It's another daunting day on the trail for Robinson, who's pushing the limits of endurance on the final legs of an unprecedented 7,400 mile, 22-state trek involving hiking's so-called 'Triple Crown'."

"I'm walking from dawn to dusk every day, seven days a week", he says. Within a month, he hopes to become the first person to hike, in a single calendar year, all three premier 2,000-mile plus national scenic trails in the United States: the Appalachian in the East, Continental Divide in the Rockies, and Pacific Crest in the West.

The trek involves more than a million feet of climbs. Since taking his first steps Jan. 1 at the Appalachian's southern end, Robinson has tramped as much as 41 miles a day and averaged 30 miles a day. He now has fewer than 1,000 miles to go before he makes history.

"Brian has defeated the odds. This is the greatest feat of endurance on any of the trails", said Jeffrey Shaffer of Napa [CA, where I live], author of Pacific Crest Trail guidebooks.

"Some hikers have criticized Robinson's trek, saying the trails were designed to be escapes from modern life's fast pace, not race courses. Robinson said he hopes he doesn't spur an increase in competitive speed hiking. Instead, he hopes the trek helps raise public awareness and support for the trails, which need funding."

The article goes on to say that only two dozen people have achieved hiking's Triple Crown in their lifetimes.

I wasn't looking for input, necessarily. I just thought this article was an appropriate topic for this forum - considering there are so few dealing with the fundamental intent.

Your comments are welcome, though. No salvo's, though. I'm American.”

“Is there anything one can do without somebody finding a reason to criticize?!?! Just a rhetorical question...I'm American too.”

“I'll take a shot here.

"Some hikers have criticized Robinson's trek, saying the trails were designed to be escapes from modern life's fast pace, not race courses."

The trail is what each one of us makes it. He is not racing. He said he walks from sun up to sun down. He can't help BUT get in 30 miles a day. 8) One guy ran the AT using suport vehicals. Whatever! It's his hike, let 'em hike it.

Obi, I know this was not your comment so the response is retorical. Thanks for sharing.”

“Ooops, I may have communicated poorly because I agree, its his hike and he should hike it his way.”

“I have to admit that I have a bit of a...um...mile-counting, peakbagging, numbers-oriented, goal-minded streak in me.

I do enjoy a hike just for its own sake. But I also want to know how many miles I walked. I want to write down how long it took, and I like it when I think I walked fast. The idea of setting goals--distance, time, peaks to bag, whatever--in hiking doesn't bother me. Of course, I am not interested in competing with someone else, it is just a matter of personal accomplishment.

So I have no problem with the guy doing the three trails in a year.”

“Violin, that sure looks like a d!ck walking. Are you calling Brian a d!ck? Lol”

“Funny, I didn't see that stanlee. I guess it's in the mind of the beholder. lol

In a world where it's harder and harder to be the first or only person to do something, I think it's pretty cool that some folks have found ways. It's not for me but it doesn't have to be.”

“"Huh, huh, huh. He said 'harder."”

“Whether you agree with the idea or not, wouldn't it be great to have the time to be able to attempt it?

Some of us have to earn a living, unfortunately.”

“Nigal...sorry but that wasn't your best work. ;-)”

“Sorry. Sometimes something comes over me and I lose control. Too much beavis and Butthead I guess. LOL!”