Couple hikes lower half of the Appalachian Trail

Posted
Photos courtesy Pat and Susie Pline Pat and Susie Pline take a snapshot in Springer Mountain, Ga., as they begin their trek along the Appalachian Trail. Photos courtesy Pat and Susie Pline
Pat and Susie Pline take a snapshot in Springer Mountain, Ga., as they begin their trek along the Appalachian Trail.

By Casey Crow

Staff Writer

Pat and Susie Pline of Pagosa Springs recently finished hiking the lower half of the Appalachian Trail at the age of 63 and 64.

The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest trails in the world, measuring roughly 2,180 miles in length. The trail goes through fourteen states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian mountain range. The northern terminus is in Katahdin, Maine, and the southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Ga. The total elevation gain from hiking the entire trail is equivalent to climbing Mount Everest 16 times.

After extensive preparation, the Plines began their three-month journey on March 15, 2015, in Springer Mountain, and finished in Boiling Spring, Pa., after hiking for three months across 1,200 miles.

Along the trail they met an eclectic group of nature-enthusiasts, all of whom were referred to by their “trail names.” The Plines befriended a waiter from New York City called Boomabang, Chanty and Salty from Switzerland, ukulele-playing Peace Dog and Sherpa Sam who always slept in a hammock.

The full version of this story is available in the print edition and e-edition of the Pagosa Springs SUN. Subscribe today by calling (970)264-2100 or click here.