Congrats to Andy Skurka!!

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Quite the achievement!! 6,875 mile continuous backpack starting at the Grand Canyon, looping the western states, and ending back at the Grand Canyon.

Me and Tracy were privileged to be able to participate in Andy's return to Grandview point this past weekend. It was a fun event.

Major kudos go out to his family, sponsors, and followers who supported him along the way. Great bunch of people.

I know that American_idol and Fairweather8588 have followed Andy's trip a lot longer than we have, but after meeting him a few weekends ago, I can say that, I for one, was hooked. Just had to make the trip to the GC to see him finish. He's a really great guy, and loves what he does.

http://www.andrewskurka.com

desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

Congrats indeed ..had been following him on line off and on. Very awesome accomplishment.

Love to go hear him speak ...
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paintninaz · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 3515

It was fun being there to see him complete this trek, he was beaming! He even remembered us!

We had a chance to chat with his mom and sisters while we waited for him to top out at Grandview (his dad and brother-in-law were busy keeping an eye out along the trail), the entire Skurka family is super friendly, easy to see where Andy gets it.

It was pretty funny to watch the tourists and other hikers coming out while all the champagne was being poured and the pics were being taken...they were all just stunned as they read the banner Shocked

"6,875 miles?...On his FEET?" was the common response. Chuckle

Once again, Congrats Andy! Beer

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Tommy · Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 192

This is just an AWESOME feat!
30+ miles per day on average for 7 months. Some stretches 200-300 miles between resupply. Bushwacking and routefinding through huge lengths of un-maintained or nonexistent trails. Little opportunity for human company.. and on and on.. Truly inspiring!!

MikeInFHAZ · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 1401 Location: location location

for me its not really impressive that he did the mileage, but that he's so in tune with his passion for backpacking. Living the dream, man, its got to be good. That, is impressive!
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Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Suz · Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186

Agreed....amazing indeed! Can't even imagine all the planning that went into it. I bet that took more time than the actual trip itself. Crazy

fairweather8588 · Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 716

His passion definitly rekindled mine. Still have the goal of a AZT trek after college, hopefully setting a speed record
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oliverr99 · Joined: 04 Jul 2006 Posts: 632 Location: Glendale

Wow, that is really cool you guys were there to see him finish. I am glad to hear he remembered you two! It truly was honorable to meet him.
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threedogz · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 668 Location: Chandler

Wow, that is so awesome. They all look so happy in that image.

He sacrificed a lot to meet his goal, it is a great achievement and he represents and defines the meaning of a "role model". Not too many of them these days.
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MikeInFHAZ · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 1401 Location: location location

well of course Tom, I mean he did go really far, but in Andy's own words he did say that his daily life isnt really that exciting, and plenty of other hikers are doing long distance hiking. Skurka didnt seem to think much of his long hike, or at least he was very humble about the whole trip. but Im really impressed that his passion leads to his action. Setting and acheiving a goal is the key, however large or small. We went way beyond the usual chatter about gear and hiking and touched on several key factors that make us who we are, and I think we will remain friends regardless that we both are in the ultralight "community". Idea

We're not dealing with a chimp here, fellas.
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IGO · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 4144 Location: Las Vegas

fairweather8588 · Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 716

A personal goal to have. To see if I can mentally push myself, to look back and be able to be proud that I've accomplished such a feat, to have a story to tell the grandkids, and many more reasons
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But let the mind beware, that though the flesh be bugged, the circumstances of existence are pretty glorious

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Matt Hoffman · Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 701 Location: Grantham, NH

azbackpackr · Posted: 11/6/2007, 3:49 am Post subject:

I've been thinking about this a lot. It seems that the ultralight revolution in backpacking has been mostly utilized by people who might enjoy going really fast and/or really far. This is okay with me if that is what they want to do. (I think, like IGO, I can relate much better to "really far" but can't relate very well to "really fast.") But a lot of us could definitely use the info these people have developed as far as ultralight gear and techniques! A lot of us have bad knees, we are getting older, our bodies don't respond like they used to, we tire more easily. This super-ultralight gear could totally revolutionize the sport, and people like me could go for two-week or longer backpacking trips with far less pain. So I pay attention to this information, even though I would personally prefer going more slowly and savoring the view, camping a couple nights here, a couple nights there, etc.