91-year-old Dale Sanders, known as Grey Beard, had been chipping away at the 3500km Appalachian Trail since September, in a bid to reclaim his record as the oldest person to hike the full length.
His goal is to complete a thru-hike by walking the entire trail in a 12-month period. Currently, he is about three-quarters of the way through hiking a pace of 20km a day, with one day off a week.
Sanders plans to finish, even if he runs out of time for it to count officially. āIām not going to stop unless physically I simply cannot do it anymore,ā he says.
Also in this weekās outdoor news: Kahurangiās Graham Valley Rd reopens early, the return of Canada's breathtaking must-see hike, injured trampers rescued from Mt Taranaki and more.
Missed yesterdayās feature? Hana Black has cycled from China to Sumatra over nine months and spent four years bikepacking from Alaska to Patagonia. We asked Hana to show us whatās in her panniers.
Top reads
Take a look at this week's most read articles at wildernessmag.co.nz.
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Beginner alpinistās death a warning to others
Twenty-six-year-old Wednesday Davis died tragically while climbing Mt Ruapehu. Photo: Wednesday Davis/Instagram
The tragic death of a young hiker on Mt Ruapehu in June 2024 is a reminder to other trampers to plan ahead and be prepared to change those plans.
Coroner Matthew Bates found 26-year-old Wednesday Davis sustained a fatal injury after falling 250m in alpine terrain while hiking to Whangaehu Hut in challenging icy conditions. In his findings, released in May, he said that although Davis was a fit and experienced tramper, she was a beginner at mountaineering. She had received only basic instruction on using crampons the day before her death, and had never learned how to self-arrest.
The following safety recommendations from the Mountain Safety Council, and endorsed by Coroner Bates, are intended to prevent similar tragedies in future:
Beginners need to complete formal training with an alpine professional in a controlled setting before heading into alpine terrain.]
Research the route thoroughly, understand the hazards and skills that are required, and ensure all members of your tramping group can meet these.
Check the conditions and monitor them closely, especially in alpine zones, as these can change quickly. Be prepared to change your plans and turn around.
Establish effective group dynamics with shared decision-making and open communication so everyoneās concerns can be heard.
Ensure your equipment is compatible with alpine conditions.
Our thoughts and condolences are with the whÄnau and friends of Wednesday Davis.
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Hut of the week š”
Photo: DOC | Annabel Newnam, CC BY-NC 2.0
Tautuku Hut, Catlins Conservation Park
This four bunk hut is essentially a shed that was donated to DOC by ex-All Black Laurie Mains.
Constructed in late January 1991, Mains converted the garage and donated it to DOC to be placed in whatās known locally as āSandys Clearingā as a temporary base for goat culling.
Today, the hut is looking better than ever thanks to the work of the volunteers of Permolat Southland. Recent work includes a complete renovation of the hut, the addition of a deck and a new toilet.
Despite its origin as a shed, the four bunk hut offers both comfort and character. Its location makes it a perfect destination for those looking for something a little bit more adventurous and itās an achievable goal for families and those new to tramping. Include the opportunity to visit the magnificent McLean Falls and the trip quickly becomes an irresistible overnight proposition in the Catlins.
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