Backpackers Training for 30-Mile Hike
Greenies will tackle Art Loeb Trail in February
Christ School's Backpackers are getting better with each hike, whether it is increased physical fitness or knowledge of their gear.
They've even made their own walking sticks.
Every step the Greenies take is a buildup to February 8-11 when 10 boys and two teachers will traverse one of the longest, most difficult trails in North Carolina. And though precautions will be taken, weather could still be an issue in the Pisgah National Forest.
Pierce Parker '19 is confident that he and the Backpackers have what it takes to conquer the elements and elevation changes of the 30.1-mile Art Loeb Trail.
"In backpacking, we are a team. If one of us stops, we all stop," Pierce said. "We have already hiked a couple mountains in preparation for the hike we plan to start in February. The program is led by Mr. (Marcel) Duhaime and Mr. (Brent) Kaneft who are both avid backpackers and outdoorsmen. So it is very fun and includes beautiful views. This is a great sport for the winter and a great experience for people looking for an introduction to backpacking or mastering their own skills. I would recommend the sport to anyone."
The Art Loeb Trail is broken into four sections. The first section starts near the Davidson River Campground, about a half-hour drive from Christ School. There are many other campsites along the trail.
The Backpackers will do a couple overnight hikes between now and February. Right now, their daily hikes are less than five miles, but that distance will increase after Thanksgiving Break. Duhaime and Kaneft take the boys off campus once a week, generally on Wednesdays.
Earlier this month, the team attended a Walking Stick Workshop at Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, N.C. The Greenies have been using their homemade wooden sticks every since then.
In addition to Parker Pierce, the Backpackers are David Cashio '19, Robert Dong '21, Lawrence Freeman '18, Jonathan Harris '18, Daniel Liang '21, Edward Lin '21, Nicholas Loftin '18, Mark Yu '21, and Christian Blanks '19.
