Jennifer Pharr Davis reveals her experiences on the Appalachian Trail
Two weeks into Jennifer Pharr Davis' first thru-hikeof the Appalachian Trail in 2004, she was struck by lightning. While changing into a set of dry clothes behind a hiker's shelter during a storm, Davis’ hands grazed the edge of the metal roof just as lightening cracked, sending a jolt of electricity through her spine and down her legs. Over four months later, Davis touched the sign for Mount Katahdin in Maine, a ritual that marks the completion of the Appalachian Trail.
On Tuesday evening in Haldeman Center, Davis addressed a group of Dartmouth students and community members about her adventures as an ultra-long distance hiker.She has hiked over 12,000 miles in six different continents and completed three A.T. hikes. During her most recent one in 2011, Davis set an unofficial record, trekking from Mount Khatadin to Georgia’s Springer Mountain in only 46 days, averaging a pace close to 47 miles per day.
- Courtesy of Milligan College
"If you want to take a break, a good and inexpensive place is the A.T.," Davis said.
Without any long-distance hiking experience, she described the hike as the most challenging five months of her life. The journey, however, proved to be transformative.
"Because of the trail, my values had changed," Davis said.
She began to appreciate simplicity and forged relationships with people unlike herself.
"You become a really good listener because conversation is your only entertainment," she said.
One A.T. hike did not satisfy her desire to explore, so Davis returned to the trail in 2008. This time, she had the support of her husband, who drove a car with supplies throughout her journey. They departed only 12 days after their wedding.
Davis's third and most recent completion of the Appalachian Trail was in 2011. This time, she was determined to conquer the existing record.
"Exploration is twofold," Davis said. "It's about seeing new places and exploring new records."
Battling shin splints, hypothermia and sleet storms, Davis struggled to escape New England. She finally prevailed, thanks to her competitive spirit and loyal husband, setting the record she had chased.
Since her last A.T. hike, Davis has given birth to a daughter, who regularly accompanies her on hikes. Davis hopes to trek through all fifty states with her daughter.
"The Trail is for everyone at every phase of life," Davis said.
The Dartmouth Outing Club sponsored Davis’ talk and hopes to incorporate more termly speakers similar to Davis into their programming, president Mac Murphy ’15 said.