It’s time once again to check in with our intrepid Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, alum Mackenzie Wieder, as she hiked through Vermont on her trek north. Amid the trail mud and steep hills, Mackenzie took her time to avoid a hiking accident, but was on hand when another hiker suffered a fall and probable broken ankle, rendering him unable to walk any further. Constructing a splint and searching for help, Mackenzie later wrote, “Our only option at this point was to call EMTs to perform a mountain rescue. By this point a bunch of other hikers we know had caught up and were trying to help in any way they could.” After a few hours, the injured hiker was transported to safety, and Mackenzie’s trek continued.
She writes: “It has rejuvenated my spirit to be out here and reminded me how lucky I am to be doing something I love every day. It is easy to become jaded by the rain, bugs, mud, rocks, and lack of views, but then I remember that I am surrounded by a community of people who banded together to help a fellow hiker in need. I remember that soon this adventure will be over and I will want more than anything to be back out here. Thru-hiking is tough but it is the most rewarding experience. And with that, I keep moving forward.” You can read more about Mackenzie’s journey here. It appears that Mackenzie has under 500 miles left to hike along the 2190 miles of the trail. You go, girl!