CLP: Lessons Learned from the Nature of the Appalachian Trail
WHEN: Monday, November 28, 2016, 7 – 8:30pm
WHERE: Johns Hall, Room 101
A National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Jennifer Pharr Davis has logged over 13,000 miles of long distance trails on six continents, including thru-hikes of the Pacific Crest Trail, Colorado Trail, Vermont’s Long Trail, numerous trails in Europe, and the Appalachian Trail (three times). Her most recent book, Called Again: A Story of Love and Triumph, chronicles her record-breaking A.T. hike (47 miles per day for 46 days) and has been called “an inspired exploration of the meaning of commitment” by Kirkus Reviews. She’s been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR’s Talk of the Nation, and the CBS Early Show. Jennifer will speak on endurance, maximizing potential and the lessons she learned from nature while on the trail for nearly 47 days.
You can find the following works by Jennifer Pharr Davis in the James B. Duke Library:
Called Again: A Story of Love and Triumph
In 2011, Jennifer Pharr Davis became the overall record holder on the Appalachian Trail. By hiking 2,181 miles in 46 days – an average of 47 miles per day – she became the first female to ever set that mark. But this is not a book about records or numbers; this is a book about endurance and faith, and most of all love.
The most amazing part of this story is not found at the finish, but is discovered through the many challenges, lessons and relationships that present themselves along the trail. This is Jennifer’s story, in her own words, about how she started this journey with a love for hiking and more significantly a love for her husband Brew. Together, they were able to overcome rugged mountains and raging rivers, sleet storms and 100 degree heat, shin-splints and illnesses. They made new friends and tested old friendships; they shared together laughter, and tears – a lot of tears. But, through it all, they fell more in love with one another and with the wilderness.
By completing this extraordinary amateur feat, Jennifer rose above the culture of multi-million dollar sports contracts that is marked by shortcuts and steroids. This is the story of a real person doing something remarkable. Jennifer Pharr Davis is a modern role-model for women – and men. She is an authentic hero.
Five-Star Trails: Asheville
Five-Star Trails Asheville provides in-depth trails descriptions, directions, and commentary on what to expect along the way. Each hike features an individual trail map, elevation profile, and at-a-glance information, helping readers quickly find the perfect trip. Sized to fit in a pocket, the book’s detailed trail descriptions will help readers find their way on and off the trail. Driving directions and GPS trailhead coordinates will help with navigating the myriad of unnamed roads. The trails covered range from those best suited to the novice, families, experienced hikers, or backpackers.
46 Days: Keeping Up with Jennifer Pharr Davis on the Appalachian Trail
46 Days chronicles the trials, successes, joys, and frustrations of Jennifer Pharr Davis’s record-winning Appalachian Trail thru-hike through the eyes of her husband, Brew Davis. Brew lead her pit crew, the group of generous, loving hikers who supported Jen along the way, providing company along the epic trail and as much food as Jen could stomach. Experience the trek with Jen and Brew as they battle shin splints and a stomach scare that threatens to end the attempt early, encounter wildlife at every turn, and meet the colorful cast of characters that help Jen complete her journey. 46 Days also includes an introduction and afterword by Jennifer with first-hand reflections on her life-changing voyage.
Becoming Odyssa: Epic Adventures on the Appalachian Trail
After graduating from college, Jennifer isn’t sure what she wants to do with her life. She is drawn to the Appalachian Trail, a 2175-mile footpath that stretches from Georgia to Maine. Though her friends and family think she’s crazy, she sets out alone to hike the trail, hoping it will give her time to think about what she wants to do next. The next four months are the most physically and emotionally challenging of her life. She quickly discovers that thru-hiking is harder than she had imagined: coping with blisters and aching shoulders from the 30-pound pack she carries; sleeping on the hard wooden floors of trail shelters; hiking through endless torrents of rain and even a blizzard. With every step she takes, Jennifer transitions from an over-confident college graduate to a student of the trail, braving situations she never imagined before her thru-hike. The trail is full of unexpected kindness, generosity, and humor. And when tragedy strikes, she learns that she can depend on other people to help her in times of need.
CLP sponsored by F.U.O.C., I Am That Girl, and The Cothran Center.