Writers Note: Today marks the one year anniversary of when Jennifer Pharr Davis set out to break the Overall Speed Record on the Appalachian Trail. And for me, it marked the beginning of a 22 day adventure that would leave a permanent imprint on my being. It's a bit lengthy but it's my experience and I wanted to share.
It was early May of 20011 when Jennifer Pharr Davis, friend and Current Record Speed Holder of the Appalachian Trail, asked me to assist and photograph her and husband Brew Davis on the northern portion of her hike. Jen and I had spent a great deal of time on the trail together, in fact, our relationship came together and revolved around the trail. We rarely spent time with one another anywhere else. At the time I couldn’t believe what she was asking me to do, but I knew in my heart I wanted to help because I believed in her intentions and I wanted her to succeed.
I asked myself, “Why me?!” I see myself as an average girl who has an intimate love of all things outdoors and I usually have my camera in hand documenting my experiences. I’m not a standout athlete who trains hard, or is into one specific activity, but rather I strive to have equal balance in my life off all things. After discussing the opportunity with my husband Ryan, we decided this was an experience of a lifetime and we had to make it happen.
