Notice: I've taken a part-time job, and it's definitely affecting my blogging time. I'll continue to add content here as often as possible. Pertinent guest posts are always welcome.

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Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Judy Geisler Completes Hike/Bike of NCT


Judy Geisler on the trail


Judy Geisler completed her 7-year quest to hike and bike the North Country Trail on May 24 in New York. She began on April 25, 2005 at Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota.

Judy's plan has been to hike the sections of trail which were completed off road, and bicycle the road pieces. Her husband, Bob, has been support, driving their motor home, and being there to shuttle her and her bike as needed. It also meant that they did not have to hunt for motels or campsites on the sections where backpacking is difficult. Along the way they also visited many cultural and historic sites. This is a wonderful option for those who have a way to travel in addition to simply on foot.

Judy began the hike with her good friend Adele. In 2005 they completed North Dakota and most of Minnesota for a total of about 900 miles.

In 2006, they returned, and Judy biked a route roughly parallel to the Border Route section, after hearing that it was in bad shape. Wisconsin was next, followed by about half of Michigan's Upper Peninsula

For 2007 the Upper Peninsula was completed

The following year was filled with Michigan's Lower Peninsula which she hiked/ biked from south to north. A beginning on Pennsylvania's western portion was made as well.

2009 saw Judy finishing Pennsylvania and then hiking and riding through the eastern miles in New York. It's not clear exactly what her route was from Rome to Crown Point, but apparently this section was biked, on roads. She was hopeful of completing her quest in 2010.

She spent 2010 wending her way through Ohio. They visited lots of historic sites along the way.



Judy Geisler and Adele at Lake Sakakawea
And with only a relatively few miles left to do in New York's Finger Lakes, Judy finished in June 2011 just south of Cayuga Lake. Sadly, her friend Adele was not able to finish the quest with her. She did not track how many miles were hiked, and how many were biked.

To learn lots more about Judy's adventure, see Judy and Bob's Traveling Pages


See North Country Trail Association




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