Where is this year's "Oldest Thru-Hiker"?

[ldsailor]

I read somewhere about a month ago that an 86 year old hiker is trying to break Grey Beard's record hike of 2017. That was the last I heard of the hiker. Anyone know about the guy? What's his trail name and where is he in his hike? If you are familiar with him, I would also like to know of any web site, Facebook page or web based journal that might be following him.

Thanks!

[ADK Walker]

Was Pappy his trail name? Not sure where he is.

[ldsailor]

Was Pappy his trail name? Not sure where he is.

Yes! I did a search on that and found a reference to him, but I still don't know where he is on the trail.

[Venchka]

By definition he isn’t a Thru Hiker this year. Not yet.
Wayne

[Deacon]

As an aside, does anyone remember Cimmaron, the 88 year old who attempted the AT back in 2011? He made it all the way from Georgia, but just couldn’t get up those near vertical climbs on Katahdin.

I hope Pappy makes it.


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[KCNC]

Pappy is hitting Damascus today. For the record, he's already a Triple-Crowner (all after age 66, I believe) and has checked off several other trails. Just found out he now lives in Myrtle Beach, SC. His real name is Victor Kubilius and he has a FB page. It appears he's benefitting from some Dumbledore-level Trail Magic with people refusing to let him stay in hostels and insisting that he stay in their homes. (Where he gets fed righteously as well.)

My son had dinner with him in Hot Springs a couple of weeks ago and has crossed paths with him several times. I've read that he tweaked his knee at some point but took a few days to rest and kept on walking. I hope that if I make it to 88 I'm in good enough shape to consider this level of activity.

[ldsailor]

By definition he isn’t a Thru Hiker this year. Not yet.

Actually, as I understand it and I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong, not only has he through hiked the AT but has also done so on the PCT and CDT.

As for this year, yes, I agree that nobody is a thru-hiker for the year until they do all 2,190 miles

[capehiker]

It appears he's benefitting from some Dumbledore-level Trail Magic with people refusing to let him stay in hostels and insisting that he stay in their homes. (Where he gets fed righteously as well.).

Just had to quote the above so it doesn’t get lost. That’s one of the best descriptions of trail magic I’ve ever read. Awesome!

[JC13]

Additionally, he has lost his WWII veteran hat somewhere around Erwin, TN and is looking for it.

[MuddyWaters]

Additionally, he has lost his WWII veteran hat somewhere around Erwin, TN and is looking for it.

86=born 1932
There were a few 16-17 yr olds that snuck in
Not sure about 13 or under

[KCNC]

Additionally, he has lost his WWII veteran hat somewhere around Erwin, TN and is looking for it.

*Korean War

My son is just behind him (Roan) and told him to help spread the word.

[JC13]

86=born 1932
There were a few 16-17 yr olds that snuck in
Not sure about 13 or under

Lol, sorry about that, I couldn't recall which war off the top of my head and assumed WWII without checking.

[KCNC]

His hat has been found - a shuttle driver in Erwin undertook a search of the town and tracked it down.

[shelb]

Actually, as I understand it and I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong, not only has he through hiked the AT but has also done so on the PCT and CDT.

Great article on Pappy here. (The Trek has many cool articles... FYI)

[Feral Bill]

I am now officially out of excuses.

[black chucks]

Victor Kubilius. 87 years old.

https://www.facebook.com/kubilius1

Looks like he's in Maine headed south on his flip-flop, hoping to finish his 2018 thru in December.

More...

[Venchka]

Actually, as I understand it and I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong, not only has he through hiked the AT but has also done so on the PCT and CDT.

As for this year, yes, I agree that nobody is a thru-hiker for the year until they do all 2,190 miles

Thanks. When I wrote that I wasn’t aware of his prior exploits.
Good luck to him!
Wayne

[George]

Should be in the whites, his daughter hired a finished nobo to help him - met the 82 yo from last year, grey beard was a lot more with it and fit than pappy - but I could still only hope to be in that condition in my 80's

[jgillam]

We all are.

I am now officially out of excuses.

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[Deacon]

Any word on the whereabouts of Pappy? Did he finish?

At 87 years young, he would set a new record.


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