By Chris LaClair
EAGLE TIMES SPORTS EDITOR
Mother Nature tried her very best to derail Jagger Lovely’s mission of completing the 273-mile hike along the Long Trail in Vermont. The journey began at the Hazen Cabin north of North Adams, Mass., and ended at the Canadian border.
Lovely barely missed his goal of completing the hike in only 10 days by a half day due to the challenges of the weather.
Jagger spent his final day leaving the hut at 5 a.m. after suffering a short night of sleep (with no help of the mice who were nibbling on his ears). The final leg of the hike consisted of 6,500 feet of mountain over a 17.2-mile span.
“The highlight of the day was nice weather, a clear view on top of Jay Peak, and of course the final destination of end day of the trail,” Jagger said.
Jagger finished the trail at 1:28 p.m. His father PJ Lovely, who was his crew man during the expedition, said his son’s performance was “a supreme effort in unpredictable conditions which is the fun part of the journey.”
All in all, Jagger finished the hike in 10.5 hours, traveled 272 miles over 68,000 vertical feet with an average of 26.5 miles per day.
“We met some interesting characters, had a splendid adventure we both can cherish.” PJ Lovely said. “ I was blessed to support him, and even more awed by his effort; tired feet, sore knees, but never a complaint about conditions, tiredness, or any part of his journey.”
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