Age is just a number for Dale ‘Greybeard‘ Sanders– that is except for when records are up for grabs. The 82 year-old mountain man whose chronicled his adventures in the “Dale On The Trail“ series is now the record holder for oldest man to ever complete the Appalachian Trail in its entirety reports The Washington Post.
Related: Epic Beard Timelapse From 61-Year-Old Appalachian Trail Hiker
Along the 2,194 mile trail, ‘Greybeard’ endured a multitude of challenges to nab the record. Suffering through bouts of bleeding hemorrhoids, heart palpitations, and depression, he found solace in others he met on the trail whom he referred to as “Trail Angels.”
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In the end, ‘Greybeard’ completed the entire AT after shuffling the traditional route to account for late season weather patterns in the northeast (Springer Mountain, GA>Harper’s Ferry, WV | Mount Katahdin, ME> Harper’s Ferry, WV). He finished in Harper’s Ferry, WV where he was met by friends, family, and sparkling cider.
Perhaps more amazing than his most recent accomplishment is his long history of records and physical feats. In 2015, he paddled the entire length of the Mississippi River and in 1959– broke the world record for underwater breath holding. He was also the named spear fishing athlete of the year in 1965.
Who is this guy, the most interesting man in the world or something?
Find the entire Washington Post article here: An 82-year-old man hiked the entire Appalachian Trail. Then he danced a jig.
