Triple Crown? It could happen

By Rachel Pritchett, synod communicator

No one can seem to keep up with the Rev. Mary Davison, 70.

Wiry and full of energy, the retired Tacoma-area pastor has hiked all 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail, mostly by herself. She is almost done hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. That would be 2,600 miles.

"I just can't seem to hang up my hiking gear yet, because I'm going to start the Continental Divide Trail," she said. One foot in front of the other, Davidson will attempt that trail — between 2,300 miles and 3,100 miles, depending on route choices — starting in April and perhaps continuing over the next five years.

If she completes that third ambitious attempt, she'll have triumphed in the hikers' "Triple Crown." She may become the oldest female to do so.

"I'm not a fast hiker, but stubbornness is my strong point," she said. Davison averages about a dozen miles a day.

"It's beautiful. You meet incredible interesting people. There's tremendous goal-setting, problem-solving and learning about yourself, others and this wonderful creation" she said. Somethings she gathers hikers she encounters and worships using Marty Haugen's "Holden Evening Prayer."

"On the long hikes I miss the worshiping community," said Davison, who had a knee replacement last year.

Davison's a lifelong hiker, but got her start in long-distance hiking when she completed the Wonderland Trail at Mount Rainier at 60 with her daughter. Her progress can be tracked at trailjournals.com. Search for "Medicare Pastor."