‘The Road Precipitates Beautiful Things’
NOLS PNW had the special honor of hosting a couple of runners in our camping loop a couple weekends ago. Ian Klepetar and Katie Visco are running from Seattle to Vancouver (Yes, Canada) with nothing but two backpacks and a bicycle and relying on the kindness of strangers for food and a place to sleep. “Running isn’t just a form of exercise, it can also be a mode of transport”, Katie said. “It’s an excellent way to meet new people and build community.
They made a similar trip last year from Boston, MA to Portland, ME. It was such an empowering and life-changing experience that they decided they wanted to facilitate that experience for others. “We want to encourage people to move on their own two feet and take pride in their accomplishments”, said Ian. So, they’re making this trip to kick of their hospitality network, Adventure Foot – think couchsurfers for runners.
Things that NOLS, Katie, and Ian agree on: self-locomotion holds great personal benefit and mate is a life staple
You can join the network, be a host, be a runner or be both.
From the Katie and Ian Chronicles:
7/21 Seattle >Everett
7/22 Everett > Arlington
HIGHLIGHT: Just South of Arlington, we ran into a group of teenagers hanging out on the side of the road with their bikes. We called out to them, “Hey, come run to Vancouver with us”. They couldn’t believe it “Are you for serious? You’re really doing that?” We chatted with them for a while and they agreed to bike next to us to the nearest intersection. When we got there, one of the kids pulled out his cell phone and called his parents, “Hey, mom. Can we go to Vancouver?” He was sold.
7/23 Arlington > Conway (NOLS)
7/24 Conway > ?
If you happen to be between Conway and Vancouver, you might recognize Ian and Katie by the NOLS stickers they are displaying on their backpacks, oh so proudly.
Good Luck, Footers. Drop us a line from Mapleland!
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