4's Over 70?

[Kevin Rooney]

Have people heard of a new list called "The 4's over 70"? The 4's refer to the NH 4K or higher mountains, and 70 refers to a hiker's age. You become eligible for beginning the list upon attaining your 70th birthday. It's my understanding that there are a few badgeholders already - and yes - there is a badge!

I'm not eligible to give it a shot for another 5.5 years, but am looking forward to it.

Has anyone started a similar list in the ADK's? I wouldn't be surprised if the NH list morphs into a NE67 list as well.

 

[weatherman]

Have to send this to my Dad, who at 76 finds the most difficult issue is finding hiking partners from his peer group willing to tackle the 4s on a regular basis. We finished our 48 together three years ago and then my 67 the following year (he has a couple left in VT).

I don't think the ADKs have a similar group as such. My inlaws lived next door to Al Laubinger, who started his 46 at age 76 and finished at 82, at the time about 5 years ago the oldest finisher (and also, he believed, the oldest starter who subsequently finished, though such a record wasn't kept). I hiked with Al several times when he was in his 80s and his speed was not much different than mine, faster than book time. Sadly, Al is no longer with us.

 

[Kevin Rooney]

Have to send this to my Dad, who at 76 finds the most difficult issue is finding hiking partners from his peer group willing to tackle the 4s on a regular basis.

If he's interested, feel free to PM/email me and I can give him the contact info for three groups of "mature" hikers who go out every week in NH.

 

[una_dogger]

Have to send this to my Dad, who at 76 finds the most difficult issue is finding hiking partners from his peer group willing to tackle the 4s on a regular basis. We finished our 48 together three years ago and then my 67 the following year (he has a couple left in VT).

I don't think the ADKs have a similar group as such. My inlaws lived next door to Al Laubinger, who started his 46 at age 76 and finished at 82, at the time about 5 years ago the oldest finisher (and also, he believed, the oldest starter who subsequently finished, though such a record wasn't kept). I hiked with Al several times when he was in his 80s and his speed was not much different than mine, faster than book time. Sadly, Al is no longer with us.

Your Dad might want to check out The Over the Hill Hikers Club based in Sandwich NH - they are quite inspiring!

http://overthehillhikers.blogspot.com/

 

[weatherman]

Thanks Sabrina and Kevin! I'll connect him.
Chris

 

[RoySwkr]

I believe that the winter NH4k have all been done over 70 although I can't put a specific name to it, an even better project for KR

 

[Mohamed Ellozy]

Heard the story some time ago from Hiker Ed. If I recall correctly the person repeated them after 75 ... but my memory is hazy.

 

[J&J]

I believe that the winter NH4k have all been done over 70 although I can't put a specific name to it, an even better project for KR

You are correct, Roy. Jerry Horne completed a full round of the winter 4k's starting at the age of 75 and completing them at the age of 77. Here's a link to the story: http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?35038-A-New-Winter-4K-Record!&highlight=horne

This is still an amazing story. We have run into Jerry several times over the years (always in winter) and he is a genuine nice guy. Last time we saw him, he was ascending Pierce. I hope he's doing well and is looking forward to this winter.

John

 

[una_dogger]

You are correct, Roy. Jerry Horne completed a full round of the winter 4k's starting at the age of 75 and completing them at the age of 77. Here's a link to the story: http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?35038-A-New-Winter-4K-Record!&highlight=horne

This is still an amazing story. We have run into Jerry several times over the years (always in winter) and he is a genuine nice guy. Last time we saw him, he was ascending Pierce. I hope he's doing well and is looking forward to this winter.

John

We met him a few winters ago on a bluebird day in the Presis...we were coming off Ike and he was heading up - solo - quite a nice chap and an inspiration!

 

[Kevin Rooney]

I also know of one (possibly 2) 70+ yo hikers who has/have done the NH4's in one calendar winter. Maybe someone can suggest to Eric that there be a separate category for 70+ hikers, although I haven't been to his website lately, so perhaps he's already done it.

 

[una_dogger]

I also know of one (possibly 2) 70+ yo hikers who has/have done the NH4's in one calendar winter. Maybe someone can suggest to Eric that there be a separate category for 70+ hikers, although I haven't been to his website lately, so perhaps he's already done it.

I haven't been to the site lately either so I don't know but I think that's probably a decision for Cath to make


I'm hiking with Eric tomorrow, I will ask I there are already plans to make special categories youngest, oldest, best looking ;-), etc.

 

[RoySwkr]

I also know of one (possibly 2) 70+ yo hikers who has/have done the NH4's in one calendar winter.

Maybe that's easier than doing them over 10 years when for the last ones you'd be 79

 

[Kevin Rooney]

Maybe that's easier than doing them over 10 years when for the last ones you'd be 79

It might be, although the two individuals I referenced above did the round in less than 3 months. Not too shabby ...

 

[Stan]

... but my memory is hazy.

hmmmmm, goes with the territory ol' boy, but we all know you're pretty clear on the big picture.

... Maybe someone can suggest to Eric that there be a separate category for 70+ hikers ...

Wouldn't that be age discrimination? Categories for any achievement can be fun to list but, being the politically correct entity that it is, I'll bet AMC ponders this long and hard ... if they do someone will complain about age discrimination ... if they don't someone will complain about age discrimination, hey, they honor dogs don't they ... good thing the peakbaggers' clubs are a bunch of renegades, they'll do something sensible. (Remember the big fuss when they started the young hikers committee?)

I can start soon but I'll be damned if I'm going through those lists again ... there are too many other lists to not do. Besides, don't we know that none of us has accomplished anything ... why, if it weren't for the government, those mountains wouldn't even be there.

 

[Kevin Rooney]

Stan -

As you probably know, not all of the various lists which get created have any AMC involvement. Am quite sure the NH 4K Committee have no official capacity in regards to the 12x48, redlining, 4's over 70, the one Trish dreamed up - there must be more.