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Springfield MO hikers pack for Patagoniaby Sara Forhetz, KY3 News
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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A group of seven hikers will head soon for the southernmost portion of South America for the journey of a lifetime. The group says the Ozarks terrain, near areas like Ponca and Jasper, Ark., has somewhat prepared them for what's arguably the most difficult trek in the world for hikers.
Many in the group of two men and five women had never hiked until about six months ago, much less hiking in the Andes Mountains. Their Patagonia journey will be nine days and 75 miles of roughing it, even showering in freezing cold streams. Everything from tents and sleeping bags, to clothes and food will be packed tightly on their backs. Each person's pack weighs about 40 or 50 pounds. The hikers said they feel like they're prepared for anything. "You got people behind you, people in front of you on the trail, it's like that team deal, said Tess Flood. "We have everything from chili to red beans and rice to lasagna to beef stroganoff we'll be taking on the trail to eat. And you dehydrate it so it's light weight and can be packed," said group leader Dan Nash. The group members are excited to be away from technology for a while, no cell phones or computers. But, in case of an emergency, they do have what's called a spot messenger. It's basically an emergency button that, if hit, will notify local authorities in South America, and through GPS the group can be tracked and authorities can come find them. The local hiking group has a Web site for anyone interested in hiking. They go on day hikes, and also offer classes to get you started. Most Viewed
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