Our Stories

Merri Carol Wozniak: NCNST Long Distance Hiker

Merri Carol Wozniak

2000 Miles
(Previously received the central patch + Michigan, Wisconsin, Mackinac Bridge, and 1000 Miles.)

Somewhere in my Ohio/Pennsylvania hike last October and November, I reached 2000 miles of hiking. Enjoyed immensely staying at Papa Z’s parking lot/campground. I was the only person there. Carol Wright (Wampum Chapter) was so instrumental in helping me and organizing shuttles. It was a joy to meet her in person. Moving on into the Butler County Chapter, I was only seeking someone’s driveway to car camp, but Trudy and Mark Snodgrass would not hear of it. They had me stay in their guest room with the bathroom right next door, and fed me for a whole week. I have been laid up for 10 months trying to figure out what exactly is wrong with my leg/knee/sciatica/hamstring…

Was it worth it? I suppose I could’ve been a little bit wiser, but I loved every minute of it. The good Lord willing I’ll be back on the trail – only HE knows when.

Learn more about long distance hiker recognition at explorenct.info/NoCoLo/index.htm.