Could
you traverse 52 Adirondack summits, many off-trail, in 15 days or less? That’s what hiker
Neil Luckhurst will be doing when he attempts 52 peaks of 3,000 to 4,000 feet each to raise funds for the Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue (LASAR). He heads off on his journey on Saturday, August 6th.
The Challenge
Called Project Full Deck, Luckhurst’s trek into the Adirondacks to raise money for a great cause is not his first time hiking, camping, and backpacking for charity.
In 2014 during a 10-day trip in February, the avid hiker and bushwhacker took on the 46 high peaks of the Adirondacks – Project 46. He both paid tribute to his son Dominic, tragically killed during an avalanche in 2008, and successfully raised $15,000 for search and rescue. During Project 46, Luckhurst carried a light pack and spent his nights in a warm bed at a vacation rental. This time, the adventure is a bit more challenging.
Project Full Deck will be a physically grueling 13 to 15 day trip, where he’ll be carrying a heavier pack and camping out in lean-tos, designated camping spots, or completely off-trail. Every three to four days he will have various friends join him on his hike who will help resupply him with food and additional items he may need.
The Mission
Luckhurst is supporting LASAR because search and rescue teams in New York State receive no government funding. Staffed by hard-working volunteers, donations are used to pay for training, equipment, search dogs, and more, to ensure teams are properly equipped and highly trained while performing search and rescues in the wilderness.
Raising funds for search and rescue organizations also allows Luckhurst the chance to give back to the Adirondack Region as a whole – where wilderness opportunities abound and there is free access to trails, campsites, lean-tos, parking, and more.
Luckhurst’s fundraising goal is $10,000 for LASAR. Although he hasn’t yet headed out on his trip, as of this writing, he has already raised $2,401. If you would like to donate to this worthwhile fundraiser you can do so at crowdrise.com.
