Doug Jackson

Program Title:

241 Day Southbound Thru-Hike of the Appalachian Trail

Description:

At age 18 and 22, brothers Doug & Ken Jackson leave home and thru-hike the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail.  During the eight month adventure Doug (a diabetic) & Ken (an epileptic) experience drought, hurricane rains, extreme heat, a blizzard that paralyzes the eastern United States, as well as the ‘regular challenges’ of long distance backpacking… But they hike until the trail is complete and now enjoy sharing the stories that have helped to shape their lives.

Biography:

Doug and his brother Ken grew up in a strong Christian family in Troy, Ohio.  Both earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.  After respectively graduating from high school and college, Doug & Ken left for the hike they dreamed about when still in school.  Their parents drove them to Mt. Katahdin in Maine and left them in a rain storm saying “this won’t be the last time it will rain on your trip”.  After completing this thru-hike, they returned home.  Both are now accompanied in life’s journey by amazing wives.  Doug has since earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration and works for the Miami County Board of Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities and resides in Troy, Ohio.  Ken lives in Athens, Ohio and owns and operates the Brew du Soleil Coffee Café with his wife.  When possible the brothers give this presentation together.  But when only one shares the stories, the other brother’s presence can still be felt.