pictured from right to left: Matt Mincer, Julie Elliott, Taylor Yoakley

In pursuit of happiness, hope

by: JOE HABINA

Originally Posted on Sun, Jul. 22, 2007
(c) 2007 Charlotte Observer

Matt Mincer, who helped the 49ers golf team to a third-place finish at the NCAA championships this spring, hasn't swung a golf club in the last month.

And he barely has time to follow via Internet his teammates' great success in prestigious amateur events around the globe.

Mincer is spending the five months after his college graduation hiking the Appalachian Trail -- the 2,160-mile path along the country's eastern mountain range.

Traveling with fellow UNC Charlotte student Taylor Yoakley, Mincer started the 14-state trek June 16 at Mount Katahdin, Maine. They plan to walk the entire trail and finish at Springer Mountain, Ga., in late October or early November.

Strengthening their pursuit is their commitment to raising awareness and money toward the Blood: Water Mission's 1000 Wells Project -- a charity committed to providing clean blood and water to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa.

Mincer and Yoakley are accepting "penny-per-mile" pledges or flat amounts of money and vow to accept the donations only if they complete the 2,000-plus-mile walk.

Best friends since high school in Tennessee, Mincer and Yoakley -- novice hikers until now -- shook hands on their commitment to walk the trail about a year and a half ago. They agreed on a time frame and started to plan.

Mincer, who recently concluded his stellar Charlotte career by earning the individual championship at the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament, among other things, says he still wants to pursue a career in golf.

But he was willing to put that on hold for a nearly decade-long dream.

"For so long, all I did in the summers was always planned out, playing summer golf," he said. "I have said I wanted a break. I've been doing it since I was 11 years old. It's been so refreshing to me to get out here in the mountains. I have really not thought about golf that much."

Mincer and Yoakley flew to Maine on June 15. Equipped with backpacks capable of holding two days' worth of clothing, a down sleeping bag, a down coat, a sleeping pad that doubles as a chair, and basic toiletries, they began their journey the next day.

Speaking by phone from Lincoln, N.H., on Monday, Mincer told of his and Yoakley's first 370 miles, including how he had not showered or bathed in 10 days.

The trek over the rugged peaks of Maine and New Hampshire may be the most treacherous and physically demanding of the trip, he said.

They've battled mosquitoes that can "bite through two layers of clothing" and pesky black flies. They say they've seen lake-dwelling leeches 7 inches long and an Eastern mountain lion, a species that park rangers deny exists in that part of the country.

Most nights, they stay in hostels, suited especially to hikers, for $12 to $15 a night, where they might get to use a phone and get Internet access. Sometimes they're not so lucky. They might hitch a ride to a town off the trail every three or four days, where they hope to devour one of the few hot meals they get per week.

Mostly they feast on oatmeal, crackers, granola, cheese and candy bars -- good sources of energy. Mincer says he's probably trimmed 10 pounds off his starting weight of 165 pounds. He says his body is more durable now, especially since he's got his "trail legs" three weeks into the hike.

Mincer says they have met a lot of interesting people along the trail, a scenic well-marked earthen path. There's a certain culture among the hikers, and everyone seems to have his or her own special calling for conquering the trail.

Mincer says he and Yoakley's charity-driven purpose, inspired by their Christian faith and Christian musicians Derek Webb and the band Jars of Clay, has been well-received by their hiking brethren.

Want to Help?

To receive a pledge form, e-mail:

MLMgolf585@aol.com

More about Blood:Water Mission:

www.bloodwatermission.com

for original story visit:

www.charlotte.com/278/story/206596.html