SAPPHIRE, NC – Friends of Panthertown will host a presentation by Jennifer Pharr Davis, long distance hiker, author, speaker, and 2011 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year on Saturday, August 18. The program will be held at The County Club of Sapphire Valley from 5:30pm – 7:30pm as a ticketed benefit in support of conservation work in Panthertown Valley.
Jennifer Pharr Davis has logged over 14,000 miles on six different continents, including thru-hikes of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Colorado Trail, Vermont’s Long Trail, numerous trails in Europe, and the Appalachian Trail three times. In 2011, Jennifer wanted to test her physical limits. With the help of her husband Brew and a dedicated group of friends, she set the fastest known time (male or female) on the “A.T.” by hiking 47 miles a day for 46 days straight.
“We are excited to have Jennifer share her adventures with us,” said Jason Kimenker, Executive Director of Friends of Panthertown, “and we know her stories will inspire, entertain, and delight the audience.”
Jennifer will be sharing slides and stories, answering questions, and reading excerpts from her new book The Pursuit of Endurance, available for sale at the event. Publisher’s Weekly says, “this inspiring work (is) at times reminiscent of the writings of such travel memoirists as Cheryl Strayed and Bill Bryson (and) could become a regular companion for distance hikers or, indeed, for anyone embarking on a personal challenge.”
Jennifer will also be signing books after the program. For her adventures, she has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR’s Talk of the Nation, ESPN, and the CBS Early Show. She is founder and owner of Blue Ridge Hiking Company, an Asheville, North Carolina-based guiding service whose mission is “to make the wilderness accessible and enjoyable through the written and spoken word, instruction and guiding.”
Friends of Panthertown is a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization that works in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown Valley, a 6,295-acre backcountry recreation area with 30 miles of public trails within Nantahala National Forest.
General admission tickets for An Evening with Jennifer Pharr Davis cost $10 per person. Tickets may be purchased online with a credit card at panthertown.org/tickets to be held at will call, and with cash or check at the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Center (828) 743-5191.
Doors open at 5pm. Arrive early for best seating.
Cash bar and light snacks will be available.
A limited number of tickets will also be available to purchase at the door.
A very special VIP ticket package is also available including premium front row reserved seating, a signed copy of her new book, The Pursuit of Endurance, and an invitation to hike in Panthertown Valley with Jennifer.
Contact Friends of Panthertown at friends@panthertown.org for more information.
