The White Mountains present a unique challenge to the blind hiker. Unpredictable and uneven footing affect Pierce's pace, often slowing him to one third of a mile per hour. Based on the eight mile round trip and the two hours dedicated to flying the flag, Pierce's team anticipates a fourteen hour day.
Pierce has struggled through extremely long days before. Notably, on a seven day, University of New Hampshire trip. UNH Outdoor Education Professor Brent Bell shares his perspective of that day,
"Randy was exhausted. We had been hiking for 8 hours and were not quite half-way to our destination. I thought about how my job allows me to see people really pushed to their limits. Randy was at his limit. He was exposed. He was exhausted. He never spoke about giving up or turning back, he just took his rest and then pushed on a little more, and a little more, and
a little more. Quinn, his guide dog doing the same. Eventually we were hiking under a full moon on a snowy monorail, 16 hours on the trail, it was then I realized the depth of his and Quinn's toughness. They are the definition of tenacity."
Pierce, completely blind since 2000, began his charitable hiking efforts in July of this year. This upcoming hike holds a great deal of symbolism for Pierce who is fiercely patriotic. Liberty is an appropriate mountain, not just for the patriotic symbolism but also as a reminder of the freedom he is afforded by his guide dog Quinn, who he would hard-pressed to hike without.
Randy and his team are proud to be a part of Flags on the 48.
For additional information on 2020 Vision Quest, Randy, or the project, contact Randy Pierce or visit www.2020visionquest.org.
About 2020 Vision Quest: 2020 Vision Quest inspires people to reach beyond adversity and achieve their highest goals -- personal, professional, and philanthropic. We believe in leading by example, in climbing the highest peaks, and in sharing our successes and challenges with each other. Funds raised through these endeavors will be given to two remarkable organizations which benefit the visually impaired community: Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and the New Hampshire Association for the Blind.