Photo: Ben Crawford (on instagram @fightfortogether)It wasn’t long before they reached Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail, where they stopped momentarily to record a greeting on their Trudging on through a full-blown winter snowstorm, with snowdrifts of up to two feet, they hiked over 12 miles to reach their destination: Newfound Gap parking lot, where they had hoped in vain to be picked up, but at least they knew there were heated bathrooms where they could camp out in until the road opened.The road crews worked throughout the night. Thanks for the time in writing it out as well.The children in this family are growing up rich beyond measure with special memories made with each other and their parents. The weather was mild and dry; everyone was wearing shorts and T-shirts as they started the long, uphill climb.
All day, the snow became deeper and the temperatures dropped lower. But now that summer has arrived and they are able to pare down some weight, Seven, Eden, and Dove step in, taking turns carrying little Rainier for many miles, which pleases Rainier immensely and gives Ben a little break.The entire hike is an education in itself as the kids learn to live outside their comfort zones. The bugs are multiplying. Ben was never in "Shrek" The Musical. John D : Aug 19th Meanwhile, he immersed himself in parenting and community leadership activities: he loved walking his children to/from school; he served on the Board of Directors of his children’s preschool, Tiny Findings; and he is revered by the scores of youth athletes he coached in McLean Little League.Throughout his life, Ben found a second home at Fenway Park. Love the storyWhat an inspirational family. She even led the entire way when they took time away from hiking to run a marathon in Cincinnati.Rainier is doing a great job hanging in there during this time. Joe Bishop : Jun 14th Photo: Ben CrawfordAs the weather became less harsh, and their bodies became more accustomed to hiking, the Crawfords began moving along a lot faster, making more miles per day.It wasn’t long before their reputation proceeded them and people all along the trail began to eagerly look out for them. Soon the family, all eight of them, came single file toward me with surprised smiles of excitement at the goodies. Photo: Ben CrawfordOver the next few weeks, as the Crawfords got their trail legs and trail organization down, they began increasing their miles and working their way inexorably toward the first big feature of the trail: the Smokies. This Ben was a serious man constantly keeping watch over the entire family. Anneida Lou Cox : Apr 1st She told me it was really discouraging when they started, but she’s since learned to accept the journey. He earned his Broadway debut in 2006 in Les Miserables’ return engagement, where he understudied the lead role of Jean Valjean. For instance, he told me that when they enter a supermarket, he says to the older kids, “Food for four days.
This past week I took my daughter on her first pack adventure on the AT near Glasgow, VA. It is so tragic to lose a husband and father at such a young age. They’ve had to detour around a 20-mile stretch of trail that was closed due to a forest fire. He especially likes it when he sees a town, for he knows he’s going to get some good “Nom Noms.”Ben Crawford, 38, the jovial man behind the video series.The Ben Crawford I met in person was different from the jocular character in their videos. Way to go THE FAMILY. While they were in Damascus, VA, they stayed at a place with a type of people they’d not met before: thru-hikers.