Tely Hike a hit
16th annual Tely Hike a hit
Hikers enjoy a woodsy walk on the East Coast Trail’s Caplin Bay Path Saturday morning.
The East Coast Trail Association had another record-breaking Tely Hike Saturday, raising more than $65,000 in its 16th year— with more donations piling in.
The previous record was last year’s of more than $60,000.
Stretches of the East Coast Trail on the Southern Shore, including Caplin Bay Path, Sounding Hills Path and The Downs, were well trodden by 424 hikers and 66 volunteers. Randy Murphy, president of the association, said he was “beyond thrilled” to see the turnout in Ferryland, where hikers were treated to lunch after working up an appetite on the trails.
“This much support for the annual fundraiser shows that there’s lots of love for the trail and our awesome coastline,” he said.
“Our coastline is simply amazing. Its raw, natural beauty is endless and is second to none in the world, and it’s right here in our backyard for each of us to enjoy — and embrace as a lifelong friend, as many of you have. And it’s a resource that will keep on giving for generations to come, as long as we provide the loving care and management and protection it warrants.”
While volunteers put in long hours to maintain of the trail, funds provide materials and resources that are critical to the paths’ upkeep. Inaugural Gail Sharpe award Among the hikers Saturday morning were members of the Rice Krispies Gang. The No. 1 fundraising group blew past its goal of $5,000 and raised $6,191.25.
The team was presented with the inaugural Gail Sharpe award, named for a longtime volunteer and supporter of the East Coast Trail. Sharpe died last May, two years after being diagnosed with ALS.
Her daughter Heather Halley presented the award, a trailhead sign, to the winning group; it just so happens the Rice Krispies Gang was Sharpe’s fundraising team.
“She was an extremely passionate woman. When she set her mind to something or became interested in something, she did it 150 per cent,” she said, recalling her mother’s Ricky Martin and gardening phases.
“She usually wore out her interest and quit cold turkey. The thing that mom became most passionate about from the very first moment, which never did wane, was hiking the East Coast Trails. Once she discovered her love for the trails, there was just no looking back. Along the way, she met and made the best of friends who stuck with her right until the end, and who I’m very proud to call my friends today as well.”