Wisconsin man with double knee replacement take epic hike

LARSEN, Wis. — Throughout a current coaching hike alongside the Wiouwash path in northeastern Wisconsin, Dan Albrecht appeared at peace with what he’ll be doing the following 5 months.

Strolling alone on a path together with his pack.

“There’s going to be plenty of totally different challenges that I’ve by no means finished in my life. That’s one of many causes I wish to get on the market and do this journey,” mentioned Albrecht.

The Pacific Crest Path connects a sequence of nationwide forests. Whereas in his mid-twenties and serving within the navy, Albrecht unknowingly hiked a small part. It was there, that he met a hiker who defined the journey.

“He mentioned it’s a path that runs from Mexico to Canada and it’s 2,650 miles lengthy. He mentioned it should take him about 5 to 6 months to do it,” Albrecht mentioned. “That planted the seed proper there.”

However as he obtained older, Albrecht skilled arthritis in his knees that made the journey appear unlikely.

“I used to be in such ache,” defined Albrecht. “It was bone-on-bone with my knees. That path was the furthest factor from my thoughts.”

(Jon Fuller/Spectrum Information)

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In 2018, he underwent double knee substitute surgical procedure. His surgeon credit Albrecht for placing within the rehab work to make this journey occur.

“My half within the process may be a few hours of labor, however for them, it’s weeks and months if not years of rehab and upkeep of their energy and stamina and functionality,” mentioned Dr. Paul Fagan, Orthopedic Surgeon at Aurora Medical Heart in Oshkosh.

Albrecht labored his means again. He began with small backpack adventures, testing gear, and determining meals rations.

(Jon Fuller/Spectrum Information)

He additionally documented his hikes on his YouTube channel below the identify Bionic Dan.

The Pacific Crest Path begins with 700 miles of desert warmth.

“I’m going to should common 18-20 miles a day to finish this in time. Not solely am I up in opposition to the warmth of the desert at first, however on the finish, I’ve to make Canada earlier than the snow flies up within the Cascades,” mentioned Albrecht.

He’ll restock his rations alongside the way in which.

“All of my meals shall be eaten chilly besides after I get to city. Then I’m going to have a pleasant large juicy burger and pizza and chilly beer.”

After the desert warmth, the Sierra Nevadas await. He hopes to hit Canada by early October.

(Dan Albrecht)

It was on his 63rd birthday, with two recent knees, when Dan Albrecht started the journey of his lifetime.

“The last word purpose clearly is to get to Canada, however that’s not the true purpose. A girl as soon as advised me about this, and he or she mentioned, if that’s all of your purpose is, to go to Canada, then purchase an airplane ticket. You’re assured to get there. It’s the journey alongside the way in which. It’s assembly the individuals. It’s assembly the challenges and overcoming these challenges,” mentioned Albrecht.

He’ll try to try this, one step at a time.

“It’s going to be cool. It’s going to be a blast,” mentioned Albrecht.