Jennifer Pharr Davis, a nationally recognized author and speed hiker, hitched a ride down the Northeast Cape Fear River, thanks to Pender County EMS and Fire.

 

Davis is hiking the Mountains to Sea Trail. She arrived in Pender County Oct. 25 and hiked through Moores Creek National Battlefield. On Oct. 26, Davis was ferried down the Northeast Cape Fear River.

 

“This was the highlight of my whole trip,” said Davis of the ferry ride down the river. “I’m impressed by Pender County. It is changing and it so diverse.”

 

Davis said the MST through Pender County starts with farmland, historic sites, the quaint small town of Burgaw, and the coast.

 

On the water rescue boat with Pender EMS and Fire, Davis said Lt. Matt Sandlin and Lt. Joshua Joy pointed out the unspoiled beauty of the Northeast Cape Fear River.

 

“Pender County is a part of the Coastal Crescent portion of the MST,” said Tammy Proctor, director of tourism. “She will experience Pender County’s agriculture, the Holly Shelter Game Land, our historical sites, and our beaches. We have the best of all worlds in Pender County.”

 

Proctor said the ferry down the Northeast Cape Fear River trims hiking along high traffic roads such as NC Hwy 53. Trail organizers are looking for ‘trail angles’ who will shuttle hikers down the river.

 

“We appreciate Pender EMS and Fire for giving Pharr a ride,” said Proctor. “No one knows these waters better than our rescue personnel.”

 

Davis, who started hiking the MST at Clingman’s Dome on Aug. 15, is expected to complete the trail at Jockey’s Ridge on Nov. 18.

 

“The Eastern portion of the trail has been my favorite,” said Davis.

 

At Moores Creek National Park Ranger Jason Howell gave Davis and her family a tour and he played bagpipes for them.

 

“He taught us about the area’s history,” Davis said of Howell. “We had fun at Moores Creek.”