Randy Pierce and Quinn enter the record books as the first blind man and guide dog to summit all of NH’s 48 highest mountains during a single winter
Despite losing his eyesight shortly after college, Randy Pierce has pursued a full life, with countless friends and interests -- and was even honored by the New England Patriots as their Fan of the Year.
But in 2003, Randy was stricken suddenly once again by a neurological condition that destroyed his sense of balance, rendering him wheelchair-bound.
Never one to quit, Randy fought his way back, and today is
climbing the highest mountains in New Hampshire as a way to raise
funds for the services that helped him cope with blindness:
The New Hampshire Association for the Blind, and
Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
Watch the 90-second trailer for Four More Feet, Dina Sutin's upcoming feature on Randy and Quinn's remarkable accomplishment – and the remarkable determination that made it happen.
Video - WHDH-7 Boston, March 12:
Randy Pierce first blind person to climb NH's 48 summits
Article - The Orleans (VT) Record, March 12:
The Sky's The Limit
Article and video - The Nashua Telegraph, March 11:
Blind Nashua native climbs all 48 4,000-footers in NH with help of guide dog
Article - The Manchester Union Leader, March 10:
Blind hiker and his dog complete 'The 48' in NH
Video - WMUR-9 Manchester, March 9:
Blind Mountain Climber To Complete Quest
Video - WBZ-4 Boston, March 5:
Blind NH Man Prepares To Hike Into The Record Books
Video - Watch Blind to Failure, the 16-minute documentary about Randy and his 2020 Vision Quest project
(March 11) Going into this season, only 46 people were on record as having succeeded in climbing all of NH’s 4000-foot mountains in a single winter, and on Saturday March 10, Randy Pierce joined their ranks. But even more memorably, Randy became the first blind person, and Quinn the first guide dog partner ever to accomplish this. Before this, no blind person has ever conquered the NH 48, ever – much less in a single winter.
But this was not just their accomplishment. A number of fantastic people helped them reach the top – from their many hiking partners, to the countless well-wishers who shared words of inspiration and support that kept them moving on this daunting and even potentially dangerous effort. As a means of expressing his sense of gratitude and camaraderie, Randy invited well-wishers to join him on the finale hike, and also to help help him celebrate the accomplishment.
The morning of March 10, some two dozen friends and supporters joined Randy, Quinn and hiking stalwart Justin Fuller at the Kinsman Ridge trailhead to embark on the ascent together. Summit was attained not long after noon, celebrated by dozens more who had gathered at peak. But of course, victory was not achieved until the Team successfully descended the mountain.
For Randy, the sweetest moment came unexpectedly, as legendary hiker Cathy Goodwin stepped forward, naming The Mighty Quinn to the Four Legged Explorer Association's Order of the Golden Biscuit. This signified Quinn's induction into the most elite circle of canines on New England's mountain trails, making him just the 4th member -- and the only one who achieved the rank as a working dog. Visibly humbled, Randy later explained, "To put it in context, this is the equivalent of Quinn being named to the Hall of Fame."
Goodwin herself knows that territory. She was the third person ever to accomplish the NH Winter 48, and the first woman to do so. Remarkably, she is the only person -- man or woman -- to have ever achieved the full 67-peak New England 4,000 circuit in a single winter.
Four-Legged Hall of Famer?
Randy Pierce exults as a seemingly unmoved Quinn is inducted into the elite Order of the Golden Biscuit by legendary hiker Cathy Goodwin (right). Justin Fuller holds the medal; that's a thrilled Tracy Pierce at left. Video of the moment is available thanks to the Nashua Telegraph.
