There are many people who enjoy the great outdoors, especially nature hikes along scenic trails all across America. Some hikes, however, are much more leisurely than others and a person need not bring much more than a pair of hiking boots and binoculars. For Nicholas Pedler, the challenge of a hike is what was most exciting to uncover. In June 2013, Nicholas Pedler packed his car and headed up north to hike the twenty-nine mile Dakota Trail.

“I couldn’t believe I finally did it. I have been dreaming of this accomplishment since I was a child,” says Nicholas Pedler. When he was much younger, Nicholas Pedler and his father used to hike all over Dakota. They never attempted the Dakota Trail, though, simply because of its length and the fact that it was so remote. Some hikers can go a day or two without seeing another human. This can be intimidating for some, but not for Nicholas Pedler when he decided that it was time to make that hike.

“I trained for the hike for a few months prior to the weekend I chose for the hike,” says Nicholas Pedler. He spent a long time walking on his treadmill at home, just to build up endurance. At any chance he could, he headed outside for walks across town and up as many inclines as possible. Luckily, inclines are not hard to come by in Dakota. When Nicholas Pedler told his father he was going to complete the Dakota Trail, his father was excited for him.

“Nicholas Pedler has always wanted to tackle that trail. And I think he is going to do it. He is training for the hike and preparing himself mentally for walking for many hours alone,” said his father. As the weekend drew closer, Nicholas Pedler made all the last minute purchases and plans for the hike. He even purchased a few books about hikers and hiking that he figured he would read at night before going to sleep under the stars.

Finally, the fateful June weekend arrived and Nicholas Pedler headed over to the Rolling Creek Trailhead. He said goodbye to his car and looked at the sky, which looked like rain. “I kept a positive outlook, tightened up my hiking boots, and set out on the longest walk I have ever taken,” said Nicholas Pedler with a smile. After completing the twenty nine miles of terrain, Nicholas Pedler was happy to see his car and apartment again.