Pepper the first canine to finish the Grid

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Ed'n Lauky

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Pepper and his owner John Sobetzer just finished the grid on Isolation today. Pepper is the first dog ever to accomplish this feat, climbing all 48 4000 footers in every month of the year, 536 in all. Obviously no matter how tough the dog, he still can’t do it unless his owner also can, so congratulations to John also.

John wrote this following today’s hike:

Pepper and I fnished our Grids on Isolation today, while Laura finished hers on Carrigain.

We had a great group of hikers and even nicer people and dogs. For a
Finish hike that was planned as just a preliminary one, it turned out
to be a very special event.

In addition to Pepper there was Per's Cinnilla, Cory's Shiya and
Larissa's Toby. These dogs had a ball playing with each other. They
must have covered 2, 3 or more of the ground than the humans. They
nicely shared treats too. Pepper had a blast.

It was too windy on Isolation to do more than take a few pictures and
go. I just grabbed my camera for a couple; most of the time others
were taking pictures. I asked them to send me some, and from these
I'll pick a few to send to you. I'll attach two but they aren't
anything special.

We had a lunch break at the intersection of Davis Path and Isolation.
Georg brought out his special chocolate krinkle treats and Per enough
small bottles of champagne for everyone. He carried them all up
himself. These just made the hike feel like a real celebration.
Everyone appreciated it although the dogs wondered what was going on.

Back at the cars, Per did something I'll never forget. He presented a
framed Certificate of Appreciation to Pepper from the Friends of
Pepper for his Grid finish since he wasn't eligible to join the
regular Grid.

What a wonderful gesture. Everyone appreciated it, and Pepper and I
will treasure it always.

Then most of us went over to Carrigain and met Laura's group as they
were returning from her finish. We had a nice tailgate there, while
the dogs had a nice rest in their cars after Pepper and Laura
congratulated each other. Tomorrow Larissa finishes her Grid.

One interesting note. Because Laura and I finished on the same day,
Ed said we are both Finishers #32. There will be no #33; Larissa will
be #34.

As John mentioned in his note, the Grid committee has decided not to recognize dogs that do the grid, so let's give the little guy his due credit here.

Congratulations Pepper. Well done.

Pictures from yesterday’s hike on Washington and Monroe

Pepperonsummit_zps9bb693fe.jpg


Pepperwashington_zpsaefdfbe2.jpg


PepperJewell_zpsfff6d481.jpg


Pictures from today’s hike on Isolation

Isolationgroup_zps34802081.jpg


PepperonIsolation_zpscc0ba365.jpg
 
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Congratulations! It was nice meeting you all on your final ascent.

When I heard it "was a big day for Pepper" I mistakenly guessed it was a first ascent not the final peak in a grid. Obviously you cannot judge a book by its cover and little Pepper has more than just a few peaks more than me :D

I am glad to hear it was a safe and successful hike.

Woof.
Z:D
 
Nice job John and Pepper!I had the fortune of meeting both of you on the north twin trail a few years back.thanks for the gentle suggestion that day to not go for the summit due to lateness in the day[I took your advice]...keep it up!Does pepper need a sponser for vftt?:)
personal note;my cat Pepper was very happy to hear his canine cousin with the same name got the grid done!
 
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Congratulations John and Pepper. That sure is a special accomplishment! You are an inspiration to both myself and Marlie. I wish we had a chance to chat last summer when we met you in passing on Galehead. Out of curiosity, how old is Pepper? Congrats again on a job well done and keep the TRs coming.
 
Things happen for a reason: We got down from spendin' the night at Lonesome Lake in time to see John & Pepper about to leave the parking lot for Lriz' finish and we got to congratulate them all! I'll say it again, congratulations all! You too, Laura!

KDT
 
Congratulations again, John and Pepper! It's been great to run into both of you and was really awesome celebrating with all of you on Saturday. What a great surprise to see so many "legendary hikers". Happy Trails to you and all the rest of our "community"!
 
Congrats to both! I ran into John and Pepper on Cabot back in December. He's the one that convinced us to go to the Horn (which was a great call!).
 
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