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Woman hikes Appalachian in 46 days

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SPRINGER MOUNTAIN, Ga., Aug. 3 (UPI) -- A North Carolina woman said she believes her 46-day hike across the Appalachian Trail marks the shortest-ever time for crossing the 2,180-mile trek.

Jennifer Pharr Davis, 28, said no official records are kept of trail crossing times, but she believes her hike, which began in Maine June 16, beat the previous unofficial record by one day, WXIA-TV, Atlanta, reported Wednesday.

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"I had some bad weather," Davis said. "I had horrible shin splints. I was sick on the trail. So, there were plenty of times when I thought I wouldn't be able to do it."

However, Davis said the beauty of the mountains helped inspire her to continue on her quest.

"It's amazing," she said. "You go through the hard times, but the scenery is so beautiful. I saw 36 black bear. I saw moose and deer. You become a part of nature.

"I hope it will inspire other women to take part in outdoor activities and to set their sights high," Davis said of her accomplishment.

Davis hiked an average 47 miles a day from Maine to Georgia.

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