Michigan Duo to Try to Hike Length of Great WallEddie Davis and Beau Bacevicius of Michigan hope to become the youngest duo to hike the full length of the Great Wall of China, according to report of China Daily.The two teens estimate their trip will take four months, but are allowing for six months of hiking in case of unexpected complications. They plan to contact the Guinness Book of World Records. The hike is set to begin in May, with the teens starting their expedition in the Gobi Desert at the most recently constructed portion of the wall. After stops at 32 checkpoints in villages to pick up supplies, the trip will end at the BoHai Sea. The pair have little fear the expedition will harm their education, although it may mean missing a semester of college. Bacevicius is studying business at Oakland Community College while Davis attends Michigan State University, pursuing an engineering degree. Inspiration for the trip traces back to 1996, when Davis' grandfather, Fred Ciampa, traveled to China for business and invited his grandson to join him. Davis spent his sophomore year of high school attending the International School of Beijing, and is fluent in Chinese. The pair have visited China a combined 11 times, and have hiked portions of the wall. Their desire to explore the full structure was hatched in December 1997, when they agreed they had a mutual desire to conquer the wall. The duo's plans didn't become a reality until they met with a Chinese business owner who was a friend of Ciampa. The man assembled a group of friends that assisted Davis and Bacevicius in receiving government clearances for the trek. In exchange, a Chinese film crew will have complete access to them during the expedition. The trip has been made possible by sponsorships from businesses. |
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