HISTORIC RIDE ALONG THE AMERICAN DISCOVERY TRAIL FORGES AHEAD

Matt Parker and his horse, Smokey, cross Nevada

CARSON CITY, Nevada--June 23, 2003--Matt Parker, lone adventurer, and his Racking horse, Smokey, embarked on the toughest leg of their five-month, journey across America – a 495-mile stretch of desert terrain.

Nevada, which is the most grueling segment of the trail, due to its lack of forage and water, will present Parker and Smokey with their biggest hurdle yet.

"I'm nervous about it, but at the same time Im looking forward to the challenge. I know it's possible. I know I can do it," Parker said, referring to crossing the trek across the Great Basins deserts. "This could be the hardest thing I'll ever do, in my life."

Parker has spent the last two weeks traveling along the American Discovery Trail (ADT) and has been forced to overcome his share of adversities. The most recent, snow near the summit in Squaw Valley, forced him to trailer Smokey around the unexpected snow-covered mountains to Carson City.

Were really excited to see Matt cross Nevada," said Dick Bratton, vice president of Public Relations for the American Discovery Trail. He embodies the spirit of the great American adventure that we hope to keep alive through preservation of the trail."

Matt anticipates completing the ADT through Nevada in 30 days.

Updates and details of this record journey will be posted on Matt and Smokeys Web log at http://mattandsmokey.blogspot.com.

For more details about the American Discovery Trail, please visit www.discoverytrail.org

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