Third year of Crucible Endurance Hike benefits Fisher House
by Clyde Whitaker
The Crucible and its 20-plus miles of endurance hiking returned for a third consecutive year. This year’s hike, organized by Crucible creators Juston and Carrie Schotte, started and ended at the Portage Lake Campground.
About 300 people signed up to support the cause this year and helped benefit the Fisher House Foundation.
A Fisher House is a “home away from home,” where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment at a medical facility. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide. The Fisher House at the VA in Ann Arbor has hosted nearly 2,500 families since opening in June 2020.
Steven Rose, a representative from the Fisher House, participated and completed The Crucible as well.
This year’s Crucible raised more than $4,000 for the Fisher House of Michigan!
The brainchild of Juston and Carrie Schotte, The Crucible is Michigan’s longest organized endurance hike. Now in year three, the event has grown each year, benefiting various organizations.
Everyone is looking forward to next year and another successful Crucible endurance hike.
Thank you, Juston and Carrie Schotte!
All photos by Clyde Whitaker
A sign marks the location of The Crucible, Michigan’s largest organized endurance hike, held May 6 at Portage Lake Campground in Grass Lake.
Juston and Carrie Schotte organized the first Crucible and continue to run the event. About 300 people signed up for the hike this year.
Josh Whitaker, Angie Adiska, and Mary Whitaker at the Portage Lake Campground preparing for The Crucible, an endurance hike of more than 20 miles.
Steven Rose, a Fisher House representative, talks to some fellow hikers participating in the third Crucible. The event raised more than $4,000 for Fisher House, where military and veterans’ families can stay while loved ones undergo medical treatment.
Crucible hikers gather, May 6, at Portage Lake Campground, the site of the start and finish of the endurance hike.
