Thru-Hiker Shawn “Log Man” Mahoney Completes Triple Crown With a 5-Foot Log Named Larry

Five years ago, Shawn Mahoney found himself hospitalized. Doctors were baffled as to how this healthy Iraq veteran had contracted a heart infection that left him with a 50 percent chance of survival. When Mahoney woke up and realized what was happening, one emotion gave him the strength to pull through: hope.

It was hope that compelled Mahoney, trail name Log Man, to hike the AT, the PCT, and most recently, the CDT. Shawn and his twenty-pound, five-foot-long log, Larry, have officially earned Triple Crown status, completing the CDT this September in just four and a half months.

READ NEXT – Meet Shawn Mahoney, aka Log Man: The Thru-Hiker Who Carried a Log on the AT and PCT

Shawn “Log Man” Mahoney was hospitalized with a heart infection in 2019

Keep On Keepin’ On

Mahoney raised money for the Wounded Warrior Project while hiking the AT and then St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital while hiking the PCT.  On the CDT, he raised over $3,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of his grandmother. Overall, Mahoney’s Triple Crown thru-hikes raised $15,000. He had to cross high waters, hike up steep, snow-covered passes, sometimes bushwhack, tackle desert heat, and continue trekking while being pelted by hailstones.  

As he hiked, curiosity rippled among fellow thru-hikers, many of whom had not heard of Larry the Log or Log Man. Why was this thru-hiker carrying a five-foot log the entire length of the CDT? In talking with hikers and sharinging about his quest, not only was Shawn spreading information about his cause, but his inspiration was infectious.

He provided hope for many: a thru-hiker on the AT who was spreading his veteran brother’s ashes, a woman who had lost her husband, and hikers who were seriously considering giving up their hike. Larry the Log bears over 100 thru-hiker signatures. Fellow thru-hikers treated Larry with the utmost respect after meeting Mahoney and learning about his venture.

Log Man ready to conquer his Triple Crown goal.

Attitudes Are Contagious

When Mahoney was visiting trail towns to eat and resupply,  Larry was a curiosity magnet. His message was not only limited to thru-hikers on trail. Mahoney was able to talk with local residents and tourists from across the country, spreading hope and compassion for his cause. 

When asked about the most physically challenging part of the CDT, Mahoney states that Colorado comes to mind. On his “zero” days, Mahoney and Larry hiked ten 14ers.  Most memorably, the duo was lucky enough to encounter families of mountain goats at the summits of Mt. Massive and Mt. Heron, complete with two newborns. Colorado’s remaining 48 14ers are now officially on Mahoney’s to-do list.

The section of trail that Mahoney found most mentally challenging was the Idaho/Montana section after Yellowstone. Here, the duo had to endure storms while hiking ridgelines that provided minimal to no coverage. There was no sun for many days to dry out saturated gear, and they had to persevere through this stretch without the support of their tramily.

But whenever Mahoney felt his drive dipping, he would picture himself talking face-to-face with his grandmother and having to tell her why he was considering quitting after a hard day of hiking. Immediately, any thoughts of stopping dissipated, and he found himself with a renewed sense of purpose.

On his “zero days,” Shawn summited ten of Colorado’s 14ers, including the highest in the Rockies, Mt. Elbert

Oh, Canada!

When Mahoney and Larry finally reached the Northern Terminus of the CDT, it was pure bliss. Mahoney was proud to have accomplished his goal within three years, all the while carrying his log and spreading his message.

This trail was definitely his favorite since it included views like the PCT and climbs like the AT. What stood apart from the other trails, though, was the social aspect of it. Even though there were sections where Mahoney and Larry were hiking alone, they did experience many parts of the trail with a true tramily. Mash, Knee Deep, and Energizer became his “Log Squad” — shout-out to them! They were all going for their Triple Crown. They were able to enjoy cupcakes for Mahoney’s birthday in Rawlings, Wyoming. 

Sunsets and vistas were a daily treat

What’s Next?

So what does the future hold for Mahoney and Larry? Mahoney says there are so many trails and charities to choose from, but SAR comes quickly to mind, as do charities for cancer and special needs. One thing is for sure; you can count on seeing Larry and Log Man together. And a Sharpie. And a Rubix Cube!

Make sure to follow Shawn Mahoney and Larry the Log on Instagram @larry.the.log

All images, including featured image, courtesy of Shawn “Log Man” Mahoney.