What it Means to Become a Double 53er

This is Rob Shaw's story of what he discovered as he became a Double 53er:
(A double 53er is a hiker who has climbed all 52 Peaks twice!)
​When I became a 53er for the first time, the goals I set for myself had been reached. But there was something more to it than that. I wanted to stay in shape and keep healthy so by continuing to hike, it would help me achieve that. I became a leader and got involved with others reaching their goals of becoming a 53er. In the process, I reached Double 53er status. When you go to the peaks a second time, several things may happen. You may take another route and you most certainly will be with different hikers. You learn more about your surroundings because you are a better hiker now and things are a lot easier this time around. You may find yourself lending a hand or spotting a fellow hiker, where as, that was you on the other end when you were going to a peak the first time. You will also be more familiar with the peaks around you since you have been to all of them.

In the process, I have been to almost every peak several times on different routes. I have hiked with about every person in the club and gotten to know them well. There have been over 140 hikers become 53ers since I joined. I have led most every person here to a peak or hiked with them at some time. You will make so many new friends and enjoy the journey with them. You will be asked questions and will probably have the answers because you have been there before.

Becoming a Double 53er could only be a benefit to yourself and others you hike with. We are a rare breed as the numbers dictate. Only seven have passed this gate. Who's going to be number 8? Will it be you?

Rob's Bio: I moved to Vegas in 1986  and have worked in the same field for over 26 years. I have enjoyed the outdoor life since I was a child, hiking and camping since I can remember. For over twenty years I drove thru Redrock and thought, nice place and only got out of the car and walked around Calico Hills. I was sure that if I went any further I would get lost. I eventually did do some of the hikes that were simple trails. Fast forward to Spring 2012. After landing in the E.R. and spending the night , thinking I had a heart attack, my doctor told me I didn't but if I didn't change my lifestyle, I would eventually have one. After exercising at a gym and getting into backpacking I felt better but knew that I wanted more.Then I saw a news report about this hiking club and joined HLV. Outside of quitting smoking, this was by far the best thing I have ever done to stay healthy.

Rob is a leader for the 52 Peak Club and regularly leads hikes.