[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PAYING TRIBUTE TO DOUG AND TYLER MELZER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I 
recognize the alpine accomplishments of Doug and Tyler Melzer of 
Lakewood, Colorado. Doug and Tyler have recently joined other family 
members as part of an elite group of individuals who have hiked the 
entire Colorado Continental Divide. As they celebrate their journey's 
completion, I would like to pay tribute to their family legacy and 
their extraordinary accomplishment.
  The Melzer family tradition began in the summer of 1936 when Doug and 
Tyler's great-grandfather and grandfather, Carl and Bob Melzer, first 
hiked the 800-mile journey along the Continental Divide. They embarked 
on this journey solely in the pursuit of adventure. They wanted to 
experience the outdoors, breathe the fresh air and experience the 
mountains in a way few ever have. Bob was only 8 years old when he 
completed the trip with his father, and together they became the first 
people to complete the hike in its entirety. In the summer of 1976, 
Doug and Tyler's parents, Tom and Judy Melzer, accomplished the same 
feat, and Judy Melzer became the first women to ever complete the hike.
  Last summer, Doug and Tyler joined their family, becoming the fourth 
generation of Melzer's to make the journey. Tyler was able to hike over 
800 miles from New Mexico to Wyoming, while his brother had to suspend 
part of the trip to recover from a leg injury. After Doug recovered 
from his injury, he rejoined his brother just outside of Rocky Mountain 
National Park to complete the journey. After making it into Wyoming, 
the two brothers then drove back to the San Juan Mountain range to 
complete the 70-mile portion they missed due to the injury.
  Although Doug and Tyler represent a proud legacy of Melzers who have 
hiked the Continental Divide, they also represent something much more 
profound and significant: an entire population of proud Coloradoans who 
love their state and its incredible natural beauty. It is of profound 
significance that four generations of the Melzer family have been able 
to make such an incredible journey through such a rugged terrain.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I recognize Doug and Tyler 
Melzer before this body of Congress and this nation for their 
outstanding accomplishment in hiking the Colorado Continental Divide 
last summer. After hearing the many stories told by their parents and 
grandparents of experiences on the Divide, Doug and Tyler can finally 
add to that legacy with some unique stories of their own. I wish them 
the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.

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