Nick Groff is one of the most respected names in television and beyond when it comes to the paranormal. He has had incredible experiences in some of the most haunted locations in the world. As a friend to Arrow in the Head, we’ve shared some very exciting experiences with Nick including a couple of wild and spooky moments that we’ve managed to capture on camera. Thus, we’ve decided to work with the television host and producer extraordinaire so he can share his knowledge and insight on all things that go bump in the night. With this bi-monthly column, we plan to delve into everything from urban legends to ghostly apparitions, to his take on some of the coolest genre flicks ever. This is Nick Groff Investigates…!
LOST LIMBS FOUNDATION ADVENTURE
When Nick Groff and AITH began working together on this column, we were all excited to explore different stories regarding the paranormal and all things horror. Both Nick and I are massive genre fans so it continues to be very exciting to explore the paranormal and everything that goes with it – including scary flicks. And of course, Mr. Groff has certainly had some incredible experiences throughout his career and his numerous investigations. However, his latest adventure may have been one of the most terrifying – and life affirming – experiences you could ever imagine… and there wasn’t a single supernatural element involved.
Recently, Nick Groff and his good friend Mike Couch took on a massively challenging journey. It was one that they chronicled as they decided to do something for the good of others. With the Lost Limbs Foundation, Nick and Mike wanted to raise awareness of the program by taking on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Not only did they want to raise awareness for this wonderful program that offers help to young people who have lost their limbs, they also wanted to prove that you can conquer anything if you set your mind to it.
Usually for Nick Groff Investigates, I talk a bit about the subject and then let him expand on his own history with said topic. However, this time, I think it’s best to let Nick himself tell this incredible story. While you won’t hear about ghosts and spooky urban legends today, this is certainly one of the most amazing tales that Nick has ever shared. And frankly, I am very much looking forward to seeing the footage from this powerful experience. Here is what Nick had to say about his adventure with Mike, and the challenges they faced together.
“Mike Couch with the LostLimbsFoundation.org called me one day and said he wants to challenge himself and show kids anything can be conquered if you put your mind to it. I instantly said yes, I’m on board! I suggested the idea to climb Mount Washington in NH. It’s iconic, challenging and still a good climb for him to accomplish. Mike was game and our minds set forth a plan of attack. We trained hard for months leading up to the day.
I brought Jeff Waldridge on board to film the climb. Elizabeth Saint also was a huge part in filming and REALLY HELPED BIG TIME when Mike couldn’t get to the summit.
Leading up to the climb the anticipation was driving us all mad! You can prepare, but walking into the unknown is always a mystery. We were as prepared as we could be minus the prosthetic leg failing.
The early morning sun shined through some dark clouds above the mountain and we began our journey into the dark woods. Elizabeth filmed us walking away and stayed in contact with us throughout our adventure for safety.
Mike’s prosthetic leg valve wasn’t working correct so he had to resort to crutches, which is insane to climb with on one leg! Our first challenge was walking across a wet log over rushing water. Mike (165 pounds) jumped onto my back and I slowly carried him over the water. We were excited to make it across!!
Mike went 4 miles up the mountain on crutches and hand over hand on the ground inching his way over rocks!! Mike was in beast mode. There came a point where we had to speed up time and Mike was getting exhausted so I had to carry Mike about a mile off and on up the mountain. We made it to about 2 miles out to the summit and Mike strained his back. I decided to run the rest of the 2 miles by myself to the summit and get help.
I found Elizabeth at the summit and she was already in communication with help. We orchestrated a plan of attack and I grabbed as much food and water I could carry, backpack now 45 pounds. I was exhausted!! I knew I had to get back to Mike. I sprinted back down the mountain another mile and a half to find Mike still inching his way up.
Search and rescue team was on there way up the mountain. Luckily for us it was the Cog train 150 year anniversary and the team was coming up on it. We got Mike as close as possible and the rescue team took over and carried him to the cog. They raised him up onto the train and straight down we went.
I sat next to Mike on the ride down and he expressed a ton of emotions to me. I was so proud of him and he accomplished an incredible goal! Mike is an inspiration to millions and especially the kids in need of help. Never give up is the message he sent out. Please donate to Lost Limbs Foundation and help the kids.
We are preparing ourselves now for a new challenge! Stay tuned as this will be an on going epic series on VIDI SPACE. You’ll be able to watch our Mount Washington adventure soon. Go to VIDI.SPACE for updates. Thank you for all your support!”