JOHN KEOUGH, the owner, has been guiding in Vermont for over 25 years and is intimately familiar with the region’s hiking trails, mountains, valleys and villages. An outdoor enthusiast, John has been caving for over 20 years and discovered the largest cave in New England, located in Vermont, twice! He has worked for the Environmental Protection Agency, The Nature Conservancy and the State of Vermont, exploring mines and caves and documenting bats. John was secretary and vice president of the Vermont Cavers Association for a number of years, where he guided numerous trips for the organization. For seven years John worked in the hiking spa industry before starting ATA. During the winter months, he has been a snowmobile guide and is currently a ski instructor. John is originally from the Boston area, started to visit Vermont during his high school days and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the College of Saint Joseph in Rutland, Vermont. Guests have commented on how John’s passion for hiking and Vermont clearly shows in his work. He has an incredible knowledge of Vermont history, flora and fauna.

AEOLUS is ATA’s second beagle mascot rescued from a West Virginia kill shelter, brought up to the Northshore Animal Rescue in Salem, Massachusetts. The name comes from Greek mythology: Aeolus (Aiolos) was the custodian of the winds. He is named after a cave where John and a friend dug open a blocked passage to discover the largest cave in New England back in 2000. The cave is located just north of Manchester, Vermont, and named after the mountain, Mount Aeolus. Aelous is one of the best dogs I have met in my life. He has a very expressive face, smiling when he’s happy, and his eye contact is quite entertaining. It’s as if he speaks through his eyes. With a truly unique personality, he loves to hike, rock scramble and, of course, kayak. His life is so good, with long daily hikes, massages pre- and post-hike from hikers on the van rides, and afternoons of kayaking. Then once at home he just naps―unless he’s getting up for a snack. He truly won the dog lottery! Hikers have joked that John should have a bumper sticker saying, “When I die, I want to come back as an ATA mascot.” In 2018 Vermont Sports Magazine contest, Aeolus recived runner up for best outdoor dog in Vermont.

RASCAL, ATA’s first mascot, passed away during the winter of 2012. He was everyone’s favorite guide, a 14-year-old beagle who hiked the trails of Vermont with John. “Raz” moved up from the Boston area during the winter of 2002. He was a great addition to the hikes, with a personality like no other dog. You would be amazed at how well-behaved he was. Although he was not a water friendly dog, I could not get him kayaking even after multiple tries. Long-distance hikes and rock scrambles were his favorites. When climbing the trails, he made them look so easy with his “four paw drive.” His favorite snacks on the trail were carrots and apples. A very smart dog, Rascal negotiated a “no rain clause” in his contract and chose to stay at home and nap when it was too wet. But if there was a light, warm rain, Rascal grabbed his rain poncho and hit the trails.

Rascal
Rest In Peace
14 Years of Loving Loyalty
November 11,th 1998 through January 26,th 2012
“The Love and happiness you gave will never be forgotten”