Katahdin

Hey Everyone! To continue the story, I arrived at the Abol Bridge Campsite at the end of the 100 mile Wilderness, ate a bunch at the campstore, drank a half gallon of milk, and began my hike to the base of Katahdin the next morning through Baxter State Park. The trails were really nice here too, and the AT followed the river most of the 10 miles to 'The Birches' where I stayed the night before I summitted. The Birches is a shelter reserved just for Thru-hikers, and I was there that night with 3 others, who all went up the next day. Kashmir, a nobo I got to know well, was staying near the birches with his parents who gave me some food and drink that night! I went to bed a little anxious, not only because of the obvious, but also because the forecast for my final day wasn't looking good; 40-60% chance of rain and high winds. Here is my journal entry for August 16th, the day I summitted.

"At 6:35A I began the climb up Katahdin with Wrongway. Obviously we took the AT up which in Baxter andgiong up Katahdin is also called the 'Hunt' trail. The first mile was easy, but it began to get more challenging as the hike went on, and soon it was raining. A light mist at first, then harder with harsh 30-50 mph winds above treeline! The trail turned to bouldering about 2m in, then turned into climbing with 3m in, then up on the table for the last 1.5m was flat. I was very thankful to have Wrongway with me. To start, the trail up was dangerous due to the added challenge of rain and wind. And secondly, he is one of those guys who is a constant; always positive in most any circumstance and can keep spirits up despite the outside environment. Maybe it was the face he was done or maybe he's that way all the time. I don't know, but it was great hiking with him. We talked all the way up until we couldn't hear each other anymore because of the wind.
It was probably the coldest I've ever been in my life! Once on top I wasn't there long. I got my pictures, and was gone the next few minutes. The wind was howling, and the rain coming down. There was no view and it was cold. I was soaked through, and just wanted shelter from the wind. So I ate a quick snake and headed down the Saddle Trail to Chimney Pond Trail to Roaring Brook Campsite. I was strangely unemotional wrapping up this first leg. This is surprising mostly because I thought I would be, having teared up at the though of it many times before.
The trail down was easier. I actually ran the first mile in order to get warm! I was huffing and puffing, intentionally breathing hard, and flexing to try and warm up. It was a rough experience (Katahdin in rough weather). I'm glad I did it, but a kinder day with weather would've made for a much more pleasant experience.
I actually saw several people going to the peak on the way down! I told them they wee crazy on my way down and in passing they all said "Yeah I know!" All in all it was just a misson. An in and out, say I did it experience. I think someday I would like to return on a clear day to enjoy the mountain like it was meant to be. People said the views are incredible, and I'd love to experience that.
The rest of the hike didn't take long. I was down at the entrance to Roaring Brook by 1P I think. The first car that went by picked me up, and took me all the way to Bangor (2hr drive)! Not originally the plan, but I figured since they were going that way and said I could ride, it would be a good place to be just in case something messed up; I'd have options. Plus the ticket was probably cheaper.
I was dropped off at the Greyhound station, and bought my ticket to Knoxville right away for $165. It departed at 6:30A next day, and arrived at 5P Wed. A day and a half; goody! After buying the ticket I was directed to the Laundry down the block on Main st. and did some laundry...The next thing to do was find a place to stay. Back in Rangely, the hiker named Little Cubit had given me a card for this guy in Bangor whose apt she stayed at completely on his good graces. She met him on bus ride randomly, and mentioned needing a place to stay, and the guy offered up his.
So, I called Lawrence, a 52 yr old bachelor who writes, travels, and does paralegal work as well as substitute teaches. He picked me up, and I was a little unsure about the whole thing, but soon warmed up, and he was an extremely nice and accommodating person. He bought spaghetti stuff, and we had a great dinner with corn on the cob and steamed broccoli. I bought the beer. Had a great shower, and then we walked around this beautiful neighborhood were his apt is located; old growth trees, huge victorian houses, one owned by Stephen King and got some ice cream.
What a wild day. One of those were it feels like you have traversed the globe for sure! 1,165 down...1,014 to go :)"

I will be making some more posts periodically throughout my break at home. I am planning on starting my Southbound hike from Harper's Ferry, WV shortly after Labor Day. Currently I'm in Knoxville, will be in Memphis for around 10 days starting this Monday, and then will go to Nashville/Knoxville again before leaving. That's the plan. I'll also make a very loose schedule for hiking south because I know and hope that a few of yall will be coming to hike some with me! More on that and other things soon. Thank you so much for following and reading! It means a lot :)

The Kid

100 mile Wilderness

Good morning everyone! I'm going to make several posts as if I would've been making them as I went along. Unfortunately, I have not had access to a computer until now. The 100 mile wilderness was absolutely amazing! I had a wonderful time, and my knee did not bother me a bit other than the noise it made. The first day was great, and I don't think I mentioned that I was able to restock nearly all of my food from the hiker boxes in Monson at each hostel! I am just going to copy my journal entry from the day.

"Today was a delightful day which began with Shaw's breakfast. I packed up and hung my tarp to dry in the morning sun, and joined the waking crowd in the hiker room for some coffee. Ed showed up late last night, section hiker from Boston. I really enjoy his company. Sondance is the only other thru here for breakfast, but there are many others who are sectioning or sightseeing. It is a fun crowd, and breakfast was delicious! They served us. It was a fine spread of OJ, Eggs any way you want them, home fries, cheese grits!, bacon, sausage, and blueberry pancakes. I had 4 of Everything, and can honestly say that I wasn't hungry in the slightest until 3PM today.
Packing up the last bit of food, I said my goodbyes. I was so glad to have made a note of the food in the refrigerator, otherwise I would've surely forgot it. Dawn, the hostel owner, took me to the trailhead where I got a picture taken for my by the guy who runs the Appalachian Trail Lodge in Millonoket, Paul. He was dropping off a shuttle of people. It was cool to meet him ahead of time, and also because the hikers at Shaws had talked about him earlier.
So, I set out on the trail on this bright sunny day at a diliberately slow pace of preservation, not wanting to give my knee anymore reason to fail. People don't usually pass me, however due to my slowed pace one of the sightseers from the lodge came upon me shortely after I departed. We hiked together. He was great for company, but I never caught his name before he peeled off 7m into it; that was all he had planned to do.
The 100 mile wilderness has been spectacular so far! I love Maine! The trailwork is impressive, and the views are great. I hiked on several ledges today, past a great waterfall, and skirted several ponds. The tempature is amazing as well, a cool mid 70s with a breeze! On top of Barren Mt. the view was great! I wasn't quite sure which peak was Whitecap, but I'll find out soon enough. I was able to easily pick out the Bigelow Range, as Avery peak is very recognizable. After Barren, Cloud Pond Lean-to was only 1m down, and 0.4m off on a side trail. Emerging from the woods, I caught my first glimpse of the pond around 5:45P. The sun was shining bright across the water, almost to a blinding effect. It was immaculate, and I could hardly wait to take a dip.
I am the only one here tonight. I always hope for company, but am content without it as well. The swim was great! Very refreshing, and I could hear, but not see, a moose across the water. I ended the night with 'celebration dinner' and reading. The mice are too friendly, so I've set up the mosquito net. Today was indeed a perfect day! Love Maine!"

So, long post but I figured that gives a good description of everything that happened on my first day. The rest was full of interesting things. I hit trail magic in the middle of the wilderness on the second day! I grabbed three sodas, trail bars, and a homemade whoopie pie. I also saw three moose on my last day!! The trailwork was increadible, and I really love Maine. I completed the 100 mile wilderness in 4 days (19m, 24m, 33m, and 23m). At the Abol Bridge, entrance to Baxter State Park and end of the wilderness, I ate a bunch, and hung out with this really nice couple from the Maine coast. Anyway, this is long enough. I'll post about the climb up to the terminus soon. Thanks for following!!

The Kid

Shaws

Hi Everyone! Today I hiked into Monson, Maine! Monson is a nice little town with two great hostels. I'm camping out in the back of one named Shaw's. Shaw's has been the talk of the trail for the past hundred miles or so. The owners are very hospitable, and the breakfast is infamous; eggs, bacon and blueberry pancakes! The last few days have been very nice. Out of Stratton I hiked up the Bigelow range over Avery Peak and some others. The weather could not have been more perfect; sunny and visibility was amazing! I had a zero in Stratton because of a few things. When I returned from Rangeley, the weather was not good. It began to rain that afternoon, and didn't let up, so I decided to stay. Also, six other NOBO hikers turned up. We had a fun night hanging out in the hostel! Tic-toc and Cookie, some hikers I met way back in PA also came in. Seeing them was great because I thought I wouldn't after the Whites; a nice surprise! In the morning I had eggs benedict at the restaurant in town (one of three places of business in Stratton) with Tic-toc and Cookie. Having a full belly, I set out to tackle the last serious elevation changes of Southern Maine. After the Bigelows it flattened out.

I crossed the 1,000 mile mark my second day out of Stratton! The last two days were pretty flat, and there have been multiple streams/ponds to enjoy a dip in. I'm thinking of yesterday afternoon especially. My knee began to make a funny clicking noise when I was half a mile from the shelter. It was around 4PM, and I stopped at that shelter to rest. Better safe than sorry, right? There was a stream next to Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to; a very refreshing dip. I then spent the afternoon hanging out with two older gentleman that had already flip flopped from Harper's Ferry WV; Padre and Restless Legs. They were great for company, and the evening ended nicely with some reading.

This morning as I hiked, I was very worried about the knee. It doesn't hurt, but it clicks every step I take going downhill. I can feel it and hear it. So, I'm hiking slow, taking anti-infammitories, and trying to just not make it worse. My toe healed up completely! So, I'm feeling good, but if it's not one thing it's the other. Anyway, I'm going to hobble along and hope it doesn't get worse.

Today was great. I hiked 9 miles into Monson, and hung out around the hostel all day. Tomorrow I will have the world renowned breakfast, and start the 100 mile wilderness. I am planning on being done sometime around the 17th, next Tuesday. Hope yall are doing great, and having wonderful summers! Looking forward to seeing everyone, and being back in Tennessee for a few weeks! Thanks for the interest!!!

The Kid

Happy Feet

Hi Everyone! I'm in Stratton, Maine to resupply for the next 4 days. I arrived yesterday afternoon, and was picked up at the trail head by the hostel owner in town named Sue. She's a former thru-hiker from 2005 who now runs a hostel alongside her motel and restaurant. It's a nice place, with all the usual amenities plus a kitchen to cook in! I made chicken pot pie last night...delicious!, and watched Mission Impossible.

This morning has been busy. I hiked into town yesterday with a sore big toe on my left foot. It was red, inflammed, and just not looking too good, so I had it checked out this morning. The closest doctor to Stratton is in Rangeley. I was in and out of the clinic shortly after arriving. My toe has an infection around the nail, but will be healing up shortly. I have a prescription to take if it gets worse. Dr. Knapp also told me to soak it in warm water everyday. I've been trying to think how I'm going to do this without sticking my foot in my eating bowl! There is not much else I have to hold hot water for that. Maybe a light bulb will appear sometime today.

Now I am ready to get back on the trail once more. Sue will be picking me up this afternoon to take me back to the trail head. Four days until I reach Monson, Maine. This is the last town stop before the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Katahdin. Monson is 114 miles from the end, and is the start of the 100 mile wilderness which my guidebook describes as being 'the climax of your odyssey.' This stretch of trail comes into contact with nothing but a few logging roads, and an old man with hamburgers in the middle. Supposedly you come up to a pond with an air horn, blow the air horn once and only once, and the guy motors his way across the river to come pick you up and take you back to his place. I've heard it's not cheap, but that probably doesn't stop most people from the 1 lb burger he sells. I know I generally get pretty carnivorous after being in the woods for a while. I'm really looking forward to the section!

Still no moose sightings yet, but I still have a long way to go. Apparently they like to hangout around ponds and muddy areas, but I have seen tracks and droppings on the ridges as well. I hike quietly, and am always looking around for a moose, so hopefully I'll see one soon. As always, thanks for following :)

The Kid

Maine

Hello! Today I am taking a well deserved zero day in Rangeley, Maine. I am very thankful for a day of rest. Last night, and tonight, I'm staying at Gull Pond Lodge, a hostel run by a very happy older man named Bob. The hostel is located right on Gull Pond, and has great swimming. I hope to be able to hop in again today if the weather calms down. It is turning out to be a well planned day off, wet and gusty here. Real food has been awesome too! The last two days, I have lived off a bad resupply from the general store in Andover. I was rushed into buying food (literally had minutes), and ended up with a diet consisting mostly of poptarts, oreos, gummy bears, slimjims, and macaroni n' cheese. So, entering Rangeley I went to the IGA supermarket, and knowing I could use the kitchen at Gull Pond Lodge, I bought stuff for tacos and omelets! Breakfast was good this morning.

I've hiked 103 miles since Dad left Wednesday. They were rough days, and my body took a beating. I feel like I've been punished. Maine hasn't let me go a single day without falling and scraping an arm or leg. About two hours after Dad left, I was descending Wildcat Mountain down to Carter Notch when I snapped a hiking pole. I leaned a little too much on the right pole, and next thing I knew I was lying on the ground with a scraped up leg and three sections of hiking poles, instead of two. That didn't do much for my spirits. I have found the most challenging days emotionally on the trail are the days after a visit from family and friends. It has been hard adapting to hiking with one pole. This combined with rugged terrain of Maine has led to more tumbles in the last 5 days than I have had the entire trip.

It is hard to complain though. Minor cuts and bruises are easy to deal with, and just part of the hike. Maine is such a rewarding state as well, and my favorite so far on the trail! If ever there was a place I would want to revisit, it would be here. My first or second day into the state I climbed the Baldpates. These mountains are fun to climb, and the above treeline peaks made for amazing views. I could see the White Mountains to the South, the mountains yet to come in the North, and plenty of other ranges to the East and West. Descending East Baldpate, I realized that I was completely surrounded my mountains in every direction. There was not a direction you could hike from off that peak without hitting a climb in the next 20 or 30 miles. What a great view!

Another plus to Maine has been the ponds. They are everywhere, and make for great swimming! Two days ago was a tough day. I was coming to the end of 20 miles which had consisted of several climbs, and one was of the most challenging days since entering Maine. Anyway, the trail skirted around Long Pond, and in the distance I heard some people camping down by the water. Cresting a hill I saw two cans of beer with a Hershey bar sitting on top of them, right in the middle of the trail! I guess they had left them there for a hiker to enjoy, and I sure did enjoy them. Hooray for trail magic! 0.3 miles away from the shelter I came up to a swimming area at the edge of Long Pond that faced to the West. It was late in the afternoon when I sat down on the bench and soaked in one of the most beautiful sights of the trail so far. The pond was calm, ducks were swimming on the water, mountains set in the background, and the sun set orange over the water. It was peaceful, and a great end to the day! I love Maine.

There hasn't been many other Northbound hikers around me lately. I think the Whites spread everyone out. Some took days off afterwards to give knees a rest, some started to hop around and skip sections of trail, and others have just slowed down or sped up. I met Walking Man and Grace n' Glory at Speck Pond Shelter. They're a nice older couple who started from Springer, but I didn't stay with them for very long. Several AMC groups have been around, as well as many trail crews doing maintenance. Southbounders have been coming for a while now, but I think the main bubble of them has passed by. So there has been company, but no one to hike with. That's o.k. I have a good book to read, and am nearly to the end; no problems with a little alone time. I am sure I'll be ready for some company soon though.

I'm anxious to get home and see everyone! Two more weeks of hiking, and I will be done with my first section! The total mileage count now is around 940 miles, and I have 220 miles to go from Rangeley, Maine. Today is day number 59 on the trail since I began on June 6th. I'm really enjoying the last stretch of trail in the Northeast; 100 mile wilderness coming up soon, then Momma K! Thanks for all the support and encouragement! It helps out a lot when I'm struggling though the rough spots during the day to think of that. Hope yall are doing great! I am not sure how many more posts I'll be able to make, but I'll do my best to keep this blog updated. Cell phone reception can be hard to come by, and there aren't many town stops from here to the end. Thanks again for the interest :)

The Kid