AMC Country begins
It’s the first paid shelter, but we’re glad to see it as the rain seemed like I may come down during our descent of Mahoosuc Arm. The AMC runs the last shelters in Maine, and this one is pay-to-play if we want a structure over our heads now through New Hampshire. But, it did begin to storm and I’m glad to be inside, dry, and not climbing down slick rock on the way to camp tonight. We have a big one tomorrow now that we stopped short.
Ending Maine.
We caught a glimpse of a distant mountain yesterday. It loomed over even the closest ridges even though it is all the way in New Hampshire. It is the beginning of the Whites.
Maine has been amazing, but the last miles and the first of New Hampshire might be the hardest yet to plan. I’m not sure what mileage I can ask of my body and how many pounds of food I should ask my back to carry. I’m heading out to Baldpate and Mahoosuc before the Whites anyway, so I’ll get there when I get there.
203 Miles
Cruising along…
Writer’s Block
Yesterday was tough. We left the hostel after our first full zero day and I just wasn’t in the mood to hike. I had just found out a friend of mine had been in a car accident and was being taken off life support. That news pulled me away from the woods and back into the real world as I struggled to comfort loved ones from afar. Am I selfish for doing this? Asking favors from parents to take care of pets, knowing they can’t say no. Leaving a job with no real answer on if or when I’m coming back. Being so out of touch with friends. But then I remember conversations with my late friend about my crazy hopes and dreams. How he always encouraged me to follow them and helped me believe that I am allowed to be selfish sometimes. That there is always an opportunity to share a big smile and laugh despite any internal struggles you are fighting that day. So thank you, Josh, for being a part of my life for awhile. And for pushing me to show my genuine self to the world. I will share some smiles today in your honor.
I haven’t been motivated to write, but I am feeling more up for it today. I will have lots to share in the coming days, promise!
100 Miles of Wow.
This is one of the most beautiful, rugged, and wild places I’ve been in my life. The experience this far has been overwhelming. I know I will be sad when the 100 Mile Wilderness ends. I finally acclimated to the solitude, and for the first time in 10 days I can see cultivated land dotted among the lakes and mountains ahead.
Katahdin itself felt otherworldly, and now after the wilderness I feel like I’ve visited two completely different planets. I’ll never forget the crystal-clear lakes, pristine springs, and mountain ponds. This had been more intense than I ever hoped. So many hikers in our starting bubble have already quit. But those of us who persist will all be congratulating ourselves and each other at the hostel ahead. We share the comradery of the few.
First Three Days
Day 1. Hail above the treeline. Only ones on the mountain that late. Came down Abol. Got back to camp well after dark.
Day 2. Peed with my panties on. Stabbed myself in the throat with my spoon. Got fed hot dogs and baked beans by an awesome family from Maine. Tabby and Mike and Mike Jr and mom.
Day 3. Chris bought more snacks. I hit a wall hard. Made it to camp. Super tent spot left but close to dark. End up next to ridiculously beautiful lake. Caught the end of sunset. Met a coolass dude and his coolass son. Andy and Ben from Mass. Talked to them for awhile. Then sat by the lake and looked at the clearest night sky I’ve ever seen. While the loons were calling to each other. Unfuckingreal.