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.

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.

First day of school…

It’s funny. We’ve all done our preparation. We have spent months obsessing over every piece of gear — scrutinizing each garment, trying on dozens of shoes, trimming ounces and grams from our base weight, and second guessing how cold it will be in the Whites. We’ve spent hours pouring over forums, blogs, and articles, chosing our food and deciding if our shoelaces will be good enough.

And now we’re all sitting together in a bus station like kids on the first day of kindergarten, nervous and uncertian, quiet and fidgety, feeling this whole thing out. The ice isn’t even too thick, but I’m too tired to break it today.

Wild and Wonderful Maine

We made it to Maine! I am in awe of the beauty of this state and I have barely even scratched the surface. Today we ate lobster and walked around the shipyard in Belfast before driving to Bar Harbor to stay for the night. In another life I like to think I would be a sailor, but unfortunately I know nothing about boats except they look like a lot of fun (and a lot of work!). After checking into the motel we had a little time to kill so we ventured out to the coast near Acadia National Park as the sun was setting. People aren’t joking when they talk about how big and prevalant the mosquitos are here! We left our packs with bug spray in the room, so I expected to be covered in swollen bites, but somehow I barely itch at all. Maybe the Alabama mosquitos have prepared my immune system, or maybe tomorrow I’ll be eating my words. We shall see!

2 days till Katahdin!

 

On Our Way

We left home yesterday afternoon to start our meandering car trip. After spending today in Atlanta with Kylie’s parents, we will tidy up our gear, rent the car, and plod along northward for several days. It feels like the clank-clank of a roller coaster ramp. Intellectually I know what to expect, but still have no basis to guess how it will all feel.

I’m definitely grateful we allowed for so much wiggle room in our schedule. There have been so many unforeseen tasks and chores. I couldn’t imagine jumping onto a plane for Maine yesterday and beginning the hike tomorrow with this lack of sleep.

-Chris

Leaving Home

Last minutes in Huntsville at the house with my mom…

This is it. We’re leaving Huntsville. I must admit I’m a little misty-eyed on the way out. This is the longest I’ve been away from my home as an adult, the longest I’ve been off of work since I was a teen, and the longest my dog has been without me. This is the farthest north I will travel on this planet to date. But there’s more to do. Almost one week remains between us and northern terminus, so we’re off.

-Chris