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.
