Monday, August 19, 2019

2019 App Trail Thru Hike: Weeks 17-19: Andover ME to Mount Katahdin


Derek came up and hiked with me in the 100 mile wilderness and I summited Mount Katahdin. Now I have to go back to Damascus VA and walk the 472 miles back home to Georgia. 

Day 119
Time: Wed, 31 Jul 2019 19:52:04 -0400
Location: Human Nature Hostel Andover ME Mile 1944.1 of Appalachian Trail

I spent last night at Pine Ellis Hostel in Andover Maine. Spacemaker and Tribute were there. 

Spacemaker and I had breakfast at the Little Red Hen restaurant. Marco Polo and Tinkertoy were there. After breakfast we resupplied at Mills Market across the street.

I was back on the trail at 9:30. The trail in southern Maine is still tough, but it is starting to return to some normalcy. One comment on GutHook said, "Wow an ascent and descent that didn't try to kill me." There was a brutal sweat drenched ascent up Moody Mountain.

I caught a shuttle with Meep and Butt Shot to the Human Nature Hostel. It's a really neat geodesic dome. There are about 15 other hikers here. We had homemade pizza, pasta salad, and watermelon. I know End Game from The Barn Hostel in Gorham and Mooney from the Gentian Pond Shelter. Mooney told us about helping a young girl SoBo hiker, Chesire, who broke her leg coming down Mahoosic Arm. I was in the Spec Pond Shelter with her the previous night. She had to be airlifted out.

I talked with Ryan, the hostel owner, about Kimchi and Rock Ocean from The Sounds of the Trail podcast I listen to. He said they worked there in 2017 and helped build the place. Ryan said they live in Montana now and work at a small ski resort owned by a friend.

People started watching Naked and Afraid on Netflix. Ryan was on several seasons. He got on the show through the owner of the bushcraft school he attended.

There was a big storm and a beautiful sunset over Bald Pate and some of the other tough mountains we've climbed recently.

People are starting to plan their finish dates and flights home.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 120
Time: Thu, 1 Aug 2019 19:22:17 -0400
Location: Sabbath Day Pond Shelter 1962.2 (Northbound) of the Appalachian Trail

I spent last night at the Human Nature Hostel in Andover Maine. It's a neat place and I enjoyed it. I was up before 5 and drinking coffee. They had big pancakes with AT burned in and fresh berries. There were 15 or so other hikers I had not met before.

It was a good strong 17 mile day. The weather was beautiful with highs in the mid 70s and lower humidity. It was so nice not to be drenched in sweat like the past several days.

There was a big climb up Old Blue to start the day and then ups and downs through root strewn forests and granite balds with some bogs in between. There were some nice views along the way. 

There was trail magic about 5 miles before the shelter. They had burgers, red hot dogs, chips, baked goods, and soda. Meep, Butt Shot, Sparky, Doc, Solo, and several Sobos were there.

Meep and Butt Shot keep finding blueberries, but I keep missing them.

The shelter is in a nice setting on the shore of a lake. I want to see and hear the loons. There's a local guy and his grandson at the shelter. He gave some info about the area and said the next 5 miles are prime moose territory. There's certainly plenty of moose poop on the trail.

Derek texted and said he's coming up to Maine with some friends. Hopefully I'll get to see him.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 121
Time: Fri, 2 Aug 2019 21:44:18 -0400
Location: Fieldstone Cottages Rangley ME Mile 1975.5 of Appalachian Trail

I spent last night at the Sabbath Day Pond Shelter with Butt Shot, Meep, Sparky, Doc, Solo, and a local guy and his grandson. We could hear the loons on the lake as we were going to sleep. I was tired but didn't sleep well again. I roll from side to side when a hip or knee starts aching. 

I was up around 5 as usual. I chat some with Butt Shot and the locals and said hello to Sparky, Doc, and Solo who were camped near the lake.

It was a relatively easy 9.5 miles to the town of Rangley. I saw a lot of moose poop and what sounded like a big moose crashing through the woods ahead of me, but still haven't seen a moose.

I finally saw some blueberries. Most were still green but I did find one ripe one to eat.

The root jumbles on the trail in Maine are the worst on the trail. They're all over the place. Roots are worse than rocks when they're slippery.

The weather has been nice and is supposed to continue for the next several days. I would really like to get over the Saddleback and Bigelow mountains by then. After the mountains the terrain flattens out as it enters the 100 mile wilderness.

In Rangley I walked about .25 to The Hiker Hut hostel. A girl was at the road with her dog and said she worked there. We chatted as we walked down the drive to the hostel and she told me the hostel is very rustic, which I read on GutHook. Then she said it doesn't have electricity. I didn't know that. It was a pretty little  place next to a creek with flower gardens. They were nice and said they had some hikers going into town and I could ride along.

I rode into town with an older SoBo guy and an older NoBo lady named Stray Cat. I had heard about her from some other hikers, but never met her. She was really nice.

We got a short tour of the town and then got dropped off. There are lakes on either side of the road and a lot of people have property on them. The town seems to be a recreationly hub. Spacemaker said he watched float planes come in and out from the park. There's a large float plane community in Maine.

I ended up staying at The Fieldstone Cottages in a cute little standalone cottage. They're new construction and it was so comfortable.

I walked into town and had lunch at Sarge's Pub with Spacemaker. Sparky, Doc, and Solo came in later.

I got ice cream at a cute stand on the lake across the street. Being a Friday, the town was hopping. 

I still can't believe I'm in Maine. I know I'm north, but then it hits me that I'm actually in Maine.

Spacemaker walked back to check out the cottage. He ended up getting a room at the motel across the street with a hiker named Stoked he had met a few days ago.

I chilled in my private cottage, talked with Helen for a long time, did some logistics, and watched some Stranger Things.

I walked across the street to the motel restaurant, which I heard was good, and had dinner. It was pleasantly bustling. I had a big lobster roll and a beer.

Tomorrow I'm back on the trail and climbing the Saddleback mountains.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 122
Time: Sat, 3 Aug 2019 20:18:41 -0400
Location: Spaulding Mountain Shelter Mile 1990.2 of Appalachian Trail

I spent last night at the Fieldstone Cottages in Rangley Maine. It was a nice cottage and it felt good to have it all to myself. I didn't get a ride back to the trail until 9:30. It was nice to rest but I feel behind if I'm not on the trail by 6:30.

I saw Sparky, Doc, and Solo. They had also gotten on the trail late. It was another beautiful day.. We were above tree line for 5 miles along the ridge of the Saddleback Mountains. The views were beautiful. I saw Stray Cat at the Saddleback summit. We chatted about our stay in Rangley.

Some guys who thru hiked in 2015 gave me some trail magic Gatorade and cookies. We talked about our hikes.

When the trail wasn't on the ridge line it was winding over root jumbles and rocks. Sometimes the rocks reminded me of Pennsylvania. My feet and ankles were tired of being contorted all day.

I hiked 18.5 miles to the Spaulding Mountain Shelter. I got here about 7:30. Meep and Butt Shot are here as well as some SoBos.

Heading to Stratton Maine tomorrow and The Hostel of Maine.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 123
Time: Sun, 4 Aug 2019 20:17:57 -0400
Location: Hostel of Maine Mile 2002.9 of Appalachian Trail

I spent last night at the Spaulding Mountain Shelter. I had done a long 18.5 miles to set myself up for a short day into Stafford Maine.

Butt Shot and I were on the trail by 6:30. She's a retired Missouri State Trooper and marathon runner. Her legs are ripped.

It was the chilliest morning in a long time, which was nice. We had some big ups and downs over the Crocker mountains. It was nice not to be pouring sweat. On days like that any sweat dries quickly.

There were some nice views of the Carrabaset Valley. The Sugarloaf Ski Resort sat high on one of the mountains. It's been closed for about 5 years. Too little for the big ski corporations and too big for the little guys. The local economy is hurting.

We covered the 13.5 miles down to Maine Hwy 27 just before 1 pm. I read in Guthook comments that the Hostel of Maine had a shuttle at 1 but wasn't sure. There was no cell service at the road. Thankfully, Justin, the hostel owner showed up right on time. Butt Shot and Meep decided to hitch into Stafford.

Justin told me about the area and how he and his wife bought a bed and breakfast recently and turned it into The Hostel of Maine. It's really nice and has a ski lodge feel. They have craft beer, ice cream and pizza, and a good resupply variety.

I relaxed and called home. Helen and Adam are back to school tomorrow. I wished Adam well on the first day of his senior year. He said he doesn't feel like a senior but then he sees the underclassmen and they are so little. 

Derek is coming up to Maine to visit friends and hike a few days with me. I won't quite be done in time for him to make back before school starts.

It looks like I'll be done within a couple weeks. Helen and I are looking at the logistics of getting out. I'm probably heading back to Damascus VA to start the 472 mile walk south to Springer Mountain. We talked about going back to Atlanta for a break but didn't want to risk getting too comfortable.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 124
Time: Mon, 5 Aug 2019 17:54:24 -0400
Location: Hostel of Maine Mile 2002.9 of Appalachian Trail

I spent last night at the Hostel of Maine. It's a really nice place. There was a continental breakfast in the morning and then 6 of us slackpacked 17.5 miles over the Bigelow Mountains.

It was a chilly clear morning. I hiked with Bilbo, a middle aged guy from Germany. We talked about different experiences on the trail and plans for finishing.

The views were stellar looking over Flagstaff Lake and the Carrabaset Valley. It was a really nice hike. That's the last big mountains until Katahdin.

Poppa John and crew are a day ahead and will be ferrying across the Kennebec river into Caratunk tomorrow. Johnny Walker and Muffit are in Rangley.

I saw Butt Shot, Meep, Free, Pantry, Sea Bass, Stray Cat, Sparky, Doc, and Solo on the trail.

Catnapper pulled into the parking lot while I was waiting for the hostel shuttle and we talked trail stuff.

During dinner I talked with a young SoBo guy from England. Mooney arrived late and we all talked with her. We talked about the lady who we all saw at the top of the mountain with a broken ankle. Some of the hikers saw the helicopter come and airlift her out.

People are worried about a sickness happening north towards Monson. Some are saying it's norovirus.

Derek is on his way to Maine to hike with me a few days and see friends.

I called home and talked with Helen about the first day of school. She said Adam was out cold on the sofa.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 125
Time: Tue, 6 Aug 2019 16:40:01 -0400
Location: Harrison's Pierce Pond Camp Mile 2037.2 of Appalachian Trail

I spent last night at the Hostel of Maine. We all had breakfast and then shuttled to the trailhead. I rode with Wildcard, Fumbles, and Dingdong. We were on trail about 9:15.

It was another beautiful day. Rain and possible storms are going to be around the next few days. Our good weather run was fun while it lasted.

The trail was as level as we've had in a long time. A lot of it was roots and rocks but there were some nice soft sections and some nice lakes we went along.

I hiked 17 miles to Harrison's Pierce Pond Camp, a throwback sporting camp along Pierce Pond Stream. The Pierce Pond Shelter is nearby and hikers can walk over to the camp the night before and register for a big pancake breakfast in the morning. I'm staying here so mine is included.

I'm the only one at the camp right now. I'm sitting on the porch overlooking the woods and stream below while hummingbirds come and go from the feeders. All I hear are the birds and the stream.

It's a rustic weathered place and there's a handwritten note that Tim has stepped out, but I see refrigerators and wonder if there's craft beer. 

I see a lot of names I recognize I'm the hiker register.

Tim came back from dealing with his boats on the lake. Another hiker is here to register for breakfast. Tim is a small older weathered Mainer. He has a little black curly haired dog at his side.

Tim offers us some pink lemonade. It's cold and goes down fast. Another guy is staying here. He lives 200 miles away in Southern New Hampshire. He's been coming here for 32 years. Tim bought the camp 34 years ago. The guy and Tim drink some bourbon together, listen to the Red Sox on an old radio on the porch, and smoke some weed out of a pipe. Then they go inside and start cooking lobster.

Tim says he has a wedding this weekend and people are starting to show up tomorrow. He says he stays as busy as he wants to be.

He showed me to my cabin in the stream. When I ask if I can buy beer or coffee or dinner and if there are any sheets for the bed, he gives me some Maine attitude but then says he can warm me up some leftovers. I said ok and he returned with some pork loin and some stuffed chicken. It was delicious.

Sea Bass came limping in and said he had sprained his ankle 5 miles earlier. It looked like a grapefruit. He got some ice and is sleeping on the porch. He's probably going to get a ride into town tomorrow to find a place to lay low and let his ankle heal.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 126
Time: Wed, 7 Aug 2019 15:20:39 -0400
Location: Caratunk House Hostel Mile 2040.8 of Appalachian Trail

I spent last night at the Pierce Pond Sporting Camp. I stayed in a rustic cabin on a stream with blueberry bushes all around.

Tim, the owner, makes a big pancake breakfast. Seabass, Free, Pantry, Flower man, and River were there. We each got our own stack of 13 pancakes with scrambled eggs and sausage.

Tim played classical piano to unwind after making breakfast. It was really nice.

It was a 3 mile hike along beautiful cascades to the Kennebec river where you have to take a canoe ferry.

The ferry only runs from 9 to 2 so it causes hikers to bottleneck while they stage for the ferry.

After crossing the river, everyone goes to the Caratunk House hostel to hang out, drink milkshakes, and resupply for the 36 miles to the town of Monson.

Seabass got a ride to Caratunk House. They took him to the hospital and confirmed a bad sprain but no break.

Marco Polo, Tinkertoy, Fumbles, Wildcard, Bilbo, Reset, DingDong, Free, and Pantry were all there.

I was getting ready to leave when I heard someone say his name is Mikey D. I stopped and asked if he's been hiking with Papa John. He said yes and that the rest of the group had gone on a walk.

I didn't have to wait long and they all came walking up: Papa John, Lady Dundee, Boot, and Will Get Up. It was such a nice surprise. We hung around, drank beer and milkshakes, and caught up.

We all went to dinner at Marshall's, a local restaurant, popular with rafters. We had a bunch of pizza and beer.

I called the Sterling Inn nearby and they came and picked me up. River is here also.


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Day 127
Time: Thu, 8 Aug 2019 16:54:48 -0400
Location: Bald Mountain Brook Shelter Mile 2055.5 of Appalachian Trail

I spent last night at the Sterling Inn in Caratunk. Papa John, Lady Dundee, Boot, Mikey D, and Will Get Up were staying at the Caratunk House Hostel but they were full so I stayed at the Sterling Inn.

They had breakfast ready by 6 and I had plenty to eat and lots of coffee. River joined me and then Sparky came down. 

I got a shuttle to the Caratunk House and talked with Seabass while I waited for the rest of the group.

We were on the trail by 8. It was nice hiking with the Papa John group. It rained off and on all day, which made us go slow over all the rocks and roots. There were supposed to be some nice views but not today. We stopped after 15 miles. 

I was thinking about going on but it started raining harder and there was some thunder and there's a big up and down over Moxie Bald.

I'm supposed to meet Derek in Monson tomorrow, which means I'll have to do 22 miles. We're hoping for better weather.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 128
Time: Fri, 9 Aug 2019 18:32:50 -0400
Location: Shaw's Hiker Hostel Mile 2074.2 of Appalachian Trail

I spent last night at the Bald Mountain Brook Shelter with Papa John, Lady Dundee, Mikey D, Boot, and Will Get Up.

We were on the trail by about 7 and hoping for a clear day after being rained on all day.

We had beautiful views from Moxie Bald Mountain. It was nice to hike with the Papa John group, but I was meeting Derek in Monson so I had to push ahead. Unfortunately, the head congestion I had been dealing with moved to my throat and chest. I had no energy. It was nice trail along the river into Monson, but I struggled. I saw Magnolia along the way.

I called Shaw's when I got into Monson and they picked me up. When I got to Shaw's I saw Dirt Doctor, Runaway Jimmy, The Governor and his oldest son, Pantry, Free, and Magnolia.

I was crashed in bed when Derek arrived. He had met up with Madison's family and gone to the flagship LL Bean in Freeport.

Derek, Dirt Doctor, and I walked to the general store nearby and had dinner. Catnapper came in while we were there and sat with us.

Derek is going to join me for several days and hike the first half of the hundred mile wilderness.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 129
Time: Sat, 10 Aug 2019 20:27:50 -0400
Location: Thompson Brook mile 2086.8 (Northbound) of the Appalachian Trail

Derek and I spent last night at Shaw's Hiker Hostel in Monson Maine. We had a big breakfast with pancakes, eggs, bacon, and potatoes. The Governor and his 3 sons walked over from the Lakeshore House. Pantry, Free, Magnolia, Runaway Jimmy, Dirt Doctor, and others were there.

I took a Mucinex last night and it seemed to help break up the crud in my chest. I felt better than I did yesterday.

I did a little resupply and then we went to the AT visitor center and got some information about the Hundred Mile Wilderness and summiting Katahdin. Marco Polo and Tinker Toy were there.

We drove back to Shaw's to use their WiFi so I could try to book a flight home. Everyone wanted to text me a verification code but cell service is so spotty up here. I emailed Helen and asked her to book it. 

Derek and finally started hiking around noon...just as it started to rain. We got rained on a couple times. It was a chilly rain.

We hiked about 13 miles through hemlocks and ferns and over slate ridges and past several pretty lakes.

We stopped at stealth spot next to a stream. Two guys from Shaw's joined us.

It was so nice to see Derek and I really enjoyed hiking with him. It's nice to have a hiking buddy.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 130
Time: Sun, 11 Aug 2019 20:26:06 -0400
Location: Stealth Site Mile 2100.3 of Appalachian Trail

Derek and I stealth camped last night at Thompson Brook in Maine's Hundred Mile Wilderness. Jay and Pineapple also camped there. Pineapple was gone when we got up. He's meeting his family at Katahdin in Thursday and has a lot of miles to do.

We crossed Big Wilson Creek first thing. Everyone was taking their shoes off to cross. I just walked across in my sandals.

We came across a sign advertising trail magic and walked ,2 to a cabin where a guy and his friend do trail magic in memory of a son who hiked the AT in 1992 and then used to do trail magic at the cabin. I remember the guy from an episode of the Sounds of the Trail podcast. I asked if that was him and he said yes and told us about the interview and one in Backpacked Magazine.

Governor, Jay, and a couple SoBos were there. We had coffee, soda, beer, and goulash. He had a sweet block head lab.

We hiked more tough terrain. Rocks and roots and big climbs and steep descents.

We saw Runaway Jimmy and he said he had sprained his ankle. He said Pantry had rolled his as well.

We took a break at a beautiful expansive view. We had cell service for the first time in days and took advantage. I called Helen to coordinate my flight home and said hi to Adam. Derek talked to Helen and texted with Madison.

We stopped at the Cloud Pond Shelter to get water and take a break. We saw a couple of older guys we knew from Shaw's.

We hiked another 3.5 tough miles and decided to call it. Were stealthing on a little bridge over a stream. We're going to the AMC Gorman Chairback Lodge tomorrow for the night and then Derek will get a shuttle back to his car in Monson.

We had a great time together and I'm so glad he came out to hike with me.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 131
Time: Mon, 12 Aug 2019 18:43:35 -0400
Location: Gorman Chairback Lodge Mile 2107.0 of Appalachian Trail

Derek and I stealth camped last night on a little bridge over a stream. We had a long day of hiking and took the Third Mountain Trail to find the stream. There were no good stealth spots so we setup on the bridge.

There are two main roads to get out of the 100 mile wilderness. One at 30 miles and the other at 50. It would have been stressful and taxing to try for the 50 so we opted to get out today and walk to the lodge.

It had started to drizzle as we were waking up but stopped. We got swarmed by mosquitos on the way to the lodge.

At the lodge they were busy preparing breakfast so we hung out in the game room and relaxed. Derek gave me enough of his food to get me through the rest of the wilderness. The staff was nice and let us get coffee and some food and leftover bacon and eggs.

We used the house phone to reserve bunks for the night and Derek called Shaw's Hostel in Monson to get a shuttle back to Monson tomorrow morning.

We relaxed, hung out, and walked around. I had lots of coffee, cookies, beer, cake, snacks, etc.

Mr T and Rocketman, two older guys we met at Shaw's, came in. They had been at the shelter we stopped at the afternoon before. They had planned to do the whole 100 miles but were beat up and packing it in. We enjoyed talking with them. They're in the bunkhouse with us.

It looked gray and threatening most of the day but never stormed. In the afternoon more people started arriving including little kids. We took the lodge kayaks out on Long Pond along with a several other groups at the lodge. We paddled out to an island and saw a couple of loons and their two babies. Derek had been reading a book in the lodge about birds and told me some fun facts.

We sat with Mr T and Rocketman at dinner. We had fresh bread, kale salad, duck, sweet potatoes, izuchini, and peach pie. We talked about their 2017 thru hike, Derek and school, their kids, and life. Rocketman's daughter was a mechanical engineer at GT also and we talked about the robotics class project presentation. 

We watched the kids roast marshmallows and make smores at the fire pit. Derek took his headlamp and walked around the lake to see the sunset. Us older folks went to bed.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 132
Time: Tue, 13 Aug 2019 19:43:32 -0400
Location:Sidney Tappan Campsite mile 2115.3 (Northbound) of the Appalachian Trail

Derek and I spent last night at the Gorman Chairback Lodge in Maine's Hundred Mile Wilderness.

Rocketman and Mr T slept in our bunk room so Derek got to hear all of us old men snore.

We hung out in the morning before breakfast and walked around. Breakfast was french toast, sausage, and cream cheese with blueberries. We also had granola, berries, and yogurt.

The Shaw's Hostel shuttle came at 10. Rocketman and Mr T lined up a pickup for tomorrow and cancelled their food drop.  

The shuttle driver gave me a ride to the Third Mountain Trail where Derek and I came out. 

Derek and I hugged and they drove off towards Monson and I headed into the woods.

I really missed Derek all day. I passed all the trail we hiked together and then spent the day on the trail we talked about and planned to hike together. I missed our conversations and trail logistics banter. I missed his laughs and his sweaty face and his big "whew"s.

The weather was nice. I met a young girl and guy thru hiking. They were tired and had hiked all the big climbs Derek and I had done.

There were some more climbs but also some nice trail along rivers and streams and through old growth forest.

I hiked 16.5 miles to the Sidney Tappan Campsite. Some Sobos were at the spring and said they had no water all day coming over Whitecap Mountain. Good to know.

I wish my hiking buddy was with me.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 133
Time: Wed, 14 Aug 2019 19:54:51 -0400
Location: Stealthing near Jo Mary Rd mile 2135.8 (Northbound) of the Appalachian Trail

I spent last night at the Sidney Tappan Campsite. I was on the trail about 6:30. It was a chilly morning, which was good for climbing. Thankfully the campsite was a already a good start up the climb.

I reached the exposed summit of White Cap Mountain. The views were expansive and beautiful. 

There were two young people already there. We said hello and chatted. Then I realized they looked familiar. I asked if they were the boys I met way back in early April at Thomas Knob Shelter in Grayson Highlands. They looked at each other and the older brother said the younger one had seen me at the campsite and thought it was me.

The boys said they wet going to be hiking the 100 Mile Wilderness this summer and we said something at the time about maybe seeing each other...and we did. Their names are Ned and Abe. We took pictures and they texted their dad and told him about it.

I saw Frankentruck blow by an the summit. I texted Derek and wished a safe trip back home. He texted back later in the evening that he was camping in the Shenandoahs.

The trail got easier after the climbs. I hiked 20.5 miles to a stealth site near Jo Mary Rd, halfway through the 100 mile wilderness.

I finally had some cell service and talked to Helen then I made a reservation for the White House Landing camp tomorrow. They come and get you by boat and give you a lot of good food.

Tripod is camping here also. He was also at the campsite last night. We also took some breaks with Thumper and McAfee. They're all planning to summit Sunday. I'll probably go Sunday or Monday.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 134
Time: Thu, 15 Aug 2019 15:45:33 -0400
Location: Whitehouse Landing Mile 2145.1 of Appalachian Trail

I spent last night stealth camping next to a creek near Jo Mary Road, about half way through Maine's 100 Mile Wilderness.

I woke up about 2:30 and checked my phone to work out some final logistics. I was on the trail about 7. It was a nice cool morning. The trail alternated between super cushy and rocks and roots jumbles. The mosquitos were the worst on the trail.

I stopped at the Antlers Campground. The Governor and his 3 boys are there. I saw several other hikers going to the campground or passing.

I had cell service and did some logistics.

I hiked another 5 miles to Whitehouse Landing where they picked me up in a boat and took me to the camp. It was a super smooth ride and a beautiful experience.

I had a beer and soda, did laundry, and took a shower.

Huey, Sweatsicle, Runaway Jimmy, Spacemaker, Cushy, Sharktooth, Turd Ferguson, and Mooney are here also. There was excitement from people who had not seen each other in a long time.

Dinner is at 5:00. They have big burgers and homemade pizza. The owners are nice and talked about the history. How it used to be a lumber camp and there were a lot of similar camps.

There was talk about finishing up and the end of the journey. Nice group. Nice atmosphere.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 135
Time: Fri, 16 Aug 2019 18:52:37 -0400
Location: Rainbow Stream Shelter mile 2161.9 (Northbound) of the Appalachian Trail

I spent last at White House Landing with Huey, Cushy, Spacemaker, Sweatcycle, Mooney, Runaway Jimmy, Sharktooth, and Turd Ferguson.

There was a big full moon over the lake last night. Spacemaker was paddling a kayak in about 6 am. He had taken it out around the bend where you can get view of Mount Katahdin.

We went up to the main house about 7 and had pancakes, eggs, bacon, and English muffins. Most people got some food resupply for the last few days on the trail.

It started to rain at breakfast and nobody wanted to hike. A bunch of them almost stayed but decided to head out.

We hiked in a steady rain most of the morning. The never ending massive root jumbles in Maine are rivaling the sharp rocks of Pennsylvania as my least favorite thing. We had one last small mountain. We walked around lakes and through deep canyons and along cascading rivers, which would have been enjoyable if the trail wasn't a giant root jumble.

I hiked 16 miles to Rainbow Stream Shelter. It's just me and a couple from Indiana, Pathfinder and Sherpa, who just started SoBo a few days ago. Pathfinder said today's the first day she didn't cry. So progress. The rest of the group that left from Whitehouse Landing decided to push on a few more miles. They're trying to summit Sunday and I'm waiting until Monday so I just stayed at the quiet shelter with a nice fire.

Touchup passed by. He's summiting on Monday like me. Pathfinder said Sparky and his group and The Governor and his sons passed earlier.

I saw a bear yesterday about 20 feet off the trail. He was digging into a dead log and I startled him. He quickly darted away.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 136
Time: Sat, 17 Aug 2019 20:40:28 -0400
Location: Appalachian Trail Lodge Mile 2138.9 of Appalachian Trail

I spent last night at the Rainbow Stream Shelter with Pathfinder and Sherpa, two SoBos from Indiana who are just 3 days on the trail.

A mouse tried to nibble my finger in the early morning. I haven't had any trouble with mice for the entire trail until last night.

I was on the trail by 6:30. A steady chilly rain fell all morning. The trail wound around remote lakes and over and along streams but it was muddy and a minefield of slippery root jumbles. There was also a lot of overgrowth weighted down with rain that soaked you even more. It was none fun.

I took a break at the Huts Brook Shelter, the last shelter in the 100 mile wilderness. Two of the brothers stopped in. I asked them about the Genesis of their hike. I'm not sure which one it was, but he said they are 26, 25, and 22. They decided to do the AT and asked their dad to join them. The oldest quit their jobs to do the hike. They're really nice and everyone that knows them appreciates what a special experience they're having.

Ned and Abe also stopped at the shelter and we talked about their weeklong adventure. I offered to buy them lunch at the campground for a ride into town.

We had a nice lunch in the campground restaurant. Touchup joined us. Abe has been doing community college for a couple years but starts university soon. He's majoring in Biochemistry and wants to be doctor.

I got a ride to the Appalachian Trail Lodge in Millinocket. They're shuttling several of us to Baxter State Park early tomorrow morning to climb Mount Katahdin.

Peach is here as well as Catnapper. Gopher, Peach's dad is coming in Tuesday to climb Katahdin with Peach. It will be good to see him again.

Papa John and his crew are supposed to be summiting tomorrow also.

I called home and talked to Helen and Adam. I'm flying back to Atlanta on Wednesday. Helen said Adam is almost sure he's going to go with us back to Damascus Virginia this weekend where I'll start walking the 472 miles back "home" to Springer Mountain Georgia to finish my AT Thru Hike.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 137
Time: Sun, 18 Aug 2019 21:25:19 -0400
Location: AT Lodge Mile 2138.9 of Appalachian Trail

Today was Katahdin summit day.

Several of us walked down the street to the AT Cafe for breakfast around 5. Some were NoBos finishing, some were SoBos just starting, and some were Flipping up to Katahdin and walking back south. We shared stories and information.

Frankentruck was at the hostel. He had summited the day before. There was a full van shuttling to Baxter State Park about 6:30. Ole Man, the hostel owner, drove us and gave us a lot of information along the way.

We unloaded at the Katahdin Stream Ranger Station where you check in and get a daypack. They really try to keep track of everyone to make sure they come back down the mountain safely.

I was on the Hunt Trail up by 7:40. I saw Thumper, McAfee, and Tripod. There were a lot of muggles as well. I got a couple comments about being careful in my sandals as I blew by.

The weather was mixed. It sprinkled in the early morning but stopped. The rangers kept saying how it was going to be nicer in a couple days, as if they wanted people to wait.

The climb up started getting more strenuous and then turned to bouldering and rock climbing. There were some sketchy parts and the slick rocks didn't help.

I passed Will Get Up and we hugged. Tripod and I stayed pretty close together. His brother and mother were making the climb below.

Half of the climb was pretty clear but then the clouds rolled in and the summit was shrouded with a light mist.

You could hear people hooping and hollering and cheering for the last half mile.

I saw Marco Polo and Tinker Toy coming down and we hugged. I had a nice loud cheer from everyone when I reached the top.

It took about 3 hours to reach the top. Papa John, Boot, Lady Dundee, Mikey D, Sparky, Doc, Solo, Cushy Life, Mooney, Runaway Jimmy, Spacemaker, Shark Tooth, Turd Ferguson, Mayor, Trail Chef, and End Game were there. There were also a lot of muggles who had a hard time getting a picture at the summit sign with all the thru hikers posing and celebrating.

Some people took the Hunt Trail back down and some of us to the Abol Trail. It took about 2 hours to get back down. We all kind of stuck together and soaked in the camaraderie for a little longer.

At the bottom there were more celebrations and family greetings. I got a ride back to Millinocket with three young guys who had come down around us. Two were brothers and the other a good friend. They're from Iowa and are doing a road trip. They had all kinds of questions on the 20 mile ride to town. People are so nice to us and all they want in return is to ask us questions and share our journey.

Papa John said someone brought all kinds of food to The Birches shelter the night before for all the hikers summiting today.

When I got back at the AT Lodge, Peach was headed to the store and asked about all the people summiting.

Papa John, Spacemaker, Mayor, and Trail Chef are here. Mikey D came by to see Ole Man and give him a card Ole Man had given him way back in North Carolina where Ole Man was doing trail magic with breakfast burritos.

We got cleaned up and walked over to the Scootic In and celebrated. Boot and his wife joined us. We swapped stories and talked about future plans. It's all kind of surreal to be done.

I wish I was done done too, but I still have 472 miles from Damascus back home to Georgia.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 138
Time: Mon, 19 Aug 2019 20:54:42 -0400
Location: AT Lodge Mile 2192 of Appalachian Trail

I spent last night at the AT Lodge in Millinocket Maine. It was my second night at the lodge.

After summiting Katahdin the day before and the celebratory dinner and beer, I came back to the room and crashed about 8:30 and then was wide awake about 2 am.

I got up about 5 and walked down the street to the AT Cafe. Mayor was there and too and we chatted. I had the pancakes this time. Spacemaker came in and I hung out with him. His dad is driving up from Connecticut and taking back to the Massachusetts border where he started the Long Trail and then he'll walk south to Springer Mountain.

Papa John was supposed to leave early with Boot and his wife, but Papa woke up with a migraine like headache. I probably would have too, but I drank a ton of water to head it off when woke up at 2 am.

Papa John's YouTube channel is PJ on the AT. He did a really nice job with them. Pork Chop also put out a nice final YouTube video. His channel is Pork Chop and Raven. And of course The Wander Women.

Papa eventually got a ride from Lady Dundee and her husband. He was supposed to ride down to Maryland with Boot and take Amtrak back to Atlanta. Not sure how he's getting back now. He mentioned something about it being like the trail and figuring something out.

I took the lodge shuttle back to Katahdin Stream Campground. There was a couple on the shuttle who were meeting their son who was finishing this thru hike. They were very excited and Ole Man gave them a lot of information. I just listened. It's a 20 plus mile ride with a good portion on gravel. 

After dropping the couple, Ole Man took me to Abol Bridge Campground. We talked about the trail, retirement, kids, life, etc. He's going with his daughter, Hippie Chick, and her family to hike the Camino in the Spring. Hippie Chick and Poet own Shaw's Hostel in Monson, so the family has both ends of the 100 Mile Wilderness covered.

At Abol Bridge Campground I had some coffee and snacks. I saw Ugh, who summited the previous day, he was flipping and heading into the 100 mile.

I went into town from the campground on Saturday and had intended to get a shuttle from the AT Lodge back there and walk thr 10 AT miles to Baxter State Park Sunday and summit on Monday, but there were a bunch of people splitting the cost of the shuttle Sunday so I went with them and summited Sunday. And now I was doing the 10 miles to Baxter.

It was overcast and misty at times. I didn't bring or apply insect repellent, which I regretted. The mosquitos were bad the first several miles, detracting from what would have a nice enjoyable walk.

I finished in a few hours and saw several thru hikers relaxing at Katadin Stream Campground after summiting. I saw Topcoat and congrulated him. 

I returned the daypack to the ranger station and started walking up the road to hitch a ride back to the AT Lodge.

It started to rain. I was walking with my umbrella and holding my little blue food bag. The day before there were people everywhere in the park and it was easy to get a ride. That was not the case today. I had walked a while when I saw two of the brothers running towards me in the rain with their shirts off. They had finished their summit and we're running back to get the car their mom had rented. They offered me a ride back to Millinocket.

What a treat. I walked back to the Abol Campground by the time they got the car. I hung out and talked to the youngest brother. Eventually the two older brothers returned with the car and another thru hiker named Nash. We had some food and waited for the brothers mom and dad to come down from Katahdin.

Eventually The Governor and his wife made it down and we all celebrated. I told them how honored I was to be with them and how everyone on the trail this year loved seeing them. I congratulated mom and dad on raising such fine young men. There were lots of misty eyes.

Mom said she put Vicks vapor rub under her nose to cover the smell. We said we didn't notice it smelling that bad. We reminisced and enjoyed a nice long ride Into town. The boys were tallying up all the food they were going to get at McDonald's.

As they say, the trail provides.

Peach, Warrior Priest, and Count were eating at the kitchen table and we talked about our days. I had some leftover pizza and the walked across the street to the soft serve ice cream truck. Mayor walked up and we talked. He asked if I had seen Peach and I said he's been at the lodge for days. We walked back and found Peach in the bunk room and talked. Mayor was leaving before Gopher, Peach's dad, was getting tomorrow and wanted to say goodbye.

Peach told us how he's going to be working for Longwood Gardens in a ritzy area of Pennsylvania. He went to UGA for horticulture and got his master's at NC State. He talked about the research facility in Asheville and all the local breweries and how big wigs were always coming into town and taking them to the awesome Sierra Nevada brewery. His boss at Longwood told him to be ready to go to Vietnam this fall. He'll be going all over the world learning about and collecting rare plants and seeds. Pretty awesome first job.

I'm done done with my NoBo hike. Hard to believe.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘


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Day 139
Time: Tue, 20 Aug 2019 18:31:31 -0400
Location: Appalachian Trail Lodge Mile 2192 of Appalachian Trail

A miracle happened. I slept from about 8 pm to 5 am without interruption. I didn't have to pee 3 times or flip flop like a fish to relieve pain in my hips or knees. It felt great.

I walked down the street to the Appalachian Trail Cafe and had a big french toast, eggs, and bacon breakfast.

Catnapper came in and sat with me and told me about his hikes around the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Sounds like a beautiful place.

I took a shower and organized my stuff for the flight home tomorrow. I talked with Peach and Topcoat.

I went back to the cafe for lunch and came back and finished Stranger Things and watched the latest Evan's Backpacking YouTube videos about him returning to hike the White Mountains recently.

Peach's dad, Gopher, flew in from Atlanta to hike Katahdin with Peach tomorrow. Gopher got off the trail at Crawford Notch in the Whites. I gave Gopher a couple big hugs. 

We all went across the street to the Scootic In for dinner. I had the scallops. Topcoat joined us. We reminisced and Gopher said he's struggling back in the real world. His feet still hurt. He's only taken about 4 showers and doesn't have much urge to reengage with the real world.

We had ice cream at the food truck in the park and then Peach and Gopher headed to their campsite in Baxter State Park.

I called home and talked with Helen and Adam. It will be my first time back home since the end of March.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘

Google Maps link to my location: http://maps.google.com/maps?z=14&t=m&q=45.65321%2C-68.7088

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Day 140
Time: Wed, 21 Aug 2019 16:50:59 -0400
Location: Quality Inn Bangor Airport Mile 2192 of Appalachian Trail

I spent last night at the Appalachian Trail Lodge in Millinocket Maine. It was my fourth night there.

I had my last breakfast at the Appalachian Trail Cafe. I did the breakfast burrito again and the homemade chocolate donut.

Space Rocks sat with me. He summited the previous day. I met him way back in Atkins Virginia when I first started and hadn't seen him since.

A group of other hikers staying at the lodge also came in including Topcoat, Strider, Houdini, and Count.

There were about 10 of us on the shuttle to Medway where we caught the bus to Bangor just over an hour away.

I had lunch at Wendy's next to the bus station and walked a mile with Strider to the airport.

It's a small airport and I walked right up to check my bag at the Delta counter and the guy said my flight had just been canceled due to bad weather. He said earlier cancellations meant flights were full and he couldn't get me out today. I was pretty stunned.

He got on the phone and put me on a late evening flight tomorrow arriving in Atlanta around midnight. He said that's all he had and acted like he did me a big favor to get me on that flight.

I sat down and tried to process it. Helen had taken the day off tomorrow and this was going to mess up our plans.

Mayor and Trail Chef were there catching a flight to Philadelphia. We hung out and caught up. He asked about Gopher and Peach. We reminisced and talked about future plans.

There were less than 10 flights on the departures list and my flight to LaGuardia was the only one canceled. There was an American flight to LaGuardia departing about the same time and it wasn't canceled.

I walked downstairs and talked to the Delta people again. They said that LaGuardia had a lot of construction and flights there are often cut due to capacity issues. They said sometimes it's Delta that gets cut, sometimes it's American, and sometimes United. They don't offer food or hotel vouchers for bad weather.

The Sheraton attached to the airport was full so I called the Quality Inn and they came and got me.

I got a lobster roll from a nearby road stand and took a hot soaking bath.

I got distracted and remembered I wanted to check with Delta online to see if there were other flights. There were over 10 options. I ended up taking an early flight tomorrow morning that arrives in Atlanta a little after noon.

It's irritating that the Delta person at the airport never said anything about other flights or to check online.

I called Helen and told her that my flight was canceled. She had been looking forward to picking me up tonight.

Maybe tomorrow I'll make it home.

Love you ❤️ Miss you 😘

Google Maps link to my location: http://maps.google.com/maps?z=14&t=m&q=44.79096%2C-68.80886

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Posted by David at 8:26 AM
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