Day 23 - Friday, July 26, 2019

Shaw’s Hostel - Monson, ME - 0 Miles

Today is all about prep and rest.  There are four of us hiking as a group for the next three days or at least we are camping in the same location.   We are combining a food drop at the midpoint and we need to be together.  As we made our plans we made two plans.  One aggressive and the other more conservative.   The next three days is the difficult part of the 100 Mile Wilderness afterwards the trail levels out.   I will be hiking with: Highlander, Snow Cap and Pirate.  The general plan is to arrive at the Base of Katahdin on Thursday night.   Three of us will go to AT Lodge in Millinocket.  Snow Cap, Pirate and Highlander will Summit on Friday and I will wait until Monday.

Rest

Shaw Hostel,  Monson, ME

Day 22 - Thursday, July 25, 2019

Bald Mtn Brook Lean-To to Monson, (ME 15) - 22 Miles

Weather was nice again today.  It was chilly this morning but warmed quickly.   Highlander and I left camp at 5:30.  We had an immediate 2 mile climb up to the summit of Moxie Bald for a great view.   After the climb we hiked up and down the Maine countryside for the next 16 miles.   We did have two River fords which cooled us off .   At the end of day we had another long climb as we headed toward the highway.  We got to the highway (ME 15) a little after 3:00 and was at Shaw’s Hiker Hostel by 3:30.   Tomorrow is a “Zero” to rest, resupply, and plan out the 100 mile wilderness (last week on the trail).   My general plan is to leave out on Saturday morning.   I will not have phone service until I get to Millnocket on Thursday.  I plan to wait until Monday, August 5 to summit in hopes that Lisa, Danny and Tracey (my dear friends Richmond, VA) can be here.   Danny is planning to summit with me.

The following NoBo hikers are in Monson planning to start the 100 mile wildernesses on Saturday:   Pirate, Papa Smurf, Highlander, Starcrunch, Moss, and Snowcap.  

Moxie Bald Summit

Highlander fording the Piscataquis River 

Day 21 - Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Pierce Pond Lean To to Bald Mtn Brook Lean To - 18.7 miles

Well the day started with a pancake breakfast at Harrison’s Pierce Pond Cabin.  Which was a 10 min walk from the Lean To.  What an enjoyable start as 8 of us had coffee, a doz. pancakes each and good conversation.  Afterwards 6 of the 8 who were heading northbound took off for the Kennabac River 3.5 miles away to catch the Canoe ferry which started at 9.   We arrived at about 8:45.  It was 9:45 before I made across the river as I was in the fourth group of two to go across.   On the other side we all walked to Caratunk B&B for resupply ( I had a box mailed there) and milkshakes.  Yes, I had a large choc. milkshake before 10:30 am.    After packing away the resupply of food, finishing my milkshake and checking messages via WiFi (no phone signal again today). I headed out to the Bald Mtn Lean To with the others which was about 15 miles away.   I hiked with Highlander today from Leesburg, VA.  We are closer in age and a lot more companiable in hiking speed.  We arrived to the Lean To just after 5 and seven of us are here together.  The 6 others include (Starcrunch, Moss, Papa Smurf, Pirate, White Cap and Highlander).  

The plan is to get up early (4:30 am) and hike to Monson  tomorrow (22 miles).

Paddling across the Kennebac River in a canoe with a white blaze painted in the bottom

I slept on the shore of this beautiful

Pond on Tuesday night.

Day 20 - Tuesday, July 23, 2019

East Flagstaff Rd to Pierce Pond Lean-to -16.3 miles.  

Wow the trail was great today.   Starcrunch, Moss and I left the hostel around 8:00 and got back to the trail at 8:40.   We had two small mountains to go over and the trail leveled out. There were some rocks and roots but the trail was pretty open.  The ponds along the way were so peaceful.

We arrived at the Lean-to at 2:45.     Quick work, we considered going down to the river but the ferry only runs from 9 to 2.  I would have loved to gone to Caratunk B&B but it’s across the river and no easy or cheap way to get there.   The side benefit is there a great breakfast at Harrison’s 1/3 miles from the Lean To.  So pack up in the morning, go to breakfast then head to river (3.9 miles).  I have a resupply package in Caratunk, so I will swing by the B&B pick up the package and hit the trail toward Monson.

Special thanks to Jax’s Dad for providing me all your research of this section.  I have been using it nightly as I plan.

Hikers met:  Turbo (nb) 19 yr old from Alpharetta.    

A beach along one of the ponds.  The water is warm.

Day 19 - Monday, July 22, 2019

Flagstaff Rd to ME 27 - 16.5 miles

Great day!   Weather was cool but clear.   I hiked (slackpacked) the Bigelows Southbound    today.   I ended back at the hostel of Maine for second evening.  I hiked with Starcrest and Moss who are from Hagerstown.  We covered the 16.5 miles in 7.5 hours.  The first time hiking faster than 2.0 miles/hr this year.  Although this was the last big mountain range until Katahdin the trail is getting better, with less rocks and roots.   The views from the Bigelows were gorgeous!   Avery Peak just moved up to my top three views.   Today I will be hiking to get close to Caratunk.  I would like to be at the River tomorrow at 9:00 when the ferry opens.   

Hikers Met: Highlander (nb), Papa Smurf (nb), Hobbitt (nb), sea crest (nb), Moss (nb),  pirate (nb).

From Avery Peak

Day 18 - Sunday, July 21, 2019

Spaulding Mtn Lean To to ME 27 - 13.5 Miles

Slept well but morning came too early.   Yesterday was a hard day and I was feeling it today.   The temps were high again today with some humidity.  This is not what expected for Maine.   Temps were in the mid 90’s the low last night didn’t get out of the 70’s.  As you see I stopped short of planned destination, I just didn’t have another big climb in me today.

Well I passed the 200 remaining mark and this afternoon I passed the 2,000 mile mark.   Hiked over Spaulding, (Sugarloaf) Cirque and the Crocker’s today.  Tomorrow I will go over the bigelows which is the last 4,000 ft mountain range.   

Milestone this afternoon

Milestone this morning

Day 17 - Saturday, July 20, 2019

Rangley To Spaulding Mtn Lean To - 18.7 Miles

I started the day with 5 days worth of food and a heavy bag.   Today’s hike included the Saddleback, The Horn, Saddleback Jr., Popular Ridge and final the climb up Spaulding to the lean to.   It was hot this afternoon,  I drank 6 liters of water (4 with electrolytes) and I’m still get cramps this evening.  I started at 5:45 and finished at 5:50.  I stopped a Poplar Ridge Shelter for lunch.  The is the last place anyone saw “inchworm” or Geraldine Lagay alive before your 2011 disappearance.  Her remains was found 2 yrs later 2,000 ft from the trail where she had gotten lost after going into the woods to relieve herself.    Over Saddleback Mtn I was above treeline for 3 miles but part of that time the mountain was in the clouds with low visibility.   It was a hard day and tomorrow will also be tough.   I’m going to go pass Stratton so I can stay of trail.    

Hikers I met:  Group of Section hikers from Canada, Hawk (sb) from Asheville he will finish in Gorham in a week, three nb hikers who also started in Rangley but I didn’t catch their trail names.   

Popular Ridge Lean To

One of Four Summits today.

Update - Friday, July 19, 2019

Well this has been a real emotional week.   Lisa’s dad is stable after a very difficult week. He has a long way to go in his recovery.  Your continued prayers are appreciated.  

As for the hike.  I’m currently in route back to the trail.  I drove back to Atlanta last night and flew to Boston first thing this morning.  I’m currently on a Concord bus to Portland, ME.  There I will board another bus to Auburn, ME.  In Auburn,  I will board a different bus and bus line to Farmington, ME. In Farmington, I have scheduled a shuttle back to the “Hiker Hut”.   I will be back on trail first thing on Saturday.   I will need to up my miles to make Katahdin by 8/5 but it is not out of the question yet.

End of Day Recap:

Well it is 8:07 pm and I’m in my bunk at The Hiker Hut.  The day was long (started at 3:30) but went smoothly.  I made all the connections and got to Rangeley a little after 6:00.  I was able to get packed up and ready to go before dark.  Now I’m getting settled for some zzzz’s before a 4:50 alarm.  It is supposed to be 95 here tomorrow and I have some tough climbs with a full pack (heavy).  I’m shooting for 18 miles tomorrow but I’ll see.   

Day 16 - Sunday, July 14, 2019

Sabbath Pond Shelter to ME 17 Rangley - 9.4 Miles

Got out of camp at 8:00 and was at ME 17 by 12:45. Trail was moderately easy into Rangley.  I had a resupply box in town so I walked to the “Hiker Hut” to get a bunk for the night and a shuttle into town.  I haven’t had a phone signal for the last couple of days. When I got to town to get a phone signal I found a couple of message to call home.   It appears my father in law is doing worst so I’m hitting the pause on my hike.  I have made travel arrangements to travel back tomorrow.  Please pray for Lisa’s Dad.  I plan to return back to the trail as soon as possible.

Day 15 - Saturday, July 13, 2019

South Arm Rd, Andover to Sabbath Pond Shelter - 17 miles

“Man that pack is heavy” were the words out of my mouth after loaded up this morning to return to the trail with my full pack.  It was nice to have had a couple of slackpack days.   I hiked with “Beer” and “Burgers” today.  This is a young (27) married couple hiking the trail together.  Beer was a wrestler in PA and an Eagle Scout so we had a lot to talk about.  The conversation was good which made the day go by quicker but it was a long day of hiking.  We were on trail for 11.5 hours for 17 miles.  In the south this same mileage would take 8.0 hours.   The weather was nice today.  The trail had steep climbs, rocks, roots and mud to deal with today.  We are camped near a beautiful pond tonight.  Tomorrow we will trail to Rangley.   Beer and Burgers are planning to hike on but I need to get a resupply box in town.   

Hikers met today:  Scatted (sb). 

Overlooking one of Maine’s many ponds from ME 17.  

Day 14 - Friday, July 12, 2019

South Arm Rd to East B Rd - 10.1 Miles

Today I hiked (slack-packing) southbound.  The Hostel shuttles hikers for this section.  It was a cool and rainy day.    My achilles felt much better today, so I will ice and massage again tonight.    Because of the weather I had  no views today.   The mountain was covered with moose scat but I could find a moose.  

I really like the Human Nature Hostel.  The owner is a two time survivor on Nake and Afraid.  There are a lot of hikers who zeroed today to avoid the bad weather so I should be hiking out with several people in the morning.

Hikers met:   Scavenger (nb), Mountain Calf (nb), Chips (sb), Drop Bear (sb),  Levi (nb)

Pond near East B Road In Andover, ME but no Moose

Human Nature Hostel 

Day 13 - Thursday, July 11, 2019

Grafton Notch to East B Road - 10.3 Miles

Well today didn’t go as planned.  Weather and trail was good.   I intended to do 21 miles but at halfway I bailed out.  I made great time to the halfway point but my right Achilles was very tight and really hurting.  So I stopped to be cautionous.   This afternoon I iced and massaged it.  I also cut a couple of cardboard heel lifts to go into my shoes, hopefully that will relieve some of the heel strain.  I will go back out in the morning to do the second half of my original hike.  

Hikers met:  Beers (nb), Burgers (nb), Mtn Leg (sb), Goat (nb), 

Baldpate Peak

Day 12 - Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Full Goose Shelter to Grafton Notch (ME 26) - 9.7 Miles

Well I made it through the Mahoosuc Notch and Arm with out an issue.   Korky and I hiked together through the Notch which took a little more than an hour but what “fun”.  It a valley of huge boulders and you can go over or under them, there is no path just get through it.   I was able to get through the whole Notch without removing my pack.  The Mahoosuc Arm was a 1600 climb with lots of long granite slabs (just like the one I fell on last year).  The difference was today the rocks were dry and you could move up them without  slipping and sliding.   I finished the hike at 2:30 and got a ride from a friend of Korky’s which I met at the Hostel in Gorham.  He took me to Andover where I got another ride to the Human Nature Hostel.  I got dinner, a shower and clothing washed.  I have a ride back to the trail at 6:30 and plan the slackpack 21 miles tomorrow, which is a huge day in this terrain.  The good news is I have a bailout option at 10.3 miles if it is too bad.  The weather in the afternoon is Rain....on well.  

Hikers I met today: See (nb), Wing (Sb), Wam (sb), Goliath (nb), Aquaman (nb), M&M and his dog Mia (nb)and several others which I cannot remember their names

The Mahoosuc Notch

Day 11 - Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Gentian Pond Shelter to Full Goose Shelter - 9.6 Miles

Another short day,  the plan is to set me up for Mahoosuc Notch (the longest mile on the AT) and the Mahoosuc Arm first thing in the morning.  I’m sitting 1.6 miles from beginning of the Notch.   I hope to have pictures tomorrow.   

I cross over into Maine this morning and said goodbye to New Hampshire.  I have a love/hate relationship with NH.  It starts with the fall last year,  it’s a tough state but very beautiful.   I know ME will have its challenges but it’s a great feeling to know I’m in the last state (13 down and 1 to go).   I’m currently 276.9 miles to the end.   

Hikers I met today: Walbat (sb), Goat (nb), Korky (nb), Levi (nb) Logan (nb) and 3 groups of youth hikers during summer camp.  At least one of the groups were Canadian.   

Maine State Line...Yeah!!!!

Day 10 - Monday, July 8, 2019

Rattle River Hostel to Gentian Pond Shelter -  11.8 Miles

I left Gorham a little later than normal so I could get a report about Fred (my father in law).  The report was positive so Lisa gave me the “Green Light” to go back into the woods.  I don’t expect to get phone coverage until Wednesday night as I head into Southern Maine.   This is my last evening in NH.  Also, I passed the 1900 miles today.  Tomorrow morning I will cross over into ME (the 14th and final state).  Today, I had beautiful weather and good trails up from Gorham.   My “trail legs” are coming along and I had good energy.    I have a tight Achilles on my right leg but rolled it out and applied KT tape for support.  I hope that reliefs the discomfort.  

My original plan for today was to go another 5 miles to cross into ME but the folks at the hostel said this was a great shelter, with a great view as well as a good chance of seeing a moose in the pond in the evening.   This place definitely is a room with a view.  I arrived here a little before 4:00.   A Good Day!

Hikers I met today:  Dalson (sb), Sunshine(sb), Get out (sb), Logan (nb), Korky (nb) and Levi (nb) which I walked with most of the day.   

View from the Shelter

Day 9 - Sunday, July 7, 2019

Imp Shelter to Rattle River Hostel - 8 miles

After a rainy Saturday, I woke to a beautiful Sunday morning.  Cool and clear.  I lefted the Shelter at 6:30 to hike up Mt Moriah and then down the mountain. I got back to the hostel at 11am.  I spent the afternoon packing and resting for southern ME.  I should cross the state line on early Wednesday morning.   I could have gone out this afternoon but I’m sitting close to the phone regarding Lisa’s dad.     He is make in ICU.  This is a decision point for me because once I leave Gorham I will be out of touch for 3 days.   Please say a pray for Lisa’s dad.  

From Top of Mt Moriah

Day 8 - Saturday, June 6, 2019

Pinkham Notch to Imp Shelter -13.1 miles

The weather was good this morning but thunderstorms rolled in during the afternoon.  This section included the Wildcat Mtns, Carter   Dome and the three Carter Mtns, of which 5 of them are over 4,000 ft.  I stopped at the Carter Notch Hut and got a bowl of soup, a sausage patty and a Pastry for lunch.  I met a NOBO named “Goat” for St Louis.  I also started the day hiking with “Footloose” and “Big Bear” from Vernon, NJ but we got separated when we started climbing.   I felt good today but it was slow with the weather.  I stopped below the ridge line on three different occasions to wait out the lightning before going above treeline.  It is frightening being on top of a bald mountain with lightning so I don’t might sitting in the rain to wait it out.  Got to camp at 6:00 and I was soaked and cold.   I’m now in my sleeping bag warming up and ready for sleep.  Tomorrow I go over Mt Moriah and back to Rt 2 in Gotham.  I will be out of New Hampshire in a little over a day.

Storms approaching 

Day 7 - Friday July 5, 2019

Rattle River Hostel - 0 miles

Today was a rest day.   I ate a big breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Soaked my feet, rolled my sore muscles and relaxed.  I planned the rest of my resupply locations and sent info to Lisa.  I also made a small resupply run to Walmart.  I met a nice retired couple from Vernon, NJ (Southbounders).  I noticed she had a horseshoe bracket from St Croix and found out her sister has lived there for 30 yrs in the same town as Trey and Sara.  

Tomorrow I head back on trail to do the “Wildcat Mtns” and  “Carter Dome”.  The  weather isn’t looking good 90% chance of rain/thunderstorms. It was Georgia hot here today at 91 and humid but the rain is supposed to cool it off.  

Happy Birthday CHAZ!!!!  I hope you had a great day.

No pictures today

Day 6 - Thursday, July 4, 2019

Lake of the clouds hut to Pinkham Notch Visitor Center - 15 miles

 Sleeping in the hut was not a restful night.  Hikers cannot layout bedrolls until dining room shuts down at 9:30.   But because of the 4th the cog train station did a fireworks show below at the bottom of the mountain so the dining room was busy until 10:00 watching the show from above.   I was asleep by 10:30 up at 5:15 and on trail by 6:10.   Hiked with “Papercut” and “Stitcher”.  We were on top of Mt Washington by 7:00 got our pictures and off by 7:30.   The rest of the day was hiking above treeline over the “Presidential Range”.  The toughest mountain was Mt Madison which is extremely rocky (big rocks).   The climb down was also difficult.  Knees and ankles took a pounding today.   I decided this afternoon that I would take a “zero” tomorrow to get ready for the final section in New Hampshire the “Wildcats Mountains”.   

Mt Washington Summit

Taking in the views “Beautiful Mountain Range”

Day 5 - Wednesday July 3, 2019

Ethan Pond Hut to Lake of the Clouds Hut - 14 Miles

Up early and out of camp so I could make it to Lake of the Clouds around 4:00.   The first 3 miles was easy downhill to US 302 but then the “fun” started.   The road is at 1266 ft of evelation and the Lake of Cloud hut is 5012.   Miles 4-6 was extremely difficult up to the Webster Cliffs.   The flies and mosquitoes have been really bad but I have a secret weapon (thanks Andy).   I met several hikers today but hiked with Paper-cut and Shedder most of the day.  It is so much more enjoyable to hike with others.   Good day we arrived at 4:30 and registered to do a work for same.  Well I didn’t get the work for stay so it cost me $10 to stay on the dining room floor.  It’s warm and has a bathroom so I’m ok with the floor.

The “Tramily” telling stories at Lake of the Clouds

Beautiful Sunset 

Day 4 - Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Garfield Shelter to Ethan Pond Shelter - 14.5 Miles

The weather was nice today.  The views were incredible although I was only above treeline for a few minutes.   This place has some difficult hiking but the views are worth it.   I sleep well last night turned in at 7:30 and up at 6:00.   My legs felt better, maybe the extra sleep is working.   I ate at 2 huts today; one for leftover breakfast and coffee and the other at 2:00 pm for soup and a pastry.  This is definitely helping me keep my calorie count up.  The huts provide this to hikers doing greater than 200 miles of the trail.  The day started with  a difficult climb down a water fall and one tough climb.  In the late afternoon the rocks reduced significantly so I was able to complete the last 5 miles in a couple of hours.   I did get to talk to Lisa this morning anticipating no phone signal tonight (which I don’t have).  I walked by myself most of the day,  I sure miss Jax’s Dad.   

Tomorrow I want to get going earlier so I can make it to Lake of the Clouds hut (just below Mt Washington) before end of day.  

The early morning climb down the stream


Gorgeous Views

Day 3 - Monday, July 1, 2019

Franconia Notch to Garfield Shelter - 10.3 miles

The White Mountains are no joke.   The day started with a 3000 foot climb to Liberty Springs before climbing another 1000 to get above treeline.   Was above treeline for several miles.  I climbing down from Mt Lafayette before going back up Mt  Garfield.   The miles tell me it was a easy day, my body tells another story.   Great views!!!!

The ridge behind me is what I covered today

  

Hiking above treeline