Day 30 - Monday, August 5, 2019

Katahdin Stream Campgroup to Katahdin Summit - 5.2 Miles

Lisa, Tracey and Danny arrived after Midnight on Saturday Night.  We slept in on Sunday morning, after lunch Danny and I headed to Baxter State Park to our campsite.   We stayed at Nesowadnehunk Field Lean-tos approx. 9 miles north of Katahdin Streams.  Arrived at Campground around 3:00.  Our plan is up early, drive to the trailhead and start around 5:30 am.

Well it was a chilly start this morning.  When we left the campground the car temp was 39.   We got on trail at 6:00.   The mountain was tough but it was a great day.  We arrived at the summit around 11:00.    

Wahoo!!!!   It’s Finished!!!!!

Thanks to all the folks who followed and supported me.

Summit Photo

Friday, August 2, 2019

Millinocket - 0 miles

Note I’m not counting these as zeros in my trail logs as I’m at the end just waiting for my wife and Friends before summitting.

Today was a busy day I hiked a couple miles to the Baxter State Park Headquarters to get reservations in the park for Sunday night.  Danny and I will Summit early on Monday morning.   

Tonight the Tramily with Family all got together for dinner and drinks to celebrate finishing the trail at the Scootic In.  We are having breakfast together at the AT Cafe before everyone hits the road.   We all agreed to do Damascus Trail Day next year for a reunion.

The Tramily with Family

Day 29 - Thursday, August 1, 2019

Abol Campground To Katahdin Streams Ranger Station - 10 miles

What a great decision to push on the Abol Campground last night.  The shower alone was worth it.   I was able to get a cold Ginger Ale and Tums to help settle my stomach.   I had a lite dinner (soup) but in the middle of the night I woke hunger (good sign).   This morning I had a good breakfast before we all headed to Baxter State Park.  The four of us walked the 10 miles in just over 3 hours.  Not that we were anxious to get to the end but the excitement was pushing us along.   For the last few days we have being talking about our experiences, story along the trail, and future plans.   

Tomorrow Snow Cap, Pirate and Highlander will Summit.   We are all meeting in Millnocket for a celebration and to say our goodbyes.   I will Summit on Sunday or Monday depending on when Lisa gets to town.    

I’m currently at the AT Lodge in Millnocket.  

The gang outside of Abol Campground Resturant (me, Snow Cap, Pirate, Highlander)

Day 28 - Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Wadleigh Stream Shelter to Abol Campground - 23.1 Miles

I woke this morning at 4:30 to see how I felt and to have the time to leisurely pack up and to eat breakfast.  I was nauseas but I wanted to try to hike.  I ate two packets of oatmeal which took forever as nothing taste good.   I sipped water all day which helped but had little to eat.  Weather was much nicer today.

Highlander and I  got to Hurd Brook Lean-to at 3:00 but there were no tent sites so we pushed on to Abol Bridge and the campground.  We are officially out of the 100 Mile Wilderness and will be in Baxter State Park in less than .5 miles.  We only have 10 miles tomorrow into the Birches (Lean To for Hikers).  Three of us will go into Millnocket.   All three of the guys I have been hiking with will summit on Friday.  Katahdin is huge!

Katahdin from Abol Bridge

Day 27 - Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Jo Mary Rd to Wadleigh Stream Lean To - 17.8 Miles

Today was hard!   The trail was great but the heat and humidity hit me hard.   I drank plenty but struggled in the afternoon.   I got to camp and set up the screen of tent and crawled in but I was exhausted.   I thought I needed more water so I drank several liters.   As I prepared my dinner I became ill and released a gallon of fluid.   I hope it is only heat related it but there has been some sickness in the Tramily.   Papa Smurf, Bookbag and Seacrunch have been sick.   I saw Seacrunch this morning????

I hope it passes over night as we only have 33 miles to the base of Katahdin.   The plan is to do 20 tomorrow and 13 on Thursday.   I’ve never been sick on trail and with 1.5 days left it happens.   I hope I don’t spread it to others.

Katahdin......we are getting closer!

Day 26 - Monday, July 29, 2019

Sidney Tappen Campground to Jo-Mary Rd - 20.8 Miles

Today we did our last climbs up White Cap and Little Broadmen Mtns.  From the north side of White Cap we had a great view of Katahdin.  It looks so close but in reality we are 70 miles away.   After the climbs the trail flatten out and we were able to make good time.   Highlander and I got to the designated Lean To where White Cap and Pirate were camping around 2:20 so we pushed on to the road where we get our food drop tomorrow morning at 9:00 am..  As of tonight, I only have two oatmeal packets and some caffeinated drink mix left.  

The hundred mile wilderness had been anything but wilderness.   The last two nights we have camped in areas with 25 to 50 youth hiking groups.  The wilderness is full of people.   Today we could hear the loud machine noises of construction or perhaps logging operations.   Tonight, we are camped by a nice stream and road.  A logging road I guess but in the last three hours we have seen at least 20 vehicles.  I guess “Wilderness” is defined loosely here in Maine.   

The weather was hot and humid again today with little to no breeze.   I’m laying in my tent at 6:40 pm uncomfortably hot.   

At the White Cap Mtn Summit

Katahdin in the distances

Day 25 - Sunday, July 28, 2019

Cloud Pond Lean To - Sidney Tappan Campsite - 18.6 Miles

Hot and Humid!   I thought Maine was cool in the summer.  The last couple of days have been Georgia like humidity.   Thunderstorms moved in this afternoon and planned for tonight; hopefully,  these storms will cool the temps.    This morning we hiked over the Chairback Mtn Range which has a series short climbs.   I even got a phone signal on top of Fourth Mtn. and was able to get a quick text off to Lisa.  We had our second river ford.  

Tomorrow we will go over White Cap which is the last mountain range before Katahdin.  Also,  if it is clear, we are supposed to be able to see Katahdin from the Northside of the summit.   Tomorrow we are planning to end at Jo Mary Road which is the location of our food drop on Tuesday morning.   Afternoon descending White Cap the rest of the hike is somewhat flat, with a lot of roots, Mosquitos and black flies.  

Hikers Met:  Honey Bun (sb), Grind (sb), Pocho (sb Yo-yo) he just submitted nb and is headed back to GA.

View from one of the viewpoints

Fourth Mtn Summit

Day 24 - Saturday, July 27, 2019

Monson ME (ME 15) to Cloud Pond Lean To - 19.1 Miles

Felt good today, good food and rest in town on Friday.   Ten of us hiked out together this morning at 8:30 (The 3 below, plus Bookbag, Moss, Starcrunch, Rugs, Granddad and Just Dad) but only four of us ended up together tonight (Pirate, Highlander and Snowcap).  The others stopped several miles back at the previous Lean To.  Since we have a food drop together on Tuesday morning we need to stick together.  The whole group is planning to summit on Friday.   The terrain was fair with some rocks and roots but lots of “Puds” or “Pointless Ups and Downs”.   

Highlander and Pirate at Barren Mtn Overlook

Looking from overlook to the top of Barren Mtn.

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