Northbound By Foot
An Appalachian Thru HikeArchive for August, 2011
8-29-11 Trails End
So, the adventure is over and I’m heading home. We were supposed to fly out on Sunday, but who would have known Maine was going to get hit by a hurricane. Now I sit here in the airport awaiting my flight back to reality. It took 141 days to walk from Georiga to Maine and it will take 3 hours to get back to Florida. It’s hard to think that about 5 months ago I was sitting before the southern terminus wondering what the miles would bring. Now I know. They brought pain, anguish, discomfort, but more than anything pure amazement and beauty. The one thing that made hiking the Appalachian Trail a truly amazing experience were the people and the kindness that the trail brings out in the people. I want to thank everyone that was a part of my adventure and made the trail a life changing experience. To everyone that followed our adventure and provided their support. To everyone that encouraged us to keep walking when the days were long and dark. To everyone that reached out that reached out and gave when no one asked for giving. And more than anything to everyone that simply followed the adventure through this blog. I really enjoyed taking you along with me as it kept me going knowing that so many looked forward to my ranting and raving. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Now one adventure ends as a new one begins. Unfortunately, this adventure is my life and there will be no blog. Now you will all be a part of the adventure and a part of my life. As always you can rest assured and know that I’m Loving Life.
Leak Out!
8-27-11 She Said Yes
We were climbing down the knives edge when something hit me like a blinding realization. I looked at Charlotte and instantly knew that I wanted to marry her. I looked in my pocket and there was a ring so I gave to her and we lived happily ever after. Ok, in actuality I have been thinking about this moment since I first embarked on this adventure. From the day that I left Georgia I knew that I would ask her to marry me on top of my final climb. Asking her would be the easy part. The hard part was thinking about the moment everyday for the next 5 months and not being able to tell anyone. I was hiking with my brother everyday and didn’t even tell him until about a month ago.
Anyways, my mother brought me the ring to Maine and I stashed it away. As we climbed down the mountain we stopped to take a break when I gave Char a candy ring pop. She had mentioned that it would be nice to get engaged in Maine so I knew it was in the back of her mind. I said, “you wanted a ring, right?” So, she opened it, put it on, gave it a lick and said, “I say yes”. Then I asked her if she wanted a real ring as I proceeded to pull it from my pocket. Needless to say she did agreed to put herself in harms way and get married to me. Yeah, I know. What was she thinking? I then surprised her by having her parents waiting at the base of the mountain so that they could spend the weekend with us.
Sorry ladies. This guy is taken for good, but he is unbelievably happy and as always he’s Loving Life.
8-26-11 Katahdin
Katahdin Stream Campground to Baxter Peak: 5.4 miles
I wasn’t excited about waking up at 4:00 am to get to the mountain, but it was time to end the hike so I was up and ready in no time. It was an hour drive to the mountain which had us climbing by 7 am. After about 30 minutes we were already rock climbing. If I were to climb any mountain on the AT I would choose Katahdin. I don’t say this just because it was the final climb but more so because it was a really cool climb and I mean climb. This was hand over foot rock climbing involving you to find hand-holds as you scaled the rock faces.
To make it even better the wind was whipping as we climbed into the clouds. Rock after rock brought us onto the tableland where we hiked through the mist until we finally reached the peak. There was the sign that signified the end of our adventure. Now, if there was a gondola we certainly would have taken it down, but we were stuck doing bonus miles down the knives edge.
Before we embarked down the mountain we spent about an hour at the summit siting in the clouds with the cold wind biting our exposed skin. Charlotte was hidden behind a rock in order to get out of the wind. Another thru-hiker, Tigger, was smoking a stogie and sipping on a 17 year old scotch. Smooth was standing around enjoying the thought of being done with the hike. As for Derek and I, we were changing into our bathing suits and enjoying the occasional tequila shot. We decided we would dig up our Florida style and take our summit picture bare-chested with sunglasses and inflatable rafts!
The clouds weren’t clearing and the tequila wasn’t providing any warmth so it was time to start down the knives edge. The climb down involved walking along a 4 foot rocky ridge with huge drop-offs on either side. This was a really cool way to end the hike and the clouds even cleared as we descended 1,000 feet. If I was to step 2 feet to the side it would have been certain death. Don’t worry I didn’t die. My knees were however completely spent as the campground finally came into sight. It feels good to be done. It feels good to be done. That’s right I wrote that twice. A couple more days in Maine with family before heading back to sunny Florida. Who would have guessed I would have to battle a hurricane in order to get back to Florida. Bring it on. Loving Life.
8-23-11 Millinocket
Did you know that the French translation of Millinocket is “the nocket”.
Just a piece of history for you on my off day. Another day sitting around northern Maine enjoying the bustling town of the nocket. Believe it or not there is actually a McDonalds here so you know the town is on the map. Anyways, the sun is shinning and the cool crisp wind is blowing. It’s a good day for a BBQ so that’s what we’ll do.
Three days out from our final climb. I’ll be sure to post after we are finally done with some great summit pics!
Our banana cabin.
8-21-11 The End Is Near
Abol Bridge to Katahdin Stream Campground: 10 miles
Woke up and got some breakfast sandwiches with a cup or two of coffee. It was only 10 miles to the base of Katahdin so we were taking our time. After waking up at 5:30 every morning in the 100 mile wilderness, a relaxed morning was much appreciated. The terrain was easy walking with glimpses of Katahdin popping up every now and then. As we got closer and closer the mountain only got bigger. Before we knew it we were there. I checked in with the ranger and was number 167 to reach the mountain.
So, we hitched to town and began to eat and drink. For the next 5 days we will be living large with modern amenities. In fact I’m writing this from a flush toilet! Just kidding, but I could if I wanted to. For now it is a waiting game. The fam will be here later in the week and we’ll climb the beast on the 26th. The end is near and boy does it feel good. Beer, pizza, cookies, ice cream, heavy cream and Loving Life!
Picking up groceries on some loaner bikes!
8-20-11 Special K
Wadleigh Shelter to Abol Bridge: 23 miles
So, last nights sleep was no different. Tossed and turned all night as I spent my last night in a shelter. The highlight of the night is when I thought I had a mouse crawling on me until I realized it was just Smooth laying sideways in the shelter. He woke up and said, “I’m sideways.” We had a laugh about it today.
The miles went slow today with the anticipation of reaching a store with food. There were a number of spots where we caught glimpses of Katahdin. The excitement is building as we reach the end of the road. Man, does it feel good. We cruised into Abol bridge and immediately grabbed some beers and a burger. As a note to anyone that is going to attempt the 100 mile wilderness, it is extremely hard to do carrying food containing very little nutritional value. i.e. Spring for the pasta side instead of a ramen!
Either way we made it and now we only have 10 miles to the base of Katahdin. We’ll kill those 10 miles tomorrow and then take a few days off before climbing the beast. Spirits are high now with the end in sight. Loving Life baby.
8-19-11 The Moose Is Loose
Eagle River Shelter to Wadleigh Stream Shelter: 28 miles
Another long day. Were going out with a bang and I have two new blisters to show for it. I slept in the shelter and got about as much sleep as I figured I would. I don’t have much for a pad so I am constantly flipping from back to side to stomach. If someone filmed me at night it would probably look pretty silly. Anyways, I’m here laying in the shelter again. Storms are in the vicinity and it’s one of our last nights on the trail so why not.
Most of the day was spent flat walking and dodging mud. The highlight of the day came at about 6:00 pm before we got to the shelter. I was walking when I heard some loud splashing ahead of me. Sure enough here comes this huge moose right out of the river. He was a big boy. Derek got some pics so I’ll have to get them from him. I was staring to think that we wouldn’t see one. Lucky us. On that note it’s time to crash. Two more days on the trail. Hungry as usual but still Loving Life.
8-18-11 Five Hour Power
Cloud Pond Shelter to Eagle River Shelter: 27 miles
Whew, that was a long day. Climb after climb after climb and we still rocked out 27 miles. Here is the predicament that we are in right now. We don’t have enough food so we are constantly hungry and running out of energy on the climbs. This is part of the diving factor pushing us to the end, but at the same time we are lacking the energy to go the extra mile.
After a number of climbs we forded a river and ate a pathetic lunch. Then it was time to start a sequence of four big climbs up to white top mountain. Here’s how hungry I was during this 10 mile climb. My stomach was scarring me so I started taking pieces of a coconut bar that I was rationing and I slowly placed small pieces in my cheek. Once I eventually swallowed them I would wait until I needed another piece. Pretty pathetic, huh? After a bit I had to drink the five hour energy that I was carrying and this did the trick. White top mountain was our last significant climb until Kathadin!!! Supposedly you can see Katahdin from on top and I think I may have but who knows which mountain it was. Anyways, today was a tough day and I certainly earned the ramen bomb that I devoured for dinner. Two more long days and we will be 15 miles out at a campstore with food. Can’t wait. Despite the grumble comic from my sleeping bag I’m Loving Life.
Katahdin, maybe?
8-17-11 Sub Benjamin
Monson to Cloud Pond Shelter: 19 miles
Were under 100 miles now don’t ya know. Apparently, we are going to slip and fall every day until we are finished because we all had some decent falls today. On top of that I was stung by a bee on my calf after about 10 minutes of hiking. It is still stinging as I lay here writing this. I wonder if the stinger is still in my leg. Hmmm.
It was a gorgeous day with blue skies and cool temps. We passed by an occasional river and even a waterfall of two. There were supposed to be a few rivers that required fording, but we were able to rock hop all but one. It was a good day. We have all also decided that we do not have enough food which means were going to be good and hungry when we get to town in 4 more days. Who knows, maybe we’ll get crazy and make it in 3. My arms are cold so I am zipping up the ole bag of sleep. Night y’all. Loving Life.
8-16-11 Last Town
Lost In The Woods to Monson: 12 miles
Woke up to more rain. When I said tomorrow is a new day I was hoping for a bright sunny day. It was 12 miles to our last town on the trail so this was enough to lift my spirits and get me moving. Trudged through some mud and made it to town for lunch. We decided to stay at a hostel called Shaws. Comfy bed, hot shower and some clean clothes have me ready to take on the world.
The plan is to knock out the 100 mile wilderness in 5 days. Come next Monday we’ll be standing before the behemoth Katahdin ready to end our journey. At that point we will be staying in town waiting for family to show up before we actually summit the mountain on the 26th. I’m getting really excited and Loving Life.
Northbound By Foot 