Into Maine: The 13th and Final State!

Stats: Thursday night 8/11, MM 1932.2

(62.5 new miles, 1941 total miles)

 

Only 256.9 miles to go!

It's been a tough week, you can probably tell from the mileage. Over 5 days I only averaged 12 miles per day. But once again, beautiful views and a boulder pit made it worth it, and I feel blessed to be still on my journey.

Sunday I hiked up and over the Wildcat Mountains. Very steep, and of course, very rocky, felt like I was climbing all day. The weather was colder and a little drizzly, like going back in time to Georgia in March. Hiked 13 miles to Imp Campsite and stayed in the shelter since it was drizzling.

I heard that Sweeper, Caboose, and Foodbag, hikers who we knew from Mary's Trail Magic and who stayed at our house, finished their hike today, saw their pictures on Mt. Katahdin. Congratulations to them! I hope to join them in a few weeks.

Monday I hiked over Mt. Moriah, Mt. Hayes, and Cascade mountain. Weather was OK, didn't have any problems. Once again, amazing views.

Where I stayed last weekend, and Mary sent me a box

I made it 15 miles to Trident Col campsite, and found a troop of girl scouts napping. After I arrived they all got up and were giggly and talking, thought it might be a long night. Thankfully they quieted down after dark.

Tuesday looked on the map like it would not be as bad - not as steep and not as many elevation changes. But I've found the book doesn't always give you a picture of how it's going to be. The terrain was rugged and very steep in parts, thankfully I had nice, sunny weather. I enjoyed many good views as I hiked past Dream Lake, and over Mt. Success and Goose Eye Mountain.

And, today I crossed the border into Maine, my 13th and final state.

Hiked 15 miles to Full Goose Shelter and Campsite. Ran into a few SB hikers, and Goat - I met him and his girlfriend earlier on the trail. Found out his girlfriend had to leave the trail because of a foot infection. When I hear about things like that, I realize how blessed I am to still be hiking - so many things can happen out here.

Wednesday the forecast was for rain after 8AM, and the first part of my hike was over Mahoosic Notch. Here's what it says in my guidebook: "Most difficult or fun mile of the AT. Make way through jumbled pit of boulders." I prayed hard that it didn't rain, and left at 6:15 to get a jump on the weather.

God answered my prayers, I made it all the way through without any rain. And it WAS fun, although a bit tiring. It was sometimes hard to find the white trail blazes on the rocks. Sometimes you had to go a ways before seeing one, then realized you got a little off track.

Next was Mahoosic Arm, a very steep climb including ladders and rebar in the stone. Then a big 3,000 foot downhill to Grafton Notch, then up to Baldpate Lean-to. The weather had turned back to hot and humid, and no breeze so I was soaked. After 12 miles I was beat!

At the lean-to were French-Canadian teen girls (led by a few older girls) on a week-long hike. Only one of them spoke English, they seemed very nice.

Thursday my goal was 8 miles to Andover, where I planned to stop for a day of rest. I had to hike up and over double-peaked Baldpate Mountain, another steep and rocky challenge with great views.

Yes, sometimes the trail is nice and flat, no rocks

When I got to the road, I met a few other hikers who were also planning to stop. It was a smaller road so cars were infrequent - after an hour only 2 had gone by and neither one stopped. A guy joined us who had hiked from The Cabin, and had pre-arranged a ride.

We went with him and the ride took us into town to re-supply and to eat lunch. Then back to The Cabin for a shower and some rest. The forecast for Friday was rain, good timing. I was definitely looking forward to a day off!

But, others were talking about hiking 10 miles on Friday and staying at The Cabin again on Friday night. Sometimes towns can be easily reached from two different places, and this is the case for Andover. I was exhausted, but, the weather forecast for Saturday was worse so maybe that could be my day off instead.

To go or not to go, stay tuned!!

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement, I appreciate them. And thanks to my lovely wife who is the very best support I could ever ask for!