The bugs woke all of us up early this morning. The rain fell hard last night so the talk over breakfast revolved around pessimistic expectations about the trail’s condition. Tomato and David left first, followed by BJ Bear, and then me. I didn’t want to get out of my sleeping bag in the morning. I […]
Hiking Saddleback Mountains – AT Thru-Hike Day 30
After a long day yesterday, I had a much better day today. We crossed Saddleback Jr., The Horn, and Saddleback Mountain. I took some good pictures, I hope. The mountains were difficult, of course; but we hiked six miles above tree line which made the hike unique. We had lunch on Saddleback. As we headed […]
Top 7 Things You Must Have in the 100 Mile Wilderness for a Southbound Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike
So you want to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail southbound? Well below are 7 must-have items I recommend for starting the Appalachian Trail southbound thru-hike, and specifically for hiking the notorious 100 Mile Wilderness, which can punish to would-be thru-hiker. Each year, a couple thousand people start their thru-hike at Springer Mountain, Georgia and start hiking north. […]
Stratton Maine – AT Thru-Hike Days 26 27
Locations: Stratton Motel (Stratton, ME) I hiked six miles to the road quickly. The mosquitoes woke me with bites on the forehead, and Sourball kept me up with his talking. I buried myself in my sleeping bag but he kept telling me facts about the trail and Maine. As a third generation thru-hiker and trail […]
Another Encounter with Sourball – AT Thru-Hike Day 25
Location: Somewhere in the Bigelows, ME I started late today because I only had six miles to hike. Last night there was a terrible rainstorm. The wind blew harder than I’ve felt on this trip yet, and I learned today from a caretaker that the temperature dropped to 42F. The winds kept me awake last […]
Climbing into the Bigelows – AT Thru-Hike Day 24
Location: Safford Notch A hard rain convinced me to stay in my sleeping bag this morning. I heard thunder in the distance, even though the rain rattled the tin roof of the lean-to like a snare drum. I decided I would not take even the slightest chance with lightning, because of my last encounter. Wolfman […]
Calling Loons on Pierce Pond – AT Thru-Hike Day 22
Location: Pierce Pond, ME The last day of June. I missed the shuttle to the trail head this morning. Northern Outdoors only runs one shuttle a day, so I walked the highway to Longley’s store. It’s specifically stocked for the thru-hiker and is owned and operated by the same man who operates the canoe ferry […]
Nearly Killed by Lightning on the Appalachian Trial – AT Thru-Hike Day 12
Location: Cloud Pond Greg began south again at first light, which here comes at around 5:00am. The sun had not yet risen, but this far north, gray light appears hours before sunrise. I left the lean-to before Tim and Eric. The day began beautifully. I knew that I wouldn’t have water for the last five […]
Coldest Shower On Appalachian Trial – AT Thru-Hike Day 7
Location: Cooper Brook Falls The walk to Cooper Brook falls was uneventful and easy. It only took an hour and a half or so. I have completed my chores, and the sun will be up for a good while. I think I should start hiking for longer periods of time, yet it is hard to […]
More Floods, Mosquitoes, and Falls – AT Thru-Hike Day 5
Location: Unknown Shelter Never again will I suspect that a day will be easy. Yesterday I thought the ten miles planned for today would be a cinch. Little did I know that I was setting myself up for disappointment. There are no easy miles in Maine, I’ll say every day. Though the trail today was […]