I have not yet begun my adventure. Yet I know what it takes. Is that arrogant of me? Some might say yes but i have found in my time that most people who are nay sayers and doubters tend to be those who have not fully thought ahead. Not just of what they might like […]
Get in line behind BJ Bear – AT Thru-Hike Day 32
I stayed yesterday at the Stratton motel and finally organized and transcribed my journal. I mailed it home for safekeeping. I left the Stratton Motel today after saying goodbye to Don. I promised to send a postcard whether or not I make it to Springer Mountain. His business partner drove me the 20 miles to […]
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 […]
Trail Name Wayward – AT Thru-Hike Day 23
Location: Unnamed Shelter July has come and I am three weeks into my trip. Today I’ll say that I’m done with cigarettes. I’ve visited two towns, drank beer three nights and been around smokers each of those nights, and I have resisted temptation. In The Forks, ME, I didn’t even crave nicotine. This hike has […]
Second Longest Hike and Worst Fall To Date – AT Thru-Hike Day 19
I left the lean-to this morning before Gino and Kyle had finished their breakfast. Gino snored loudly and I didn’t sleep well. The loons on the pond woke me up this morning. The loons sound like howling dogs, and they talk back and forth at first light. I thought the day might be rainy, however […]
Meet Sourball, the author of Dreaming the Appalachian Trail – AT Thru-Hike Day 17
Tim and Eric left Horseshoe Canyon lean-to before me today. I left after eating two bowls of Raisin Bran and a granola bar, a pretty typical breakfast for me out on the trail. The day started easily. The trail was flat and straight and I followed the Piscataquis toward the West Branch ford. When I […]
100 Miles Wild Behind Me, 2100 Remaining – AT Thru-Hike Day 13
Location: Outside Monson, Maine Tim and I hike most of the day together. The hike was wet and messy. The rain fell off and on. When we were coming down Barren early in the day, Tim and I followed Eric, who led us off the trail and a mile down an overgrown fire lane that […]
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 […]
Chairback Mountain, The StairMaster from Hell – AT Thru-Hike Day 11
Location: Unknown Shelter Greg and I began hiking together this morning. We forded the West Branch of the Pleasant River. Greg crossed without shoes and I decided to cross in my flip flops. The water was only knee deep and fairly calm. I was surprised there wasn’t a bridge because the area was very tourist […]
My Simple Secret to Successfully Thru-Hike Appalachian Trail – AT Thru-Hike Day 10
Location: Newhall Shelter Joe and Max left before me this morning. They planned 16 miles and I only planned nine, so I doubt I’ll ever see them again. On the last descent of the day, Greg caught up to me. I have to slow down on the manmade rock stairs on the mountain. While nature […]