Sunrise at Logan International

Almost home!

The End

Entering the "100 mile wilderness" last Wednesday afternoon, Bluegrass, Squirrel, Wolfpack and I were feeling excited. Spirits were high. The next five days thru the remote Maine woods was no "victory lap" like I was expecting. Big climbs the first two days up Barren mountain, chairback, west peak, hay mountain, and white cap. Beautiful mountains but we were most interested in the first glimpse of Katahdin from Fourth Mountain. The mountain appeared as little more then a speck but there was a moment of silence as we viewed it for the first time. As the miles passed the mountain grew. Every glimpse of the peak warranted a respectful moment of pause.
The hiking was tougher then expected. After Whitecap mt. the terrain leveled out. The trail led us around numerous crystal clear lakes, cascading streams and bogs. The scenery was amazing but the trail was often covered in rocks and roots. I hung my boot on a root friday and fell harder then I have the entire 2000 mile trip. Landing flat on my stomach with the weight of my pack driving me into the root mat. I was lucky to escape with a sore knee.
We cranked out two consecutive 30 mile days Friday and Saturday. The hard days, sun up to sun down, wore me out. Saturday evening as the sun was setting Blue, Wolf and I were enjoying a view of Kahtadin from rainbow ledges when we heard some branches breaking in the distance. A moose and her calf were grazing on the same blueberries we were just picking. It was a great reward to get our first moose sighting in front of katahdin at the end of a long day. The final 3 miles to camp should have been painful but I was floating on air. Only 21 miles left. Sundays 13 mile hike led us to the base of Katahdin. Now, within striking distance my anticipation was growing. The weather forecast was not working with us. 100 percent chance of rain for summit day. I think I can speak for everyone who has made it this far, a little bit of rain won't stop me. Baxter Park Rangers rated the day a class 2, meaning "not recommend for above tree line hiking." as we left the birches lean to Monday morning to make the final push, the rain that had been pounding all night finally relented. Lucky as usual! My smile grew with every step I took. The first mile was a gradual ascent past the swollen waters of Kahtadin stream. The next section was a stone staircase that stretched 1/2 mile. My legs were feeling great and we hiked with purpose. The trail turned into a rushing stream 2 miles in. We moved quickly thru the flash flood, climbing rocks and avoiding the rushing water the best we could. At 4000 ft. We broke tree line. surrounded by clouds and a cold wind blowing at our backs we continued up. Hand over hand climbing thru a boulderfield on a completely exposed ridge. Occasionally a cloud would push past revealing a views of the rocky, narrow ridge ahead. Difficult climbing over two miles until we popped into "table lands." the gentle sloping alpine zone was scattered with rocks everywhere. Walking past Thoreau's Spring spurting clear mountain water. We didn't waste time filling up. The summit was less then a mile away. It felt like the longest mile of my life. I constantly scanned the horizon for signs of the summit. As a steep pitch came into view the clouds parted and the wooden sign of katahdin was there. My heart beating, mind racing, I slowed my pace. Yes, slowed....taking in every moment, reflecting on my journey. Blue reached the sign first, touching the sign silently. Then it was mine. Indescribable feeling. 2181 miles trekking across rugged country towards this spot. A moment of reflection, palm against the sign, and then the biggest smile to ever grace my pretty face and a scream of celebration. There was pure joy on everyones face. It was the happiest group of haggard dirty men you could ever imagine. And just like that the journey was complete....

Flying in style!

A fitting end to an epic adventure. Chuck "Deer Pimp" Johnson flew in and picked Blue and I up in the Arrow.

Katahdin!!!!

21 miles to go!

View of Katahdin from Rainbow Ledges. The word excited doesn't really do it justice. After 2 consecutive 30 mile days, tomorrow we will coast into the Birches Lean-to and set up camp at the base of Katahdin.

36 miles to go!

16 mile line of sight distance to Katahdin!

Jo-Mary Lake

50 miles to Katahdin!!!

Katahdin!

85 miles out and my first view of the beast. It's the farthest blue speck in the middle

The Final Run

Bluegrass, Squirrel, Wolfpack and I arrived in Monson, ME on Monday. This is the last stop. Last resupply. Last time I'll wash filthy hiker cloths in a coin operated Laundromat, the last time I will have to pick up my food bag and wonder, "can I survive on this for 5 days?" I've been living in the woods now for more then 5 months, carrying the barest essentials, hiking toward Mt. Katahdin and now all that stands between us is the 100 mile wilderness.
If my writing seems disjointed it's because I am disjointed. My sister asked me how I felt being so close to finishing. Honestly I can't wrap my head around it. I feel excited, happy, sad, relieved, accomplished. I've experienced some of the toughest challenges, purest and loneliest moments of my life out here. I've learned more about myself and my life then I ever could have working a nine to five job for "the man." i have raised money for a cause that is close to me and my family's heart. I've learned what's most important to me and perhaps even better what isn't important. I've swam in glacier lakes, gathered my drinking water from fresh mountain streams, slept in places you wouldn't dream of lying your head and met some of the most interesting people I could have imagined. I've experienced small town America from the deep south to far north and climbed so many beautiful mountains I can't remember all there names. I've walked into towns, stinking with hiker funk and been greeted by people amazed at my journey, berated with questions and congratulated for all I've accomplished. Every winter for the past five years, I've gone into the library and searched for books about the trail. I've tried to imagine how I could make this dream possible. Every spring the same thing happened. I gave up on my dream. Dismissed it as impossible, irresponsible. But six months ago with no job and a general dislike of my life up to that point I took the leap. Sabertooth's willingness to leave his good job and follow our crazy dream certainly helped and my family's unwavering encouragement. And just like that I was on the Appalachian trail. The long journey has brought me to Maine. On more then one occasion I didn't think I would make it. More then once, I was tired and ready to go home. But I persisted and in no small part due to encouragement from home. So how does it feel? As I sit in a kayak on a crystal clear lake in Maine, loons diving all around me, enjoying my last "zero" day, I feel damn lucky. Thankful for all I have. Eager to return home and work hard at new goals. Hopeful I can always stay focused on the things that are truly important in life.
And now, I make one final trip into the woods, marching towards Katahdin.

Bad day...

Less then two weeks from the completion of my trip Blue, Squirrel, wolfpack and I had a first hand experience of a life lost. While hiking around Flagstaff lake Friday morning squirrel was just out of sight when a man fell to the ground in front of him. Blue and squirrel were on him in less then 30 seconds. They found a man in his 50s lying face down just off the trail. Wolfpack dialed 911 and Blue checked his vitals. No less then a minute after arriving Blue watched as the man took his last breath. Blue started chest compressions and I rotated with him. We were all silent. Everyone hoping to see signs of life. There were none. Less then a mile from Long Falls Dam rd. it still took paramedics over an hour to arrive. There was no question that the man was gone. We filled out witness reports, debated the cause of death, wondered if he had a family and then had to walk away. Never did we think we would watch a mans life slip away that morning. It was disturbing to say the least. As we hiked on that day I think we all wished we could have done something more.
As we put miles behind us, gradually we began to get to know "Open Mike." He was a south bounder (started from Katadin, heading to Georgia) and as we reached shelters he stayed at we read his log entries. Each entry was upbeat and positive. He finished one entry with, "it's a great day to be alive." We met many people who camped with him and even shared beers with him. Everyone talked of his positive attitude and friendly nature. It became clear to us that Mike died doing what he loved and took no day for granted. I think he reminded us of ourselves and however cliche it is, the fragility of life.

Scenes from the Trail - July

Check out the latest photos from the trail!

Click here to view photos!

Last of the 4000 footers

North Horn on the left and South Horn on the right. They are part of the Bigalow Mts. and the last of Maines 4000 footers till Katahdin.

All that remained...

Wolf Burger Challenge

Along the trail there have been many challenges. Huge mountains, bad weather, and sore bones just to name a few. Then there are the food challenges. The Half Gallon Challenge and a pizza pie a day in PA. I issued myself a challenge after my first stop in Georgia. I vowed to eat a cheeseburger in every town that I stopped in. Thus far I have been a champion! When I arrived in Stratton ME I was informed of the Wolf Burger Challenge. Any self-respecting cheeseburger aficionado couldn't turn down this opportunity. So I stepped up to the plate and placed my order. My challenge: consume 3 wolf burgers and three orders of fries in under an hour. The wolf burger is no joke. A half pound burger topped with a sausage patty, 4 pieces of hickory smoked bacon, mushrooms and cheese. With the 3 full plates laid in front of me, the challenge was on! 1st burger, no problem. Second burger, getting full. 20 minutes in...third burger is uncomfortable. With a few bites remaining in the third I began housing the fries and mixing in bites of the burger. 1st plate of fries done with 25 mins to go....very uncomfortable at this point. I began dipping fries in water. Second plate of fries done with under 15 mins left. Every bite becomes extremely difficult. Fighting the urge to lose my dinner now. Blue, Wolfpack, and Humpty Dumpty are cheering me on and playing inspiring music on the jukebox. 3 mins left and only scraps left to clean up. I bite into a small piece of roll with the last remaining mushroom clinging to the bottom and try to swallow....my body says no... My feet say run....out the door....and there, just outside I lose my bid to become the 5th person to complete the Wolf Burger Challenge.....

Breakfast of Champions!

Gunny cooked us pancakes and bear sausage. Squirrel added the Budweiser

Andover

.   One of the greatest parts of being on the trail is never being able to expect what will come next. When we caught a ride into Andover Saturday we were on a quick mission. Pick up packages and get back to the woods. When our shuttle driver, Gunny, pulled up in a mini van blasting old school rap we didn't know what to expect. Turns out, Gunny was a great guy. In his early 50s, retired military, he runs a casual ATV tour company and a really casual hostel. A short ride later and he had us staying at his hostel for the night..,.which then turned into a much needed zero day Sunday. 
 Andover's "Homes Day Celebration" was in full swing as we entered town. "The biggest day of the year" Gunny explained. After a minor detour thru town due to the local parade, we got set up in our palace for the night. An old RV served it's purpose. Our expectations are extremely low after 5 months on the trail. Satellite tv and worn out mattresses equals heaven for tired thru hikers. Not long after arriving Gunny took us on a tour of Andover's best swimming holes, rope swings and cliff jumps. We missed the local lawnmower race downtown in favor of cooling off from the Maine heat....a blistering 85 degrees. 
  It was a great weekend we never expected. I sure will miss this!

Southern Maine

Bluegrass, Squirrel, Wolfpack and I crossed into Maine on Friday. The final state! I wish I could say the hiking got easier but like the last 200 miles, more tough days.
It's been difficult to estimate our distance in these hills. Most mountains have sections requiring hand over hand scrambling up or down near vertical rock faces. At one time is was easy to assume that I could average over two miles an hour thru moderate terrains. Now, thru certain sections we average 1/4 mile an hour. Ever since northern Vermont the mountains have been extremely difficult. After finishing the White Mts. I was under the impression things would get a little easier....I was wrong. The Northern Maine terrain requires slow and deliberate moves. A 16 mile day from Gentian Pond Shelter, up Mt. Success, across the Maine border, up Goose Eye West and East Peak, down into the Mahoosuc Notch, straight up Mahoosic Arm, then a night hike to the peak of Old Speck Mt. took us 13 1/2 hours.
The Mahoosuc Notch is regarded as the "toughest or most fun mile" on the A.T. I wouldn't agree with either statement but it was interesting trekking thru the boulder strewn notch with vertical walls rising a thousand feet on either side. We hopped from rock to boulder, squeezed thru tight openings and crawled underneath gigantic rocks. As we carefully made our way thru the boulder field we felt the cold air escaping from caves below. We heard a stream running underneath us but couldn't see it. I found sheets of ice still holding strong in the deeper holes.
We made camp well after dark that night. We were rewarded with rare views from Old Spec the next morning. After waking up on the peak, the sun burnt thru the cloud resting over us revealing a blanket of clouds beneath us, covering all the lower peaks.
As always, the days on the trail are long and difficult but always rewarding and beautiful. Our days are numbered though. With over 1900 miles completed we have 16 days until projected summit of Katahdin.

Blue-bead Lilies

And then there was one.....Maine!!!

Fresh Blueberries

Hiking or rock climbing?

Many sections of the Whites require hand-over-hand climbing. Here, Wolfpack demonstrates the proper technique.

Goodbye White Mts!

After 8 days of hiking we dropped out of the White Mountains late yesterday afternoon. It was a spectacular run across the toughest terrain I've had the pleasure of hiking.
Monday morning Bluegrass, Squirrel, Wolfpack, Cotton and I began our climb up the boulder strewn side of Mt. Washington. We were extremely lucky to have views from the notoriously cloudy summit. It was a great moment to reach this Mountain which we had been talking about for months but I was quick to make an escape from that tourist trap. The summit has a weather observatory, museum and restaurant. There were tons of tourist that rode the Cog railroad up the mountainside. Yes, a train that spits a plum of black smoke a hundred foot high delivers weekenders up this huge peak every hour on the hour. There is something extremely annoying about tourist when you have spent consecutive months in the wilderness.
Leaving the summit, the rest of the northern presidential range loomed ahead. That afternoon was spent hiking across the ridge in perfect weather crossing Mt. Jefferson and Madison. No less then an hour before we hit the peak of Madison a hiker had to be air lifted off the peak. One missed foot hold and the older hiker fell a number of feet onto huge boulders which caused a dislocated hip and severe head lacerations. Only two nights before Bluegrass and Wolfpack delivered water up mt. Webster to two section hikers who had misjudged the terrain and hadn't been able to locate water. They slept by our fire that night and hopefully learned a valuable lesson. Another hiker, Tom who stayed with us last night, dislocated his hip this morning and is currently being carried off Wildcat mountain by rescuers. I'm feeling lucky to have left the Whites with only sore knees.
Maine is less then 15 miles away now. Everyday anticipation is growing. There is a feeling that nothing can stop us now. There is still plenty of tough hiking left though. The Bigelow Mts. of southern Maine, Mahoosuc Notch and the 100 mile wilderness are still out there. Roughly 20 days until our expected summit of Katahdin. Living the dream!!

Blue caught a brown trout!