Day 35-38

Day 35

After a good night sleep and breakfast at the hostel, I'm off to Pinkerton Notch again only with my full pack and going south again. We get off to a late start 7:50am. Today I'm hiking with a couple that just got engaged on top of Wildcat Mountain, Whirley Bird & Over Easy are their trail names. I'm hoping to hike at a good speed with them. It's predicted to be bad weather thunderstorms, not good for hiking to Mt. Madison of the presidential range. WB & OE & I all decide that Osgood tent area is all we should do this day to stay under cover and not be exposed to the storms and winds. We take our time getting going. About 11am after it begins to rain we get going. They go first I'm a little behind already if I want yo hike with them. In the whites it can be more confusing to know if you are on the AT or not. I'm hiking and low & behold WB & OE come from a side trail they are already confused. It's still raining making life slippery on the rocks & roots we have to step on or over. 

 

The Oshkosh tenting area is only 5 miles in. We are all hiking along they get out in front of me I cannot keep up to their pace. As I'm hiking I see others going north that I had met in Hanover while doing my book buying job. It's good to see them again. They are pleasantly surprised that I'm really doing the trail we exchange stories and highlights and go our separate ways. That puts me even further from catching up to the couple I started the day with. Oh well alone again. Hiking in the rain I prayed to God to have a window of opportunity to set up my tent when I got there, He not only did that for me but the sun came out and the wind dried all my wet clothes!

 

I have a clothes line with me to hang things on   The couple had been at the site before me and had set up tgeir tent in the rain. They were cold & tired I never saw them until the next morning. Since it wasn't raining anymore I explored the camping area. Very nice place to camp if you want to only go 5 miles a day. So far I have yet to go very far in s day in the Whites. There is a special box that bears can't get into to store your food for the night so no bears come to eat it & you don't have to hang it from a tree branch. I'm still a novice at this skill. I eat dinner pea soup that filled me up! Put my food in the bear box.  All in all a good day short but sweet I'll get a long nights rest in bed by 7 pm. Big day planned for tomorrow I hope to make it to Lake in the Clouds hut tomorrow.

Day 36 

Big day planned up over Madison Adams & Washington today OMG that's a hard day for sure. Total of 10.1 miles I'm going to have my work cut out for me this day! I get out early before WB & OE. About 3 miles in they pass me I still don't have what it takes to go up tough elevation areas. I did get to the Madison hut to have a muffin & some soup. I got off after WB & OE so no hiking with them again on my own I'm quite used to this alone time hiking, I have yet to find anyone who is my pace. Pushing on I know it is tough terrain as well as elevation. My physical and emotional is like these mountains up & down one moment I'm thinking I'm doing well the next I'm feeling like I'll never make it. It's a slow moving day on the whole. Hard day for sure, I'm finally nearing the summit of Mt Washington and out of a side trail pops Whirley Bird & Over Easy, they had taken a wrong trail that took them off under the railroad bridge and realized they took a wrong turn somewhere. They were almost at their 1000 mile mark. They had started in Georgia and flipped in Harpers Frrry to Maine. So I got to celebrate and take photos of their special moment! A friend of mine Steven calls Mt Washington "The Rock Pile" I agree there is nothing but rock surface for miles in every direction. The tree of us get to the summit of The Rock Pile at 5:30pm 11 hrs of hiking for me and I still have more than a mile to get to Lake of the Clouds Hut! We all take photos of our summit and go to the bathroom flush toilet yippee! I don't get the often. We all decide to pay to stay do we can garrentee our meals. That means we have to hustle. 

 

 

Me at the summit! Oh happy day!

I lead the three of us bounding down the rocky  boulder surface toward the hut. The sun is going down pretty fast and the dinner is served at 7pm we leave the summit at 5:55 I'm in my glory watching every boulder I step on with look ups to the skyline such awesome beauty up at these heights!  

 

Just before the hut is this view amazing like I said so majestic in the evening light. It's a Thursday and we don't have reservations to stay, we get in and they are able to fit us in. They had started serving the dinner already, so we got our very own table. They gave us cold rice & broccoli to start with. They were heating up more soul for us and making more enchiladas and bread. We were all very hungry! Hiking all day everyday has changed my appetite a lot. They bring out hot bread  & soup for us I put my cold stuff in the hot soup to eat. The bread went down easy too. Then came the main dish we all had 3 servings of the enchilada and ate everything else up too. For dessert carrot cake with cream chees frosting!  It all went into my belly! Yummy! Filled with good food and ready to sleep I went into the room assigned to me and the only bunk available was the top one of a stack of 4, ugh I said my body hurting from the emended day.  Then a gentleman, a big guy, said I could have his lowest bunk he would take the top! I thanked him and gladly took him up on the offer. His friends wondered if he would even fit up there. Too funny, he did alright and everyone was happy especially me! 

 

This is L-R Whirley Bird & Over Easy!

Day 37 mid Sept

I'm up before the sun as usual. Breakfast is not until 7am so I take all my stuff quietly out of the room and pack up ready to hike out right after breakfast. Another tough day to go all the way to Carter Notch! 11 mile day again in the Whites! I left the hut 9:30 not as early as I wanted to be but it is what it is!  I gave great cell service on top of the range, so I chatted my my good friend Maureen. I know the temps will be getting lower so I ask her and Steven to be on the lookout for a 0* sleeping bag. I'm kicking myself for selling my LL Bean bag -20. I didn't make very good time so far today but I turn on the jets. I'm enjoying the still amazing views as I traverse the ridge trail. There are many people out hiking, 1 gal named Karen I had seen at the hut was limping real bad, I asked her if I could pray that her knee would be healed she said yes! I did and also continued to pray for the rest of the day for her. I knew she had some seriously painful hiking ahead to just get off the mountain no matter what trail she took. I do pray for many people and if you have requests & know my phone # text me I'll pray for your needs too! When I got to the next hut I had my usual soup but added bread and pastry & my salmon that was my protein lunch. I need to stay fueled. I'm hoping to get to the Highland Center before dark. The descent is grueling steep,STEEPER,steep down into the notch seemed like it would never end

 

Looking over an edge to the road. You can't have a fear of heights on this trail!

I make it to the road and begin to hitchhike toward the Highlands. A truck pulls over after a short time there. It's a park ranger! He informed me that he needed to get trash and close a visitors center and would let me stay for free @ the campground he oversees! My lucky day! I take him up on it and go to a small state run campground. He also gave me quarters for the shower! If I wondered if I smelled bad I guess I got an answer, haha! As I was charging my phone at the bathrooms people would ask about my hiking and were impressed I was doing the AT. There was a few families there and 1 mom said she would help me get back to the trail in the morning. I was very grateful it would save me from hitching or walking 2 miles back to the trail. All charged up I went to bed in my cozy tent!

Day 38

It was very wet morning not from rain but from dew. I'm glad when the ranger told me where to set my tent up in a field I asked if there were any tree covered areas instead. I had rented under tree cover that night and very happy for it. The picnic table I had breakfast at was soaked but I was carrying a small foam to sit on. This would be the last time I'd see it I left it behind. The mom who said she would give me a ride did! She even gave me food fresh fruit a real treat for a AT person. It was a cool morning and I lugged up the road which was the trail for a bit until a parking lot then I got back in the woods. It was still a weekend day so a group was gathering to do a day hike. I chatted for a bit but moved on. Up hil starting is not my favorite thing, it takes more energy to move. I never know what the trail will be like for sure. I have an ap on my phone that gives me an idea what the elevation and mileage is but I never really know if it will be rocky, smooth, rooty, or a mixture of thrall at once. Today I'm hoping I'll get to Zealand Hut in time to do work for stay. Along the way is a beautiful falls slightly off trail but I went to have a snack and check it out. 

 

The water levels are very low this year. Where that man is sitting usually has lots of rushing water flowing over it. The next happy scene I come to is a side walk type trail with boulders on both sides. It looks like someone plowed a path to make it easy to walk, I'm not sure but....one never knows. 

 

I had a day hiker take this pic of me on the boulders but the actual path is like a sidewalk. My day has been quite easy for the white mountains. Just as I think it's easy the ascent to Zealand Falls happens and kicks my but, literally. My but and thighs on fire I arrive at the hut about 4:45, I've been told that is the time to ask to work for stay. So I get in and ask if that is possible? No it's too early said the one in charge and told me I need to press on. I ordered my usual soup & pastry eat and start to move on. Other through hikers are coming in asking no one gets in. I meet another hiker named Happy Feet, he is NOBO! I'm glad to meet him I had been told there were 2 of us. It's almost 5pm and I look at where I need to go to get to the next shelter. Another 4 miles all uphill and it says it's .2 off trail. I'm. It a happy camper! I don't think I can get it done before dark. Along the way I needed to stop for more food to keep my energy up, these cray jay birds flew near me, I put food in my hand and they ate it from there amazing that a bird would do such a thing. 

 

I saw the sign that said the shelter was .6 away, hmmm I have conflicting info. I knew I would descend into the shelter. It's getting dark by now the sun has gone past the horizon and just the dusk light is there enough to see with but it would soon be very dark. I take the side trail for a bit, I'm ascending not descending so I'm confused, I'm very tired, and datkbess is becoming an issue. I take my pack off and pray for guidance what to do? I get my headlamp out to be ready for the darkness to set in. I make a decision to go back to check what I read on the last signpost. As I'm going that way a man comes bounding down the trail toward me. I ask where are you going tonight? He says to the shelter I'm aiming for! That God for sending s messenger at a time when I most need help. He is coming in from Boston late hiking to get his weekend fix of hiking. So I follow behind him happy to know I'll have a place not too far now that dark I moving in and I'm dead tired. We arrive to a very busy busy shelter. We both have to pay then walk past lots of hikers eating & cooking their dinner meal. It dark by now and I walk right past the shelter not even seeing it. I realize and get to the right spot and low & behold there is plenty of space for the 2 of us. The other great thing, I'm talking with the others already in the shelter and it comes out that they live in New Boston! Then we realize we have a mutual person in our lives. Amazing we need to go into the woods to meet our neighbors!  They were very kind and shared their venison jerky with me! What a great end to a potentially bad night! Lost but found, dark and possible rain coming in this night room at the shelter so many good things came to me in the very last part of the day. I'm happy to be under cover and safe in the night. 

 

This is what it looked like as I found the sign to get to the shelter. Clouds rolling in with doubt as to where to go. My prayers were answered on so many levels. Thank you God!

Day 33-34

I'm up until 2am trying to update everyone in this blog. Even though I had my own room, purely accidental just no more new guests there are 3 bunk beds in the room. I'm feeling like a queen. I got up several times in the few hrs I slept. Finally got up to stay 5am. I had coffee and put on my pandora worship station and worshiped my Lord Jesus for 1 hr dancing to the music on the back patio area. Breakfast will be ready at 7. As I walk back in the house the wonderful smell of the food gets my attention. Pony my buddy from the Mahoosuc notch area will be doing a 21mile challenge today so Marni feeds him early I pass on the challenge, I'll do it in 2 days. Fine Line & Goat Gas are doing this area in 3 days. It's my first full day hiking in NH I'm cafinated and pumped to be in the white mountains. I'm hoping for 13 miles today 8 tomorrow. I got dropped off in Pinkerton Notch with the other 2 I agree to hike with them a bit. I'm feeling on top of the world today! I get going and the other 2 told me to do my hike don't worry about them keeping up. So I'm off to the races. I'm going up Wildcat mountain going NOBO for this 21mile section and feeling a bit off, I'm hiking with all the NOBO's some young guys that I had seen at the notch pass me but I'm still crusin' having a great time, the terrain is very tough but I'm in the zone!  

I sent this pic to my friend Cheryl who hiked with me 1x I said yes I'm rock climbing! Getting to the top of Wildcat felt good several gals & guys probably 20 something are dancing to a song called Wildcat. We all take time for a snack and get back to hiking. One guy "No Name" stayed with me or I stayed with him not sure, until Carter Hut one of the AMC huts. I heard you can get free food at some of the huts, the gal in the kitchen finds food for everyone but me. I feel slighted and cop an attitude. No Name & I head out together but I'm outta energy now, probably the tude. I lose him to my slower pace now. Not really sure if I took too long a break or got passed up for free food. I didn't get very far this first day I made it to Zeta Pass very high elevation just under 3900 ft. I set up my tent then get my dinner going. I'm getting cold and the temp is dropping, the wind is blowing I'm starting to shiver. I realize I need to change into dry warm clothes. I leave my dinner to do so.  2 other hikers that did get free food stay there too. I'm not alone. They ask me to.wake them in the morning. I'm still very cold so I get into my sleeping bag and cover myself even my head. It took a while to warm up with all my clothes on. Lesson learned change as soon as I get my tent set up. 

Day 34 

I'm up at 5:30 first light. Get packed and ready to go by 6:30. I try to awaken my neighbors as they had asked me to, but no real movement. I've got a long day in front of me I need to get 12.7 miles. I only brought 2 days of food. I have to do it today. The 2 "Saftey Pin" & "White Noise" the couple that stayed with me at Zeta are headed for the same place today. White House Inn & Hostel. Marni had agreed to get my mail for me so I would have my resupply of food. The hike today was challenging up over several peaks Mt. Mariah peak was off the AT by .1 so I did summit that. 

 

 

This is a bog bridge in a wet lands place they are all over the trail surprisingly there are bogs at high elevations in depressed areas on top of the heights. It breeds all kinds of amazing plant life. Did i mantion I don't like going downhill for long stretches? Well I don't & neither does my body. I can't remember how long the descent was but it followed a river for miles downhill to the road where the hostel is. I was running at points and walking backwards to take the pressure off my knees, until finally I make it to the hostel. 2 days without a shower that's a good thing. I've been as many as 9 days without getting in a shower. That was back in the wilderness of Maine. Marni came through getting my resupply from the Post Office for me. After light packing I realize things I really don't need to carry I need to lighten up my pack a bit. I reorganize and send stuff off to the next hostel I'll stay at and some things back home. I'm lighter and happier. 

Day 23-32

Day 23 hiking. 9/4

I'm Getting back on trail. I thought it would be on Wednesday right after finishing my Dartmouth job, but the flu bug hit me Monday and I felt the need to rest and let my body get back to normal functioning. I also needed a ride to Rangeley ME, a 4 hr ride. My dear friend Steve Crossman rearranged some stuff in his schedule and add a visit to a cemetery nearby for a photo. it's actually Saturday I get there, there happens to be a Trail Days Fedtival going on in the town that day. I met lots of people, NOBO's SOBO's town people out to celebrate with us. Best of all an ice cream eating contest! This photo was the kids under 12, then town people, then Hikers had their own category. I sat across from the winner in my hiker group, she totally consumed the cup in no time. No other guy or gal was close. I'm sure she had freeze brain and she expressed frozen tongue too. It was fun, and the ice cream was delish!

 

Now back at the cutest Hostel ever. This is my room, a little house with just a bed chair, and table. There is no electricity at this place or wifi, but there is an outdoor shower with hot water from on demand propane heater and battery operated pump. 

 

 This is set up near the river that runs through the place as the water supply. Amazing people Steve and Katherine where the hosts. 

 

This is Katherine I never did get a shot of Steve. This night Steve suggests that I slack pack the first 13 miles. Let me explain you carry a full pack with everything you need stove tent sleeping bag you name it its all in there slack packing is just like day hiking, you only carry what you need for the day, snacks, water, water purifier, headlamp, jacket. It lightens the load for sure. 

Now I agree it's the 4th I get my little pack together and Steve will meet me at the next road with my full pack. I now realize the difference between day hiking & backpacking! I feel light as a feather for the first 13 miles of trail. I meet Steve at 2pm at the toad as planed. 13 miles 7-2. That's faster than I've gone during the whole trail.  I see Steve waiting for me in the parking lot. I'll be get my backpack fully weighted with 7 days of food & water. My guess is that with that much food in it the weight is about 39 lbs. what a difference when I put it on. Remember I've already gone 13 miles to here I have another 5 to get to the shelter. At the parking lot was a previous thru-hiker doing amazing trail magic: he had yogurt, fresh fruit, sandwiches, veggies, candy, chips, & many other snacks. Not that I needed anything but I ate some anyway. I chatted a bit, put my heavy pack on and returned to the trail full & heavy. I was fatigued by 5pm stopped & ate heavy meals tuna & mac&cheese, full again I hike until dusk 8pm I read the comments about the shelter, "homeless man with dig that doesn't shut up" I feel like I need to pull up short of there. I set up my tent in a nice clearing and sleep. 

Day 24 hiking 9-5 Labor Day

I woke up very early as usual. After relieving myself I start to gather and pack my stuff, as I'm doing it I hear very close a CLOMP CRUNCH! CLOMP CRUNCH! Real close, I stand real still as this big momma moose comes up over the hill nearby. She is about 20 yards from me, I'm amazed & uneasy at the same time. My camera was in the tent and I didn't think I should make a move to get it. We look at each other for a bit, then she moves away into the woods. The small trees all around are about 3' tall covering the height of the moose but I can tell she is big. After heading away from me she snorts several times maybe to announce my presence in not sure but it's interesting sound I might not have associated with a moose. I'm amazed still packed up & ready to go I find that the shelter is only 5min walk from my camp. I'm ready for a great day! It started so nice with a moose sighting, then come many great things blueberries in big clusters on bushes that are easy access. Communication to home only happens on the high places, so I get out of airplane mode usually only 1x per day. I don't always wait for responses either, so if you text me I may not see it until the next day. Texting has opened up a great way to have connections to those back home. Every once in a while I can make a phone call. This day I call Maureen my very good friend we chat about where I am and my plans for the day. She is 1 of my go to people. I also have a couple of people tracking me on an Appalachian map of the trail so I'll have them in my communications too. I continue on down the trail at 5pm I arrive at a campsite that is right on a river. I decide to set up in a small space right next to the water. At dusk a beaver comes out and starts working on the river. All night long I hear him splashing and working. There are many others at this sight I'm seeing a great deal of clusters of NOBO's I'm in 1 at this campsite. About 15 tents and several hammocks. 

Day 25 hiking 9-6 Tuesday 

The beaver is still a little active when I wake up. 5:30am he set off to go into his house so I said goodbye. Everything packed in my pack and on trail by 6:45, I've got some tough ups & downs today. The words from Elizabeth ring in my head "I hike from 7-7" I think that shall be my strategy too. 3 elevations that are steep up & down, it is probably going to be a tough day. Southern ME is tough for sure.  

 

Here is an example of help given in the really tough spots. I met a guy along the trail today named Boiling Frog. We hiked for a while together, I had a charger that he might be able to use. We stopped for water and found out my charger was not going to work. We stayed with each other for a while longer ate lunch and continued on to the next road. I was able to put pace BF on the downhill area we did. Out to the road we came. He left to go to town to charge his phone I kept going. I pulled up a little before 7 because I found a good space & didn't think I could make it the extra miles to the shelter. My battery sources are running low too but I decided to get to the next road.  wanted to be fully charged going into the HARDEST 1MILE STRETCH:

Manoosuc Arm & Manoosuc Notch. 

Day 26 Wed 9-7

 

This is a photo of the ridge trail beautiful stuff I'm living every day. I did a hard day of 8.5 miles and get a ride into Hanover ME to a campground by a day hiker. The campground has wifi and showers. At the campground I catch up on some emails and other wifi stuff FB and updates. The other amazing thing about the campground is FOOD! I have trail hunger again, it is a hunger I've never experienced before. I have to eat food lots of food. Like 2 meals at a time. I crave sugars & salts. Feels like PMS in a way. So I eat a large steak & cheese with a salad and chips then dessert. I got a site a mile away from the office with no electricity but ended up staying the night in the rec hall on the floor as my stuff charged. I didn't sleep real well, maybe the food digestion was happening. 

 

Day 27 9-8

I got a shuttle ride early back to the trail. I mentioned to the owner other revenues he could do to attract more of the hikers. I offer to bring his card to the next shelter to advertise his place. Today I meet a hiker Cadence we do the dance: I pass him he passes me most of the day. I'm thinking he might be my buddy to go through the Maoosuc Notch together. I get to the shelter they have the weather report, rain is coming overnight. My reading of the Arm section of this area is a slide trail so I decide to press on to descend the Arm this day instead of waiting for the Morning. Cadence stays so there goes my possible buddy. But a guy named Pony from Colorado had gone down to the next campsite. I'll ask him to go through the Notch with me. Sure enough the Maoosuc Arm is a rock slab trail very steep! I'm happy to be going down this day not after rain. I slip at one point without even having the rock surface wet. I get down to the bottom and get to the camping area it's almost dark but enough time to set up my tent and cook my food. I ask Pony what time he would be leaving in the morning and if I could partner with him. He said yes.  Had prayed for a partner to go through that area with. God not only gave me a partner but someone who is very familiar with Boulder climbing and maneuvering. I'm always thankful and amazed by the answers to my prayers. Later in the evening I had to go to the bathroom so I get up and go, when I get back to my tent I see something slide down my tent. I don't think much of it but as I'm trying to get into the tent I see a small bird he bounces at my tent several times I quickly zip up my tent and the bird continued to be stressed out and was stuck under the fly of my tent but not in my tent. The bird was making lots of noise flappy flappy trying to get out but I don't know if birds see in the dark very well finally he flys out from my tent area then I hear him hitting branches as it flys around the campsite. Wow was that weird! 

Day 28 

My big day with Pony, we hike into the notch at first it's not bad but then, the boulders came. Quite interesting was the changes in temperature. It would be like a hot summer day with heat & humidity, then it would be cold like a freezer with the ability to see your breath. Big boulders little boulders some you ho over some you go under through little holes too small for you & your backpack. I got the sense of pack on- pack off like karate kid. Lots of fun. I'm so glad to have had a person to do this stretch with. There were a couple of times that Pony had to help me up or down off the ledges we were maneuvering. We thought it was over at this 1 point and so I released him to go ahead, I had a snack and took my time to move and low & behold there was more to move through. It took is 2&1/2 hours to get through 1 mile of trail. Amazing. Stuff 

 

 

This is Pony and I wiggling through a crevasse  I wish I had more to show you 

  

Notice the arrow pointing down my backpack on top we won't fit together. What fun. I did put this shot as my FB but not until I was gone for a while from here. I don't post updates to FB for safety reasons and wish you all would not share it there either, thank you. 

So after this amazing crawl I still had a big day in front of me I'm hoping to be on NH tonight. As the day goes on I lost my ambition to make it to NH I pull up just shy to a shelter, I'll make NH tomorrow.  

It's my first time setting up my tent on a platform I'm not sure of how to do it where do you put the stakes? I use the spaces between the boards to place the poles it seems to work okay. It's weird but flat no roots or rocks to worry about. I hiked 7.2 miles today over 5 peaks, I took a side trail .5 to summit Gooseye West Mt. The shelter is .5 off trail so with extra side trails over 8 miles. I'm the only one at the shelter until after 7 5 people show up and stay in the shelter. It's only .5 miles til NH i get there tomorrow for sure. 

Day 29 Sat 9-10

Maine is almost behind me! I wake up early and get on my way I'm hoping to get to Goham NH by Sunday. My bible reading today is Psalm 118 God has saved me from death! I'm about to get out of my first state today 7:40am I enter NH 

 

There it is a leaning sign amazing I feel as if I'm getting there now. Im only going 10 miles today so I take my time and stop and talk to many NOBO's  I finally meet these kids I was told about 4 kids 8-14 from the same family only the kids are on the trail mom meets them at road crossings they are all very sweet kids, I would have never in a million yes be able to do that. I met them on top of Mount Success the first mountain in NH I make my communications and let people know I'm okay after doing the Notch I had asked my church for prayer to have a companion and no injury. I got both! Thank you Jesus! Great day until later in the afternoon a drizzling rain started. A grouse in the trail let me photograph him most of them flew away very awkwardly 

 

The rain started about 3 until about 5 I couldn't wait to put up my tent and get dry. I arrive at the campsite and the rain had stopped but the winds were really blowing. It help to dry me off. I went to get water and met 2 men that just arrived and had mentioned s fire. I would join them for the warmth and conversation. 

Day 30 9-11

It had been storming through the night with thunder & lightning, but when I woke up there was a clam in the air the winds had disappeared and I packed up and was heading into Gorham today. I'm really looking forward to a shower & bed for the next rest. I start out early 6:45 and need to hike 8 miles I get going and I start hearing thunder again then the rain starts coming I know I have 2 peaks today and hope they are not bald ones. Not that I don't want a view but T-storms and hiking are never a good combination. Rain is coming down pretty heavy thunder and lightning is happening and I'm just pushing to get to Gorham. There are some bald spots here & there, but I'm fortunate not to be there when the storms were close. I can't wear my glasses because they are fogging up with the moisture and rain, I'm glad I can see okay without them just not great details. I keep hiking no views today! I'm on my last descent when the rain stops. At the bottom of the trail I enter into a dirt road, here is when I realize that NH trails are not marked with the white dash like ME is. I keep going down the road wondering if I'm on the trail still, at the end of the road I see the marks I'm happy but really I would have liked more affirmation before here. 

 

 The sky's really broke from the rainy day as I was walking down the street past this damn toward the White mountain Inn & hostel. As I'm walking up the hill I noticed my sox were weird, then I realized the rain had washed the dirt off my clothes & body and dribbled down them, I just had to take a pic. 

 

I knew I needed a shower. This place makes you change your clothes and they do your laundry for you! I got checked in, my room had 7 beds in it I get a great cubby bed no bunk for me! I'm expecting company but I end up getting the room all to myself. What a treat. That night at 6 I get a ride to Walmart, I get some stuff to eat for a 2 day hike. My package is at the PO which doesn't open until Monday. I decided to light hike 21 miles which is a little different than slack pack, you still have your tent & stove but very little else. I was able to leave a bunch of stuff at the hostel. 

Day 31 mon 9-12

I didn't get to sleep until after 2am breakfast at 7am then a shuttle to Pinkerton Notch. I'm let off with Pony yes the same guy that went through the Mahoosuc Notch with me! There is also GoatGas & FineLine I ask if we 3 could hike together we do for a very little while then they said I was going faster than they wanted to go so I should go ahead. I'm really feeling like I'm home. Hiking in NH has challenges that most other places don't. This trail I'm doing this time is in a NOBO direction straight up Wildcat Mt. It's very steep but with great views. A few NOBO's pass me, but I'm still feeling really good about my day hiking and am making my way uphill pretty fast for me even with very little sleep. I think it's the caffeine. Not sure but I'm able to do more and faster than before, just having s great day! That is until I get to Carter hut 1 of the AMC's huts in the Whites. I sit down in the hut have some lunch and snacks I stay longer than I wanted to, then it's all I can do to hike anymore, I lost my momentum. I make it only 8.5 miles to Zeta Pass. So much for being on top of the world in the am then dragging, so much for the 13 mile plan. I'll have to do 13 tomorrow. It's windy and cold as I set up my tent, then get dinner cooked. I was shivering as I was eating my dinner. I had to layer up. I think I waited too long I can't get the cold out of me. I'll have to get better about getting layers on faster before I get shivers. I get into my sleeping bag with every piece of clothing I had with me. Thank God I warmed up during the night. The elevation was about 3500 ft with high winds and cold temps. The coldest I've been since I started.  I'm thinking a warmer sleeping bag should be in order soon. 

 

 

Day 32 9-13 

I woke up several times in the night but finally at 5:30 got up feeling much better after getting warm. I had breakfast and off I went. Up over more big mountains I summited Mt Moriah for a 4000 footer not on the trail.  Just a little side track. The last 1/2 of the day was all downhill making my 13 mile day back into Gorham easier but my knees don't like too much downhill at the same time. I made it back to the hostel they had picked up my mail drop for me. I get my resupply and it's too much so I forward some to the next hostel in N Woodstock. I'll be heading out the next day for the presidential range. 

 

 

Happy Feet! Happy to be in NH!

Day 28-32

Day 28 

My big day with Pony, we hike into the notch at first it's not bad but then, the boulders came. Quite interesting was the changes in temperature. It would be like a hot summer day with heat & humidity, then it would be cold like a freezer with the ability to see your breath. Big boulders little boulders some you ho over some you go under through little holes too small for you & your backpack. I got the sense of pack on- pack off like karate kid. Lots of fun. I'm so glad to have had a person to do this stretch with. There were a couple of times that Pony had to help me up or down off the ledges we were maneuvering. We thought it was over at this 1 point and so I released him to go ahead, I had a snack and took my time to move and low & behold there was more to move through. It took is 2&1/2 hours to get through 1 mile of trail. Amazing. Stuff     

 

This is Pony and I wiggling through a crevasse  I wish I had more to show you 

 

 

Notice the arrow pointing down my backpack on top we won't fit together. What fun. I did put this shot as my FB but not until I was gone for a while from here. I don't post updates to FB for safety reasons and wish you all would not share it there either, thank you. 

So after this amazing crawl I still had a big day in front of me I'm hoping to be on NH tonight. As the day goes on I lost my ambition to make it to NH I pull up just shy to a shelter, I'll make NH tomorrow.  

It's my first time setting up my tent on a platform I'm not sure of how to do it where do you put the stakes? I use the spaces between the boards to place the poles it seems to work okay. It's weird but flat no roots or rocks to worry about. I hiked 7.2 miles today over 5 peaks, I took a side trail .5 to summit Gooseye West Mt. The shelter is .5 off trail so with extra side trails over 8 miles. I'm the only one at the shelter until after 7 5 people show up and stay in the shelter. It's only .5 miles til NH i get there tomorrow for sure. 

Day 29 Sat 9-10

Maine is almost behind me! I wake up early and get on my way I'm hoping to get to Goham NH by Sunday. My bible reading today is Psalm 118 God has saved me from death! I'm about to get out of my first state today 7:40am I enter NH 

 

There it is a leaning sign amazing I feel as if I'm getting there now. Im only going 10 miles today so I take my time and stop and talk to many NOBO's  I finally meet these kids I was told about 4 kids 8-14 from the same family only the kids are on the trail mom meets them at road crossings they are all very sweet kids, I would have never in a million yes be able to do that. I met them on top of Mount Success the first mountain in NH I make my communications and let people know I'm okay after doing the Notch I had asked my church for prayer to have a companion and no injury. I got both! Thank you Jesus! Great day until later in the afternoon a drizzling rain started. A grouse in the trail let me photograph him most of them flew away very awkwardly 

 

The rain started about 3 until about 5 I couldn't wait to put up my tent and get dry. I arrive at the campsite and the rain had stopped but the winds were really blowing. It help to dry me off. I went to get water and met 2 men that just arrived and had mentioned s fire. I would join them for the warmth and conversation. 

Day 30 9-11

It had been storming through the night with thunder & lightning, but when I woke up there was a clam in the air the winds had disappeared and I packed up and was heading into Gorham today. I'm really looking forward to a shower & bed for the next rest. I start out early 6:45 and need to hike 8 miles I get going and I start hearing thunder again then the rain starts coming I know I have 2 peaks today and hope they are not bald ones. Not that I don't want a view but T-storms and hiking are never a good combination. Rain is coming down pretty heavy thunder and lightning is happening and I'm just pushing to get to Gorham. There are some bald spots here & there, but I'm fortunate not to be there when the storms were close. I can't wear my glasses because they are fogging up with the moisture and rain, I'm glad I can see okay without them just not great details. I keep hiking no views today! I'm on my last descent when the rain stops. At the bottom of the trail I enter into a dirt road, here is when I realize that NH trails are not marked with the white dash like ME is. I keep going down the road wondering if I'm on the trail still, at the end of the road I see the marks I'm happy but really I would have liked more affirmation before here. 

 

 The sky's really broke from the rainy day as I was walking down the street past this damn toward the White mountain Inn & hostel. As I'm walking up the hill I noticed my sox were weird, then I realized the rain had washed the dirt off my clothes & body and dribbled down them, I just had to take a pic. 

 

I knew I needed a shower. This place makes you change your clothes and they do your laundry for you! I got checked in, my room had 7 beds in it I get a great cubby bed no bunk for me! I'm expecting company but I end up getting the room all to myself. What a treat. That night at 6 I get a ride to Walmart, I get some stuff to eat for a 2 day hike. My package is at the PO which doesn't open until Monday. I decided to light hike 21 miles which is a little different than slack pack, you still have your tent & stove but very little else. I was able to leave a bunch of stuff at the hostel. 

Day 31 mon 9-12

I didn't get to sleep until after 2am breakfast at 7am then a shuttle to Pinkerton Notch. I'm let off with Pony yes the same guy that went through the Mahoosuc Notch with me! There is also GoatGas & FineLine I ask if we 3 could hike together we do for a very little while then they said I was going faster than they wanted to go so I should go ahead. I'm really feeling like I'm home. Hiking in NH has challenges that most other places don't. This trail I'm doing this time is in a NOBO direction straight up Wildcat Mt. It's very steep but with great views. A few NOBO's pass me, but I'm still feeling really good about my day hiking and am making my way uphill pretty fast for me even with very little sleep. I think it's the caffeine. Not sure but I'm able to do more and faster than before, just having s great day! That is until I get to Carter hut 1 of the AMC's huts in the Whites. I sit down in the hut have some lunch and snacks I stay longer than I wanted to, then it's all I can do to hike anymore, I lost my momentum. I make it only 8.5 miles to Zeta Pass. So much for being on top of the world in the am then dragging, so much for the 13 mile plan. I'll have to do 13 tomorrow. It's windy and cold as I set up my tent, then get dinner cooked. I was shivering as I was eating my dinner. I had to layer up. I think I waited too long I can't get the cold out of me. I'll have to get better about getting layers on faster before I get shivers. I get into my sleeping bag with every piece of clothing I had with me. Thank God I warmed up during the night. The elevation was about 3500 ft with high winds and cold temps. The coldest I've been since I started.  I'm thinking a warmer sleeping bag should be in order soon. 

 

 

Day 32 9-13 

I woke up several times in the night but finally at 5:30 got up feeling much better after getting warm. I had breakfast and off I went. Up over more big mountains I summited Mt Moriah for a 4000 footer not on the trail.  Just a little side track. The last 1/2 of the day was all downhill making my 13 mile day back into Gorham easier but my knees don't like too much downhill at the same time. I made it back to the hostel they had picked up my mail drop for me. I get my resupply and it's too much so I forward some to the next hostel in N Woodstock. I'll be heading out the next day for the presidential range. 

 

 

Happy Feet! Happy to be in NH!

Day 3-14

I'm going to try to catch up to current date so here goes the quicker way.

Day 3 only 1 1520 ft. of elevation to walk today but again mid-day 2-4pm I can't get my feet and leg muscles to move. I had my big push after 4pm to make it 16 miles but at the expense of blistered feet I made it to the shelter 8:15 not much light left in the day. 

Day 5 I put moleskin on to help my blistered feet(got the keep them happy to be Happy Feet trail name!  Started hiking late today 9:30-5:30 for 11.5 miles today. Deb and I agree to not hike together after getting our food drop tomorrow I cannot keep her pace. I'm feeling like I could take a day off. I didn't realize that Monday in Monson for our mail drop was the 4th of July. Oops! I'm thinking slow down but Deb wants to get there as planned. My blistered feet are not going to make the original plan we worked out. 

Day 6 Deb & I head out together for the last time together, we get to our arranged food drop, which is a bit of a Geo Cashing hunt. Go across this road go 1white dash to the south walk 25 more feet turn around to see the northbound white dash go left behind the 2nd big rock there is your bucket of food. Deb gets there first and doesn't find it I read instructions again and there it is! We separate our food and stay in different shelters for the first time. I feel bad because Deb has no stove to cook with. So Day 7 July 1 I head out early from the shelter I started out without eating breakfast hoping to catch Deb at the shelter 4 miles ahead. Deb usually didn't start hiking until after 8am. I arrive by 7:40 only to find that Deb had already left. I cooked my breakfast a little disappointed that I missed her. I'll have to communicate my intentions of getting to Monson Tuesday and ask her to leave my stuff from the mail drop at the hiker hostel. 

Day 8 it rained in the night so I'm packing up my tent and my food bag wet making my pack heavier. I know Deb is going to do a slide trail today so I prayed for her safety. I felt great hiking all day I forgot to write how far I got but it was my best day yet emotionally and physically. I must be getting stronger. 

Day 9 I woke up after the best nights sleep since I started. It was cooler during the night. I got off to a real late start 9:30 was late for me. I usually was out of camp by 6-7 am I'm hoping to do 14 miles today. My intentions are to stay at Wilson Pond. Well my day went very slow going only 1/2 mile per hour ugh! I was ready to change my name to molasses, that's how bad I was moving molasses up hill on a cold day, only it was really hot & muggy. I got my first trail magic this day. A day hiker from the AMC lodge asked me if I wanted his sandwich. I said sure. He actually gave me his whole lunch turkey wrap with lettuce, tomato,onion, & cheese, chocolate chip cookies, chips, & gorp. I gave him back the gorp, I said he may need something for his day but ate the rest while we chatted about me a single female walking the trail. He was impressed that I was doing it. I was very happy for real food veggies not dehydrated what a treat. After that I was still luggy but something changed after 4pm. I hiked until 8pm at a much different pace arriving at the shelter only to see it was too many people. I asked a NOBO if they had seen any possible places to camp south of there. They said yes not too far from there. It wasn't quite dark yet so I pressed on. I needed water which was south of there too. I got my water at dusk, got my head lamp out and continued to hike. Alas I found the place she had mentioned. Set up in the dark cooked dinner ate & went off to sleep. There were others camping near me about 10pm they started firing off fireworks it was the 4th the next day. 

Day 10 it's 4th of July today. I need to go 14 miles today to make Monson! I've been in the woods now for 10 days. Philosopher and her mom pass by where I'm camping, they hike a little faster than I do, but we seem to stay at the same places. They are pushing into Monson today too. I get all my stuff back in my pack and off I go.  As I'm hiking I meet a man from Seattle area named Wilson Wilson. He helps me to get my pace up a bit as we hike and chat. We stopped at the last shelter before the road in Monson, he is ready to move in before me I decide to push to get there tonight. I ask him when he gets to the road wait 20 minutes before calling the shelter, he agrees to do that. I'm booking it after getting water for the last leg of the wilderness. I think it is the fastest I have hiked thus far. I know I'm getting close I can hear cars, but I turn a corner to see an amazing sunset do I take the time to photograph it? YES I do. I'm almost running I'm going so fast, I get to the road to see Wilson Wilson and the shuttle vehicle pulling into the parking lot. I'm so happy to have made it! I could not have done it without the motivation of others along the way, & God by my side!

It's a lovely day the 4th of July I get out of the woods and get a shower, a bed, and a meal at a restaurant! What could be so good after spending 11 days in the woods. People who had passed me along the trail & most of all I get to see Deb again. We had a chance to chat about our differences and I apologize for not being in the shape it takes to keep up to her pace. We settle things emotionally and I feel things are better between us and our decision to separate. I needed to just take a whole day off so Tuesday the post office is open Deb & I get our resupply and go through the box her husband sent us and she leaves shortly after that to hike out to make her goal of 180 or so miles. 

Day 11 NO HIKING TODAY! 

This is her showing off her new lighter pack she bought. Her other one was too big and heavy. Poet the owner of Shaw's hiker hostel helped her to get better equipped. I was very happy for her. We said our goodbyes and off she went. I enjoyed my day off, going into the little town and having a foot bath of Epsom salts while eating my lunch at Pete's. The people here are very friendly to hikers I think they are the livelihood of the town us and the tourists. I was able to sit & chat with many hikers. What an amazing thing it is to know so many people are doing this trail.

Day 12 I'm packed up with my resupply and ready to get back on the trail. I'm pretty slow hiker compared to most others that I have seen. I pass no one except those going north. I can't let this trouble me. One really big thing I received from Deb was what it takes to be focused to do the miles. I really needed that inspiration. Thank you Deb. 

I set out with a lofty goal for myself but had also seen the weather forecast T-storms in the afternoon. I had stopped at a shelter not real far in yo have lunch. There were a few people there, we chatted a bit I mentioned the weather reports and debated to stay the night there or press on, then the rain started we all stayed in for the rest of the day & night. My total miles on the day? maybe 5

Day 13  The next day I set out happy I didn't get wet. I got to the next shelter to eat and decide where I should try to get to. Within 5 minutes of being in the shelter I heard thunder, I knew to continue to hike would be on exposed mountain tops so I stayed put, again very happy with my decision. I was alone for about 1 hour before s family of 4 arrived a mom with 3 kids 6,10,&12yrs old. I was very impressed, they were doing a section of AT all of Maine. Then another group of NOBO's soaking wet arrived. Oh my was I happy I stayed dry! 

The views along the way make this journey worth it.
July 8 I need to get to Caratunk ME before the end of tomorrow, this is the day Deb's husband is picking us up. I'm hoping to make it all the way there today. I hike & hike and get to s shelter have lunch and hike some more. Exhausted I pull into a shelter near a lake with vacation homes all around it. I go down to the pond for water to cook dinner. As I get there a mom duck with 25 little ones is near the dock. I've never seen so many babies with only 1 mom. I get closer with my camera ready but they shove off before I get there, no picture so you'll have to believe me on this story. I'm the only one at the shelter all night long, other than camping 1 night on the 4th it's the only alone time I've had. There is usually at least 2 or more staying were I am. It's not lonely just different.

Day 14 July 9. I really want to get to Caratunk before 9. I get up early and set out by 7 am. I'm hoping to arrive by 9:00. I did make it but 9:30 was the best I could do. It was drizzling as I hiked so it made just a little slippery to go any faster. Deb, her husband and kids were at the BnB hiker hostel eating breakfast when I arrived. I was very happy to see everyone. Deb only made it to here after all. She had fallen and possibly broke her nose. I felt bad she didn't hit her goal but happy she was safe for the most part. 

I drove home to Milford to Maureen's house that day with Deb and her family. Went to church Sunday July 10th and hopped on a plane to do my work that afternoon to Portland Oregon. What a time I've had! Wish you all could be here.
Wildlife I saw along the way in the wilderness: Duck with ducklings, mom moose feeding in the pond with her little one in the brush, a snapping turtle right in the middle of the trail, snakes, frogs, bugs of many kinds, no ticks thank God, fish in the ponds, loons( their coos where amazing), spiders, chipmunks, squirrels, mice(all who are smaller than your neighborhood, & who like to steal and eat your food if you don't put it up safely)  

There really is a moose in this last shot.  I got to watch mom feed in the algae for about 10 minutes while the little one was on shore very near to her. It was an amazing moment in nature. I know you probably will not be able to see her, I did try to get closer but I ruined the whole scene when I moved closer for a better shot. I felt it was time to leave as soon as mom knew I was there.

Happy Feet

Day 15-22

It's now 8/10/16 I've been off trail for 30+days. While in Washington I got to do a little hiking. In Stevens Pass the PCT(Pacific Crest Trail) crosses the road. I stopped to take a break from driving  & there it was, a trail head crossing, I couldn't help but to trot down the trail a bit to say I'd been on the AT & PCT in the same yr.  

I walked a bit but didn't have the time to get a whole day in. A far cry to the AT I'll show you the difference in terrain. PCT

 

AT

 

That's a great comparison of the stuff I've walked on in the east. The path is not a sidewalk for sure. 

I had a week off between my work travel & the Soulfest weekend that I decided not to hike   So Soulfest was great I did climb the mountain twice while I was there, once alone and again with Jane Quiggley's granddaughter. So I was hoping to keep my muscles strong for my return to the AT. 

August 10 hiking day 15

I drove up to Caratunk with my truck & bicycle. I dropped my bike off at a hostel in Stratton ME and drove to Paul's place in Caratunk where I had left off. I arrived too late to start hiking I need to be at the Kenebeck River at specific time 9am-2pm for a canoe ferry ride. I'm not too sad but lost a day I could have been hiking. Paul famous breakfast is in the morning though not a disappoint at all to stay the night. 

8/11/16. ON THE TRAIL AGAIN!!!

I ate a wonderful breakfast with a flip flopped named Snake. We both set out after breakfast to hike. We arrived early to the ferry, a few others were there waiting on the north & south sides to be ferried across. 

 

The ferry man arrived, we all had to sign a waiver, then he started ferrying us 2x2 across. My turn to get across I'm on the other side 9:38 I'm really slow moving and my left foot is having an issue, my toenailess toe is going numb and I have pain. I had changed hiking shoes & think maybe it's plantar a bad foot problem starting to come on. That would ruin my hiking time. I've only hiked 4.5 miles I stop for lunch at Peirce Pond shelter, I end up staying there a beautiful day for hiking and I pull up short. I arranged to have a big patriot breakfast the next day at a hunt lodge called Harrimans. Not a bad decision to stop where I did. 

Day 16 

I go to the Harriman breakfast and sit next to a foot Dr. Charlie, How convenient, he mentions some stuff that it might be for my foot but he doesn't seem to think its plantar. He gave me some tips on relieving pressure with tape.  Phew! I eat my 2eggs sausage and 10 of the 12 pancakes with fruit in them. I bagged up the leftovers I'm going to try for 10 miles today in some rain. I get the 10 miles and it's only 5pm. I get my dinner and decide I can go more, there is another shelter 8 miles away. I make it 5 more miles to a campsite area and set up my tent. A frog is jumping at the side of my tent repeatedly. I finally get to rest.

Day 17

It rains hard during the night with more predicted for the day. I should have pushed to get the extra 3 miles to the next shelter. I packed up wet stuff(it makes the pack weigh more) I'm only going the 3 miles today I want to get under cover other than my tent. It's pouring rain thank God for being under the trees it's not as bad there as an open feild. On my way to the shelter I'm warned of the people who are there a couple one renamed Negitive Nelly! I arrive wet & cold and sure enough there she was with her husband. They were both a little off the norm for people I meet out here. I listen to NN a bit and then tell them I need to rest. I had changed out of my wet clothes, put the dry stuff I had with me on and got into my sleeping bag off to sleep I went. Rain rain rain all day I wake up about 1:30pm from my nap to see Messiah & Sit-ing Bull flip flippers I had been hiking with. 1 of them needed a ride to Portland to catch a bus when he arrived in Stratton. I agreed to help out knowing I had my truck. After napping I wasn't very tired so the LOUD snoring kept me up most of the night. It's the downside of staying in a shelter with others. The upside I stayed quite dry! 

Day 18  

 I'm up & out by 7:38 my goal 11 or 15 miles today! I don't always meet up with anyone who hikes my speed or slower. Today is different, I'm about to pass someone, his name is Zero he's from Florida we end up hiking for several hours together through some tough terrain. He is the 1st person I've hiked with for any length of time since the beginning   I really enjoyed this time chatting about life as we walked the trail, company! He mentioned hiking off the AT to meet his brother who had dogs and needed help with them. I needed to get water and have a snack he went on ahead without me. I never did catch up to him again. I'm hoping to see him in town when I get there in a day or so.  Later in the day I actually pass another hiker whose trail name is "I don't know" from Abbott & Costello skit. Today's hike took me over the Biggalow mountain range beautiful range with views of Sugarloaf ski resort. The view of the ski trails got closer with every view. Flagstaff Lake was to the other side as I hiked so wonderful to have this great arena of natural landscape. After passing "I don't know" I took a side trail to North Horn summit. I had a wet tent to dry so I used the amazing winds that were whipping all day on the peaks of the ridge trail this day. One girl a NOBO got blown over as she tried to hike in the conditions. I noticed her freshly cut knee. So using the power of this amazing wind I hung my tent on the mountain top marker and let it dry my tent. It was a much cooler day for hiking as well because of the winds. Taking this side trip set me back a little on time so I decided to stay in the woods 1 more night. I finished drying the tent and hiked to the next shelter. This place had 3 shelters 1 just for day use & 2 for sleeping. Had I known this I might not have spent the time drying my tent.

 

Somewhere in the Bigalow's

 

There also was 2 bathrooms! The best ones of the trail so far. 

 

Well it wasn't this one but I forgot to take a photo of the good one. I know you were all wondering, where does she relieve herself??? Well to be honest most of the time just in the woods, but at shelters there are nasty outhouses except this shelter. They have a caretaker here and she is responsible for taking care of this shelters composting toilets. No odder here! Every time I went near the outhouse something darted into the brush. I never really saw it but knew something was living near the path.  

Day 19

I wake up early to get into Stratton ME. I eat read God's word in the day use shelter. I come back to tear down my tent and pack up for the day. As I'm standing there chatting with 2 other hikers, a fairly large jackrabbit hops toward us on the bathroom trail. Stops for a bit then continues to the 2 shelters, I think I just figured out who was darting into the brush every time I went to the outhouse. I'll bet it gets fed by the hikers it was going for breakfast. I say goodbye to the 2 guys and hike to the road in Strattan. Before you get to Stratton the NOBO's reach the 2000 mile marker that means the SOBO's are at 281 miles. 

 

It's marked with this natural marker. I'm sure they are happy I've just begun.  I get to the road and get a ride into town. I decide to pay $90 to get a ride back to Caratunk to get my truck so I can do the next stretch. The hike was only 32 miles the Nike ride was going to be 65miles I opt for a ride because I'm tired. It's a 2&1/2 hr ride to get there "Can't get theya from heya" comes to mind. It's mid afternoon before I get my truck then another 2&1/2 hrs to get back to  Stratton I get back there and see a hiker hitching for a ride I pick him up. A young man from France trail name French Fry. We drive to the hostel and he says he wants to hitch to Mt Washington. I'm thinking he has no clue how far this is. I decide he's only here for a short time I'll take him in the truck! I agree to take him and another guy Professor jumps in too. I have to drop my bicycle off in Rangeley on the way. 3 of us head out. We see an amazing sunset as we drive toward the destination. I drop off the bike and continue on toward my Washington. The 3 of us end up staying in Gorham NH that night and I drive up Mt Washington the next morning. Come to find out its French Fry's 20th birthday. He got an amazing gift for his wishes. We wonder around up atop the Rock Pile as a good friend calls it. Even though it was not a great day we had views from up there. I brought FF back to his summer work for stay in ME and Professor to Carratunk then hot myself back to Stratton where I needed to be to hike out the next day. 

Another zero day.

 

L-r me Proffessor & French Fry

Day 20 hiking. 8/17

I was slow getting ready to hike this day. Everyone is watching the Olympics on TV I get sucked in for too long. Finally I break free And get a shuttle back to the trail. It was a rainy day so my motivation was not high. I start hiking for a bit, I'm thinking of where I put all my stuff and think I left my journal on the coffee table at the hostel. As I'm turning around to go back to the road hitch to hostel, 2 SOBO's come along Elizabeth and another guy, we engage in conversation, I'm outta sorts because of the thoughts of my journal on the coffee table, it's still a drizzly day so no loss I don't really like hiking in the rain. Call me a fairweather gal I don't care. I don't like puddles getting my feet wet or being drenched to the bone in the only outfit I wear day after day. That might bring up a question: so what do you carry for clothes??? Well here's a photo of my wardrobe beside what I have on 

 

1set of soxs(liner & outter) extra undies shorts doubling as bathing suit & tank top. I wear pants that have zip off legs a tee shirt and a biking jacket for cooler days. I do have a rain coat as well. All fitting into a small bag 

 

So I go back everyone is still watching the olympics. I don't find my journal where I thought it was but in my truck safe & sound. I wanted it with me so I can continue to write in it so I grab it and get another shuttle out to the trail. I had another disappointing thing happen during my day, the people I had taking care of my dog Mikie said they can't keep him anymore, I'll have to find him a new home. I get back on trail hiking about 7 miles this day to a camp where Elizabeth is! I'm very happy to see her, she says I must hike faster than she does because I end up in the same place. We chat a bit and go to bed. I hope to hike with her tomorrow the guide says we will be fording a river first thing. 

Day 21 hiking.  8/18

My day starts by having breakfast with 2 women who camped at the same place. Elizabeth & a young woman going NOBO. Elizabeth took off hiking about 7am with the statement "I hike from 7-7" I was a bit slower getting everything ready to leave. After her statement "you hike faster than I do" I figured I could catch Elizabeth at some point. The day did start with a river crossing but fortunately the trail crew(people who were working on the trail) had placed a board across the big space, so I was able to cross w/o getting my feet wet. I was a bit off for most of the morning. I guess the thoughts of what to do with my Mikie were active even though I felt helpless to do anything at the moment. I couldn't find my Buff (a headband type of thing that helps keep my hair out of my face) so I stopped and looked for it emoting my whole pack to discover I didn't have it. The ascent was steep and boldery too also slowing my pace. I would ask people if they saw Elizabeth (girl in a green shirt) everyone said all day long she's about 1 hr ahead. So much for catching up to her at my faster pace hahahaha.  After the summit of Soaulding Mountain the trail wasn't so bad. I did about 11 today. I did hike 45 min into the night to a small area where I put up my tent in the dark ate & got into bed. I'm thinking if I get up early I can see the sunrise on the summit of the next mountain and catch up toElizabeth.  I'll have to go 12 to get to Rte 4 the next day where I'll get my bike and ride to Stratton to get my truck. 

Day 22 hiking 8/9 

I had thought if I could get up & out early I could get a sunrise, well I did get up early but not out early enough. I still had some steep incline to start with. I'm glad I didn't see what I hiked over last night. I got to the next shelter a little after 7 to find I had just missed Elizabeth. I had a desire to hike with her for some reason. I had some food and chatted with the others there. "I Don't Know" was there my trip to Mt Washington had him pass me. I left after eating and set out to catch Elizabeth today!!! I met many people along the way always asking if they had seen her. She's about 15 min ahead they said each time. We were on a ridge trail but I couldn't see her. I met folks I had seen in Hanover doing my book buying job. I kept thinking it was quick for them to get here already. One person Wrecking Ball I got a pic with 

 

There we are on the Saddleback ridge you can see the trail off my shoulder of where I was headed. People are very friendly to help with a picture. No selfy here.  After this I set my sights on catching Elizabeth. I could now see her ahead of me on the trail. My legs were hurting with stinging pain from exerting them but I pressed hard. I finally caught up with her just before the summit of Saddleback Mt. 

 

We had some folks take a pic and we hiked the rest of the day together. I learned a new term from her that day "traily trail" means it's easy. I knew I would like her. While on the mountain top I text the Hiker Hut where I am staying the night. I was asked to confirm my arrival. My bicycle awaits me. The trail was amazing with views everywhere you looked

The trail descending was extremely steep at first but then we had traily trail for most of it. 

 

 

This was my special prize from Hiker Hut. Trail magic with my name on it. Elizabeth noticed it first, I opened it to find a beer & gateraide on ice. How cool is that!! As I shared the gateraide with Elizabeth a car pulled up and dropped off some hikers, it happened to be the shuttle to where Elizabeth was spending the night. I walked .3 miles to the Hiker Hut to check in.  They were so nice and had a lentil stew hot & ready to serve. What a great place. 

 

The next day I would get on my bike and pedal to Stratton where my truck was and drive back home to do 1 more job. And find a new home for Mikie!