Rangeley, ME (Mile 220)

What a trip!! The trail has been so challenging and so rewarding so far. I made it through the roots and mud and bugs of central Maine and now it's on to rough rocky terrain in the southern part of the state. I just finished 100 miles or so from Monson to Rangeley across rivers and mountains. I even got a "ferry" ride (from a very nice gentleman in a canoe) because of strong river currents.

I hit a lot of mountains recently. I ended up doing one a day for the last few days. Saddleback was definitely the best so far. Absolutely amazing views. I also had a great near-0 day where Craig and I only hiked 6 miles and saw some thunder clouds approaching. We booked it over the mountain we were climbing and stayed at a shelter a short way down with some awesome north bounders. We spent about 13 hours laying around in the lean-to reading, sleeping, and watching the lightning up on the peak.

I have met an amazing cast of characters so far. So many great and unique people. Everyone out here is so friendly and helpful. The comradery is definitely the best part of this adventure. People have been providing free food and rides and offering us places to stay. It's amazing what comes your way when you open yourself up to it. I am going to do my best to pay it forward and keep it going.

I will be updating my blog more regularly soon. All of these trail towns in Maine are remote and far apart so it's hard to find service. I'm only 60 miles from the NH border though!! Less than a week away!

Beautiful pondside campsite outside Rangeley

Shoelace tying

The Horn on Saddleback - you can see the ridgleline trail going up the mountain in the background 

Saddleback Junior!!

Repackaging delicious Fig Newman's from Newman's Own Organics

Makeshift bridge building with a plastic spoon. The travel guitar is hanging in there. Thanks Bronson!

Through the 100 Mile Wilderness (Mile 114)

I completed two pretty big AT challenges in the past couple of weeks -- Mt. Katahdin and the 100 Mile Wilderness. Katahdin was definitely more difficult than I anticipated, especially when it started raining as I was descending some intense scrambles, but it was so rewarding.

We set off for the Wilderness the first day after the hurricane and had to battle our way around fallen trees, high waters, and ridiculous mosquitoes, but it cleared up a couple days in and we were blessed with clear skies and incredible scenery. It took us 10 days to amble through while getting used to toting our 40 pound packs and climbing over roots and through mud. Hopefully we will be able to pick up the pace as we develop our trail legs.

Last night we finally made it to Monson, bruised and sore but in good spirits, and stayed at the Lakeshore hostel and pub. It's a wonderful little place run by an incredibly hospitable crew. It will be hard to leave the town comforts but I already miss the woods and the feeling of accomplishment that comes after a long day of hiking.

Throughout the hike we have met so many awesome people -- too many to list -- but the comradery out here is probably the best part of the trail. More about that later. I have written to much already. <3 Happy Trails.