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.