Rained out in Gorham (mile 319)

I'm in town sooner than anticipated this time because of the rain. Yesterday every hiker that passed me suggested taking a zero day today because there was a 100% chance of rain in the forecast and tough terrain ahead. It was a good excuse to sit around the Pinkham Notch vistor center reading and eat too much food.

I had a great hike over the past couple of days - over Mt. Moriah and across the Carter and Wildcat mountains. I slept on top of North Carter and got to watch the sun rising over a sea of clouds. The mountaintops looked like they were floating in a thick white soup.

Tomorrow I'm back on the trail. I am climbing Mt. Madison and heading down over Adams, Jefferson, and Washington. Hopefully I get some views and I'm not just shrouded in clouds the whole time. One of the unfortunate things about having a timeline is that I can't wait around too long for a clear day to hike. As long as there is no thunder or heavy rain I will keep climbing.

I just got back from a few days off to see my lovely friend Nicole get married. It was really great to see my family and have lunch with my friends Sarah and Bronson. My only regret is not seeing my dad before I left. I couldn't be here if it weren't for him and I hope we get to hike together in the future.

Taking some time off was awesome because I am hiking with a new group of Southbounders now. My favorite SOBOs Campfire and Young Guns are slightly ahead of us but we saw some fresh faces in the past couple of days so hopefully we won't be camping alone.

Greetings from NH (mile 300)

My first state is done!! So long Maine! It's a little sad - the people there were incredible and from what I gather it's definitely the most wild state (very few roads and small isolated trail towns) - but I'm proud of my accomplishment.

The southernmost 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maine are rumored to be some of the hardest. I don't doubt it! The trail goes up a mountain, all the way back down to nearly sea level, then back up again. My knees were killing me. I ended Maine with Mahoussic Notch, involving a steep decent down Old Speck Mountain and a mile of scrambling over boulders and through narrow caves. Even the last 0.5 of Maine was difficult. There was a big rock wall to climb right at the end.

I am on a never ending quest to lighten my pack weight. I have sent home a lot of things and am down to what I think are just the basics. I'm even ripping pages out of my book as I read them but it still seems too heavy after I ressuply on food. It's a learning process. I keep getting tips from people as I talk to them.

I am having a little trouble uploading pictures and was waiting to post an entry until I could figure it out but internet access is rare so I can only do a few for now.

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.