So it turns out Maine is not so out-of-the-loop as I'd figured as I've been able to update twice now! Here we are in the little, charming, hard-to-hitch-into town of Rangeley where the BMC Diner makes some mean homefries and serves the coffee in huge pottery mugs. So far me likey.
Things are looking up. The rain has gone (supposed to come again tonight but we don't care cause we'll be in a real bed) and the trail through Maine sure is beautiful. Lots of ponds and sunsets, no more moose (yet), but lots of good friends on the trail. It turns out everyone has experienced the blues to some degree because after the Whites the difficulty of the trail really didn't relent. Plus the roots, rocks, rain and muddy bog crossings can really take a toll mentally. Check out Blaze's site for another slant on this. My shiny new pair of La Sportiva's are poor sad slaves to the mud now, and have caused me some raw spots, but overall I would say our spirits are up. Even more encouraging than the recent sunny skies and serene ponds is the fact that the end is really in sight!
We only have a few trail towns left. After this we'll hit Stratton, probably in about 2-3 days, then we'll have about a week to Monson and then a week from there to Katahdin. We are planning to rent a car in Bangor and take our time getting home via roadtrip. That should put us back in "real life" around October 5th or beyond.
Last thing - check out Gonzo's blog to see some amazing pictures of the Appalachian Trail. You'll find me and Brahma in some of them.
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8 comments:
hey guys! i am in complete awe of how much you have accomplished so far on the trail. i remember all the times i heard you talk about hiking the trail and how it was a huge dream of yours... and now you're almost done and i think it is one of the coolest things i've ever seen any of my friends do. and now i can say, "yeah, i have friends who hiked the ENTIRE trail." it makes me feel that much cooler (albeit lazy). i have been so impressed seeing how you guys stick with it through the rain and injuries and rough climbs... it's really inspiring. you guys are doing amazing!
Sis, can't wait till your home! I'm so proud of you! P.S. Sonya Kitchell's new album awaits you..it's v. good.
I just got done working a ~18 hour day, very tired but happy to see Maine isn’t on the dark side of the moon after all and land of moose has internet. Hope you haven’t used up all your mole skin over the past 2000 miles and you still have some for you feet. Bets I wanted to comment on one of a picture in an earlier post where you are sliding down a bolder, you leg looks strong enough to kick the bolder out of your way. “Take that bolder! Smack” Don’t ask me to go walking with you two for at least a year after you get back, I won’t be able to keep up, no one is the state of Virginia will be able to.. Don’t be blue, be encouraged. Your next adventure (home and catching up with Tony Jill) will probably be even bigger for you two. Stay safe, keep up the pace, and I see you soon.
~love Eli
You guys are so amazing. My husband has been talking about a trail that runs from Mexico to Canada out here in the West. I'm in no shape right now (well, maybe a really round one) but I was thinking about how cool that would be. I'm going to go back and read every post from you from the beginning. Man, that photo of Dustan's blisters might be enough to persuade me not to do it, though. (:
This is amazing...I'm just catching up on your story, and it's absolutely fascinating. Any plans to trek through Rhode Island on your way home?
I just caught up from NY to ME !! Have had some awful computer/internet problems over the last month and a half.....leaving me in the dark most of the time!! So glad to get caught up and see you two are in the FINAL stretch!! WAY TO GO! Thought of you both on Sat......your 5th and my !!**?? 39th. WOndered where you were spending it and thinking it will be one anniversary you will ALWAYS remember where you were! I know you will be glad to leave the trail, albeit with mixed emotions, but having accomplished something truly remarkable and your young lives forever changed b/c of it. Your dream adventure is nearly completed.....wishing you fair skies,no difficulties and smooth sailing 'til you are actually home again. Sherrie
Yeah, this rain has not been too fun. Just made it to Monson today. The wilderness awaits! So I may be spending a couple days in Millinocket when I'm finished... that's why i was wondering if y'all were stopping by there. I'll let you know.
We're almost there!
I have soooo been living vicariously through you guys. By the way, you have no idea how much joy your blog has brought to Paul Copeman (who tells me that he reads your blog religiously), who's counting down the months until he's out of Alaska. Hope you guys had an awesome anniversary this last weekend! We love you and can't wait to celebrate when you make it to Katahdin!!! Love, Matt and Jen Inman
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