Well - I’ve had a few days since completing my journey to decompress. I wanted to summarize a few things. I think it’s really interesting to see these numbers. I know this page will be something I’ll always reference in the future. Here you go:
** 97 camping days, 65 Hotel/Hostal stays
** 12 Zero days
** 44.44% - rain days
** 14.72 miles/day - daily average using only days with positive miles on AT
** 13.54 miles/day - daily average using all 162 days
** 23.8 miles - longest mileage day
** 25 Hotel/Hostals during first 81 days. 40 Hotel/Hostals during the last 81 days
** 8 Zero Days during my first 81 days. 4 Zero Days during my last 81 days
** 20 days of 20+ miles per day
———————
A). Elevation
Total Ascent Completed - 472,407’
Total Descent Completed - 470,931’
—————
B). Camping vs. Hotel/Hostal
Camping - 97 days
Hotel/Hostal - 65 days
Camping - 97 days
Day #2 - Stover Creek Shelter
Day #3 - Gooch Mountain Shelter
Day #5 - Low Gap Shelter
Day #6 - Tray Mountain Shelter
Day #7 - Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Day #8 - Standing Indian Shelter
Day #9 - Long Branch Shelter
Day #12 - Wayah Shelter
Day #13 - Rufus Morgan Shelter
Day #14 - Stealth Tentsite
Day #15 - Groundhog Creek Shelter
Day #16 - Walnut Mountain Shelter
Day #17 - Stealth Tentsite
Day #18 - Little Paint Creek Tentsite
Day #19 - Jerry’s Cabin Shelter
Day #20 - Hogback Ridge Shelter
Day #21 - Whistling Gap Tentsite
Day #24 - Stealth Tentsite
Day #25 - Stealth Tentsite
Day #26 - Stan Murray Shelter
Day #28 - Moreland Gap Shelter
Day #30 - Iron Mountain Shelter
Day #31 - Abingdon Gap Shelter
Day #34 - Lost Mountain Shelter
Day #35 - Wise Shelter
Day #36 - Trimpi Shelter
Day #37 - Chatfield Shelter
Day #39 - Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Day #40 - Jenkins Shelter
Day #41 - Jenny Knob Shelter
Day #45 - Stealth Tentsite
Day #46 - War Spur Shelter
Day #47 - Niday Shelter
Day #49 - Lambert’s Meadow Shelter
Day #51 - Wilson Creek Shelter
Day #52 - Jennings Creek Tentsite
Day #53 - Harrison Ground Spring Tentsite
Day #55 - Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Day #56 - Seeley-Woolworth Shelter
Day #57 - Maupin Field Shelter
**Return to Finish Smokey’s
Day #61 - Fontana Dam Shelter
Day #62 - Russell Field Shelter
Day #63 - Double Spring Gap Shelter
Day #64 - Pecks Corner Shelter
**End Smokey’s Return
Day #67 - Calf Mountain Shelter
Day #68 - Loft Mountain Campground
Day #69 - Hightop Hut
Day #70 - Bearfence Mountain Hut
Day #71 - Birds Nest #3 Hut
Day #72 - Gravel Springs Hut
Day #74 - Whiskey Hollow Shelter
Day #75 - Sam Moore Shelter
Day #76 - David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Day #79 - Pine Knob Shelter
Day #80 - Falls Creek Tentsite
Day #81 - Quarry Gap Shelter
Day #82 - Stealth Tentsite
Day #86 - Stealth Tentsite
Day #87 - Stealth Tentsite
Day #90 - Eagles Nest Shelter
Day #91 - Windsor Furnace Shelter
Day #92 - Stealth Tentsite
Day #96 - Stealth Tentsite
Day #97 - Mashipacong Shelter
Day #98 - Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Day #99 - Wildcat Shelter
Day #100 - William Brien Memorial Shelter
Day #103 - Stealth Tentsite
Day #104 - Morgan Stewart Shelter
Day #105 - Ten Mile River Shelter
Day #106 - Silver Hill Campsite
Day #108 - Laurel Ridge Campsite
Day #110 - South Mount Wilcox Shelter
Day #113 - Mark Noepel Shelter
Day #114 - Seth Warner Shelter
Day #116 - Kid Gore Shelter
Day #117 - Stratton Pond Shelter
Day #119 - Little Rock Pond Shelter
Day #120 - Clarendon Shelter
Day #123 - Winturri Shelter
Day #132 - Garfield Ridge Campsite
Day #133 - Ethan Pond Shelter
Day #134 - Nauman Tentsite
Day #135 - Valley Way Tentsite
Day #138 - Imp Shelter
Day #140 - Gentian Pond Shelter
Day #141 - Full Goose Shelter
Day #147 - Poplar Ridge Lean To
Day #148 - Crocker Cirque Campsite
Day #151 - Pierce Pond Lean To
Day #153 - Bald Mtn Pond Lean To
Day #155 - Long Pond Stream Lean To
Day #156 - Chairback Gap Lean To
Day #157 - Logan Brook Lean To
Day #158 - Antlers Campsite
Day #159 - Rainbow Stream Lean To
Day #161 - The Birches Shelter
—————
Hotel/Hostal - 65 days
Day #1 - Amicalola Falls Lodge, GA
Day #4 - Blood Mtn Cabin, Neels Gap, GA
Day #10-11 - Budget Inn, Franklin, NC
Day #22-23 - Mountain Inn, Erwin, TN
Day #27 - Mountain Harbour B&B, Roan Mtn, TN
Day #29 - Boots Off Hostal, TN
Day #32-33 - Dancing Bear Inn, Damascus, VA
Day #38 - Relax Inn, Atkins, VA
Day #42 - Woodshole Hostal, VA
Day #43-44 - Plaza Hotel, Pearisburg, VA
Day #48 - Four Pines Hostal, VA
Day #50 - Howard Johnson Inn, Daleville, VA
Day #54 - Stanimals Hostal, Glasgow, VA
Day #58-59 - Stanimals Hostal, Waynesboro, VA
**Return to finish Smokey’s
Day #60 - Best Western, Newport, TN
Day #65 - Best Western, Newport, TN
**End Smokey’s Return
Day #66 - Quality Inn, Waynesboro, VA
Day #73 - Baymont Inn, Front Royal, VA
Day #77-78 - Quality Inn, Harpers Ferry, WV
Day #83 - Lisa’s Hostal, Boiling Springs, PA
Day #84 - Red Roof Inn, Carlisle, PA
Day #85 - Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA
Day #88-89 - Comfort Inn, Pine Grove, PA
Day #93-94 - Bert’s Steakhouse, Palmerton, PA
Day #95 - Clarion Inn, Delaware Water Gap, PA
Day #101-102 - Bear Mtn Bridge Motel, Fort Montgomery, NY
Day #107 - Days Inn, Falls Village, CT
Day #109 - Days Inn, Great Barrington, Mass
Day #111 - Berkshire Lakeside Lodge, Mass
Day #112 - Econo Lodge, Dalton, Mass
Day #115 - Catamount Motel, Bennington, VT
Day #118 - Pinnacle Lodge, Manchester Center, VT
Day #121-122 - Killington Motel, Killington, VT
Day #124-125-126 - Hanover Adventures Hostal, Hanover, NH
Day #127 - Barn Door Hostal, NH
Day #128-129-130-131 - Parker’s Motel, Lincoln, NH
Day #136-137 - Rattle River Hostal, NH
Day #139 - Rattle River Hostal, NH
Day #142 - West Bethel Motel, Bethel, ME
Day #143-144 - Pine Ellis Lodging, Andover, ME
Day #145-146 - Town & Lake Motel, Rangeley, ME
Day #149-150 - Hostal of Maine, Stratton, ME
Day #152 - Sterling Inn, Caratunk, ME
Day #154 - Shaw’s Hostal, Monson, ME
Day #160 - Abol Pines Cabin, ME
Day #162 - AT Lodge, Millinocket, ME
——————
C). Total Zero Days
12 Total Zero Days
Day #11 - Budget Inn, Franklin, NC
Day #23 - Mountain Inn, Erwin, TN
Day #33 - Dancing Bear Inn, Damascus, VA
Day #44 - Plaza Hotel, Pearisburg, VA
Day #59 - Stanimals Hostal, Waynesboro, VA
Day #60 - Best Western, Newport, TN
Day #66 - Quality Inn, Waynesboro, VA
Day #78 - Quality Inn, Harpers Ferry, WV
Day #89 - Comfort Inn, Pine Grove, PA
Day #102 - Bear Mountain Bridge Motel, Fort Montgomery, NY
Day #131 - Parker’s Motel, Lincoln, NH
Day #137 - Rattle River Hostal, NH
—————
D). Rain Days
72/162 (44.44%)
Days: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 37, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 52, 53, 54, 57, 58, 62, 64, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 73, 77, 78, 82, 83, 84, 85, 90, 91, 100, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 113, 118, 120, 121, 122, 124, 127, 132, 133, 137, 138, 140, 143, 145, 150, 159, 162
————
E). State Theme Songs
Georgia - Georgia on My Mind (Ray Charles)
North Carolina - Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond)
Tennessee - Rocky Top (Osbourne Brothers)
Virginia - Get Along (Kenny Chesney)
West Virginia - Take Me Home Country Roads (John Denver)
Maryland - One Moment in Time (Whitney Houston)
Pennsylvania - Eye of the Tiger (Survivor)
New Jersey - Livin on a Prayer (Bon Jovi)
New York - New York, New York (Frank Sinatra)
Connecticut - Yankee Doodle (George Cohan)
Massachusetts - More Than a Feeling (Boston)
Vermont - Independence Day (Martina McBride)
New Hampshire - Mountain Music (Alabama)
Maine - Right Now (Van Halen)
————
F). Daily Mileage
Day #1 - 0
Day #2 - 2.8. (2,423’, 2,113’
Day #3 - 12.9. (2,605’, 2,982’)
Day #4 - 15.6. (3,950’, 3,415’)
Day #5 - 11.5. (3,038’, 2,977’)
Day #6 - 15.4. (4,100’, 3,400’)
Day #7 - 15.9. (4,047’, 5,230’)
Day #8 - 12.2. (3,618’, 2,181’)
Day #9 - 16.3. (2,998’, 3,247’)
Day #10 - 7.2. (1,073’, 1,894’)
Day #11 - 0
Day #12 - 11.0. (3,021’, 1,943’)
Day #13 - 15.5. (2,632’, 5,252’)
Day #14 - 14.7. (4,642’, 3,658’)
Day #15 - 7.2. (2,644’, 1,384’)
Day #16 - 13.1. (3,535’, 2,624’)
Day #17 - 15.1. (3,014’, 4,972’)
Day #18 - 10.8. (3,342’, 2,376’)
Day #19 - 14.1. (3,887’, 2,625’)
Day #20 - 15.5. (3,767’, 3,596’)
Day #21 - 13.5. (3,322’, 3,727’)
Day #22 - 13.5. (2,362’, 4,449’)
Day #23 - 0
Day #24 - 9.3. (3,005’, 945’)
Day #25 - 15.8. (4,218’, 3,802’)
Day #26 - 14.8. (4,201’, 3,222’)
Day #27 - 11.4. (1,806’, 4,059’)
Day #28 - 18.1. (4,174’, 3,219’)
Day #29 - 14.7. (2,954’, 4,797’)
Day #30 - 16.1. (4,344’, 2,278’)
Day #31 - 16.0. (2,821’, 3,032’)
Day #32 - 10.2. (908’, 2,754’)
Day #33 - 0
Day #34 - 16.0. (4,057’, 2,622’)
Day #35 - 17.5. (3,878’, 2,757’)
Day #36 - 20.1. (3,345’, 4,748’)
Day #37 - 16.8. (3,618’, 3,393’)
Day #38 - 4.6. (363’, 1,276’)
Day #39 - 14.7. (3,581’, 3,097’)
Day #40 - 20.1. (4,599’, 4,816’)
Day #41 - 23.2. (4,518’, 4,524’)
Day #42 - 21.8. (3,917’, 3,198’)
Day #43 - 10.6. (1,519’, 2,899’)
Day #44 - 0
Day #45 - 14.4. (3,586’, 2,119’)
Day #46 - 18.9. (3,448’, 4,414’)
Day #47 - 18.4. (4,053’, 4,384’)
Day #48 - 16.7. (3,958’, 4,102’)
Day #49 - 16.4. (4,038’, 3,821’)
Day #50 - 9.4. (1,242’, 2,154’)
Day #51 - 11.2. (2,959’, 2,335’)
Day #52 - 17.0. (2,969’, 3,822’)
Day #53 - 17.3. (5,951’, 3,699’)
Day #54 - 11.5. (1,463’, 4,145’)
Day #55 - 20.0. (5,155’, 4,460’)
Day #56 - 15.8. (4,958’, 2,519’)
Day #57 - 20.4. (5,530’, 6,277’)
Day #58 - 20.8. (3,437’, 4,296’)
Day #59 - 0
Day #60 - 0
Day #61 - 15.1. (3,130’, 4,490’)
Day #62 - 15.1. (4,757’, 2,199’)
Day #63 - 16.4. (4,877’, 3,720’)
Day #64 - 21.0. (5,044’, 5,096’)
Day #65 - 23.3. (3,788’, 7,707’)
Day #66 - 0
Day #67 - 7.7. (1,998’, 1,079’)
Day #68 - 19.2. (4,310’, 3,496’)
Day #69 - 15.2. (3,417’, 3,448’)
Day #70 - 12.4. (2,711’, 2,575’)
Day #71 - 22.4. (4,255’, 4,209’)
Day #72 - 17.5. (3,440’, 4,147’)
Day #73 - 13.4. (2,057’, 3,719’)
Day #74 - 15.2. (3,202’, 2,772’)
Day #75 - 15.3. (3,379’, 3,696’)
Day #76 - 14.2. (3,415’, 2,926’)
Day #77 - 9.3. (928’, 2,110’)
Day #78 - 0
Day #79 - 22.9. (4,050’, 2,954’)
Day #80 - 18.5. (3,015’, 3,305’)
Day #81 - 20.0. (3,477’, 3,186’)
Day #82 - 20.8. (2,359’, 2,892’)
Day #83 - 15.7. (2,317’, 3,208’)
Day #84 - 12.4. (814’, 796’)
Day #85 - 12.8. (2,191’, 2,258’)
Day #86 - 18.1. (2,568’, 2,402’)
Day #87 - 18.6. (2,948’, 2,488’)
Day #88 - 8.2. (785’, 753’)
Day #89 - 0
Day #90 - 17.1. (1,930’, 1,611’)
Day #91 - 14.7. (2,043’, 2,801’)
Day #92 - 22.7. (3,192’, 2,562’)
Day #93 - 11.1. (1,055’, 2,050’)
Day #94 - 20.8. (2,957’, 2,466’)
Day #95 - 15.5. (1,731’, 2,327’)
Day #96 - 13.6. (2,269’, 1,410’)
Day #97 - 23.8. (3,174’, 2,996’)
Day #98 - 19.6. (2,382’, 2,935’)
Day #99 - 23.7. (3,935’, 3,774’)
Day #100 - 19.8. (4,407’, 4,356’)
Day #101 - 9.5. (1,817’, 2,690’)
Day #102 - 0
Day #103 - 17.5. (3,919’, 3,299’)
Day #104 - 17.3. (3,512’, 2,969’)
Day #105 - 20.6. (3,055’, 4,080’)
Day #106 - 18.9. (4,104’, 3,563’)
Day #107 - 14.9. (3,377’, 3,613’)
Day #108 - 15.7. (3,630’, 2,581’)
Day #109 - 12.9. (2,160’, 3,092’)
Day #110 - 11.8. (2,982’, 1,838’)
Day #111 - 17.5. (3,307’, 3,579’)
Day #112 - 20.4. (2,883’, 3,087’)
Dat #113 - 12.3. (3,379’, 1,751’)
Day #114 - 16.5. (3,851’, 4,392’)
Day #115 - 11.5. (2,039’, 2,671’)
Day #116 - 14.4. (3,936’, 2,559’)
Day #117 - 15.1. (3,025’, 3,308’)
Day #118 - 10.6. (1,120’, 1,841’)
Day #119 - 19.8. (3,819’, 3,754’)
Day #120 - 13.6. (3,175’, 3,788’)
Day #121 - 16.7. (4,016’, 3,418’)
Day #122 - 10.6. (2,542’, 3,076’)
Day #123 - 9.3. (2,658’, 1,995’)
Day #124 - 17.4. (3,959’, 5,751’)
Day #125 - 10.1. (1,973’, 1,925’)
Day #126 - 18.9. (4,875’, 4,267’)
Day #127 - 14.1. (4,191’, 4,348’)
Day #128 - 9.7. (2,390’, 2,215’)
Day #129 - 9.5. (3,097’, 4,084’)
Day #130 - 16.4. (4,607’, 5,065’)
Day #131 - 0
Day #132 - 10.1. (5,279’, 2,616’)
Day #133 - 14.6. (3,067’, 4,434’)
Day #134 - 9.3. (3,271’, 1,910’)
Day #135 - 11.8. (4,188’, 3,204’)
Day #136 - 7.8. (1,272’, 4,061’)
Day #137 - 0
Day #138 - 13.0. (5,722’, 4,489’)
Day #139 - 8.2. (1,124’, 3,667’)
Day #140 - 11.7. (4,178’, 2,782’)
Day #141 - 9.6. (3,852’, 3,017’)
Day #142 - 9.7. (2,932’, 4,419’)
Day #143 - 10.3. (3,529’, 3,542’)
Day #144 - 10.1. (3,319’, 3,327’)
Day #145 - 13.3. (4,389’, 3,594’)
Day #146 - 13.1. (2,025’, 2,703’)
Day #147 - 10.7. (3,951’, 2,673’)
Day #148 - 14.2. (4,133’, 4,337’)
Day #149 - 7.3. (1,936’, 3,253’)
Day #150 - 16.6. (5,035’, 5,314’)
Day #151 - 16.4. (2,234’, 2,283’)
Day #152 - 4.0. (182’, 821’)
Day #153 - 18.8. (4,381’, 3,665’)
Day #154 - 17.9. (2,021’, 2,005’)
Day #155 - 15.0. (2,896’, 3,139’)
Day #156 - 10.9. (3,578’, 2,506’)
Day #157 - 17.1. (4,562’, 4,164’)
Day #158 - 19.7. (1,410’, 3,258’)
Day #159 - 21.6. (2,885’, 2,376’)
Day #160 - 15.1. (1,551’, 1,979’)
Day #161 - 9.8. (895’, 368’)
Day #162 - 5.2. (4,193’, 4,193’)
14.72 miles/day (2,193/149 - when subtracting the 12 Zero days and the first day with no AT miles)
13.54 miles/day (2,193/162 days)
20+ mile - 20 days
18-20 miles - 14 days
16-18 miles - 23 days
14-16 miles - 32 days
12-14 miles - 17 days
10-12 miles - 21 days
8-10 miles - 13 days
0-8 miles - 9 days
0 miles - 13 days
Longest Mileage Day (Day #97) - 23.8 miles
——————
G). State Completion
Georgia - 8 days (March 13-20). Days #1-8 - 78 miles
North Carolina/Tennessee - 31 days (March 20 - April 13 plus **May 11-17 Smokeys Bypass) - Days #8-32 - 388 miles
Virginia - 38 days (April 13 - May 28 minus **May 11-17 Smokey’s Bypass) - Days #32-77 - 553 miles
West Virginia - 1 day (May 28) - Day #77 - 6 miles
Maryland - 2 days. (May 30-31) - Days #79-80 - 41 miles
Pennsylvania - 17 days (May 31 - June 16) - Days #80-96. - 229 miles
New Jersey - 4 days. (June 16-19) - Days #96-99 - 72 miles
New York - 7 days. (June 19-25) - Days #99-105 - 91 miles
Connecticut - 4 days. (June 25-28) - Days #105-108 - 50 miles
Massachusetts - 7 days. (June 28 - July 4) - Days #108-114 - 90 miles
Vermont - 12 days. (July 4-15) - Days #114-125 - 151 miles
New Hampshire - 17 days. (July 15-31) - Days #125-141 - 161 miles
Maine - 22 days. (July 31 - August 21) - Days #141-162 - 282 miles
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Day #162 - AT Hike
Friday, August 21st - Day #162 - AT Hike
Miles Hiked Today - 5.2 (10.4 total with ascent/descent)
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 2,193/2,193 (100%)
The Birches (2187.8) to Mt Katahdin peak (2193) - staying at AT Lodge Hostal in Millinocket, ME
Total ascent - 4,193’
Total descent - 4,193’
Total states completed - 14/14
**Rain - Rainy, windy, nasty weather day. Winds were 25mph at the summit - with sleet coming down.
—————
I did it!! After 162 days - I’ve completed the Appalachian Trail. I’ve hiked the full 2,193 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt Katahdin, Maine.
Coming to you live from my private room at the AT Lodge Hostal in Millinocket, ME. It’s Saturday morning - August 22nd - the day after my completion. It’s 6:30am - we have a 9am shuttle to Bangor, ME - where I’ll be renting a car for my return trip to St Louis - and then Colorado.
After completing my journey yesterday - I had so much to do - I didn’t have enough time to properly formulate my thoughts to write about my last day. So - after a good nights rest - I’m feeling inspired again.
Yesterday was so fitting - almost the perfect conclusion to this journey. It was tough - super tough out there. We were on the trail by 4am to hopefully beat the pending rain. Well - we weren’t early enough. About 5:30am - the rain started. We walked the first hour with our headlamps in complete darkness. Once the sun started to rise, the rains came - so we still had on our headlamps for another 30-45 minutes.
On most days - my mind is completely ready for the absolute worst conditions. Yesterday - the difficulty of the course, just how technical it was on these boulder fields mid way up the mountain - I was actually surprised at the daunting challenge this mountain presented. I can’t believe southbounders actually start their AT journey here - because - Mt Katahdin is on the short list of hardest climbs on the entire AT.
It was only 5.2 miles to the peak - it took us 4 hrs and 45 minutes to summit. Then - another 3 hrs, 45 minutes to descend. The rain was bearable going up. However - just a few minutes before we reached the peak - the rains, sleet, and wind picked up intensity. I was absolutely freezing at the summit. We all took our pics quickly and hurried down again. On the way down - we couldn’t stop - as we were all getting hypothermic. We were helping each other navigate this complex boulder field in the heavy rain and wind. I drank less than 1/2 liter of water all day and had only a couple bars to eat (I normally would drink/eat 4 times as much as this).
Once we got down below tree line on the descent - I felt much better. I knew I could do it - just by staying slow and cautious. Once we were off the mountain - I changed out of my wet gear - ate some food - and we waited for our 2pm shuttle pickup.
I was able to get my laundry done and get a shower at the Hostal pretty quickly. Then - after being without cell for over 3 days - I tried to catch up on messages. Last night we all went out for a celebration dinner. Sam’s brother - Stephen - came to surprise her. He took us all out and treated us to dinner (Slider picked up all the drinks).
Well - people have asked me yesterday how I feel to be finished. I guess I’m still in the processing phase. So much energy and emotion has gone into the last 162 days - it’s hard to take it all in.
My first thought - I’m so thankful to have remained healthy and strong enough to complete this journey. I’ve seen so many people with injuries - it’s incredible. I think back to the day I fell hard crossing the creek (back in Virginia I believe). I could have broken my leg so easily there. I think about the day I was overheated in New York. That could have ended so badly for me. I tried to put myself in good situations - but I was very lucky and fortunate along the way.
I also want to Thank all my friends and family for the amazing support along the way. It seemed like I always got a message or text just when I needed it the most. There’s no way I could have completed this without your support.
Many days along my journey - I listened to music to keep me inspired. I downloaded a number of songs from Apple Music. I also downloaded some inspirational talks as well. One of these - “Believe in Yourself” - was my favorite. I went ahead and included this in the blog today. Whenever I was having a real down day - I would pull this up and listen to it. I guess in my life - even though I’ve been able to do a few things - I’ve always worried and doubted myself. I wish I could change this about me - but I’ve come to accept it. I guess it makes me who I am.
It’s pretty emotional to be finished with my journey. I now have to find that next chapter - it will be fun and exciting to figure that out in the next few months. I plan to write up a summary of my hike in the next couple days - how many Zeros did I take, what was my mile/day average, how many days did it rain, what Hostals/hotels did I stay in, etc. I enjoy doing summary days - because it will always be a quick reference for me in the future.
Thank you for all your support over the past 162 days!!
**Everyday do something that scares you - maybe it’s walking the AT - or maybe it’s trying a different hobby, etc - this makes us better and helps us grow.
“Believe in Yourself” - and go create your next “Remember When” story.
Remember when I hiked 2,193 miles on the AT - during Covid 2020 ——- I sure do!!!
AT 2020 - NOBO - 3/13 - 8/21. Raptor
———
“Why is it we don’t believe in ourselves
Why is it that as soon as things get tough in our lives
We start doubting ourselves
We start thinking that we may not make it through
Stressing - worrying - imagining things that may go wrong in the future
I’ll tell you the human mind is powerful, but it can also be destructive
It can be your greatest friend or your worst enemy
The person you see reflecting in the mirror
Will always provide you with your greatest challenges in life
Take control of your life - control of your mind
Conquer yourself and you can conquer anything in this world
Yeah - it’s easy to be positive when everything is going your way
But are you going to be one of the very few who STAND UP when things are tough
When everything is going against you
That’s when you must show yourself
That’s when your character will shine through
That’s when your story will be born
Your story of success
You ain’t building no story if you give up
The world is full of people who gave up
The world needs hope
The world needs you to STAND UP
To fight through your challenging moments
To shine through the darkness
Believe in yourself
There is nothing more important
Stay hungry
Hungry for success
Hungry for more
Most people are bloated with ordinary
They are full of average
Have an appetite for extra-ordinary
There will always be doubters
But if you stay true to yourself and believe
Then one day will be your moment
Remember - anything is possible if you believe
Keep your dreams alive
Understand that in order for you to have anything of great value - you must suffer and endure
You are destined for success!
One day this world will tap you on the shoulder and whisper: “It’s your time to shine”
———
Miles Hiked Today - 5.2 (10.4 total with ascent/descent)
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 2,193/2,193 (100%)
The Birches (2187.8) to Mt Katahdin peak (2193) - staying at AT Lodge Hostal in Millinocket, ME
Total ascent - 4,193’
Total descent - 4,193’
Total states completed - 14/14
**Rain - Rainy, windy, nasty weather day. Winds were 25mph at the summit - with sleet coming down.
—————
I did it!! After 162 days - I’ve completed the Appalachian Trail. I’ve hiked the full 2,193 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt Katahdin, Maine.
Coming to you live from my private room at the AT Lodge Hostal in Millinocket, ME. It’s Saturday morning - August 22nd - the day after my completion. It’s 6:30am - we have a 9am shuttle to Bangor, ME - where I’ll be renting a car for my return trip to St Louis - and then Colorado.
After completing my journey yesterday - I had so much to do - I didn’t have enough time to properly formulate my thoughts to write about my last day. So - after a good nights rest - I’m feeling inspired again.
Yesterday was so fitting - almost the perfect conclusion to this journey. It was tough - super tough out there. We were on the trail by 4am to hopefully beat the pending rain. Well - we weren’t early enough. About 5:30am - the rain started. We walked the first hour with our headlamps in complete darkness. Once the sun started to rise, the rains came - so we still had on our headlamps for another 30-45 minutes.
On most days - my mind is completely ready for the absolute worst conditions. Yesterday - the difficulty of the course, just how technical it was on these boulder fields mid way up the mountain - I was actually surprised at the daunting challenge this mountain presented. I can’t believe southbounders actually start their AT journey here - because - Mt Katahdin is on the short list of hardest climbs on the entire AT.
It was only 5.2 miles to the peak - it took us 4 hrs and 45 minutes to summit. Then - another 3 hrs, 45 minutes to descend. The rain was bearable going up. However - just a few minutes before we reached the peak - the rains, sleet, and wind picked up intensity. I was absolutely freezing at the summit. We all took our pics quickly and hurried down again. On the way down - we couldn’t stop - as we were all getting hypothermic. We were helping each other navigate this complex boulder field in the heavy rain and wind. I drank less than 1/2 liter of water all day and had only a couple bars to eat (I normally would drink/eat 4 times as much as this).
Once we got down below tree line on the descent - I felt much better. I knew I could do it - just by staying slow and cautious. Once we were off the mountain - I changed out of my wet gear - ate some food - and we waited for our 2pm shuttle pickup.
I was able to get my laundry done and get a shower at the Hostal pretty quickly. Then - after being without cell for over 3 days - I tried to catch up on messages. Last night we all went out for a celebration dinner. Sam’s brother - Stephen - came to surprise her. He took us all out and treated us to dinner (Slider picked up all the drinks).
Well - people have asked me yesterday how I feel to be finished. I guess I’m still in the processing phase. So much energy and emotion has gone into the last 162 days - it’s hard to take it all in.
My first thought - I’m so thankful to have remained healthy and strong enough to complete this journey. I’ve seen so many people with injuries - it’s incredible. I think back to the day I fell hard crossing the creek (back in Virginia I believe). I could have broken my leg so easily there. I think about the day I was overheated in New York. That could have ended so badly for me. I tried to put myself in good situations - but I was very lucky and fortunate along the way.
I also want to Thank all my friends and family for the amazing support along the way. It seemed like I always got a message or text just when I needed it the most. There’s no way I could have completed this without your support.
Many days along my journey - I listened to music to keep me inspired. I downloaded a number of songs from Apple Music. I also downloaded some inspirational talks as well. One of these - “Believe in Yourself” - was my favorite. I went ahead and included this in the blog today. Whenever I was having a real down day - I would pull this up and listen to it. I guess in my life - even though I’ve been able to do a few things - I’ve always worried and doubted myself. I wish I could change this about me - but I’ve come to accept it. I guess it makes me who I am.
It’s pretty emotional to be finished with my journey. I now have to find that next chapter - it will be fun and exciting to figure that out in the next few months. I plan to write up a summary of my hike in the next couple days - how many Zeros did I take, what was my mile/day average, how many days did it rain, what Hostals/hotels did I stay in, etc. I enjoy doing summary days - because it will always be a quick reference for me in the future.
Thank you for all your support over the past 162 days!!
**Everyday do something that scares you - maybe it’s walking the AT - or maybe it’s trying a different hobby, etc - this makes us better and helps us grow.
“Believe in Yourself” - and go create your next “Remember When” story.
Remember when I hiked 2,193 miles on the AT - during Covid 2020 ——- I sure do!!!
AT 2020 - NOBO - 3/13 - 8/21. Raptor
———
“Why is it we don’t believe in ourselves
Why is it that as soon as things get tough in our lives
We start doubting ourselves
We start thinking that we may not make it through
Stressing - worrying - imagining things that may go wrong in the future
I’ll tell you the human mind is powerful, but it can also be destructive
It can be your greatest friend or your worst enemy
The person you see reflecting in the mirror
Will always provide you with your greatest challenges in life
Take control of your life - control of your mind
Conquer yourself and you can conquer anything in this world
Yeah - it’s easy to be positive when everything is going your way
But are you going to be one of the very few who STAND UP when things are tough
When everything is going against you
That’s when you must show yourself
That’s when your character will shine through
That’s when your story will be born
Your story of success
You ain’t building no story if you give up
The world is full of people who gave up
The world needs hope
The world needs you to STAND UP
To fight through your challenging moments
To shine through the darkness
Believe in yourself
There is nothing more important
Stay hungry
Hungry for success
Hungry for more
Most people are bloated with ordinary
They are full of average
Have an appetite for extra-ordinary
There will always be doubters
But if you stay true to yourself and believe
Then one day will be your moment
Remember - anything is possible if you believe
Keep your dreams alive
Understand that in order for you to have anything of great value - you must suffer and endure
You are destined for success!
One day this world will tap you on the shoulder and whisper: “It’s your time to shine”
———
Early morning boulder field on the ascent
Crazy complex at times
Ominous skies
The peak!
Clouds rolling in
You can still see the lakes in Maine
Completed!!
Happyness!!
Headed home
Friday, August 21, 2020
Day #161 - AT Hike
Thursday, August 20th - Day #161 - AT Hike
Miles Hiked Today - 9.8
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 2187.8/2.193 (99.76%). 5.2 miles left!!
Abol Pines (2178) to The Birches (2187.8) - tent at The Birches
Total ascent - 895’
Total descent - 368’
Total states completed - 13/14
**No Rain - Really nice weather day. High - mid 70s. Low - mid 50s
——————
Coming to you live from The Birches campsite - just 5.2 miles from the peak of Mt Katahdin - and the conclusion of my AT journey. This is the third consecutive day without cell signal for me - I’m hoping (if everything goes as planned) to be in the AT Lodge Hostal tomorrow night (completed with my journey) with wi-fi access.
We got here at 10:20am. It’s a great weather day. We were thinking about just going for the summit today. But - the park ranger at the Katahdin Campground area wouldn’t let us proceed up the mountain today - because they have a 1pm turnaround cut at the peak - and we couldn’t make the peak that quickly. There’s potential rain and thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon. Our plan is to get up by 3am and be hiking by 4am. We’ll use our headlamps for the first hour or so. This gives us a chance to peak before 9am. The ranger indicated that typical weather patterns have storms come through between 10am - noon.
I’m so nervous right now. My stomach is just churning. There are so many emotions going through my body - it’s really hard to process all of them at the moment. I can’t believe I’ve been hiking the AT for 161 days and I sit at the base of the mountain standing between me and my ultimate goal. My body is showing so many signs of shutting down - I just need 1 more day from it. I’ve been so mentally and physically focused for this conclusion - I just need to decompress and rest for several days after this.
After speaking with the park ranger and getting officially signed in (I’ll be the 87th finisher of the AT this year if things go well tomorrow) - I put up my tent and then fixed lunch. I next collected and filtered a couple liters of water. All these tasks were finished by 12:30pm. I’ve been in my tent resting for a couple hours. The goal is to have dinner at 5pm and then go to bed by 7pm. Alarm will be set for 3am tomorrow.
There was only 2 others signed up on the list at the kiosk this morning when we got there at 6:15am. There’s already 9 of us here at The Birches. I think it was a great call to get up early to secure our spot. If the weather moves in quicker than expected tomorrow - we may have to postpone our summit attempt. I’m praying this doesn’t happen - but it’s possible. If that happens - we would have to wait in line at the gate for day passes to try our summit attempt the next day and thereafter.
I have so much nervous energy built up right now. I hope I’ll be able to sleep some tonight.
I truly wish I had access to messages and my blog - I miss connecting with family and friends.
Sometimes in life - all you can do is put yourself in a position to be successful. Well - I feel I’ve done that. I’m so thankful I’ve been able to come this far on my journey. Tomorrow I go for the summit of Mt Katahdin - to be the 87th thru hiker to finish the AT in 2020.
The goal is to be able to sign off as “AT 2020 - NOBO - 3/13-8/21 - Raptor” by the end of the day tomorrow.
I’ll be back once I make that dream a reality. Here’s to continued good health and strength. Keep the faith!
Miles Hiked Today - 9.8
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 2187.8/2.193 (99.76%). 5.2 miles left!!
Abol Pines (2178) to The Birches (2187.8) - tent at The Birches
Total ascent - 895’
Total descent - 368’
Total states completed - 13/14
**No Rain - Really nice weather day. High - mid 70s. Low - mid 50s
——————
Coming to you live from The Birches campsite - just 5.2 miles from the peak of Mt Katahdin - and the conclusion of my AT journey. This is the third consecutive day without cell signal for me - I’m hoping (if everything goes as planned) to be in the AT Lodge Hostal tomorrow night (completed with my journey) with wi-fi access.
We got here at 10:20am. It’s a great weather day. We were thinking about just going for the summit today. But - the park ranger at the Katahdin Campground area wouldn’t let us proceed up the mountain today - because they have a 1pm turnaround cut at the peak - and we couldn’t make the peak that quickly. There’s potential rain and thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon. Our plan is to get up by 3am and be hiking by 4am. We’ll use our headlamps for the first hour or so. This gives us a chance to peak before 9am. The ranger indicated that typical weather patterns have storms come through between 10am - noon.
I’m so nervous right now. My stomach is just churning. There are so many emotions going through my body - it’s really hard to process all of them at the moment. I can’t believe I’ve been hiking the AT for 161 days and I sit at the base of the mountain standing between me and my ultimate goal. My body is showing so many signs of shutting down - I just need 1 more day from it. I’ve been so mentally and physically focused for this conclusion - I just need to decompress and rest for several days after this.
After speaking with the park ranger and getting officially signed in (I’ll be the 87th finisher of the AT this year if things go well tomorrow) - I put up my tent and then fixed lunch. I next collected and filtered a couple liters of water. All these tasks were finished by 12:30pm. I’ve been in my tent resting for a couple hours. The goal is to have dinner at 5pm and then go to bed by 7pm. Alarm will be set for 3am tomorrow.
There was only 2 others signed up on the list at the kiosk this morning when we got there at 6:15am. There’s already 9 of us here at The Birches. I think it was a great call to get up early to secure our spot. If the weather moves in quicker than expected tomorrow - we may have to postpone our summit attempt. I’m praying this doesn’t happen - but it’s possible. If that happens - we would have to wait in line at the gate for day passes to try our summit attempt the next day and thereafter.
I have so much nervous energy built up right now. I hope I’ll be able to sleep some tonight.
I truly wish I had access to messages and my blog - I miss connecting with family and friends.
Sometimes in life - all you can do is put yourself in a position to be successful. Well - I feel I’ve done that. I’m so thankful I’ve been able to come this far on my journey. Tomorrow I go for the summit of Mt Katahdin - to be the 87th thru hiker to finish the AT in 2020.
The goal is to be able to sign off as “AT 2020 - NOBO - 3/13-8/21 - Raptor” by the end of the day tomorrow.
I’ll be back once I make that dream a reality. Here’s to continued good health and strength. Keep the faith!
Beautiful trails today
Bridge out - we had to ford river
Great walking trails today
This is the ranger station where we checked into Baxter State Park
The Birches - campsite tonight
Mt Katahdin
We walked by a river for several miles
I’m officially signed up
Nice lake
Cool pic of Katahdin
The Birches
Some important numbers on this sign
Chipmunks everywhere
They allowed us to use loaner day packs for the summit
Day #160 - AT Hike
Wednesday, August 19th - Day #160 - AT Hike
Miles Hiked Today - 15.1
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 2178.0/2,193 (99.32%). 15 miles left!!
Rainbow Stream Lean To (2162.9) to Abol Pines (2178.0) - staying in a cabin at Abol Pines
Total ascent - 1551’
Total descent - 1979’
Total states completed - 13/14
**No Rain - Perfect weather day. 75 - high. 55 - low
—————
99.32% completed - that’s an A - right? Should I stop now? —— Not a chance!!
Coming to you live at a picnic table outside our small cabin at Abol Pines Campground.
We did 15.1 miles in quick fashion this morning.
We got into Abol Pines around 12:45pm. Initially - we had plans just to camp. But - the campsite offers small cabins - so we opted for a roof over our heads. All 4 of us are staying in this tiny cabin (effectively a bunk house).
It’s been a relaxing day. They have showers and laundry here at the campground - so I showered and did my last load of laundry on the AT. The campground also has a small general store. I was able to get a few snacks for the final 2 days. For dinner - I just ate some mashed potatoes through the use of my stove.
The other nice thing about getting done early today - it allowed me to air out all my wet gear from the rain day we had yesterday. In addition to just being muddy and sloppy - wet gear is a lot heavier as well. It’s nice to take off that extra weight.
Another huge thing happened today - I saw a MOOSE! I was leading the group out of camp this morning. It was around 6:45am. We had been on trail for 30 minutes - walking by this boggy lake. You could see the fog rise above the water, the sun started to beam off the ripples — this lake was made for moose. I rounded a corner and was now walking directly toward the lake. I see this big brown horizontal image through the trees. (All the trees are vertical and this brown blob just stuck out). I was only 30 yards or so away. I stopped. I kept looking - and sure enough - I see the horns of a bull moose as he brought his head up out of the water. The rest of the guys were 50+ yards behind me. I motioned for them to come quickly. We were able to watch it in the water near the shore. After 5 minutes - it walked out of the water onto the AT trail. He was only 25 yards or so away (I’ve seen several moose in my travels - the sheer size of these monsters always amazes me) He just stopped and stared at me. I froze - having already identified cover if needed. He stared at me for 20-30 seconds - then turned and headed up the trail. We could only see him for a minute more - and he was gone again. Moose are elusive - it was amazing to see one in this setting!
OK - 2 more days left in my journey!! Only 15 miles away!! I can’t believe it!! You’re probably wondering why we don’t just finish tomorrow - considering we only have 15 miles. Well - the rules around climbing Mt Katahdin in Baxter State Park are complicated. AT thru-hikers have to sign up at a kiosk the day before their summit day - to give them the right to proceed through the park to a shelter called - The Birches - to camp on the eve of their summit attempt. Only 12 AT thru hikers are allowed to proceed to The Birches each day (way of keeping traffic down on the mountain). Well - the kiosk to sign up is located 1/2 mile down the trail from where I’m staying tonight. You can’t sign up until the day you want to hike to The Birches - and you can’t go over there and get signed up early and then start your hike later in the day. You have to sign up on your way. it’s monitored closely. (It’s really kind of odd if you ask me - you have all these plans and they could be totally busted if you’re not 1 of the first 12 on the list - and you wouldn’t know until the day you’re trying to make it happen). All this might sound a bit confusing - only thing you need to know - we’re going to start our hike really early tomorrow so we can hopefully assure ourselves a place at The Birches. If we get a spot - it’s only a 9.8 mile walk for us. This positions us at the base of Mt Katahdin - for our push to the summit and completion of the AT on Friday.
I’m bummed I have not had cell coverage the past 2 days. I’m writing the blog everyday - and will post as soon as I can.
15 miles to go!!! Here’s to continued good health and strength - and getting a spot at The Birches to assure our final summit push on Friday.
Goodnight from the footsteps of Mt Katahdin!
Miles Hiked Today - 15.1
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 2178.0/2,193 (99.32%). 15 miles left!!
Rainbow Stream Lean To (2162.9) to Abol Pines (2178.0) - staying in a cabin at Abol Pines
Total ascent - 1551’
Total descent - 1979’
Total states completed - 13/14
**No Rain - Perfect weather day. 75 - high. 55 - low
—————
99.32% completed - that’s an A - right? Should I stop now? —— Not a chance!!
Coming to you live at a picnic table outside our small cabin at Abol Pines Campground.
We did 15.1 miles in quick fashion this morning.
We got into Abol Pines around 12:45pm. Initially - we had plans just to camp. But - the campsite offers small cabins - so we opted for a roof over our heads. All 4 of us are staying in this tiny cabin (effectively a bunk house).
It’s been a relaxing day. They have showers and laundry here at the campground - so I showered and did my last load of laundry on the AT. The campground also has a small general store. I was able to get a few snacks for the final 2 days. For dinner - I just ate some mashed potatoes through the use of my stove.
The other nice thing about getting done early today - it allowed me to air out all my wet gear from the rain day we had yesterday. In addition to just being muddy and sloppy - wet gear is a lot heavier as well. It’s nice to take off that extra weight.
Another huge thing happened today - I saw a MOOSE! I was leading the group out of camp this morning. It was around 6:45am. We had been on trail for 30 minutes - walking by this boggy lake. You could see the fog rise above the water, the sun started to beam off the ripples — this lake was made for moose. I rounded a corner and was now walking directly toward the lake. I see this big brown horizontal image through the trees. (All the trees are vertical and this brown blob just stuck out). I was only 30 yards or so away. I stopped. I kept looking - and sure enough - I see the horns of a bull moose as he brought his head up out of the water. The rest of the guys were 50+ yards behind me. I motioned for them to come quickly. We were able to watch it in the water near the shore. After 5 minutes - it walked out of the water onto the AT trail. He was only 25 yards or so away (I’ve seen several moose in my travels - the sheer size of these monsters always amazes me) He just stopped and stared at me. I froze - having already identified cover if needed. He stared at me for 20-30 seconds - then turned and headed up the trail. We could only see him for a minute more - and he was gone again. Moose are elusive - it was amazing to see one in this setting!
OK - 2 more days left in my journey!! Only 15 miles away!! I can’t believe it!! You’re probably wondering why we don’t just finish tomorrow - considering we only have 15 miles. Well - the rules around climbing Mt Katahdin in Baxter State Park are complicated. AT thru-hikers have to sign up at a kiosk the day before their summit day - to give them the right to proceed through the park to a shelter called - The Birches - to camp on the eve of their summit attempt. Only 12 AT thru hikers are allowed to proceed to The Birches each day (way of keeping traffic down on the mountain). Well - the kiosk to sign up is located 1/2 mile down the trail from where I’m staying tonight. You can’t sign up until the day you want to hike to The Birches - and you can’t go over there and get signed up early and then start your hike later in the day. You have to sign up on your way. it’s monitored closely. (It’s really kind of odd if you ask me - you have all these plans and they could be totally busted if you’re not 1 of the first 12 on the list - and you wouldn’t know until the day you’re trying to make it happen). All this might sound a bit confusing - only thing you need to know - we’re going to start our hike really early tomorrow so we can hopefully assure ourselves a place at The Birches. If we get a spot - it’s only a 9.8 mile walk for us. This positions us at the base of Mt Katahdin - for our push to the summit and completion of the AT on Friday.
I’m bummed I have not had cell coverage the past 2 days. I’m writing the blog everyday - and will post as soon as I can.
15 miles to go!!! Here’s to continued good health and strength - and getting a spot at The Birches to assure our final summit push on Friday.
Goodnight from the footsteps of Mt Katahdin!
I did some recon - this is the kiosk we have to sign up at tomorrow
Stare down with a moose
Awesome lakes
Moose coming out of water onto AT trail
That’s Mt Katahdin in the background
This is our sign up sheet for tomorrow
Mt Katahdin in distance
Walking the trail
Nice trails today
Moose coming on shore
Before hike pic
Very nice
Mt Katahdin in background
Abol Pines General store
Lake at Abol Pines
Top of Rainbow Ledges
Wine and cheese before dinner
Awesome trails
Leaving 100-mile wilderness
Mt Katahdin
Day #159 - AT Hike
Tuesday, August 18th - Day #159 - AT Hike
Miles Hiked Today - 21.6
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 2162.9/2,193 (98.63%). 30.1 miles left!!
Antlers Campsite (2141.3) to Rainbow Stream Lean To (2162.9) - tent at Rainbow Stream Lean To
Total ascent - 2,885’
Total descent - 2,376’
Total states completed - 13/14
**Rain — All day rain. Started at 2:30am and ended around 3pm.
—————
Today was a brutal, 21.6 mile course - completed in heavy rains much of the day. Last night, the rain started about 2:30am. It started slowly and then picked up its intensity. When I woke at 5am - the rain was coming down heavily. (Have you ever been camping when you’re warm inside your tent/sleeping bag. The rain is pouring down outside - you have to get up - you know you’re gonna go from warm to wet/miserable in seconds ———it’s not a great feeling. That was me this morning)
My last 20+ miler of my AT journey. The course was much tougher than yesterday. This section is often referred to as ‘the root canal’ - because there are tree roots nonstop throughout the course. You just pray it stops - but it never does.
11-1/2 hours on the trail. We started at 7am and I rolled into camp at 6:30pm. That’s a very long day - made even longer by the rain. Luckily - the rain subsided by mid afternoon. The forecast is for clear skies the next 2 days. Rain is expected late afternoon on our summit day of Katahdin - but we hope to be finished and in a hotel by then.
I can’t believe I’m 3 days from finishing the AT!! Going back to my analogy of running a marathon - I’m at 25.84 miles of the race. Less than 0.4 miles to go. I know I can do it!! Everything hurts, my tank is empty, I’m weak and fatigued - but I’m not giving up! I’m inspired, I have waves of emotions throughout the day. All the effort - all the hard work - it’s about to pay off. I can hear/see the crowd at the finish line (we can see Mt Katahdin). I just have to stay focused, stay committed — and bring it home!!
30.1 miles to go! We’re hiking 15 tomorrow. I’ll go over the complex sign-up and registration involved at Baxter State Park (the home of Mt Katahdin) tomorrow.
It’s 9:15pm now. It’s been a short night. Into camp at 6:30pm. I setup tent, cooked dinner, got water and filtered it, and hit the privy. Then I just spent about 45 minutes on the blog. Shut eye time for me.
Goodnight for the final time from the 100-mile wilderness - this is day 5/6. Tomorrow I’ll be exiting the 100-mile wilderness and staying at Abol Pines (at the southern end of Baxter State Park)
Here’s to continued good health and strength.
“You cut him. You see - he’s not a machine - he’s a man. You can beat him. All your strength, all your power, all your love - everything you got ——- and in the end - you’ll be the one standing”.
Miles Hiked Today - 21.6
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 2162.9/2,193 (98.63%). 30.1 miles left!!
Antlers Campsite (2141.3) to Rainbow Stream Lean To (2162.9) - tent at Rainbow Stream Lean To
Total ascent - 2,885’
Total descent - 2,376’
Total states completed - 13/14
**Rain — All day rain. Started at 2:30am and ended around 3pm.
—————
Today was a brutal, 21.6 mile course - completed in heavy rains much of the day. Last night, the rain started about 2:30am. It started slowly and then picked up its intensity. When I woke at 5am - the rain was coming down heavily. (Have you ever been camping when you’re warm inside your tent/sleeping bag. The rain is pouring down outside - you have to get up - you know you’re gonna go from warm to wet/miserable in seconds ———it’s not a great feeling. That was me this morning)
My last 20+ miler of my AT journey. The course was much tougher than yesterday. This section is often referred to as ‘the root canal’ - because there are tree roots nonstop throughout the course. You just pray it stops - but it never does.
11-1/2 hours on the trail. We started at 7am and I rolled into camp at 6:30pm. That’s a very long day - made even longer by the rain. Luckily - the rain subsided by mid afternoon. The forecast is for clear skies the next 2 days. Rain is expected late afternoon on our summit day of Katahdin - but we hope to be finished and in a hotel by then.
I can’t believe I’m 3 days from finishing the AT!! Going back to my analogy of running a marathon - I’m at 25.84 miles of the race. Less than 0.4 miles to go. I know I can do it!! Everything hurts, my tank is empty, I’m weak and fatigued - but I’m not giving up! I’m inspired, I have waves of emotions throughout the day. All the effort - all the hard work - it’s about to pay off. I can hear/see the crowd at the finish line (we can see Mt Katahdin). I just have to stay focused, stay committed — and bring it home!!
30.1 miles to go! We’re hiking 15 tomorrow. I’ll go over the complex sign-up and registration involved at Baxter State Park (the home of Mt Katahdin) tomorrow.
It’s 9:15pm now. It’s been a short night. Into camp at 6:30pm. I setup tent, cooked dinner, got water and filtered it, and hit the privy. Then I just spent about 45 minutes on the blog. Shut eye time for me.
Goodnight for the final time from the 100-mile wilderness - this is day 5/6. Tomorrow I’ll be exiting the 100-mile wilderness and staying at Abol Pines (at the southern end of Baxter State Park)
Here’s to continued good health and strength.
“You cut him. You see - he’s not a machine - he’s a man. You can beat him. All your strength, all your power, all your love - everything you got ——- and in the end - you’ll be the one standing”.
One of the mountains today
We walked a section of this beach
On trail
One of many streams
So many lakes in Maine
Sun came out in the late afternoon
Cool scenery
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