Make it count: Day #151

Monday, August 10th - Day #151 - AT Hike

Miles Hiked Today - 16.4
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 2037.8/2,193 (92.92%). 155.2 miles left!

East Flagstaff Road (2021.4) to Pierce Pond Lean To (2037.8) - tent at Pierce Pond Lean To

Total ascent - 2,234’
Total descent - 2,283’

Total States Completed - 13/14

**No Rain - Really warm and humid day today

————

16.4 miles today went smoothly. We were able to average nearly 2 miles/hr - even with breaks. We started at 7:30am - after getting dropped off by our shuttle driver (Dave) at East Flagstaff Road. We got to our shelter a little before 4pm. 2 miles/hr (with breaks) is what I’ve been averaging most of my journey. Everything slowed dramatically in the Whites and southern Maine (lucky to average 1 mile/hr) - hopefully we’ll be able to consistently push our averages back up again. (It’s really important we are able to walk faster - because our daily miles will be increasing into Katahdin)

The course today had a bunch of rocks and roots - but there were several sections that were pretty clear. I was actually able to WALK for some large stretches today. This feels so good to be able to just walk normally and not rock hop or climb up/down cliffs.

I’m looking ahead over the next 155 miles. There will be a couple days with significant vertical ascents - so it’s not all clear sailing to Katahdin. Just like everyone always says: “There’s nothing EASY on the AT”. The positive point of view; however — the trail does have a number of flat sections upcoming and is generally considered an easier stretch by many.

It was extremely warm and humid today. This was one of the first days in Maine I felt like I couldn’t get enough water. Luckily - we had several water sources throughout the course.

I’m pretty tired right now - I once again didn’t sleep so well in the bunk room at the Hostal last night. That’s OK - that will be my last bunk room on my AT journey. I have a private room booked in both Caratunk and Monson - my final 2 town overnights.

I’m excited for tomorrow. We scheduled a short, fun Nero into Caratunk. There’s a famous breakfast place on trail - we have reservations for 7am. It’s only a 15 minute walk from camp tonight. Then - we only have a 4 mile hike to the Kennebec River. This is the only river on the AT that requires a ferry to get across. The ferry schedule starts at 9am. We plan to be there right when they open. Then - we head into Caratunk - for showers, resupply, laundry, rest, and some good food.

11 days left on my journey! I don’t have a cell signal tonight - so I’ll post once I arrive into Caratunk. Good night from the banks of Pierce Pond - nearly halfway through the state of Maine!