I'm pretty sure I'll be in Gorham, NH around July 6th, I have updated the Mail Locations accordingly.
Gregory sent me a loaner backpack that's rated to carry LESS weight than the backpack I'm sending back - the backpack I'm sending back was falling apart because I was carrying too much weight. We'll see how long this one lasts. hehe
Getting in to Stratton I pulled a 22 mile, 15 hour day despite significant elevation changes - so I'm hoping that the next stretch through the Mahoosuc's (which is rated as the hardest so far on the trail) won't be so bad. So far my legs and body are holding up just fine and I'm feeling good. I'm definitely losing a little sensation in my feet, and occasionally a minor tear in my achilles acts up.
I've seen a lot of hikers, a lot more than I thought I would - and it seems the common thought from everyone is "There are too many hikers". Once us SOBO's pass the NOBO's (maybe around Maryland?) the trail will really feel empty.
Well, I'm just waiting for a ride back to the trail from the owner of this hostel, but if it gets too late I'll just stand out by the road with my thumb out. Turns out the guy that gave me a ride last night to town was the same guy that gave "Brit" a ride in this morning - the locals definitely like to support the trail. :)
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The ferry across the Kennebec River runs out of Caratunk, ME but only operates 9am-11am so I'm "stuck" in The Forks, ME with three other SOBO's. Ohhh, it's miserable! The campground is on the river... has a brew pub, tennis courts, hot tub that fits 16 I'd say, a heated outdoor pool, and warm showers! This is NOT roughing it, but it feels sooooo good! The place caters to the rafting and snowmobile crowds and does have a good number of families staying - and yet it's still pretty cheap - $9 for a bed in a large canvas tent and access to all the facilities. So we wait for the ferry in the morning... Smoky hiked the 100 miles with Adam and me pretty much at the same pace and we've managed to stick together so far. He's from TN and is anxious to reach the Smoky's (hence his nickname). Alpine and Pricess Brat are boy/girlfriend from the same region.
So far the trip has been great. The mosquitos can be pretty bad at times. Only one moose from a distance although today one came crashing towards me in the woods today but ran off when I made noise (never saw it, just heard trees breaking). Mostly toads and snakes out there.
In Stratton, ME I pick up a new backpack since my brand new one is already falling apart (probably faulty manufacturing) and the company, Gregory, really bends over backwards for thru-hikers. It turns out most camping gear companies will do just about anything for you if you call and say "Hi, I'm currently a thru-hiker on the AT", it's really nice.
Well, this "free" internet connection in the brewery lounge is nice but it's time to get to bed. Happy trails!!!
P.S. The best gear so far has been the Black-Eyed Susie rain flies!
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Adam here...great trip with Kenneth, lots of nice woods, and many more nice folks than we had hoped (I was hoping for LESS people...).
Right now my hip, knee, and feet joints are all sore, but otherwise I feel great. Not so sure I'll be eating anything in it with Peanut Butter for a while though (methinks I consumed at least 1 jarful over 7 days...).
Enjoy the images:)
Adam
Images of "Kenneth", "Adam", and the trip from Katahdin to Monson, ME
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Hi, my [trail] name is "Kenneth". I decided to confuse a lot of people and make others laugh by choosing a creative trail name like "Kenneth" and christened Adam with his trail name of "Adam". Apparently hikers really want you to have a trail name and are confused when you don't have one. Anyway, after 7 glorious days of ME wilderness Adam and I reached Monson ME. Feet are VERY sore. Joints, muscles and attitude all very, VERY good. Can't talk much now so look for more later and hopefully Adam can find a good picture to put online.
Cheers,
"Kenneth"
p.s. Would you believe Monson ME has good BBQ? Yum...
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Ken & Adam took off this morning as expected around 8:30AM for their drive to Maine. Best of luck to them!
Andrea
p.s. Pictures of Ken & Adam starting off in Baxter, courtesy of Glenn Pearsall via Carol, are available at: http://picasaweb.google.com/andrea.sarz ... 0cAHWGCckc
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It's a few minutes before midnight on Monday as I write this and time is running out for my preparations! Thursday morning, June 14, I will begin the long drive (9 hours in a car total) to Millinocket, ME so that bright and early on Friday, June 15, we can HOPEFULLY begin the hike.
The typical plan is to hike Katahdin (10 miles round trip, 4000+ feet elevation gain) the first day, return to camp, then continue with the AT. So by the 16th we should be leaving Baxter State Park behind us!
Don't worry, any day now I hope to "finalize" the Gear page and update the Google Map feature to make it mildly snazzier!
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There is no fanfare with this post, just a simple announcement that while much of this site remains under construction, I am quite close to the start of my AT adventure - mentally, physically and ... timely?
The blog you're browsing will be my primary means of providing updates about my progress. Please feel free to leave comments and ask questions, this site is as much about me as it is you!
-- Ken
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