7/14/08 18 miles to Spaulding Mountain Lean-To
Bob O’Brien treated me really well in Rangeley, Maine. Unfortunately his kind image does not represent the trail in Maine. Sometime today I realized I had left the Appalachian Trail and accidentally wondered onto the National Scenic Mud Pit, and it ironically follows the same course. However, I saw my first moose today, which redeemed some of my bitterness.
7/12/08 13 miles to Bemis Mountain Lean-To
The prospect of Katahdin at this point is tantalizing: so near, yet still hidden by the horizon, still only a rumor. Many times a day other hikers assure me that I am almost done, which is hard to accept when trudging over this steep, sawtooth terrain. All I can do in the mean time is rest, eat and savor the miles.
7/11/08 21 miles to Hall Mountain Shelter
Maine is deceptive with its array of terrain. Yesterday’s hike had me throwing bitter curses at the wind. Today however, was ideal for 21 miles. I still feel smashed as a black fly, but triumphant in my Northbound campaign for today. I happened to encounter a band of insecure tweenage girls at camp and their counselors, exploring the great outdoors. Ironically, one counselor thru-hiked in 1999 and was sympathetic and kind enough to offer me their extra food before I could even attempt my Yogi technique. The girls all giggled! Tonight I am staying with a geezer named Poz who is intent on telling me intricate stories even as I am writing. I’m trying just to nod and say “yeah.”
7/10/08 15 miles to Speek Pond Shelter
Perhaps “Mahoosic” is the Indian greeting for “a brutal ass-kicking terrain.” Today’s hike included the Mahoosic Notch, the Mahoosic Arm and countless other knee crippling climbs, comprising easily the hardest 15 miles on the trail which I‘ve yet done. Gale force winds, stronger than anything I’ve experienced on any peak or through any storm, did not help either. However, I am in Maine, which is ample cause for joyous celeration. I see Southbounders regularly at this point, all of whom are delighted to hear my veteran tales and seasoned advice.
7/9/08 12 miles to Gentian Pond Shelter
After a soothing stay amongst the company of campground residents and visitor in Gorham, New Hampshire, I felt the gravity of Maine towing me to the border. Unfortunately my 1:00pm start and afternoon thunderstorms hampered my victory march. So I have settled for this shelter, only 4 miles from Maine, with the company of eager Southbounders. It is practically a flashback to my early days on the trail. Hot Springs, NC is as far from Springer as we are from Katahdin now. What a time for reflection. I started my college reading assignment this evening. Ironically the narrator is undertaking the same feat I am, except in the desolate warring country of Afghanistan.
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