Day 146: That’s it … xINFINITY

September 21 - This is the final hiking day in my long walk. Springer Mountain, Georgia to Katahdin, Maine ... 2,189.8 miles, 146 days, memories forever.  "Do not let the idea of being perfect stop you from just creating....That is why we're here - to make stuff....Go out and make stuff and be happy doing …

Day 145: A Lifetime of Adventure

September 20 - Today I entered Baxter State Park, my second to last day on the Trail. I want to take the opportunity to look back at the adventures I've had, the places I've experienced, and the friends I've shared many of these experiences with. (I hope I get them all right!) It all started …

Day 144: Out of the Wilderness, Not Out of the Woods

September 19 - This morning, I changed my plan again. (Yes, I can even change my plan with just a few days left! That's freedom!) So, instead of only hiking a bit more than 9 miles and staying at a lean-to, I pushed a little further to get to Abol Bridge (and out of the …

Day 143: 100% Humidity

September 18 - It's a sticky one out here! I was pretty warm this morning, which is unusual. With massive humidity I decided to hike without my shirt on today. Those two afternoons sunning on the beaches these past few days didn't do much for my tan, or lack there of. I stayed warm enough …

Day 142: The Goal is in Sight

September 17 - On my way down Barren Mountain (Friday), I captured the photo above. [I don't think I've ever posted a photo before that wasn't taken that day.] The humped peaks, front and center, make up the Chairback Mountain ridge, which I crossed over exactly two hours later. The peak in the background to …

Day 141: The Beach

September 16 - White Cap Mountain was the last notable peak until Katahdin, 74 miles north, which I caught my first glimpse of today (top photo, hardly visible in the haze, to the left of the peak in the center of the photo). The 100-Mile Wilderness has had some mountains in this southern part, but …

Day 140: Wilderness People

September 15 - No, I'm not talking about people living off the land in the wilderness. There are just so many people in the 100-Mile Wilderness! This is the most surprising thing to me about this section.  As for thru-hikers, in the last couple of weeks I've had several indications that I am in or …

Day 139: Taking Time

September 14 - The morning started right with another great hiker breakfast: three eggs made to order, bacon, home fries, blueberry pancakes, orange juice, and coffee. Poet even made a pancake cairn!  I also purchased a pretty cheap flight back to Wisconsin. I now have a deadline, but that won't be a problem. I'll have …

Day 138: Sunrise on the Pond

September 13 - I woke up at 6:00am. I was warm - a feeling I haven't been used to in the morning for literally weeks. I looked over to the pond, and instead of starting my morning routine I chose to sit on a rock in the water and watch the sun rise. It would …

Day 137: Staring at the Clouds

September 12 - Breakfast at the Hiker B&B was delicious: egg-veggie omelet, French toast, homemade strawberry muffins, bacon, home fries, juice, and coffee. That'll get a hiker going in the morning!  Fast forward to lunch. There were two smaller mountains today. I ate lunch on Pleasant Pond Mountain. Then I laid back on the flat …