Rain, Rain Go Away... June 29, stopping & drying out 220 miles in...

June 30
Andrew and 3 fellow hikers hopped off the trail late yesterday, hitched into town (in pairs)to stay at Gull Pond Lodge just NE of Rangeley, ME. The hostel offers bunks to hikers, and they were fortunate to have a ride into town to do laundry, get mail, and purchase groceries to set out this morning. I was delighted to get an unscheduled call from Andrew last night.

The last 4 days have been "totally socked-in with no let up of pouring rain" since the storm started in Stratton. I was relieved to find out the only lightening and thunder storm since the trip started was the afternoon they returned to Stratton... the rest has just been rain.

Joe, a brave and frugle soul, camped at a campsite, but they'll catch back up with him today. The other 4 were looking forward to a hot shower and dry bunk. The last two shelters had "baseball bat flooring" made from saplings. Andrew was the last guy in the shelter Sunday night, so he got "the bumpy spot", where on sapling warped up, and one warped down, so he tossed and turned and is trying to decide if he wants his 2" air mattress mailed or not. Andrew prefers sleeping in his hammock, but he's ended up sleeping in the shelter most of the time.

So I ask, are you still having fun? "Oh YES!", Andrew quickly replies... "I can't wait to see a view rather than just looking at clouds all day, but it will be a while since it's suppose to rain for the next several days. We all have big hopes for instant sunshine once we hit the NH state line...about 60 miles from here." Some of the hikers are concerned about their pace, and Andrew's attitude is to take it a step at a time, and enjoy his way. He said he finds himself saying one of the Hiker's prayers about 4 times a day, especially with the rain and blowing wind..."Lord, if you will pick up my feet, I'll put them down.." He said "there was a 3.5 mile open, rocky stretch crossing Saddleback Mountain that was worse than when he climbed Mt. Katahdin because there was a lot more rain falling, and the wind was blowing harder, but that's part of the journey." He knew there would be times the hiking could be tedious...but he's so glad he's doing this.

"Trail lesson" they've learned the easiest way to hitch hike into town is in pairs. Two seems to be the number that folks will stop for.

"Tail Kindness" received this week - someone sharing their extra chocolate candy, rides into town, and the laundry mat owner, a previous thru hiker, treated them to a free clothes dryer.

So, next town is Andover, ME in a couple of days. I should get new journal pages and more pics...
Next mail stop (for outgoing mail mailed by July 1) will be Gorham, NH 03581. ETA July 6 - 7th.

Enjoy what your day brings,
Mom, Harriet

AT Mile 187.0. June 25th, Stratton, ME

Andrew made it to Stratton, ME. Dad Chris and I(Mom, Harriet) were excited to chat and catch up with our AT Hiker Thursday night. He and Joe were planning on leaving the next day, after the mail arrived, but about 4 miles out Friday afternoon, they encountered a BIG hail storm with lots of lightening & hard blowing wind, so they returned to Stratton to leave once again, early Saturday. We were glad they were able to wait out the storm in a REAL shelter, in town... Joe and Andrew met a set of twins and another guy their age in Stratton, that are also SOBO, so this group of five set will out to hike together for a while.

Andrew sounds really happy, and is enjoying the trip! He appreciates the e-mails, I originally printed them and mailed them, now I know to forward future e-mails that I receive for him. It had rained a lot between Monson and Stratton... hoping this week has a bit more sun shine. The next town stop is Rangely to pick up groceries only, then on to Andover, ME for his next mail pick-up.

Andrew enjoyed getting my package from home when he arrived in Monson... I wanted to send something special as a 'Congratulations! You made it thru the 100 mile Wilderness!' He laughed and said I sent too many cookies, so he shared them with everyone staying there. They call unexpected surprises and acts of kindness "Trail Magic." A few days later, he ran into Hikers that had been in Monson saying "Hey, we know you! You're the Cookie Man!!!" I teased him that I thought Cookie Man might be an easier 'Trail Name' than Light Headed Zombie so I edited the side section ... we'll see if he edits it back... :-).

We appreciate all the prayers and encouragements you've shared with us for Andrew.
With thanks,
Mom, Harriet

Journal June 18, 2009 Trail Day 9

Got into Monson today, yee-haw!
It felt great to have made it through the 100-Mile Wilderness.
Joe and I got our trail names today. He's the Pirate because he's been wanting some rum for the last couple days and I am Light Headed Zombie because of all the blood I donated to the mosquitoes and black flies. Speaking of which, black flies are not what I thought they were. I thought they were big like house or horse flies. They are tiny and look like gnats, so I've been letting them crawl all over me for two days and they bite worse than mosquitoes. Dummy. Oh well.
Had some B-B-Q for lunch and it was good. The people there were really nice and the food was good. I'm staying at Shaw's and we get AYCE (All You Can Eat) breakfast for $7. There are several other hikers, a few with injuries, but all are/were headed South. Met up with Buffalo from Buffalo. He's 56 and had been about two days ahead but is going to slow down for a bit because of his knees. Birch is from Orlando and is hiking with his Jack Russell Terrier. Everybody else is dropping out or jumping way south where it's easier.
It feels great to take a day off and I got to call home and talk to Mom and Dad. Still haven't heard Kelly's pretty voice but I'll try again tomorrow.
I blew out a pair of shorts the other day so now I only have 1 pair of shorts; will try to go into Greenville tomorrow and get a new pair.
Other than one blister and some soreness, I'm feeling pretty good and can't wait to see the rest of Maine!

Journal June 17, 2009 Trail Day 8

Well, it's the last night in the 100-Mile Wilderness. It seems like forever ago this trip started. I have already learned a lot and feel that I have what it takes to make it to Springer. The last two days have been tough, but a sample of what I will have to go through if I want to finish before Thanksgiving. I try not to think about how far away that is. This section of trail has been AMAZING, but I'm out of food and am ready for a hot shower and cold drink, then off to Stratton, Maine.
I've taken about 1 picture per mile so far, but that includes several that will be put together to form panoramic views. Today I even saw a pitcher plant! It is a carnivorous plant like a venus fly trap. I did not expect to see one up here!
Well, that's it for now. Off to town in the morning!
Bar-B-Que here we come!
-Andrew

Journal June 16, 2009 Trail Day 7

Man, what a day! 17 miles and unlike the 21 mile day, this one had a lot of elevation change. It started with a 1200-ft climb over 1.4 miles to the top of Whitecap Mountain. Man, there were great views! The sun was shining and there were hardly any clouds. I took some pictures. I could even see Mount Katahdin! The day ended with a 4-mile climb from 630 feet elevation to 2180 feet and then a 0.4 mile hike down to 1930 feet. It was nuts on Chairback Mountain (the last climb and where we're staying). Joe decided to hike with me instead of stopping after 7.2 miles at the shelter where I had lunch. Speaking of, I did laundry today! Well, kind of. I rinsed my clothes and dried them but the wind blew one of my liner socks into the stream while drying on a rock and it washed away! Well, another long day tomorrow. Night!
-Andrew

Journal June 15, 2009 Trail Day 6

Today was short but we climbed one mountain and started up a big one (Whitecap Mountain). Will summit Whitecap and push on tomorrow. Had my first trail bath today. IT WAS COLD!!! But I smell better. I've got Monson fever and just enough food to get me there. Still haven't seen a moose yet but ran into two guys yesterday who had seen a calf right before they saw me. I took a lot of pictures yesterday and some today. Maybe I'll get a good view from Whitecap. I've got two long days and one short day ahead of me and then I've finished the 100-Mile Wilderness! Today we passed the half-way point and finished 71.4 miles from the start. The trip total so far is 75.6 miles. They just keep on coming! I'll list out some more pictures before I forget where I took them. Hope you guys enjoy! P.S. It's cold! Send sunshine and warmth, please!

Journal June 13, 2009 Trail Day 4

Well today got cut short, by a lot. I ended today around 1:30 PM after 8 miles. My Achilles Tendon is hurting pretty badly. I will take it easy tomorrow (10 flat miles) and keep chugging. Joe, the other hiker, seemed to be doing better but is still going to be short on food I think. He went on ahead and I will probably catch him in 2-3 days.
Met a NOBO Today. Well, he is flip-flopping (doing one big section headed north and then going back to the starting point and going south).
Spending half the day in camp sucks, but I'm trying to find things to do. There is a book here so I might read a bit.
Well, so long for now. -Andrew

Journal June 12, 2009 Trail Day 3

What a day! I woke up with water coming into my hammock. It was pouring this morning, but I didn't mind it too much. It kept the skeeters down. I still haven't gotten to see Katahdin, but tomorrow is supposed to be sunny. Maybe I'll get a view at some point on the trail. I'm supposed to do 18 miles but I don't know...
Spent the night at a shelter with 3 guys, their daughters, and another thru-hiker. I don't know if the other guy is going to make it. He only did 4 miles today and plans on another 9 days for the wilderness, and he's never hiked before. Oh well.
Today and tomorrow are muddy days with lots of bogs that I have to walk through. Sometimes the mud was up to the tops of my shoes. Tough on the ankles. Well, good night. -Andrew
P.S. Too wet for pictures today :(

Journal June 11, 2009 Trail Day 2

Today was long and quiet. I thought I was only doing 11 miles, but really did 13. Oops. Tell Kelly I am force-feeding myself. It's weird not having a watch but I just do whatever I want whenever I want - every person's dream, right? Today I entered the 100-Mile Wilderness. I ran into some day-hikers but no thru-hikers yet. I have tales of them but no sightings. Speaking of sightings, I've only seen some birds and a mouse. My goal is a moose. It's a little strange by myself. I just talk out loud or sing or just think. Still miss you guys. Bye! -Andrew

Journal June 10, 2009 Trail Day 1

What a day! 10.4 miles and ~ 8,000 feet elevation. It was crazy. The weather was cold & rainy/ misty & above the tree line. The wind was blowing over 30 mph. Mt. Katadhin was the hardest climb of my life! But, it felt good. I spent about 5 minutes on top because the wind & cold. I didn't get any views but still got choked up when I saw the sign. I have waited & planned for this for a long time.

It is amazing to see what God has created. I sent a check-in message (with The Spot) at the summit! Took a picture & then left. Too cold! I will need to come back (at another time) to see the views. Tomorrow is the 100 mile wilderness. Yikes!

I miss everybody, but glad I am here. Hope (my younger brother) Scott passed his Eagle Board of Review today.

See you tomorrow!
Southbound,
Andrew

Journal June 9, 2009 Trail Day -1

What a day! It started at 3 a.m. with a trip to the Spartinburg, SC Airport and ended at 11:00 p.m. with me repacked and some weight cut. I bought way too much food & shipped half of it to Monson, ME. Paul runs the AT Lodge with his wife & they picked me up from the bus stop & will take me out to the trail tomorrow.

It was comical, as Paul went through my pack with me. He could not stop shaking his head. Paul helped me out a lot & probably saved my trip. I'm here by myself tonight. It was rainy today.

How I got here:
car -> jet plane -> wait -> jet plane -> wait -> bus -> car -> bed

Life is GOOD!!!

Beer of the day: Shipyard Summer Ale

Zero Day

So I made it out of the 115 mile stretch. I am staying in Monson, Maine until Saturday morning and then headed South! I had such a blast in the 100 mile wilderness and can't wait to see what the rest of the trail has to offer. I am relatively pain free and think I am fairing better than most of the other hikers. I sent my journal pages home with a list and description of all my pictures. Mom sent me a gazillion cookies and everybody here loves them. It is raining today and I think supposed to rain tomorrow, but no worries, it's part of the experience. I am beyond myself right now because I just can't believe this trip is happening. I have wanted and waited for so long, and now it is here. When I got to the top of Katadhin, I teared up a little bit because I couldn't believe I had finally started my trip. I let out a big holler, which was quickly absorbed by the wind and misty fog I was surrounded in, sent a Spot Check-in from the peak, took a picture and then headed down. I was only wearing shorts and a rain jacket and I think it was probably 25-30 oF with wind chill. Thanks to everybody who sent e-mail, keep 'em coming and I will keep sending in pictures and journal pages. I love my new camera and have gotten some great pictures with it. I think it will be great if I keep averaging 1 picture per mile. I am trying to put together some good panoramic views, but won't find out how those turn out until I get home. I have been homesick at times and miss everybody, but am also having a blast. The trail culture is so welcoming to everybody and the folks in Maine are "wicked" nice (as the southern Mainers would say - I think they stole it from New Hampshire). Every time I press the check-in button I feel like I am saying "hi" to my family. Well off to do some more chores and get ready to leave Monson early tomorrow. I think we're pushing for a 18 miler (we'll see what the weather does). Stratton in 6-7 days!

Happy trails,

Light Headed Zombie

Andrew's Out of the 100 Mile Wilderness!!!

Yeah!!! Andrew has made the first 124 miles from Mt. Katahdin to Monson, Maine! He called home at 2:30 p.m. and Dad Chris was the only one home. He told his Dad everything was fine, and he's having a great time. Said he had to scrub 3 times to get clean, so I bet that first shower felt terrific! Fortunately our phone ID caught the number so I could call him back when I got home. He sounded happy! Having a great time and going to continue! Said his spirits were really good! His eyes are doing great (post LASIK). He's staying at Shaw's Lodging tonight (Thursday) and Friday night, leaving Saturday after his "all you can eat breakfast."

Our phone chat was very brief because there is only one line/ one phone at the Lodging house.

Andrew said it only rained one day, and it took 4 days for his shoes to dry out. He's only had one blister on his left heal, then the right ankle started to hurt, so he slowed down and the ankle quit hurting. Now we know why he stayed at Rainbow Lake from lunch to dinner, only hiking 8 miles on Saturday, only 4 days in. He met Joe on the trail, a guy from GA, (don't know which day) and they have been hiking together since. Told his Dad hiking alone was no fun, and glad he met another hiker.

The first day on the trail (Wed. June 10) was cold (40F) windy (30 mph) and foggy, so he couldn't see a thing at the top of Mt. Katahdin. For those of us wondering, no, he did not hike the Knife's Edge. I didn't think he did based on his arrival time that evening at camp. Gotta love "the Spot" to see his progress!

Mosquitoes and Flies are really bad... so much so that his trail name (at the moment) is Light-headed Zombie, because the bugs have taken so much blood out of him. He said hiking with a hat that had a net wouldn't help, because they attack his legs and arms.

Andrew's next mail stop will be in Sratton, ME 04982. Only 70 miles away, but some steep mountains to cross. Said it should take 4-5 days leaving June 20... puts him there maybe June 23- 24. He's taken 113 photos so far, not sure when he can mail them, but he wanted to make some notes and he'd mail his journal so I could post it.

Will be interesting to see if he got the box of Oatmeal Toffee cookies I baked using marshmallows and candy bars for edible packaging :-). Kelly said "he needs lots of empty calories!!!" No promises on how many cookies I'll actually bake, but I figured a box of his favorite cookie would be a welcome site from home... especially for his first mail drop anyway.

Thank you for all the e-mails, kind words and prayers for Andrew! In addition to storing them on my computer in a folder he can read later, I printed them and mailed them hoping they'd arrived before he did. Will find out if he got them when he gets to the post office tomorrow.

That's all for now, Mom, Harriet

The Journey Begins June 9 and 10 bright and early ;->

6/9/09
Dad, Chris, takes Andrew to the Spartinburg Airport at 3:40 to catch his 6:15 a.m. flight. They both look happy so early in the morning *see on line photo album* :-) Oma, Martha Lewis and Aunt Megan meet them at the airport at 4:45 to say "hi" and "bye." Andrew arrives in Millnocket, ME just after lunch to purchase food, fuel, re-check his pack and find a good dinner. He checks in at 10 p.m. that all is OK. It is suppose to rain for 4 days... I'll pray it doesn't!
6/10/09
Andrew has an "all you can eat" breakfast then a bus ride where he's dropped off to begin the AT hike. He has a 10 mile day, with 8,000 foot elevation change. I believe he first has to climb Mt. Katahdin, and then to make the decent. It will be interesting to see if he also walked "The Knife's Edge" trail. He wasn't sure if he would or not when he last mentioned it. If you choose the terrain map, then zoom in, you can see why it has that name. Regardless, Andrew makes camp to send message #2 all is OK by 4:50 p.m. I didn't see he had posted an up date until after I wrote this, so be sure to read "GO" written by Andrew this morning.

GO!

Just so everybody knows, I made it to Maine. I am supposed to summit Mt. Katadhin today, but it's cold and rainy (55oF or so). I might not be able to go. I won't find out until I get to the park. That would suck if I can't get up there.

I bought way too much food for this first section, but Paul at the AT Lodge helped me out and I shipped it a head to Monson, ME. I should be there in a little over a week. Just wanted to pop in real quick to say HI and I'm OK.

Southward Bound!

Andrew

Get Set...

(Messing around with one of the camera features)

Well I have finally bought everything. I have a camera for the trip, I am all packed and now it's kind of a waiting game. I'm leaving tomorrow morning at 6:15 AM from Greenville/Spartenburg Airport, which means I need to get up around 3:30 ish to pack up and get on the road. Goody!

I have been seeing a lot of Kelly these last couple days, and I even got to some of my old counselor buddies. Part of me wishes I was at Mondo for the summer, but I've been wanting and planning this trip for so long it would be ridiculous to give it up. I think if I decide to do grad school I will go back next summer. We'll see how I feel in about 5 months.

AHHH! I can't believe it's come down to this. It is very surreal to finally be at this point. I hope I make it. I have a page set up for pictures and the SPOT tracker. You can actually see where I am depending on the last time I updated. I'll try and send an update twice a day. The links are below.

Where am I?

What have I been seeing?

Please pass this on to anyone who you think might enjoy reading my journal (it's NOT a blog). I want to thank everybody who has wished me well and is praying for me. I checked the weather last night and it is supposed to rain Tuesday through Saturday and next Monday up in Maine. What a way to start! I kept saying there are going to be times when it rains for 4 straight days, but I never though it would be at the start of my trip.

If this site doesn't get updated for a while, e-mail Mom (hplewis77@gmail.(-remove this-).com) and ask her if she has heard any news from me yet : ) Speaking of Mom, I'm off to train her on how to post new entries.

Happy Trails.