Andrew is in Manchester Center, VT. He's arrived happy and in good spirits. He enjoyed hiking a few days on his own, but is seeing a lot more people now. Today he met 15 NoBo, plus the local trail maintenance volunteers, and he only hiked a half day. He stopped to help the volunteers, as an appreciation for all they work they do on the trails, and then they bought him his dinner in town. Or I should say, his 4:30 dinner in town, because he's got a second dinner planned before bed time. (I guess a Hobbit enjoys "second breakfast", so it's fitting that hikers enjoy "second dinner"? at least when they are in town.)
Buffalo is only a day ahead of him now, and Brunch called him, to "do brunch" tomorrow before he heads out. Interesting how they can keep up with friends they are making on the trail. :-)
He said the only rain has been at night, and that makes the days hiking much nicer. He said he is feeling good, his knees are fine, and the hills in VT are much more gentle declines, so he's been picking up a comfortable and still enjoyable pace. He's lost more weight, so he's going to try adding margarine to his pack and putting it on all his food.
Andrew is updating his journal pages with his next set of pictures, so he can get the camera card in the post to me (oh my, I haven't put the labels on the last batch...I better get to it!)
Well, well, well, look who it is... (AT Mile 488 July 24th)
So I'm here in Rutland, VT posting live and in person! It's been awhile and mom has been busy with other stuff so the journal updates are getting up here when they can. It is pretty cool to look back at the month of Maine (which was really June and July) and remember what I was going through. In case you haven't been checking, I made it to my third state and Vermont has a completely different terrain. The White Mountains were beautiful and a real blessing to have the weather and views that I did. I have meet so many people in all the different towns and have ended up taking more zero days than planned, but I am enjoying where I am staying. I have about 100 miles left of Vermont before I hit Massachusetts.
These last couple of weeks have been kind of stressful because I have been running into SOOOO many people on the trail its hard to get lost in my head and just hike. I enjoy staying with people in the shelters and in town, but like having the days to myself, but I don't think that's going to happen for a while. Each day I run into more and more NOBOs and on the weekend there are a lot of people who are out doing day hikes or short sections - Kelly had to remind me last night that she and I were those people not too long ago and to appreciate the interactions as they come because you never know who you're going to run into and what impact they might have (this is why I keep her around, well not literally she wouldn't fit in my pack). I guess that's part accepting the trail as it is.
I love this journey and keeping getting signs that this is where God wants me to be right now in my life, and I am more than OK with that. The other day I was doing a 20 mile day with Buffalo and it had been raining for the last 11 miles (so over half the day) and I was starting to get really cold and hungry - but I couldn't stop to eat because then I would have been even colder - and I was completely out of energy and I prayed my little prayer "Lord, if you will pick 'em up, I'll put 'em down" and right after I finished saying that I look up and see the sign for the side trail to the shelter. I was amazed because it wasn't even a minute after I finished saying that. Pretty cool, huh?
Well I need to get going, stay posted for more journal pages and pictures.
Happy trails and southward bound (most of the time),
Andrew "Zombie"
These last couple of weeks have been kind of stressful because I have been running into SOOOO many people on the trail its hard to get lost in my head and just hike. I enjoy staying with people in the shelters and in town, but like having the days to myself, but I don't think that's going to happen for a while. Each day I run into more and more NOBOs and on the weekend there are a lot of people who are out doing day hikes or short sections - Kelly had to remind me last night that she and I were those people not too long ago and to appreciate the interactions as they come because you never know who you're going to run into and what impact they might have (this is why I keep her around, well not literally she wouldn't fit in my pack). I guess that's part accepting the trail as it is.
I love this journey and keeping getting signs that this is where God wants me to be right now in my life, and I am more than OK with that. The other day I was doing a 20 mile day with Buffalo and it had been raining for the last 11 miles (so over half the day) and I was starting to get really cold and hungry - but I couldn't stop to eat because then I would have been even colder - and I was completely out of energy and I prayed my little prayer "Lord, if you will pick 'em up, I'll put 'em down" and right after I finished saying that I look up and see the sign for the side trail to the shelter. I was amazed because it wasn't even a minute after I finished saying that. Pretty cool, huh?
Well I need to get going, stay posted for more journal pages and pictures.
Happy trails and southward bound (most of the time),
Andrew "Zombie"
Journal June 24, 2009 Trail Day 15 (Wed.)
What a LONG day!
17 miles & the first big mountain since White Cap. I hiked up & over the Bigelow Mtns. Little Bigelow -> Avery Peak -> West Bigelow -> South Horn. This is when the mountains really start! North Bounders call this their "last mountain" but there are a few between here and Mt. K. I had some good & crummy views today. Got rained on 3 times & haven't had dry feet since Monson, but it's a BLAST! I met some people who were out for a 3-day hike. They were nice & surprised that I was headed to the place they had left earlier that day. (It was ~3mpish & I had 7 miles to go). Stayed @ Horn Pond Lean-tos with Pirate, Owl (aka Brunch), Professor, +1, Clown Shoes, Aloe Bar, BK, and Snacks (twins). All people I have been following in trail journals since I started. All but Professor are spending the night in Stratton. I need to list out some pictures, but will do that in town.
Time for much needed rest!
Zombie
P.S. Horns Pond is a cool site b.c it's a sub-Alpine zone w/ a caretaker & it's a fragile environment so they compost all the privy waste & the privies don't smell. Amazing what will fascinate a thru-hiker.
Pictures:
Avery Peak from Little Bigelow Mtn. (mi. 174.2)
Avery Peak Plaque (mi. 179.4)
Horns Pond Overlook (mi. 183)
Yes, for the easy to amuse, and curious: Eco-friendly privies :-)
(mi. 182.7)
Journal June 23, 2009 Trail Day 14 (Tues.)
Two weeks & 165 miles later and LOVIN' it!
Today was 20 miles long & included a trip to the Post Office, a Ferry Ride, & a lot of walking. It was pretty flat, and according to Pirate, we made 2 mph all day! Birch stayed at Pierce Pond Lean-to, so it's back to Pirate & me. Shared the Lean-to with Calamity Jean tonight, but she's a slow go-er (~10 mi/day). If all goes well I have 17 miles tomorrow & then 5 into Stanton on Thurs. Tomorrow will be hard b/c it is our first BIG mountain in a week. This stretch has been flat. I can't wait to talk to everybody when I get to Stratton.
Getting a friend's letter was a big morale boost. Thanks!
Miss you guys a lot!
Zombie
Pictures:
Zombie w/ ferryman @ Kenebec River (mi 151.6)
Pierce Pond Stream w/ Waterfall (mi. 153.5)
Zombie @ Pierce Pond Lean-to (mi. 155.2)
Journal June 22, 2009 Trail Day 13 (Mon.)
Sometimes you're getting hard mud, other times soft mud...(yesterday's AT mile 134 )Today was a late start & slow going. I didn't have much motivation to knock out miles. It was cold & damp & the trail was slick. I think yesterday had more mud & water on the trail, but coming down from Pleasant Pond Mtn. was anything but pleasant. I was supposed to make it to Caratunk today, but lost motivation when Pirate & Birch stopped at Pleasant Pond Lean-to. (& it was 5 pm & I had 6 miles to go).
Will push hard tomorrow & hopefully be well rested & make it to Caratunk & the Kenebec Ferry while it is still running. (The Ferry stops @ 11 am) If I miss, I can always camp out until July 1 when it starts running 9-11 & 2-4. I've been getting late starts since I left Monson & it's affecting my mileage. Part of it has to do w/ hiking w/ Birch. He starts late & I like hiking w/him. O well, I'll figure it out. Off to bed & up early!! I like being on trail by 6.
Night.
Love you guys,
Zombie
July 19th - AT Mile 441.9 Hanover, NH 1/2 mile from the Vermont line.
And the rain is gone....well, except at night.... but it's much better! :-)
20.3% of the way! Making really good progress now!!!
Andrew made it to Hanover, NH, the college town of Dartmouth Sunday, in time for 11 Mass at the local Catholic church. He was glad for all his Episcopalian then Methodist up-bringing so he was comfortable with their service. He said they didn't have time to take a shower, and felt sorry for the folks that had to share a bench with he and Buffalo. They looked for a place in the back, but the church was packed... Dartmouth is a "preppy town," but maybe they are use to "thru-hikers."
Andrew's leaving Hanover Monday - just as soon as he can re-supply , replace his "new shoes" that were not as trail comfy as his original ones, and check the post office.
Next stop is Rutland, VT. He & Buffalo plan to get there in 3 days. (AT mile 488) too close for mailing anything there now.
Next mail stop will be Manchester Center, VT 05255. (AT mile 538)
est. arrival July 25th
Have a good week! Will try to get more of his journal pages up soon...
Mom/ Harriet
20.3% of the way! Making really good progress now!!!
Andrew made it to Hanover, NH, the college town of Dartmouth Sunday, in time for 11 Mass at the local Catholic church. He was glad for all his Episcopalian then Methodist up-bringing so he was comfortable with their service. He said they didn't have time to take a shower, and felt sorry for the folks that had to share a bench with he and Buffalo. They looked for a place in the back, but the church was packed... Dartmouth is a "preppy town," but maybe they are use to "thru-hikers."
Andrew's leaving Hanover Monday - just as soon as he can re-supply , replace his "new shoes" that were not as trail comfy as his original ones, and check the post office.
Next stop is Rutland, VT. He & Buffalo plan to get there in 3 days. (AT mile 488) too close for mailing anything there now.
Next mail stop will be Manchester Center, VT 05255. (AT mile 538)
est. arrival July 25th
Have a good week! Will try to get more of his journal pages up soon...
Mom/ Harriet
Journal June 21, 2009 Trail Day 12
Man, today was a mud day! We could measure the distance of wading through mud and water ankle deep or greater in miles! But other than that, it was pretty flat w/ 4 miles up & over Moxie Bald. It was cold & windy on top. Still sticking w/ Birch & Pirate. We shared the lean-to with James, a homeless South Bounder & Castle, a Flip-Flopper. Going tomorrow to get mail, then 3 days after that to Stratton. We ran into a sectional hiker, named Tite Loops; who is a Charlotte, NC Fire Fighter. He gave us a tip for when we get into Gorham, NH - to slack pack a tough 21 mile section in 1 day. Take NH2 into Gorham & drop gear @ Hiker's Paradise Hostel; ride back out to NH2 & hit the 21 mile/ 6 peak section to Pinkham Notch & ride back into Gorham & get AYCE (all you can eat) Chinese Buffet for dinner. Zero the next day. Thanks Tite Loops! Met Billy Goat from ATL through hiking NoBo too! It was a good day!
Zombie
Pictures: Zombie at Moxie Bald. Click "What I've seen" to see the survey marker, more mountain top views, along with Pirate, Birch and Joey.
Journal June 20, 2009 Trail Day 11
Headed out this morning with Birch & Dog & Pirate. It was drizzling but the trail was sooo muddy. So much for dry socks and shoes. It was good to see that my legs still were up for walking. We stopped @ Horseshoe Canyon Lean to (9 miles from the road) & will go for 13 miles tomorrow. My pack is heavy again! Got some carrots this time & everybody at Shaw's couldn't believe I was buying fresh veggies. I think it's worth the extra weight. Birch & Dog & Pirate are good hiking buddies, & I want to hike w/ them for as long as I can. We got ourselves a posse! Short day today, but good, raining pretty hard, so will have another mega-muddy day. O well, that's the trail.
Zombie
Pictures: Dog, Joey, being lookout at Horse Shoe Canyon Lean-to, while Birch carves his walking stick.
Journal June 19, 2009 Trail Day 10
Hung out at Shaw's today, resupplied and shipped some stuff home. I really liked the people at Shaw's. The other hikers were nice and the staff was amazing. One of the guys who worked there took a pair of my shorts home and asked his wife to sew up the rear seam that had split wide open. That saved me $40. Pirate, Birch, Kentucky Fried, David and I all went to Spring Creek BBQ for steak dinner. It was SO good! Sirloin Steak for $1/oz. cooked. That place had such good food, even though it was different than what I'm used to. I got to talk to Kelly! She was on duty but we got to talk for 25-30 minutes. She seems to be enjoying Camp. I got a letter from her & she sent one to Garatunk as well. She's so great. Mom sent some letters, e-mails, and a package with 5 dozen or so Oatmeal Toffee cookies. I shared them and everybody loved them. I left the ones that didn't get eaten @ Shaw's for hikers coming in. Reading all those letters and getting the cookies and more Twix bars was great! I couldn't believe how much mail I had gotten! It is sad to leave Shaw's, but the trail beckons & there will be other hostels on the way.
Zombie
July 13 AT Mile 372.7 Yes!!! The Presidential Mt. Range can be post-card perfect
Andrew, Brunch and Buffalo arrived in Lincoln, NH late on Monday, July 13th. I have been in Atlanta half the week, but was glad to know Andrew checked in with the SPOT. Happier still, when I got his call Tuesday. Wow! He sounded terrific!!! He was very happy and thrilled because they had an incredible hiking stretch from Gorham to Lincoln. The three thru-hikers had perfect weather as they hiked the hardest mountain range. Mt. Washington, known to have the very worst weather in the country (like a friend whose day hike had zero degrees with 50 mph winds at the summit one 4th of July, years ago). Instead, they experienced a wonderful gift from Mother Nature... temps in the 60's with a mild, pleasant breeze blowing on these thru hikers!!! Thank you, sweet Lord!!!
Andrew said he was taking an easy day on Tuesday, July 14th, and planned to head out sometime Wed. after going 2 miles to North Woodstock to pick up some mail he thought was mailed to that post office. He and I didn't talk too long, since I was in Atlanta on business.
Andrew has finally purchased his second pair of shoes... he declares his original pair still have a good 500 miles left in them, but felt he should be prepared. (That Boy Scout training has paid off!) Not sure if he will mail them home, toss them out or leave them for a desperate soul in the clothing box... He laughed because "his socks had a blow out"... so he's had to purchase new socks too (I thought it was funny he was surprised they wore out so fast!)
Andrew's eyes are doing great! We are delighted his eye surgery was so successful! Hasn't had to use his drops that often, but keeps them with him at all times. What a blessing to have clear vision after being 4/200 and 6/200! Please keep saying prayers for his eyes to have continual healing. While you have Heaven on the line, add safe travels, good health and happy adventures :-) Thanks!
Misc. hiker updates...
Andrew originally met Buffalo in Monson, ME. Buffalo decided to set out with Andrew (Zombie) and Alex (Brunch) when they left Gorham, NH.
As of Tuesday, Brunch was planning on staying a little longer in Lincoln to allow his ankles to heal up... grit from his socks caused sores. I just read his journal prior to this post, and Alex said he was feeling better, and planned to leave out in the morning. I couldn't tell which day that would be, as the journal page I viewed had an incorrect date stamp. We'll stay tuned to see if he left with Andrew and Buffalo, or if they catch up later on. Regardless, glad to read his wounds were healing nicely and he was feeling better!
Pirate Joe, last seen in Gorham, NH, was waiting on a back-pack replacement (his got torn) and realized his left foot was unusually painful. His Dad e-mailed that after researching his symptoms on the Internet, then going to the local clinic, confirmed he has a fracture in his left foot. Joe, you are a brave young man. We're sorry your current journey ends short of Springer Mt. Just, remember, the AT will always be there should you want to continue at a later date. You have done more than most folks ever dream! Well done, and all the best!
Next post office is Hanover, NH 03755. est arrival July 20th.
Post office after that is Rutland, VT 05701, estimated July 23rd
Most recent pictures and journal pages should be posted soon... I've copied the photos so I can up load them, but haven't even had time to read his journal pages yet. It's been a very busy summer here in western North Carolina :-) all good, just very busy.
Cheerio,
Mom / Harriet
Andrew said he was taking an easy day on Tuesday, July 14th, and planned to head out sometime Wed. after going 2 miles to North Woodstock to pick up some mail he thought was mailed to that post office. He and I didn't talk too long, since I was in Atlanta on business.
Andrew has finally purchased his second pair of shoes... he declares his original pair still have a good 500 miles left in them, but felt he should be prepared. (That Boy Scout training has paid off!) Not sure if he will mail them home, toss them out or leave them for a desperate soul in the clothing box... He laughed because "his socks had a blow out"... so he's had to purchase new socks too (I thought it was funny he was surprised they wore out so fast!)
Andrew's eyes are doing great! We are delighted his eye surgery was so successful! Hasn't had to use his drops that often, but keeps them with him at all times. What a blessing to have clear vision after being 4/200 and 6/200! Please keep saying prayers for his eyes to have continual healing. While you have Heaven on the line, add safe travels, good health and happy adventures :-) Thanks!
Misc. hiker updates...
Andrew originally met Buffalo in Monson, ME. Buffalo decided to set out with Andrew (Zombie) and Alex (Brunch) when they left Gorham, NH.
As of Tuesday, Brunch was planning on staying a little longer in Lincoln to allow his ankles to heal up... grit from his socks caused sores. I just read his journal prior to this post, and Alex said he was feeling better, and planned to leave out in the morning. I couldn't tell which day that would be, as the journal page I viewed had an incorrect date stamp. We'll stay tuned to see if he left with Andrew and Buffalo, or if they catch up later on. Regardless, glad to read his wounds were healing nicely and he was feeling better!
Pirate Joe, last seen in Gorham, NH, was waiting on a back-pack replacement (his got torn) and realized his left foot was unusually painful. His Dad e-mailed that after researching his symptoms on the Internet, then going to the local clinic, confirmed he has a fracture in his left foot. Joe, you are a brave young man. We're sorry your current journey ends short of Springer Mt. Just, remember, the AT will always be there should you want to continue at a later date. You have done more than most folks ever dream! Well done, and all the best!
Next post office is Hanover, NH 03755. est arrival July 20th.
Post office after that is Rutland, VT 05701, estimated July 23rd
Most recent pictures and journal pages should be posted soon... I've copied the photos so I can up load them, but haven't even had time to read his journal pages yet. It's been a very busy summer here in western North Carolina :-) all good, just very busy.
Cheerio,
Mom / Harriet
July 8-9th Slackpacking a 21 mile loop - AT Mile 319
Andrew called with a change in plans... and he's introducing us to a new term, Slackpacking.
Early in the morning, he and Brunch are going to get a shuttle ride south, hike 21 miles of trail North Bound, back to Gorham. This way they can cover a long distance with a day pack of food, basic supplies, and yes, a rain jacket. They're going to spend the night at a different hostel. The following day, they will take the shuttle south, returning to the same place they were the day before, but this time to pick up the trail SoBo. Andrew said this will reduce the weight/ risk on this section of trail... and allow them to hike a 21 mile day.
Besides, it mixes up the adventure! So when you see "the Spot" loop, you'll understand what he is doing, and why!
Happy trails,
Mom/Harriet
Early in the morning, he and Brunch are going to get a shuttle ride south, hike 21 miles of trail North Bound, back to Gorham. This way they can cover a long distance with a day pack of food, basic supplies, and yes, a rain jacket. They're going to spend the night at a different hostel. The following day, they will take the shuttle south, returning to the same place they were the day before, but this time to pick up the trail SoBo. Andrew said this will reduce the weight/ risk on this section of trail... and allow them to hike a 21 mile day.
Besides, it mixes up the adventure! So when you see "the Spot" loop, you'll understand what he is doing, and why!
Happy trails,
Mom/Harriet
July 6 Finally, a peek of blue sky! AT Mile 297.9 Gorham, NH.
The long awaited rainbow was absent when they crossed over the NH state line, but Andrew and fellow hikers, did wake up to blue skies and that was a thrilling sight!!! ~while it lasted~
(Zombie) Andrew and Brunch (Alex) made it to Gorham just after lunch Monday, July 6th. Of the other three hikers that set out from Stratton, the twins went to Andover the day after Andrew and Brunch had gone in for a half day, re-stocking their supplies. The twins are now somewhere behind them. Pirate Joe dropped back at a shelter 3 miles short of the shelter Andrew and Brunch hiked to on July 3. (Post script -Pirate was spotted July 7th / taking a few zero days in Gorham)
Fireworks came early on July 3rd, just 20-miles from the Maine/ NH state line. Andrew said the thunderstorm made the early evening so dark he could have used his headlamp. Andrew said he literally ran in the dark toward the shelter, and practically dove into it taking cover, just minutes before the lightning and thunder filled the sky. He said they a were in horrendous display of nature's fury, then the sky just opened up with a down pour. The 4th was foggy, and rainy, but no fireworks, thankfully. He said the 5th was a blurr of slick trails just like the previous day. On the 6th, Andrew said they woke up to a beautiful blue sky that was the most welcoming thing he'd ever experienced... just like a child's vision of Christmas morning. They had to come thru "the hardest one mile stretch, the Mahoosuc Notch (AT Mile 294)" before they got to town, but at least there was a break in the three spells of rain, and it was warmer in Gorham. He said the Mahoosuc Notch had boulders the size of a trailer! They had to climb up, over, under, squeeze thru, etc. It was cold, raining, windy, rocky, they saw mud, rain, fog, permanent snow, some ice, and it took 2 hours to go the one mile. Can't wait to read those journal pages!
The two arrived in Gorham safe, hungry, and dirty. He punched "the Spot", ate a huge meal, took a great bath, found "loaner clothes" at "the Barn" where they are staying, and called home. Andrew described the loaner clothes, while he was happy to have them, they aren't something you'd be looking to add to your personal wardrobe. Andrew reports that Gorham is the largest town they've been in so far... switch the spot map to satellite, zoom in... the locals are safe from suffering any ailments of a metropolitan sprawl...
Both guys have "the Spot" and Brunch is from Asheville. Intersting that two guys from WNC met while hiking 2,000 miles from home. Both are hiking the whole trail... while hikers never know how long they'll hike together, for now these two are keeping a similar pace and a positive attitude.... Without a doubt, both are happy to know Maine is behind them! I did the math, they've completed 13% of the distance. Yippee! or as Andrew put it, "1 state behind me, only 13 more to go!"
We just got Andrew's mail package with new journal pages and photos that he mailed from Rangley. I'll get them posted as soon as I can (things are busy here at home) Stay tuned.... :-)
If you hurry, mail can be sent to the next Mail stop:
Lincoln, NH 03251 (AT mile 370 - just 2 miles before North Woodstock if you've mailed him something there.)
est. arrival July 13
After Lincoln, is Hanover, NH 03755 (AT mile 441.9) mail stop just on the Vermont state line...
Tomorrow they begin the next 70-mile stretch. Hiking the White Mountians over the Presidential range, especially over Mt. Washington at 6,288', is suppose to be the hardest mountain range on the AT. Andrew said there have been several times he feels he must have had extra guardian angels assigned to him (Maybe I'll have to close my eyes when I type those journal pages) but he wants you all to know, "I can tell there are many people praying for me. Please keep it up, and double them when you can. Sincerely, all prayers, notes and e-mails are appreciated!!!"
Yes, Andrew is still having quite a fine adventure,
Mom - Harriet
(Zombie) Andrew and Brunch (Alex) made it to Gorham just after lunch Monday, July 6th. Of the other three hikers that set out from Stratton, the twins went to Andover the day after Andrew and Brunch had gone in for a half day, re-stocking their supplies. The twins are now somewhere behind them. Pirate Joe dropped back at a shelter 3 miles short of the shelter Andrew and Brunch hiked to on July 3. (Post script -Pirate was spotted July 7th / taking a few zero days in Gorham)
Fireworks came early on July 3rd, just 20-miles from the Maine/ NH state line. Andrew said the thunderstorm made the early evening so dark he could have used his headlamp. Andrew said he literally ran in the dark toward the shelter, and practically dove into it taking cover, just minutes before the lightning and thunder filled the sky. He said they a were in horrendous display of nature's fury, then the sky just opened up with a down pour. The 4th was foggy, and rainy, but no fireworks, thankfully. He said the 5th was a blurr of slick trails just like the previous day. On the 6th, Andrew said they woke up to a beautiful blue sky that was the most welcoming thing he'd ever experienced... just like a child's vision of Christmas morning. They had to come thru "the hardest one mile stretch, the Mahoosuc Notch (AT Mile 294)" before they got to town, but at least there was a break in the three spells of rain, and it was warmer in Gorham. He said the Mahoosuc Notch had boulders the size of a trailer! They had to climb up, over, under, squeeze thru, etc. It was cold, raining, windy, rocky, they saw mud, rain, fog, permanent snow, some ice, and it took 2 hours to go the one mile. Can't wait to read those journal pages!
The two arrived in Gorham safe, hungry, and dirty. He punched "the Spot", ate a huge meal, took a great bath, found "loaner clothes" at "the Barn" where they are staying, and called home. Andrew described the loaner clothes, while he was happy to have them, they aren't something you'd be looking to add to your personal wardrobe. Andrew reports that Gorham is the largest town they've been in so far... switch the spot map to satellite, zoom in... the locals are safe from suffering any ailments of a metropolitan sprawl...
Both guys have "the Spot" and Brunch is from Asheville. Intersting that two guys from WNC met while hiking 2,000 miles from home. Both are hiking the whole trail... while hikers never know how long they'll hike together, for now these two are keeping a similar pace and a positive attitude.... Without a doubt, both are happy to know Maine is behind them! I did the math, they've completed 13% of the distance. Yippee! or as Andrew put it, "1 state behind me, only 13 more to go!"
We just got Andrew's mail package with new journal pages and photos that he mailed from Rangley. I'll get them posted as soon as I can (things are busy here at home) Stay tuned.... :-)
If you hurry, mail can be sent to the next Mail stop:
Lincoln, NH 03251 (AT mile 370 - just 2 miles before North Woodstock if you've mailed him something there.)
est. arrival July 13
After Lincoln, is Hanover, NH 03755 (AT mile 441.9) mail stop just on the Vermont state line...
Tomorrow they begin the next 70-mile stretch. Hiking the White Mountians over the Presidential range, especially over Mt. Washington at 6,288', is suppose to be the hardest mountain range on the AT. Andrew said there have been several times he feels he must have had extra guardian angels assigned to him (Maybe I'll have to close my eyes when I type those journal pages) but he wants you all to know, "I can tell there are many people praying for me. Please keep it up, and double them when you can. Sincerely, all prayers, notes and e-mails are appreciated!!!"
Yes, Andrew is still having quite a fine adventure,
Mom - Harriet
July 2 AT Mile 247.1 And e-ve-ry-thi-ng's com-ing up...
roses...???
No....just mildew...
Andrew arrived in Andover early. The hikers woke up with pouring rain so he and another thru hiker, Brunch, hitched into town from a road near the campground at Black Brook North, to wash and dry everything at a local lodge, go to the post office, and restock their supplies. He said his bandanna was so smelly from the mildew he couldn't stand it any longer. There are two 8 mile roads into Andover, so he took the first one rather than hiking over the mountain to take the next one. Our call was a quick one, and I forgot to ask about the other 3 hiking with them... He and Brunch met their goal, which was to be back at the trail in time to hike up to Hall Mt. Lean-to before dark. 'The Spot' check-in was 7:30 p.m. so I was glad they met their objective.Andrew is still glad to be out there hiking, and amazingly, has a great attitude despite the rain. He's aware to allow caution and time for the rivers and streams that have to be crossed because they are all running high from all the rain every day. They are 30 miles to the first state line, so that is exciting! I suspect they'll cross the ME to NH state lines mid-day on the 5th... we'll stay tuned and find out.
Gorham, NH [mile 298] is his next town trip.
North Woodstock, NH [mile 373] then Hanover, NH [mile 442], are next. Andrew thought 70 miles or so between mail stops and grocery runs would be a good spacing for now. He said "once we get thru the Whites [mountains] we'll be able to pick up our pace a bit and stretch it out."
Happy Independence Day!
Mom, Harriet
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
