While the majority of our waking hours are spent backpacking (we've been averaging 15 + miles a day), the experience of thru-hiking extends far beyond the walking. Fellow hikers create much of the experience and folks from all walks of life are out here. Other hikers offer info on trail and towns to come, as well as provide stories and humor to fill the evenings. these relationships are largely positive (despite snoring and random late night guitar-playing) and have been a welcome surprise.
One of our favorite memories so far illustrates this trail culture well. A small rustic wilderness camp offers a 12 pancake breakfast to hikers that is only a short walk from an A.T. shelter. So, early one morning in the middle of the Maine wilderness we found ourselves eating pancakes and bacon with 4 northbound hikers we had just met the night before. For an hour, between bites, we laughed and shared stories and left feeling not only full, but amazed and appreciative of the experience in addition to the food. Where else in life would 6 complete strangers share breakfsat and conversation so comfortably?
Other highlights of the week include an abundance of fresh blueberries (it pained us to pass some up)sunny mid-day swims, great views from the Bigelows and Moxie Bald and developing strong thru-hiker appetites. In our half day in Stratton we've consumed donuts, pizza, a pint of Ben & Jerry's, a chocolate bar, hamburgers and fries (David ate a local favorite, the Wolf Burger, which is as intense as it sounds) and multiple bowls of Cocoa Pebbles. Emily is still deciding what she would like for dessert.
The weather forecast continues to look promising and we have some big climbs ahead of us including Sugarloaf and Saddleback. The dogs join us in just a few days and we have lots to look forward to.
Liz, thinking of meeting/surprising them around Andover on Weds. Are they aiming for East B Hill Rd or South Arm, do you know?
ReplyDeleteBluebearee (Em's hiking partner GA==>Fontana Dam in 02)
pancakes look good - hum, maybe I'll join you on the trail... sounds like things are going well for you - enjoy the journey:)
ReplyDeleteBluebearee - The current plan is for me to meet them on the East B Hill Road in Andover on Thursday 8/13 to pick up the dogs. I will post any change after I see them tomorrow. - David's mom
ReplyDeleteThanks David's Mom (Mrs Chomp)! So huh, now I wonder what section I would meet them in Weds if I walked north? I sent her a text yesterday, so maybe this can't be a surprise.
ReplyDeleteBluebearee - great plans!! I hope the logistics work out that you'll meet them, even if it's not a surprise. I didn't have an update on their itinerary, so thanks greatly Carol (Mrs. Chomp) for providing this information. How did the three days on the trail with Sophie and Boston work out? They are great dogs!!
ReplyDeleteBluebearee - Perhaps you can figure it out by process of elimination. I left them late morning today where the trail crosses Route 4 outside of Rangeley. They planned to hike only about 6 miles today with the dogs. I will meet them in Andover Thursday at 10 AM, and they will have a 6 mile hike that morning before meeting me. I hope this helps. They didn't mention seeing a text. I know they would be delighted to see you, especially if you come bearing treats! Good luck from Mama Chomp.
ReplyDeleteThanks Moms. I figured they were going shelter to shelter in this section, and that would jive as Hall Mt Weds night. So I think I'll park @ S. Arm and walk north Weds. Em has her same phone and # with her I assume?
ReplyDeleteBluebearee - yes, phone and number are the same. Give them my best and tell them banana bread is on its way.
ReplyDelete