During our weekend in Burlington, we found ourselves reflecting on how satisfying our hike has been to this point. When reading the thoughts of northbounding thru-hikers summitting Katahdin in recent weeks, we decided we want to make this experience as thorough as possible. With the recognition of the work it took to arrive at this experience to begin with, we want to be sure to take the time both on the trail and in small towns, avoiding the mileage craze many hikers get caught up in. As we've gotten farther south and met the "back of the pack" northbounders we've encountered many happier hikers, enjoying the moment. As one hiker said, "A successful hike will have me summitting Katahdin on October 14th [Baxter State Park closes on the 15th] because it will mean the hike has lasted as long as possible."We're learning to appreciate all that the trail has to offer--the miles, the views, the wildlife, the social experience, and the ice cream. Ahh...the ice cream. This past Friday was a spectacular example of this experience. We had intended to sleep in and enjoy a relaxing morning, perhaps some reading. Instead it felt like we were in the middle of a Wild America episode. The sounds of branches breaking, scratching, and screeching outside the tent woke us up. I climbed out of the tent with a trekking pole in hand to discover a black bear about 30 meters away. A couple tense minutes turned out to be nothing as the bear had little interest in us and eventually moved on.
The remainder of the day continued to follow this pattern of unexpected events. A mile into our day we met a new southbounder, Restless, and shared stories for 45 minutes before heading on. Our mileage plans were interrupted yet again about an hour later when we came across a cooler of soda. We celebrated our first 500 miles with a Mountain Dew and a Pepsi (see picture), which finally got us moving for the day.
At noon, we walked a half mile off of the trail (yes, we will walk extra for food) and got burgers and ice cream at the Whistle Stop Cafe. By 6:30pm we called it a day despite not getting as far as we had originally intended. What we might have in the past perceived as interruptions have now become an essential part of our experience.
yay for Back of the Packers (Oct 13th for me)! I wouldn't have had it any other way.... we continually recalculated our Katahdin math to see how few miles we could hike and still get there.
ReplyDeleteHOWever, let's dispell that perennial myth, the Park doesn't close 10/15 - it only closes for overnight camping after that date (you can still stay in the park the night of Oct 15th).
Chances of more Class IV day prevail around that time of year.
You're living it....
Good thing you went to the Whistle stop when you did, they are closed on Labor Day as I so disappointedly found out in 02, so yes I was that far back this time of the season.
Hi fellow followers,
ReplyDeleteAccording to "The 2009 Thru-Hiker's Handbook, the Sept 17 maildrop at Backcountry Outfitters will take packages sent UPS/FEDEX only. It stated "do not mail packages." I'm not sure how flexible they are, but thought this would be helpful information.
Liz
That outfitter isn't flexible about anything, highest price paid for fuel on whole trip. What are the chances they will arive prior to 9/17?
ReplyDeleteBrookelyn says that big old bear just wanted to give you a hug Uncle David!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, we are planning to meet the hikers in Kent on Friday, 9/18 and can deliver packages if anyone wishes to mail them to us instead.
It's unlikely Emily and David will arrive prior to the 17th. Emily mentioned last weekend that they expect to arrive in Kent 1-2 days after the ETA. This makes sense with the Grimm's visit on the 18th. Thanks Carol for offering to deliver packages!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I am going to have something drop shipped to her, a little trail surprise. Will order tonight then... thanks for the help.
ReplyDeleteI've reserved two rooms at the Rocky River Inn in New Milford, CT for 9/18 and 9/19. Boston and Sophie are getting excited! Boston did his circle dance when I told him he was going on a ride to see David, and Sophie got excited because Boston was excited (we all know what she thinks about car rides.)
ReplyDelete09/12/09 HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the dogs... I mean mom & Dad... =]
ReplyDeleteWe have arrived in Cheshire, MA and just got off the phone with the outfitter in Kent. It seems that the post Office is now delivering to the store and having mail sent there is not an issue any longer.
-David