Stratton, ME

The Ne'er-Do-Wells arrived in Stratton, Maine today in time to scarf some serious hamburgers for lunch.  There was also beer involved.  And dessert.

We are splitting a couple of hotel rooms, sleeping indoors for the first time in two weeks.  The terrain has been tough, a gradual letdown from The White Mountains.  The AT in Maine is characterized by swampy areas alternated with vast root systems, rock slabs, pine forrest, and rock steps up and down.  Rolling high hills are punctuated with extended steep climbs and descents where roots provide hand holds.

Most of the hard work is behind me now.  In fact, I'm less than 200 miles from the end, having now officially hiked more than 2,000 miles.  The trail moderates a bit now, The Hundred Mile Wilderness and Mt. Katahdin itself the last remaining obstacles.

It's bittersweet:  I'm ready to go home, but I'll miss this.

Leaving Gorham: Patch, Yoda, Snus, Arizoba, & House

Officially entering Maine

Heading above Alpine level; it's windy above tree line

The Mahoosuc Notch was particularly interesting.  Called "the most difficult or fun day on the Trail" by the guide book, it was a jumble of gigantic boulders just longer than half a mile, left by glaciers in a too-narrow pass almost as a challenge for the less sensible and more dogged... like AT through-hikers.  It took a bit under two hours to navigate.  We did stop to gawk and explore, so could have done it faster if that had been the point.  But it really was a fun experience.  At one point we all had to take off our packs and form a "bucket brigade," lining up in the tight-fit cave and passing each pack through.  It almost became a challenge to see if we each could find a different route through.

House coming down a pile

Snus considering his next move

There's always a way

Start crawling

Snus on a boulder, surveying ahead

House using the venerable "Butt Slide" method

Sometimes gravity seems to not work

Cave crawling

House prepping his pack to be passed through

Arizona heads into a cave passage

Through the Mahoosuc Notch, we found beautiful scenery and great hiking, though with distinct vertical components.

Roots are a key feature of AT hiking in Maine...

... as are lakes.

Taking a break

Our newest team member, Arizona is being shadowed by her husband, Scott, in an RV.  They have been gracious enough to give us rides into town for resupply and to share their cooking facilities.  We have tented near the RV in a few camp grounds, and have enjoyed their company.

Picked up by Arizona's husband, Scott in their RV.


 

Heading up a wilderness ladder

Beautiful lunchtime visitor resting on my pack.

Rugged can be breathtaking.

One of many views.

Maine has its own beauty...

... that includes lots if moss.

AT marker

The mystery of fog and perfect calm

Relaxing back at the RV

Scott cooks burgers on the grill

Arizona and Hope, The Wonder Dog

Great food in camp

Kayaking during a zero day... House behind

Natural sluice

Front of Piazza rock formation

This-a-way

Above tree line again

40 mph winds out in the open.

Hidden little stream and cascade.  Beautiful.

Break at an overlook.

July 21 I crossed 2,000 miles hiked!