A beautiful day! Slightly cloudy, and I got to climb Little Bigelow. I just love the views. I try to stop for a bit at each one, remembering that Maine is one of the most beautiful states on the trail. Swim every beach, take in every view. I see a lot of Nobos coming through … Continue reading Tuesday, July 24 “Trail Magic” (Kreg) →

I crossed the Kennebec! It is the largest crossing on the AT, and there is a ferry operator who shuttles people across. The ferry, of course, is just a three person canoe. There have been signs for the last 100 miles warning people not to ford it (swim across it). There have been several drownings … Continue reading Monday, July 23 “Fun in the Rain” (Kreg) →

When Kreg and I embarked on this journey, we understood there would be a lot of uncertainty. We knew we could only plan so much, and that we would face opportunities and challenges along the way. We were aware that we’d have to be flexible and open-minded to truly embrace the experiences we’d have during … Continue reading Monday, July 23 “Plans on pause” (Rocío) →

Zero day today to rest my back. This means hiking zero miles. There are also “nero” days where you nearly hike zero miles (although every time I hear it, I think of that crazy Roman emperor who had his mom murdered and then burned down Rome). That was my six mile day yesterday. I am … Continue reading Sunday, July 22 “Slowing Down, Being Grateful” (Kreg) →

Two weeks ago today, I got on a bus to Maine with my backpack. It’s been a pretty wild ride, and as with anything, there have been some unbelievable highs along with tough lows. Overall, I’m grateful to be out here, experiencing the most beautiful state on the trail and meeting an amazing bunch of … Continue reading Saturday, July 21 “A Reflection on the Last Two Weeks” (Kreg) →

Pretty big day. About 12 miles, two mountains - hardest day I have done since the wilderness. On to Caratunk tomorrow for a short 4 mile day and then some rest.

Today felt better. The back pain is there, but I couldn’t really feel it while hiking. Finished 9 miles by 12 pm and called it a day instead of going up and over the next mountain. Trying to be better about listening to what my back is telling me. We’ve stopped at a campsite on … Continue reading Thursday, July 19 “A Short Day” (Kreg) →

Blake and I did 9 miles today. I was debating taking another rest day, and last minute I decided to leave. It’s tough to think of sitting still. About 7 miles into the hike, my back started hurting again. It was difficult not to beat myself up over the decision not to take a rest … Continue reading Wednesday, July 18 “A Bit of Frustration” (Kreg) →

Day off in Monson. A lot of wondering whether or not my back will get better. Overall, I feel like I did too much, too soon in the wilderness. We did the hundred miles as fast as a lot of Nobos who have been hiking for months already. I guess that’s a lesson learned, though.

Today was hard. I made it into town, but the back pain came back. After 1 mile I could feel the pain. After 3 miles, I was hiking with only my left shoulder strap on. By mile 8, I had the pack on the front side of my body - transferring the weight in the … Continue reading Monday, July 16 (Kreg) →