With New Hampshire and the White Mountains behind us, we have now moved into Maine - our last state! I can't say that we were sorry to leave New Hampshire, although the Whites were dramatic and majestically beautiful. Shiz and I agreed that we would love to come back someday and hike them again as day hikes or weekend trips. We really didn't do the scenery justice by pushing through with our heads down.
Mahoosuc Notch, the hardest mile on the AT
Right before crossing into Maine, we made a quick trip back to Vermont so that I could participate in a relay that I run each year with the same amazing team. We had a fabulous day, but have no doubt that running and hiking use different muscles - I was SORE! My tired legs were further abused by Southern Maine, which has continued what the Whites started with large elevation changes and rocky terrain.
Before returning to the trail, Shiz and I had planned our next stretch of hiking with what seemed like reasonable mileage. By the end of our second day in Maine, it became very clear that weren't going to come close to our plan. On Tuesday, we covered not only the most difficult mile of the whole AT - Mahoosuc Notch, a massive boulder scramble that took over two hours - and the single steepest mile on the trail. Ouch. We hiked a total of five miles that day.
Shiz tackles the rocks with grace and style
It was hard not to feel discouraged at our slow pace, especially after our visit home reminded us how much we miss our friends and familiar places. It has taken a conscious effort to let go of our expectations and hike only what feels comfortable each day, but doing so has renewed our joy in hiking. As of yesterday, the terrain seems to be smoothing out a little, so we have hope for some easier miles in the coming week. There are still some impressive-looking mountains to cover, though, so our legs can't relax yet! Regardless, the end is getting closer and closer...just 243 miles to go.
- SP
One of several huts in the White Mountains. They provide breakfast for paying guests, but give leftovers out to thru-hikers for free :-)
On top of South Twin Mountain
Southern Maine is tough, but the views are worth it!
Speck Pond campsite, our reward after a difficult day of hiking.