11 states down, 3 to go. Roughly 600 miles remain. It’s honestly been a while since I’ve been so excited about a stretch of trail. Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine are often thought of as the most scenic states of the AT. They are also undoubtedly the most challenging. Since being on my own, I’ve been able to do 20-26 miles a day. I haven’t felt this good in my entire life, but I know it’s unrealistic to keep this up. I have to slow it down in the white mountains as well as the first part of Maine. Otherwise, chances are it will be unenjoyable or I could hurt myself.
New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts have all been great. They really all do belong in the same group. Somewhat different but also all having similar characteristics. Towns were closer meaning I didn’t have to carry as much food. Swimming holes are becoming more frequent. I’ve also seen a lot more wildlife, especially bears. I still don’t have any good bear photos though. Luckily they’ve all been pretty good about running away.
One thing that I have started doing more is camping alone. I used to always camp around the shelters. They usually have a good water source and a privy, both kind of nice things. However, I’ve recently been doing dinner around 6 and then hiking another 1-2 hours, so water isn’t a necessity, and frankly digging a cat hole doesn’t bother me a bit. It smells better than a privy and it’s probably much more hygienic. Camping where ever I want also means I can get some awesome views. For instance, the night before the 4th of July I got to watch fireworks from above on a ridge line. That was pretty neat.
Right now is the end to my second zero since Harper’s Ferry. I’m in the town of Willows, technically still in MA, but there’s only several miles left to do in the morning before Vermont. That’s why I consider myself through it. Tomorrow morning I’m going to try and get as early a start as I can. That’s really been the secret to bigger miles. Hopefully this storm coming in won’t be all that bad.
Wish me luck,
-Orion
That last snack photo is stunning.