Back on the Trail

Finally got out Andover and now I’m in Stratton. It’s not a huge leap forwards, but it does feel good getting past 2000 miles. 1900 to 2000 was by far the most difficult 100 miles on the AT. Getting sick, having a death in the family, and generally rough terrain made for a very difficult 100 miles. What was once a nero now feels like a full days work. The current concoction of drugs I’m on is keeping me out here, but I still need to take it easy. Today I’ll be making my new plan for when I’ll get home, and this time error towards a conservative pace. Not that my original plan was crazy, it just didn’t account for a week being stuck in bed.

Since Andover I’ve had multiple sections on exposed ridge line. The views have been nice, but many of them have been clouded over. These past few days have been rather wet on trail. I’ve been able to stay relativity dry, except for yesterday when I was soaked. By now you’d think I’ve learned to make reservations for the only hostel in town, but no. When I finally got to cell reception I was too late. Every place in town was booked and I didn’t have any food. Luckily, what would have been a terrible evening turned out alright in the end. I had to go to the hostel to pick up a box, and when I got there I was offered a spot in the garden shed. It was dry, and I was still allowed in the communal area. I happily booked two nights, allowing me time to plan the remainder of my trip and do laundry today. It’s probably not a bad idea to zero anyways because I’m still recovering from whatever sickness I had.

Tomorrow I’ll go over the Bigelow mountains, the last “big” hump before Katahdin. There’s a few glitches here and there, but most SOBOs (south-bounders) say it’s not that bad. I won’t lie, I’m a bit relieved to be getting out of southern Maine. As beautiful as it’s been, I’m starting to feel a great pull towards the finish line. Ok, now off to go do laundry.

-Orion