Still hiking!

So I guess its been a while since I've had reasonable internets to put something up on here. Last one was... Stratton? That was like, 200 miles ago. I think.

The trail has been awesome recently. Lots of big mountains, excellent views and cool people. My sickness is all healed up, and I'm already halfway through New Hampshire. The White Mountains are beautiful out here, despite the rather thick crowds of tourists.

Southern Maine was definitely a difficult section of trail. Whenever I feel like this whole AT hiking thing gets hard, I keep saying 'its just walking,' but as it turns out, sometimes its not just walking. This became apparent on a particularly rainy day heading through the Mahoosuc Range. The Mahoosuc notch is often said to be "The hardest mile of the AT." However about 2 miles before I got there, I had to go down the Mahoosuc Arm. This particular section of trail the MATC (Maine Appalachian Trail Conservancy) decided would best be made by following steep rock slabs down the mountain, where water would pour over them when it rained. That way if you slip and fall, you keep going 6 or 7 feet, maybe more if you pick a good spot. I managed this section by holding trees on the side, pretty much the entire way down.

The Mohoosuc notch itself is actually better described as the funnest mile of trail on the AT. (at least so far). Kind of a rock jungle gym. Climbing under huge boulders and up over the other side, was pretty awesome, even in the pouring rain. I went through in about an hour, which is apparently really quick, at least relative to the current record holder, who took 8 hours to get through, stopping to cry halfway in between. I guess climbing over and under rocks is more fun for some people than others?

After getting through the notch, I met up with Jedi and Runner, 2 Georgians SOBOing the AT. We hiked into Gorham NH together through the rest of Souther Maine, and then slackpacked our first section of the White Mountains. This is where you hike from one road to another, and stay at the same hostel, so you don't carry your pack. It made the 21 mile day way easier.

I left them the next day to climb up Mount Washington with some beautiful weather, staying at the Lake of the Clouds hut. They have this hut system in New Hampshire where these huts provide dinner, breakfast, and beds for customers who pay 100 bucks a night. Pretty ridiculous. Fortunately, AT thru hikers can do 15-30 minutes of work, get fed, and sleep on the floor or table in the dining area. Works well for me. After a beautiful day of hiking above tree-line, free food and shelter was pretty nice.

Yesterday started out fairly exciting, with a big thunderstorm with heavy rain and hail. Fortunately I was down in the trees, 1 mile before I got to Franconia Ridge, again up above tree-line, and very exposed. The weather cleared up just as I got on top where there were maybe arond 50mph winds, enough to where I had to lean into it as I hiked.

I got into Lincoln NH yesterday afternoon, and spent the night at Chet's house, a really nice guy who has turned his garage into a bunk room for hikers. I went to the post office, ditched some gear so I can be more light weight. Cause who needs a tent, really. I'm heading back on the trail sometime this afternoon, looks like another beautiful day.
Oh, and thanks to Megan, Sophi and Will for the letters/food and everything.