Tim On The TrailFollow me on my hike

Aug 29th MAINE-ly Rocks

Maris reporting (8/28):

Tim has been on the trail since May 3, 2015, almost 4 months.  We’ve seen each other twice.  He has hiked, climbed rocks, slogged through mud and still has a ways to go.  He has entered Maine and is expecting to complete the dreaded Mahoosuc Notch and arm in the next few days and then has about a 15 mile hike to the town of Andover where a care package/birthday surprise awaits.

Tim reported several scary adventures which he will share later.  He has had very sketchy cell service this week so communication has been difficult, but not as challenging as the boulder-sized rocks he’s had to scramble up, over and around.
He has covered more than 850 miles and has about 280 more miles to go to reach Mt. Katahadin.  His knees continue to hurt and that’s not good.

We are with you Tim…No matter where the trail brings you.  Hike on, be safe, and hope you had a wonderful birthday under the stars.

Aug 24th Leaving New Hampshire

The last 16 miles of New Hampshire beckon today.  I finished the Wildcats, the last of the White Mountains on the AT, then took some time to rest my knees.

The Whites were like hiker college — knowledge gained, a challenge met — but I’m glad they’re behind me.  There were rewards after tough climbs, yet I’m ready now to move on to the next challenge.

This is at the start of the Wildcats, across the road from Pinkham Notch.

And that challenge will come in Maine, at Mahoosuc Notch.  It rained last night.  Let’s hope the rest of the week stays relatively dry for the Mahoosucs.

Thanks to all who contributed to my crowd sourcing fundraiser. Its online life ended a couple of days ago.  I know others may still want to help.  Post a comment on this website, and we’ll contact you off-line.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Aug 19th Presidential Update

It’s ironic, given my current career, that I just spent the last four days in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range.

First View of Mt. Washington

From Mt. Adams to Mt. Jefferson

Approaching Summit of Mt. Washington

Jackson, Pierce, Franklin, Washington, and Madison tested my will — as well as my knees. I did not summit Adams, Jefferson, and Monroe (the AT led near but not up to those peaks), but they contributed to the ache in my knees.

My highest peak so far.

View from Mt. Adams in the Presidential Range

It was good to return to the Trail, yet difficult to readjust my mindset to the hike. I’ve said before that the Trail provides and it was proven again yesterday.

As I worked my way to Pinkham Notch and a care package (thanks Maris!), I met a couple of day hikers. They gave me a plum, we had a nice conversation, and I continued my hike.

After lunch and picking up the package, I happened upon them again. They then gave me more food and a ride to The Barn, a hostel in Gorham.

Bear and Moose are popular — and populous in NH.

Bear and Moose are popular in NH.

As I start The Wildcats (the last of the White Mountains), I need to remember Trail karma.

P.S. One of the hikers with whom I started just summited Mount Katahdin. Good job, Spice Girl!

Aug 13th Another New Pair of Boots

Well, it’s back to the trail today.

The old ones started showing alarming signs of wear.

With new boots (the Hi Tecs I bought in New Jersey developed a hole); a somewhat new backpack (Maris and I got it in Lebanon, NH when she visited); and a haircut, I’ll tackle the Presidential Range in the Whites.

New boots (right) are 1 lb. lighter than the old ones.

My Mom and Maris have tried to fatten me up.  We’ll see if it helps me climb faster and hike longer.  Soup at the huts will help too.

I’m looking forward to the challenge, something I haven’t always done on this hike.  The next two weeks will be tough, but I’ll make Maine in a week.

The prospect of meeting a moose might keep me going as much as the food.  Root for the moose, all you hordes of readers.

Aug 2nd August 2nd Update

800 miles.  It’s a long way for a road trip in a car, let alone for a hike.

While my feet and knees might disagree, the experience has been memorable.  I think it’s helped sharpen my focus on what I hope to accomplish and who I hope will be along for that ride.

Monk was disappointed that he didn’t see the mother moose with her calf that have been spotted on the far shore.

This knight’s helmet was at the Greenleaf Hut, below Mount Lafayette.

It has also shown me there’s more drive inside me than I thought.  Getting up a five thousand foot mountain is good practice for the political chores that need doing.

The View From Atop Mount Guyot.

Can you see the sun’s rays on the mountain?

Monk and I have had fun, met many new people, and talked about many subjects — mostly not politics.  Now we’re taking a break to celebrate a wedding before climbing Mount Washington.

More posts and photos to come soon.