On Mount Jefferson

On top of Mount Jefferson now, looking toward Mount Adams. The weather has been unbelievable. I think we may get lucky and miss that thunderstorm.

Alright, next stop Mount Washington, the second highest elevation on the AT, and considered the most difficult and most unpredictable mountain in all 2,181 miles.

My Hammock

Getting ready to pack up the hammock and head toward the White Mountains today. I have been able to see this beautiful range for the past few days, growing more intimidating the closer I get. I can't wait to be scrambling across those towering steep ridges.

The weather in the Whites can be unpredictable and change with little warning. Its highest peak, Mount Washington, is said to have the worst weather in the world. It's sure to be as challenging as it will be breathtakingly beautiful.

(Also, This is the first time I've had cell phone reception when not on a mountain top, so I hope to be able to finally post more frequently.)

Home Sweet Home

We made it out of our first state a few days ago, completing about 300 of 2,181 miles. We decided to take three nights off in Gorham, NH before heading into the White Mountains, the last 100 miles of the most difficult stretch on the AT. This trail is rarely easy, but we will be able to do more daily miles after the Whites. We planned on only taking two days off here, but we have had such a great time that we agreed if we could find a place to stay for free we'd stay a third night. We did... an inconspicuous spot behind this old closed bank. Hey, there is a roof over our heads and it is Duncan Donuts adjacent, that's more than good enough.

Even though I have money for a hotel, I strangely prefer this. Hotels provide temporary comfort, but crashing behind an abandoned building (or in a public baseball field dugout in Andover for that matter) gives me an experience I will talk about for the rest of my life. It's wonderfully amazing how simple life can be if you want it to be.

A Rundown of the Last Few Days

 
The last few days have been amazing. I would love a day with my laptop and wifi to tell you about it, but that's harder than I anticipated. I'll be able to write more when I'm further south.
Here's a rundown of the last few days: scrambled thru the Mahoosuc Notch (supposedly the hardest mile on the AT, but the most fun so far), met a very generous woman in a grocery store that let us spend a night in her lakehouse (with a hot tub under a full moon), swam alone (other than 2 loons) right after sunrise in a fog covered lake, slept in a baseball field dugout after hitching to town for food and failing to get a ride back (we played invisible softball at 2 AM, of course), climbed Old Speck Mountain at night and got caught in a storm, took a nap in front of a general store. Watched tonight's sunset on a windy evening, huddled around 3 people I've known for a month, but feel as close to as anyone I've ever known. And right now I'm on a mountain I can't name, staring at the night sky.

Saddleback Mountain Range

Climbing a mountain is the best part of waking up. Not cheap coffee.

So yesterday at lunch I chipped a molar. Not the best timing I suppose. Not in any pain though, so I'll keep going until I get to a town that is big enough to have a dentist.

I've decided that instead of going by the trail name Cam, I'm going to use a new name everytime I meet someone. Last night I met a Northbounder.

"What are your trail names?" he asked.

"I'm Chip Drifter, D.D.S."

Stratton Motel

Leaving Stratton. Resupplied and belly is full. Already lost 16 lbs. It's impossible to eat enough food. The next 110 mile section is considered by most thru-hikers to be the hardest of the whole trail. In about two weeks the trail will get easier, so I should be able to do more miles.

We met up with the girls yesterday, so the whole group is back together again.