Final update...for now

Hey guys, Pigpen here (or I guess I can go back to my birth name now). I'm going to try to post an epilogue on my journey as well as some updated info on the last leg of my hike. The last few weeks of my hike were perfect, and I couldn't ask for a better or more appropriate way to end this journey. On my quest to catch up to my friend Tyler, I ran into a guy named Splinter, who Tyler had spent a good but of time hiking with. Splinter and I hiked together for the last few weeks, probably at least the last 250 miles. We kept in touch with Tyler and decided that we could all shoot to finish on August 14th, Tyler's 25th birthday. Keep in mind that Tyler and I had been planning on hiking the AT together for years, and 2000 miles in, we still hadn't hiked a mile together. Splinter and I finally caught up with Tyler in Monson, ME- the last resupply. We took a zero day and rested up for the final stretch. We also had been around another hiker named Wild Blue for a week or so, and he stuck with us to the end as well. So we set off into the 100 Mile Wilderness with a good group.

We hiked for a few days over rough terrain, and then were treated to a few days of nice flat hiking. We had to ford rivers about every day in the wilderness, most of the time more than once a day. we got off to a slow start over the tough terrain since we were in no rush, and then did 50 miles in 2 days over the easier trail. There is a camp store just before Katahdin, and the 4 of us rationed our food to make it to the store and then buy enough food for the rest of the day and the next day for climbing Katahdin. When we got there, however, the store didn't take credit cards, only cash. So we scraped our money together and bought a few overpriced high caloric items and spent the rest of the day (we still had 10 miles left) hungry. We tried to occupy ourselves once we reached the base of Katahdin (our camp for the night), but spent the next 6 hours in delirium. Wild Blue's parents drove up to the campground and saved the day by providing a feast, and they offered their car to us so we could drive to the nearest town to get food for the next day. Many generous acts like this provided a lot of help to me along the way. 

Summit Day

We woke up early to hear the forecast, 70% chance of rain. We were all too excited about reaching Katahdin to let rain get us down, so we set out through the mist and fog to start the steep ascent. Parts of the climb were very tough and technical, and we scrambled our way up above treeline. Tyler had stopped a while back to make a shoe adjustment and we hadn't seen him in an hour or so, so I decided to stop and wait on him so we could reach the summit together. The others waited as well, and we found some rocks to hide behind to get reprieve from the wind. It started raining during this time. Tyler caught up, and we pushed through rain and strong winds to find some other thru hikers coming down from the summit, disappointed by the weather and lack of views. The rain eased up, but we were still in a cloud. We got to within about 200 yards of the summit (we didn't know this at the time), and the clouds parted, the sun broke through, and we got a glimpse of the incredible views that surrounded us. Then I looked ahead, and there it was- the summit sign, the sign that I had seen in pictures hundreds of times. It always seemed so far away, in distance and in time, until now. I can't describe the surreal feeling, but we walked up there and we all placed our hand on the sign, not knowing what to say. Some day hikers clapped for us as we reached the sign. Some of them could tell how special that moment was for us and wanted to take pictures of us for themselves, and then offered to take pictures of us on our own cameras. We did a quick wardrobe change into our fancy clothes and had a quick photo shoot. We tucked behind some rocks and spent a couple hours up there, soaking in the moment, reflecting on the trip, and enjoying the sunshine (and PBRs and Champagne). I couldn't have asked for a better day on Katahdin. 

Summary

150 Days. 3 days short of 5 months. Before the hike, that didn't seem like too long. But waking up day in and day out, lacing up my trail runners, and hiking for 10-12+ hours a day sure did provide a new perspective. This was the longest and most challenging thing that I have ever done, but it was an incredible experience. I met many people on the trail that I will keep in touch with, and others that will just be a memory and a smile.

I've learned a lot through this experience, but one important lesson was realizing what I have and never taking anything for granted. I was blessed with a family who was supportive throughout this experience, as well as my girlfriend Kaity and all of my friends who followed the blog and provided support and encouragement. Never underestimate the power of a little encouragement. When I was alone in the woods, trying to figure out how to get my feet in my shoes that were frozen solid so I could hike through knee high snow, it helped a lot to think about the people back home who were pulling for me. And for that, I thank you guys. Your support was incredible.

Highlights

The southern states (GA-VA) were some of my favorites, along with Maine and the Whites in New Hampshire. But some of my favorite memories were definitely when my dad came out to hike with me. Dad hiked about 120 miles in 2 sections- Roan Mtn, TN to Damascus, VA; and the Mason/Dixon Line to Boiling Springs, PA. 

Kara ended up hiking around 660 miles total, and she was an awesome trail dog. I can't wait for our next adventures!

So what's next?

I've been asked a lot of the same questions, so I'll try to go ahead and answer some of them.

Well, I came home pretty broken down physically and financially. I'm planning on saving up some money and then moving out to Colorado with Kaity to pursue a future in the outdoor industry. 

I have no intentions of doing another thru hike, definitely not anytime soon. That being said, if the itch strikes again, I would be interested in hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which is another of the big 3, the 3rd being the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). What is more likely, however, is that I will do shorter hikes. Some hikes that I want to do are the John Muir Trail, which is part of the PCT; the Colorado Trail, which is part of the CDT; and the Camino de Santiago in Spain. I'm also itching to do a long tour via bicycle. 

As always, thanks so much for the love and support along my journey. I'd love to talk more about the hike or answer any questions you guys might have. Feel free to email me at daniel_horseman222@yahoo.com

I was once told that one's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. I find that to be the case with my thru hike. Thru hiking the AT is an incredible journey, an epic destination, and a powerful experience- one hell of an experience.

Pigpen

P.S. I plan on doing one more post in the future after reflecting on this experience to see how my mindset has changed, what has stuck with me the most, and what the most beneficial part of the hike was for me, personally. It may be 6 months or a year, but if you're interested you may keep this blog in your favorites folder for a bit longer ;)

Mission Accomplished !!

To do list:

Thru hike the Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain Georgia all the way to Mt. Katahdin, Maine  ---- CHECK!

Dan summited today and brought his 5 month journey to a close.  (except for the getting home part)  Here are a few pics he posted online, and as I get the details and more pics, I'll put them up:

Striking the pose I suppose

Tyler aka Sweat

Pigpen and Sweat representing Georgia College

Summiting in style

 

Countdown! 115 Miles and 7 days to go

We heard from Dan yesterday.  He forwarded photos that matched some of the update from the previous post so I thought I would put them up.  He was in Monson Maine yesterday taking a zero day and getting caught up with Tyler who was waiting on him there.  I would like to be a fly on the wall as they relate their individual experiences of the first 2000+ miles!

They will enter the 100 Mile Wilderness today and are planning to summit Katahdin on the 14th if all goes well.

Beach and Swim Time

Pancakes at Harrison's

Canoe Ferry across the Kennebec

View of Kennebec

River Fording

Last State ! 150 miles to go

I just talked with Dan for the first time in several days.  Cell service has been very spotty and as he enters the 100 Mile Wilderness it will be virtually non-existent.  We hope to hear from him at least once more before he summits Katahdin.

He's getting close!  As of this afternoon he was around mile post 2040 at Pleasant Pond just north of Caratunk Maine.  He's still targeting a finish date of 8/12 - 8/14.  He's about to catch up to his friend Tyler and they will get to do the last 100 miles together.  Dan's also been hiking recently with "Splinter" who is also a trail friend of Tylers so the 3 of them will likely summit together.

Dan reports that Maine is gorgeous.  He was treated to an amazing pancake breakfast this morning at Harrison's Pierce Pond Camp.  The gentleman here has a long time affiliation with AT thru hikers and any who want gets the pancake breakfast.  Later this morning he made the journey across the Kennebec River via canoe ferry.  He plans to be in Monson ME tomorrow afternoon or Wed morning.  Monson will be the pick up location of the last of I don't remember how many drop boxes we mailed.  It will also be the start of the 100 Mile Wilderness where there is very little support availability. 

Sadly, there is no progress in the search for the missing hiker.  Dan made it through the area ok.

Here are some recent pic's.  Stay tuned - the next ones may be from Katahdin!

Last view of Mt. Washington

One more state!

Trail going vertical

Pigpen and Splinter

Saddleback Mountain

The sun is starting to set on an awesome journey!

Views from the White Mountains!

Pigpen is relaxing in a super nice hostel in Gorham NH this evening after completing his journey through the White Mountains.  He's currently at mile 1888 and only has 298 left.  Anticipated arrival at Katahdin is now approximately August 12.

The Whites were beautiful and he says the pictures don't do them justice.  Dan spent a lot of time above the tree line and suffered through a little bad weather.  Had several falls and 2 (hopefully) minor injuries -  one to his knee and one to his wrist where he fell on it.  He's been wearing a wrist brace the last few days and it seems to be getting better.  The summit of Mt Washington was a little anticlimatic because the tourists who drove up in their cars were standing in such a long line to have their photos made at the summit that Dan couldn't even get up to it.  Oh well.....

The White Mtns get a lot of tourist traffic and many stay at "huts" which are like B&B's for tourist hikers.  They run from $125 to $150 per night and they get a comfortable place to sleep and a couple of meals.  They also let the first 2 thru hikers that pass through each stay "work for stay".  They get to stay and eat in exchange for washing dishes, cleaning, etc.  Dan got to do this twice and he said it was great.

Unfortunately, there is sad news on the trail as of today.  A 66 year old female hiker going by the trail name of
"Inchworm" is missing in Maine.  She was supposed to meet her husband on Tuesday and has not shown up.  There is a large search effort going on right now but so far no luck.  Dan had met her but was several days behind her on the trail.  The weather was severe on Tues and right now foul play is not suspected.   Here is a link to a current article :

http://www.pressherald.com/news/Maine-investigators-look-for-fellow-hikers-in-search.html


Back to Dan's news.  Here are some of his pic's from the White Mountains:

Mt Moosilauke

View in Whites

Steep Downhill site of Knee Injury

Knee after fall

Galehead Hut site of first "work for stay"

View from Galehead Hut

Pigpen in the Whites

Crazy but serious sign

Trail through the Presidentials

Presidentials

Madison Springs Hut from above site of second "work for stay"

View from Madison Hut

Sunset from Madison Hut

Top of Mt Jackson

Tourists at the top of Mt Washington

Passing through mile 1800 and into the White Mountains !

Well Pigpen has made it to mile 1800 and is now about to enter the White Mountains.  He will have about 80 miles+- through the Whites and this will probably be the only time I am just slightly nervous.  Even though this is a "relatively" tame time to pass through, the weather in the White Mountains of New Hampshire can be  very erratic.  Much of the hiking will be above the tree line where he will be exposed to thunderstorms and Mount Washington has held the record up until 2010 for the highest recorded wind gusts on earth  (234 mph).

He's still been averaging well over 20 miles per day although that will go down through the White Mtns.  He has caught up to some of the hikers he had seen down south,  (Blazer, Molly, and Pyrogi)  Blazer came through mine and Robin's trail magic station in GA way back in March. 

Dan has seen a moose, bear, and a coyote in the last 2 days.  Probably a good thing Kara came off the trail when she did or she would be doing a lot of extra miles chasing after them!

We hit our first drop box snag with the US Postal Service.  Dan missed a drop box at Palmerton PA so I called to get them to bounce it up to Lincoln, NH, but they sent it back home instead.  He's been getting a good bit of town food luckily.

Here are a few pics from the last couple of days:

View from the Lookout Tower.  A cabin with a tower Dan stayed at.

Another view from the Lookout Tower

Waterfall number ?????

Trail Magic with flowers in boots for atmosphere!

53 Miles in 2 Days !

Dan is really pounding out the miles.  He's done 53 miles in the last 2 days and 200 in the last 8.  He sounds tired, kinda like I do after a 3 day hike.  I guess he has a right to be though after hiking 1715 miles in 4 months!   He called and talked to Robin today from Killington VT and expects to reach Hanover NH by Friday morning. 

By the way, this might be your last look at Pigpen's blue shirt.  After 4 months, it was worn bad enough and smelled bad enough that he broke down and bought a new one.

Here are some pics from the last 2 days.  I don't know where all the views are, but they sure are pretty:

Beginning of VT

View from Baker Peak

500 to go !

Looking down on small airport