Huts and the White Mointains

"The Whites" refer to the White Mountains in the state of New Hampshire. One of the trails there is the oldest continuously used trail on the USA. The mountains are high, above tree lime, the weather changes quickly and constantly, and the views are spectacular. If the weather is bad, white is the only view. The highest recorded wind on the top of the highest mountain, Mt. Washington, is 232 miles per hour!

Due to the area's popularity and weather conditions, places to spend the night are closely regulated. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) maintains the trails and has established a network of huts to provide sheltered accommodation. Bunk beds and meals are provided for guests on a generous budget.

This is Madison Hut...

Fortunately thru-hikers can ask for a "work-stay". This involves washing dishes, windows, floors, or something similar for the right to sleep on the dining room floor and eat with the crew (referred to as Croo).

Thanks to some especially friendly Croo - Matt at Carter Notch Hut and Maddie at Madison Hut.

Injury!!

The trail is a dangerous place where things can happen quickly.

While coming down huge slabs of slippery rock (common in Maine), one has to walk on the muddy sides and hold onto trees for support. The pine trees have the small limbs broken off, but not all the way. About 4 inches of hard wood stick out horizontally. Under the muddy sides
of the trail there are often roots and sometimes they cause even the well placed foot to slip out.

Toward the end of a long day of hiking carefully in these situations a supposedly well placed foot slipped. In order to not fall down a huge rock slab, I of course hung onto the tree. My body swung around the tree and I hung on. In a flash, the tree approached my face and one of
those broken limbs came within a fraction of an inch of poking out my right eye. Bleeding started. To say it shook me up is an understatement! That evening another hiker took a picture of the damage. There was a swollen black eye for days after.

Here is a picture of the damage.

My best day on the AT

18 July 2009

Today marks one month on trail and it turned out to be the best day so far.

Spent last night at the Osgood Tent site just down the trail from Franconia Notch. The morning started with a big climb in the clouds up the end of "The Presidential Range". The first big peak is Madison. There are many false peaks where it seems the top is just ahead, only to arrive
there to find another apparent peak yet to be climbed. During the long ascent the weather started to change and the occasional view flashed by. Streams of clouds whipped across the mountain tops.

Stopping at the Madison Hut for a break, several hikers ended up helping cook Maddie in return for some leftover baked goods. She gave us a note "these hikers are awesome" to use at the next hut.

Continuing onward, the skies cleared up and the views were spectacular - at least for a few minutes until the weather changed again!

The big climb of the day was to the top of Mt. Washington. It is a tourist attraction which can be reached by foot, car, or Cog Railway. The minority arrive by foot. Unusually, the summit was cloud-free and the views excellent!

From there, a short hike brings one to the "Lakes in the Clouds Hut", the largest and most popular of the huts. Four of us get a work-stay.

That evening as the sun set a large cloud descended first on the summit of Mt. Washington, then around the hut. Sunshine was reflecting off the valley below resulting in colored clouds outside the hut windows. Even the Croo were amazed. Soon those clouds moved away and the views
were excellent. There were 4 to 5 layers of clouds above, valley views below, and the setting sun reflecting everywhere. One of the Croo stood on a rock outside and played his fiddle as the sun descended. Many guests sat outside in the chilly wind to enjoy the experience.

And that, friends, was my best day on trail so far.

Huts and the White Mointains

"The Whites" refer to the White Mountains in the state of New Hampshire. One of the trails there is the oldest continuously used trail on the USA. The mountains are high, above tree lime, the weather changes quickly and constantly, and the views are spectacular. If the weather is bad, white is the only view. The highest recorded wind on the top of the highest mountain, Mt. Washington, is 232 miles per hour!

Due to the area's popularity and weather conditions, places to spend the night are closely regulated. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) maintains the trails and has established a network of huts to provide sheltered accommodation. Bunk beds and meals are provided for guests on a generous budget.

This is Madison Hut...

Fortunately thru-hikers can ask for a "work-stay". This involves washing dishes, windows, floors, or something similar for the right to sleep on the dining room floor and eat with the crew (referred to as Croo).

Thanks to some especially friendly Croo - Matt at Carter Notch Hut and Maddie at Madison Hut.

Injury!!

The trail is a dangerous place where things can happen quickly.

While coming down huge slabs of slippery rock (common in Maine), one has to walk on the muddy sides and hold onto trees for support. The pine trees have the small limbs broken off, but not all the way. About 4 inches of hard wood stick out horizontally. Under the muddy sides
of the trail there are often roots and sometimes they cause even the well placed foot to slip out.

Toward the end of a long day of hiking carefully in these situations a supposedly well placed foot slipped. In order to not fall down a huge rock slab, I of course hung onto the tree. My body swung around the tree and I hung on. In a flash, the tree approached my face and one of
those broken limbs came within a fraction of an inch of poking out my right eye. Bleeding started. To say it shook me up is an understatement! That evening another hiker took a picture of the damage. There was a swollen black eye for days after.

Here is a picture of the damage.

My best day on the AT

18 July 2009

Today marks one month on trail and it turned out to be the best day so far.

Spent last night at the Osgood Tent site just down the trail from Franconia Notch. The morning started with a big climb in the clouds up the end of "The Presidential Range". The first big peak is Madison. There are many false peaks where it seems the top is just ahead, only to arrive
there to find another apparent peak yet to be climbed. During the long ascent the weather started to change and the occasional view flashed by. Streams of clouds whipped across the mountain tops.

Stopping at the Madison Hut for a break, several hikers ended up helping cook Maddie in return for some leftover baked goods. She gave us a note "these hikers are awesome" to use at the next hut.

Continuing onward, the skies cleared up and the views were spectacular - at least for a few minutes until the weather changed again!

The big climb of the day was to the top of Mt. Washington. It is a tourist attraction which can be reached by foot, car, or Cog Railway. The minority arrive by foot. Unusually, the summit was cloud-free and the views excellent!

From there, a short hike brings one to the "Lakes in the Clouds Hut", the largest and most popular of the huts. Four of us get a work-stay.

That evening as the sun set a large cloud descended first on the summit of Mt. Washington, then around the hut. Sunshine was reflecting off the valley below resulting in colored clouds outside the hut windows. Even the Croo were amazed. Soon those clouds moved away and the views
were excellent. There were 4 to 5 layers of clouds above, valley views below, and the setting sun reflecting everywhere. One of the Croo stood on a rock outside and played his fiddle as the sun descended. Many guests sat outside in the chilly wind to enjoy the experience.

And that, friends, was my best day on trail so far.

Mahoosuc Notch

The Mahoosuc Notch has no road going through it. But the AT goes there. It is known as the most fun or difficult 1 mile on the Appalachian Trail. It is also likely one of the most dangerous.

The notch is narrow. On one side a cliff shoots straight up (southbound hikers climb to the top of the cliff via side trail after completing the notch). Huge house size boulders have broken off the cliff and fill the bottom of the notch. The trail is a series of puzzles where the hiker has to figure out how to climb up, under, or around the rocks.

It is a tiring but exhilarating mile of trail. In hindsight, lots of fun. Not sure that was what I was thinking going through!

Some pictures and videos can be found by Googling "Mahoosuc Notch". I was too focused on the trail to take pictures.



Here is one photo from the Internet...

Mahoosuc Notch

The Mahoosuc Notch has no road going through it. But the AT goes there. It is known as the most fun or difficult 1 mile on the Appalachian Trail. It is also likely one of the most dangerous.

The notch is narrow. On one side a cliff shoots straight up (southbound hikers climb to the top of the cliff via side trail after completing the notch). Huge house size boulders have broken off the cliff and fill the bottom of the notch. The trail is a series of puzzles where the hiker has to figure out how to climb up, under, or around the rocks.

It is a tiring but exhilarating mile of trail. In hindsight, lots of fun. Not sure that was what I was thinking going through!

Some pictures and videos can be found by Googling "Mahoosuc Notch". I was too focused on the trail to take pictures.



Here is one photo from the Internet...

What is a "Notch"?

In New Hampshire, there are many Notches... Franconia Notch, Grafton Notch, etc.

According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_pass)


In a range of hills, or especially of mountains, a pass (also gap, notch, col, saddle, bwlch, brennig or bealach) is a saddle point in between two areas of higher elevation.^{[citation needed]} If following the lowest possible route through a range, a pass is locally the highest point on that route. Since many of the world's mountain ranges have always presented formidable barriers to travel, passes have been important since before recorded history, and have played a key role in trade, war and migration.

and...

There are many words for pass in the English-speaking world. In the United States, the southern Appalachians more commonly use the word gap, and notch is often heard in New England. Scotland has the Gaelic term bealach (anglicised "Balloch"). In the Lake District of north west England, the term hause is often used, although the term pass is also common — one distinction is that a pass can refer to a route, as well as the highest part thereof, while a hause is simply that highest part, often flattened somewhat into a high level plateau.

What is a "Notch"?

In New Hampshire, there are many Notches... Franconia Notch, Grafton Notch, etc.

According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_pass)


In a range of hills, or especially of mountains, a pass (also gap, notch, col, saddle, bwlch, brennig or bealach) is a saddle point in between two areas of higher elevation.^{[citation needed]} If following the lowest possible route through a range, a pass is locally the highest point on that route. Since many of the world's mountain ranges have always presented formidable barriers to travel, passes have been important since before recorded history, and have played a key role in trade, war and migration.

and...

There are many words for pass in the English-speaking world. In the United States, the southern Appalachians more commonly use the word gap, and notch is often heard in New England. Scotland has the Gaelic term bealach (anglicised "Balloch"). In the Lake District of north west England, the term hause is often used, although the term pass is also common — one distinction is that a pass can refer to a route, as well as the highest part thereof, while a hause is simply that highest part, often flattened somewhat into a high level plateau.

Appalachian Trail - Part 2

A few "hikers" outside the Stratton Motel in Maine.

Someone's idea of combining humor and Privy (what Maine people call a toilet)...

And inside, a double seater with a Cribbage Board... who would be playing cards here????

Appalachian Trail - Part 2

A few "hikers" outside the Stratton Motel in Maine.

Someone's idea of combining humor and Privy (what Maine people call a toilet)...

And inside, a double seater with a Cribbage Board... who would be playing cards here????

Body Weight and Food

Need a diet? Hike the AT. At first it seems great, the extra weight just falls off. Quickly the body goes to something akin to High School weight. Fantastic.

Then you realize - all the extra weight is gone and there are still 2,000 miles of hiking to go!

About 4 weeks into the hike, many experience "The Hunger". At that point when a hiker enters a restaurant and the waitstaff asks "What would you like?", the answer is "I'll start with the left half of the menu, and then continue with the right half". Only a joke, but not by much.

It is a serious problem. Hikers can burn through about 5,000 calories per day. Carrying that much fresh food is too heavy. So, some live on a "high calorie sugar diet". Many eat dried foods while on trail and then stuff as much food down as possible during stops "in town". Commonly a hiker can be found eating an entire large pizza for dinner, then finishing up with a pint of ice cream.

What is a more healthy diet that will work? Not sure yet, but presently trying lots of options. Meanwhile I have eaten more sugary and sweet food in the last month than the last 10 years. It seems to me that America is addicted to sugar.

Body Weight and Food

Need a diet? Hike the AT. At first it seems great, the extra weight just falls off. Quickly the body goes to something akin to High School weight. Fantastic.

Then you realize - all the extra weight is gone and there are still 2,000 miles of hiking to go!

About 4 weeks into the hike, many experience "The Hunger". At that point when a hiker enters a restaurant and the waitstaff asks "What would you like?", the answer is "I'll start with the left half of the menu, and then continue with the right half". Only a joke, but not by much.

It is a serious problem. Hikers can burn through about 5,000 calories per day. Carrying that much fresh food is too heavy. So, some live on a "high calorie sugar diet". Many eat dried foods while on trail and then stuff as much food down as possible during stops "in town". Commonly a hiker can be found eating an entire large pizza for dinner, then finishing up with a pint of ice cream.

What is a more healthy diet that will work? Not sure yet, but presently trying lots of options. Meanwhile I have eaten more sugary and sweet food in the last month than the last 10 years. It seems to me that America is addicted to sugar.

Hiking Legs

Starting out, nothing seems to work well.
Weight needs to be more optimally distributed in the pack.
Feet need to step in less slippery places.
Roots, deep pools of mud, slippery bog bridges, huge stretches of water "puddles" - all seem to jump out in front of you in the trail.
Muscles seem not strong enough.
You fall, many times. Often not nicely (that means painfully).
Balance comes more from the hiking poles/sticks than the body.
and, more...

It takes some weeks, but slowly the body/brain team start to shape up. After enough falls and mis-steps the efficiency starts to increase. After all, starting in the north and hiking south puts some of the trails biggest challenges right "up front".

And then, after about 400 miles, the legs start to kick in and you have what is called on the trail "hiking legs".

Hiking Legs

Starting out, nothing seems to work well.
Weight needs to be more optimally distributed in the pack.
Feet need to step in less slippery places.
Roots, deep pools of mud, slippery bog bridges, huge stretches of water "puddles" - all seem to jump out in front of you in the trail.
Muscles seem not strong enough.
You fall, many times. Often not nicely (that means painfully).
Balance comes more from the hiking poles/sticks than the body.
and, more...

It takes some weeks, but slowly the body/brain team start to shape up. After enough falls and mis-steps the efficiency starts to increase. After all, starting in the north and hiking south puts some of the trails biggest challenges right "up front".

And then, after about 400 miles, the legs start to kick in and you have what is called on the trail "hiking legs".

Lean-to's and Dedication

Just over 200 miles south of Mt. Katadhin is the Poplar Ridge Lean-to. These shelters have walls on 3 sides and a roof. They are very welcome, especially in bad weather, and save having to set up a tent. Most have a spiral notebook inside where hikers leave notes about their thoughts and experiences. Interesting reading.

In this lean-to the notebook has a set of notes printed by Dave, the volunteer who has taken care of this lean-to and the miles of trail around it for 52 (that's right, 52!!) years. As a matter of fact, he built it!! Lots of hard physical labor involved over the years for sure. One of his notes answers a hiker's question "What is the strangest/nicest thing you ever found in a shelter?". Answer "Strangest was a Porcupine and nicest is the girl I married years ago".

Huge THANKS to Dave and all the other volunteers who dedicate a large part of their time (and money) to keeping the trails in as good a shape as possible for us to hike on!!

Lean-to's and Dedication

Just over 200 miles south of Mt. Katadhin is the Poplar Ridge Lean-to. These shelters have walls on 3 sides and a roof. They are very welcome, especially in bad weather, and save having to set up a tent. Most have a spiral notebook inside where hikers leave notes about their thoughts and experiences. Interesting reading.

In this lean-to the notebook has a set of notes printed by Dave, the volunteer who has taken care of this lean-to and the miles of trail around it for 52 (that's right, 52!!) years. As a matter of fact, he built it!! Lots of hard physical labor involved over the years for sure. One of his notes answers a hiker's question "What is the strangest/nicest thing you ever found in a shelter?". Answer "Strangest was a Porcupine and nicest is the girl I married years ago".

Huge THANKS to Dave and all the other volunteers who dedicate a large part of their time (and money) to keeping the trails in as good a shape as possible for us to hike on!!

Dunked in the Carrabassett River

This was the toughest ford to date. While in the trail town Stratton, Maine, we heard that the river was quite high and many people decided to "yellow blaze" - skip that section. In my mind and for my trip that would mean a non-completion of an AT Thru-Hike. The official regulations allow detours only for safety reasons. A northbound hiker had come through the day before and said that he "rock-hopped" the crossing and the water only came up to his ankles. Since he was the only first-hand report, I decided to make the crossing.

Reports indicated that the first part of the crossing was on rocks leading to a boulder center stream. From there a bridge went across the rest of the way.

While on trail, met Tenacious Turtle and Lacota coming the other way. They said "you made the right decision, the water is one foot below the bridge". Good news.

On reaching the Carrabassett however, the water had risen again and now the last 30% of the "bridge" (a single plank of wood) had water rushing over it.

Climbed out to the large boulder in the center of the river. The plank bridge had a hole in the end with a heavy metal cable looped through it and the boulder. Started across, but it seemed a bit shaky. Assuming the other end also had a cable holding it in place, reached down to adjust the plank. To my great surprise, the other end whipped off the rock and out of my hands. Since the board and cable were upstream from me on the boulder, it almost swept me off the rock!

Pulled in the board and tried to find a way to reset the bridge. Impossible.

Decided to ford and found a spot just downstream. Started across. Water up to my waist but as my body blocked the fast moving water, it soon came much higher. My hiking poles were firmly planted. My feet were firmly on the floor of the stream. The water pushed up to my chest. I was quickly pulled off my feet and DUNKED, face down with pack on, in a torrential flowing stream! Dove for the far side. Got past the fastest moving part. Scrambled to my feet, now with water weight in pack and clothes. Tiring. Got to the far side with only a small rock bruise on one leg. The sun came out for about 45 minutes, and I dried out and warmed up. Fortunately clothes and sleeping bag were dry. It was a cold night that night and a warm sleeping bag was essential.

Fortunately that night (as most) there were other hikers in the Lean-To (shelter) so help was available if needed.

The other fords in Maine were far easier by comparison.

Dunked in the Carrabassett River

This was the toughest ford to date. While in the trail town Stratton, Maine, we heard that the river was quite high and many people decided to "yellow blaze" - skip that section. In my mind and for my trip that would mean a non-completion of an AT Thru-Hike. The official regulations allow detours only for safety reasons. A northbound hiker had come through the day before and said that he "rock-hopped" the crossing and the water only came up to his ankles. Since he was the only first-hand report, I decided to make the crossing.

Reports indicated that the first part of the crossing was on rocks leading to a boulder center stream. From there a bridge went across the rest of the way.

While on trail, met Tenacious Turtle and Lacota coming the other way. They said "you made the right decision, the water is one foot below the bridge". Good news.

On reaching the Carrabassett however, the water had risen again and now the last 30% of the "bridge" (a single plank of wood) had water rushing over it.

Climbed out to the large boulder in the center of the river. The plank bridge had a hole in the end with a heavy metal cable looped through it and the boulder. Started across, but it seemed a bit shaky. Assuming the other end also had a cable holding it in place, reached down to adjust the plank. To my great surprise, the other end whipped off the rock and out of my hands. Since the board and cable were upstream from me on the boulder, it almost swept me off the rock!

Pulled in the board and tried to find a way to reset the bridge. Impossible.

Decided to ford and found a spot just downstream. Started across. Water up to my waist but as my body blocked the fast moving water, it soon came much higher. My hiking poles were firmly planted. My feet were firmly on the floor of the stream. The water pushed up to my chest. I was quickly pulled off my feet and DUNKED, face down with pack on, in a torrential flowing stream! Dove for the far side. Got past the fastest moving part. Scrambled to my feet, now with water weight in pack and clothes. Tiring. Got to the far side with only a small rock bruise on one leg. The sun came out for about 45 minutes, and I dried out and warmed up. Fortunately clothes and sleeping bag were dry. It was a cold night that night and a warm sleeping bag was essential.

Fortunately that night (as most) there were other hikers in the Lean-To (shelter) so help was available if needed.

The other fords in Maine were far easier by comparison.

Fording the Pleasant River

During "normal" weather conditions, the water at this ford is "ankle deep". After weeks of heavy rain the conditions change.

There are actually 3 streams coming together. Upon arrival they seemed fast moving but narrow. It would be possible to make just 2 crossings, with the second being after a merging of two streams. The first crossing was cold and wet, but passable without too much trouble. The second was a different story. Carefully planting my hiking poles, started across - one slow and careful step at a time. The middle was the fastest and deepest. The planted poles were vibrating like crazy. No choice, must move ahead. Days of hiking in either direction to get to "civilization", food limited to one extra day beyond plan, etc. Time to cross! The water got higher until it was at my crotch. Felt my body (even with a heavy pack) getting lifted off the bottom of the stream!

Finally, passed the fastest part and got across. Continued down the trail in pouring rain.

Fellow hiker Sisyphus (and his dog Icarus) came one day later. Then the river was Chest High!! He and another hiker scouted upstream for a better place to cross. He lost a hiking pole in the river, but both hikers and the dog made it through.

Fording the Pleasant River

During "normal" weather conditions, the water at this ford is "ankle deep". After weeks of heavy rain the conditions change.

There are actually 3 streams coming together. Upon arrival they seemed fast moving but narrow. It would be possible to make just 2 crossings, with the second being after a merging of two streams. The first crossing was cold and wet, but passable without too much trouble. The second was a different story. Carefully planting my hiking poles, started across - one slow and careful step at a time. The middle was the fastest and deepest. The planted poles were vibrating like crazy. No choice, must move ahead. Days of hiking in either direction to get to "civilization", food limited to one extra day beyond plan, etc. Time to cross! The water got higher until it was at my crotch. Felt my body (even with a heavy pack) getting lifted off the bottom of the stream!

Finally, passed the fastest part and got across. Continued down the trail in pouring rain.

Fellow hiker Sisyphus (and his dog Icarus) came one day later. Then the river was Chest High!! He and another hiker scouted upstream for a better place to cross. He lost a hiking pole in the river, but both hikers and the dog made it through.

The biggest ford on the AT

During June the ferry service described below only runs in the morning. Stayed the night before in a "tent cabin" at a nearby whitewater rafting company Northern Outdoors http://www.northernoutdoors.com/ campground. The next morning met Master Guide Dave Corrigan on the north side of the river. Due to recent rain the water was almost too high for him to cross by canoe! There is a "white blaze", the official mark for the AT, on the floor of his canoe. A bridge has not been built here because huge blocks of ice come down the river every Spring and would destroy all but the largest bridge.

So, across we go with another hiker (trail name - Sisyphus) and his dog (a 10 month old Husky named Icarus) in the middle. We ferried across, pointing the canoe at an angle pointing upstream and toward the far side. After crossing, we were far downstream from our starting point, but right on target.

Here is some info from the MATC website (http://www.matc.org/matcq&a.htm):

The Kennebec River is the most formidable un-bridged crossing along the entire 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail. The Kennebec is approximately 70 yards wide with a swift, powerful current under the best of circumstances. However, as a result of releases of water from hydro facilities upstream, the depth and current of the river surge quickly and unpredictably. You cannot cross faster than the water level rises.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FORD THE RIVER.PLEASE USE THE FERRY SERVICE.

The MATC and the Appalachian Trail Conference have contracted with David P. Corrigan of Fletcher Mountain Outfitters for the next three years to provide a scheduled ferry service across the Kennebec River at the A.T. crossing at no cost to hikers.

This ferry service -- not fording -- is the officially sanctioned means of crossing the Kennebec River on the Appalachian Trail. The A.T. was located here originally because of the existence of a ferry to provide access to Pierce Pond for visiting sportsmen.
Hikers must meet the ferry on either the east or west banks of the Kennebec River at the point of the AT crossing. If the ferry is on the opposite side, a signal flag will be provided to alert the ferry operator.

Hikers will be required to sign a release form, wear a life jacket, and follow the instructions of the ferry operator. If river conditions or weather make the crossing dangerous in the judgment of the ferry operator, the service will be discontinued until conditions improve.

The biggest ford on the AT

During June the ferry service described below only runs in the morning. Stayed the night before in a "tent cabin" at a nearby whitewater rafting company Northern Outdoors http://www.northernoutdoors.com/ campground. The next morning met Master Guide Dave Corrigan on the north side of the river. Due to recent rain the water was almost too high for him to cross by canoe! There is a "white blaze", the official mark for the AT, on the floor of his canoe. A bridge has not been built here because huge blocks of ice come down the river every Spring and would destroy all but the largest bridge.

So, across we go with another hiker (trail name - Sisyphus) and his dog (a 10 month old Husky named Icarus) in the middle. We ferried across, pointing the canoe at an angle pointing upstream and toward the far side. After crossing, we were far downstream from our starting point, but right on target.

Here is some info from the MATC website (http://www.matc.org/matcq&a.htm):

The Kennebec River is the most formidable un-bridged crossing along the entire 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail. The Kennebec is approximately 70 yards wide with a swift, powerful current under the best of circumstances. However, as a result of releases of water from hydro facilities upstream, the depth and current of the river surge quickly and unpredictably. You cannot cross faster than the water level rises.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FORD THE RIVER.PLEASE USE THE FERRY SERVICE.

The MATC and the Appalachian Trail Conference have contracted with David P. Corrigan of Fletcher Mountain Outfitters for the next three years to provide a scheduled ferry service across the Kennebec River at the A.T. crossing at no cost to hikers.

This ferry service -- not fording -- is the officially sanctioned means of crossing the Kennebec River on the Appalachian Trail. The A.T. was located here originally because of the existence of a ferry to provide access to Pierce Pond for visiting sportsmen.
Hikers must meet the ferry on either the east or west banks of the Kennebec River at the point of the AT crossing. If the ferry is on the opposite side, a signal flag will be provided to alert the ferry operator.

Hikers will be required to sign a release form, wear a life jacket, and follow the instructions of the ferry operator. If river conditions or weather make the crossing dangerous in the judgment of the ferry operator, the service will be discontinued until conditions improve.

Fording

A "ford" is a river crossing where there is no bridge. Most fords on the AT are crossed by walking. Water can be high or low, fast or slow. The situation can change quickly. There is risk and can be danger.

Fording

A "ford" is a river crossing where there is no bridge. Most fords on the AT are crossed by walking. Water can be high or low, fast or slow. The situation can change quickly. There is risk and can be danger.

And a few more from the 100 mile Wilderness

South end of the 100 Mile Wilderness...

And a few more from the 100 mile Wilderness

South end of the 100 Mile Wilderness...

Photos I - The Beginning

Here are some shots from the start of the trip.

Standing on the top of Mt. Katadhin - the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

One of the many lakes - in the rain...

Photos I - The Beginning

Here are some shots from the start of the trip.

Standing on the top of Mt. Katadhin - the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

One of the many lakes - in the rain...

Attaaaacccckkkkk!!!!! - Part II

Found out later that another hiker was also attacked... and this time the bird hit. He now has a 6 inch scar and a 2 inch scar - on his head (he is balding) - to prove it. "Can you guess where I got this scar??"...

Attaaaacccckkkkk!!!!! - Part II

Found out later that another hiker was also attacked... and this time the bird hit. He now has a 6 inch scar and a 2 inch scar - on his head (he is balding) - to prove it. "Can you guess where I got this scar??"...