Apr 20, 2018
Chasing blazes and making memories. #tbt #ATThruHike2017 #NOBO2017
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Chasing blazes and making memories. #tbt #ATThruHike2017 #NOBO2017
One year ago today I began my journey of 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way. #ClimbYourKatahdin #atthruhike2017
What I spent 3 months 29 days and 2,200 miles chasing. Dream big and swing for the fences. #ATThruHike2017 #WhiteBlazes
It's been two months since I finished my thru hike, but I back on trail white blazing. This time with the company of @lauraromo30 and Mason. #ATThruHike2017 #WhiteBlazing #optoutside (at Shenandoah National Park)
Remembering The Journey
Monson, Maine: ME 15 to Long Pond Stream - 15.1 miles
Total: 2,089.7
Katahdin or bust, 100 miles to go. This morning we woke up to pouring rain. I slept with earplugs I had no idea it was raining so hard until Pacer pointed it out to me. Seeing what was outside, I was glad we had spent the night indoors at Shaw's Hostel. We knew we would have short milage today so there was absolutely no rushing things. We woke up right at 7AM for breakfast which included bacon, eggs, home fries, and unlimited blueberry pancakes. The breakfast at Shaw's had been talked about and recommend by many SOBOs as we passed them. It was talked up for a reason. I think it may have been the best breakfast I have had on trail.
Left to right: Guac, Tree Walker After packing and getting ready, we headed for the trailhead. It would be our last section, the 100 mile wilderness. As we entered, there was a sign posted warning of the limited road access, supplies, and help. This section is known at the 100 Mile Wilderness.
We had plenty of supplies and sticking together we knew we would be fine.
This morning was rough for me. It felt as if the trail knew I was closing in and it was going to fight me every last mile. After the rain this morning, roots and rocks were slippery. I had a few falls and one actually took out my trekking pole. After 2,100 miles, my pole broke today. It snapped clean in half. I hurt to see the pole under me broken. We had been through so much. Of all my gear, my pack and poles I feel closest to. They are used every day. They feel like extensions of my body. I was truly upset the trailhad taken my trekking pole. But complaining would do nothing. As I told myself: Why does this have to be so hard, I got up and kept hiking. Maine is different then any other state. It has plenty of water making it muddy and wet but the views that the water sources provide are amazing and unique.
As I hiked today upset about the falls I had taken and the fact that my pole was broken, I couldn't help but reflect on the entire trail. My entire journey, all 2,100 miles. It is still crazy for me to believe that I have walked 2,100 miles. That I started in Georgia.
As I hiked today I remembered starting off in Georgia. The trail reminded me of that same trail I started on day one.
There is plenty more green now but the trail is the same. I couldn't help but smile and laugh at myself today as I saw white blazes on trees. I told myself the exact same thing I told myself on day one: I can't believe I am doing this, I am actually doing this, I am actually thru-hiking. That first blaze I saw in Georgia when I originally told myself that has brought me here into Maine. As I kept hiking the trail transformed again into what reminded me of Pennsylvania with rocks and boulders everywhere.
It felt like the trail was taking me back through my journey. Reminded me of all I have been through to get to this point. It even threw in a few switchbacks to remind me of Virginia. The mud from Vermont. The planks of New Jersey. I know my journey is coming to an end and I will be reflecting a lot in the next few days about what I have gone through. For now I don't mind remembering every mile, every blaze. I remember the people, magic, the trail, and all my amazing experiences. I remember the pain, suffering, and the tears. The good and the bad will make getting to the summit that much more worth it. Will make every one of the 2,200 miles worth it. Heading north, Guac
#ATThruHike2017 #WhiteBlazing (at Mount Katahdin)
#WhiteBlazing #ATThruHike2017 (at Mount Katahdin)
Guac - NOBO 2017. #WhiteBlazing #ATThruHike2017 (at Mount Katahdin)