Sep 21, 2015
Dropping pins and conjuring up memories. natgeo
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Dropping pins and conjuring up memories. natgeo
Case Dismissed
Photo: Gifts from the best fans in the world
Today I resolved the infractions filed against me by Baxter State Park rangers.
The littering charge was dismissed, and rightfully so. I did not litter, not for over 2,189 miles, not at the top of Mount Katahdin.
The group size charge was also dismissed, no surprise there. I checked in at the base of Mount Katahdin with 12 people and that’s all my group ever had.
The consumption of alcohol charge was accepted. I had a couple of sips of champagne. A friend brought the bottle without my knowledge to surprise me and two rangers at the bottom gave him a verbal okay. This is even acknowledged in the formal Baxter State Park ranger statements. I got caught up in the invitation to celebrate a transformative journey at the end of the Appalachian Trail, not to mention it was my wife’s birthday. I’ll own that for what it is. I agreed to a fine of $500 so that I would not have to travel back to Maine. Note: The normal charge is $200, but the DA and judge must have felt like they needed to treat me differently. In the media the DA keeps changing his mind, giving conflicting statements for the extra amount.
The reaction of Baxter State Park officials caught me off guard. Upon finishing my 46 day journey I was dazed with fatigue when I returned to the trailhead, only to receive the citations from three bullet proof vested rangers bearing arms. Now rested, I am disappointed with the extraordinary media effort used by the Park Director, Jensen Bissell who wasn’t even present. Next time he should try to get the facts straight before painting me in a bad light to further his agenda and benefit the park.
Over the past months I’ve learned a lot about Governor Percival Baxter. He certainly had a grand vision for hikers using Mount Katahdin for recreation, just as I did, and I’m pretty sure he would have celebrated my accomplishment as an inspiration to others.
Fittingly, I completed the Appalachian Trail on July 12, Henry David Thoreau’s birthday. My favorite quote of his is: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.“
But I think the most apropos Thoreau quote is: "That government is best which governs least.”
Thank you all for your continued support!
Keep putting one foot in front of the other,
Scott
Monday Motivation: Remember that mother ("Mama Bear") I ran into who is thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail with her twin 5 year olds ("Strongman" & "Little Butt") and 11 year old son ("Spicy Guy")? Well, I got word from Andrew Thompson that they summited Mt. Washington last week and should be entering Maine this week! So fortunate to have met this inspiring family! Here they are pictured on the summit of rainy Mt. Moosilauke.
Finally getting caught up at home! I’ve been browsing through your comments and one of the most frequently asked questions was, “What are those black things you’re wearing on your ankles?” Multiple choice, was it:
A. protection from trail debris
B. prevention of Tibialis Anterior tendonitis/tendonosis
C. gaiters to prevent ticks
The correct answer is B. One of the most prevalent injuries on the trail for thru hikers, including Appalachian Trail uber tough record holders Jennifer Pharr Davis and David Horton is Tibialis Anterior Tendonitis/Tendinopathy. It can be excruciating and most problematic on steep, long downhills. It presents as a squeaky or grating type sensation while flexing the foot and ankle up and down. I wore Pro-Tec Athletics Shin Splint Compression Wraps preventively starting on Day 2 rather than waiting until I developed the injury. They became an essential part of my kit, I ended up wearing them everyday for the rest of my journey.
While they may have looked odd, they were well worth it! Like Ben Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
photo: Alexis Berg / Grand Trail near South Mountain, PA
I know it was super early so if you missed me on The Weather Channel: Wake Up With Al Roker, it's available online at the attached link. Had a great time talking with Al and Stephanie, happy Monday morning!
Blown away by an anniversary gift from our friend in NY, Theresa Kelly. The detail she packed into this cross stitch is unreal! Can't wait to put it up in the van!
"It was unlike any other finish throughout my career. It was the ultimate finish line. You go through such an epic journey and struggle - seeing so many different parts of myself, the trail - it all culminated in the last few feet." - #ClifBar runner @scottjurek. Hit the link in our profile for the story on his record breaking Appalachian Trail adventure. #sjat15 #eatandrun
Details about Scott Jurek's supported Appalachian Trail speed record.
WOW.