I convinced Bryson to get the true AT experience and sleep for a night in one of the shelters on trail. He dropped me off at Grafton Notch and I hiked twenty miles to the closest shelter. Bryson was able to take a side trail to meet me five miles from the shelter. His feat was in actually finding the Success trailhead! With the sun setting we made it to camp just before dark. I hadn't realized how much hiker etiquette is in place on the trail until Bryson had joined. (When to blow up your sleeping pad-the correct way to position your pad- bear hangs- sleeping bag time- red lights on the headlamp- cooking outside of the shelter- where to wash your pot out.. etc) I walked him through my normal routine upon arriving and setting up. I forgot how strange it can be for one to fall so peacefully asleep in the wilderness. The total darkness and unknown wooded sounds can take some getting used to. I enjoyed reminiscing upon my first week of sleep out on the trail. The best way to get a good nights sleep= hike more miles! (Bryson didn't like that solution) I must admit it was fun for me to be able to share this experience with him. It certainly gave him a better perspective on how I have been living for the past few months. AND in proper trail fashion he got the good old rain experience!
We were able to meet up with Aunt Kate and Uncle Craig just outside of Andover, ME! Can't believe the last time I saw my Uncle was in southern VA... Oh the miles and the memories since our last encounter. We enjoyed great convo in the small town restaurant of Dicks in the town of Mexico. Thanks so much for making the drive north to meet us- it was wonderful to catch up:)
It was certainly bittersweet to cross into the last and final state. I have started to run into the early Southbound crowd. I get so excited thinking of the amazing places and people that lie before them. They have no idea the trail magic they will encounter. I know I didn't! To all SouthBound hikers with many miles ahead, I wish you the best of luck. Stay true to yourself and your hike. To my fellow NoBos enjoy the last leg WE ARE IN MAINE!!!
Happy trails - New Found
That is the trail! Maine really embraces keeping the trail "wild"
Thankful for all of my NOLS stream crossings!
Let's Boulder
Crossing into the last state wahoo
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