Date: 2014-08-05
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 36.0
Weather: clear sky

Michael and I are in the small Maine town of Stratton. We arrived here yesterday to avoid being on the Bigelow Mountains during the thunderstorms. We are so blessed to be on this journey, and want to use this post as a thank you. My parents, Tim and Peggy M., deserve a HUGE thank you. During the last couple of weeks of preparing for our hike, they graciously provided us with a place to stay (we sold our house and our apartment contract ended 8 days before we left), a place to store all of our belongings (thank you to my brother,T.J., also, for letting us fill his old bedroom with our things), a car to drive (we also sold both of our vehicles), "chauffeur service" to GA and TN, and delicious meals. Since we left, they haven't stopped supporting our journey. Now, they're shipping us supplies as we need them. Thanks, Dad and Mom!Michael's dad, Mike L., drove us from TN to ME. Not only did he take us to the beginning of the trail, but he also hiked the first (and so far, most difficult) day with us! His leadership skills and motivation ("Stop making excuses!" ) helped ensure that we made it to the top of Mount Katahdin. We're so happy to have shared that experience with him! Michael's boss, Jason M., and colleagues from Southern Tool provided much encouragement and support. They created custom hiking sticks and t-shirts for both of us. Southern Tool also made an extremely generous contribution to the charity we're hiking for, HikeforMentalHealth.org!In addition, we appreciate all the "going away" gatherings, meals, and gifts. Thank you to Joe and Linda H., Stephanie C., Bud and Joyce S., Wes and Allison T., Norman and Mahala T., Rachel and Ashleigh W., our Meggitt friends, and our other family members, friends, and colleagues who made us feel so loved.Thank you to everyone who has made a donation to HikeforMentalHealth: Southern Tool, Steven H., David H., Patricia S., Tyler and Whitney G., Ben and Lisa A., Brett and Val K., Joseph H., Dane W., Brad S., Joe and Linda H., Barry N., Martha and Lloyd S., Kevin and Pamela C., Rick W., Catherine S., Mike P., and three anonymous friends. Whether they gave $1 or $1,000, their donations are appreciated, and are for an important cause. Although we've hiked only about 9% of the AT so far, because of these people, we've already raised 23% of our $5 per mile goal! Thank you to everyone who has commented on our Trail Journals blog. Michael and I love reading the kind words. They keep us going through the mud, mountains, and mosquitoes! Also, we are so thankful for the text messages, emails, phone calls, care packages (thank you to Uncle Randy, Aunt Marcela, Victoria, and Marina), and most importantly, prayers. We're heading out of Stratton today, and plan to arrive in Rangeley around Saturday. Between here and there, we'll encounter some of the roughest terrain and highest mountains on the entire trail. Therefore, please continue to keep us in your prayers! "If you say, 'The Lord is my refuge,' and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." Psalm 91:9-12