Date: 2007-09-21
From: Gorham, NH

To: Trident Col Tentsite
Miles today: 6.9

September 21, Autumn BeginsWe made it out of Gorham finally. The shuttle guy, Bruce, was even nice enough to give us frequent flyer miles to redeem for a free ride today. Thanks, Bruce! I'm not sure if Melk and Ronin knew how much I appreciated them coming back to town with me but I really did. I felt much better today. Glad I went back to let that medicine leave my system.We started hiking around 1:30 p.m. and it was and AMAZING day. The weather was perfect. I was in shorts and a shirt and perfectly comfortable. The sun was shining, the sky was clear, and the air was still. I know I whine a lot about the weather but I enjoyed every minute of this. Thanks to everyone who sent warm-weather wished my way. Amazing. It's just amazing when you can not worry about keeping warm and just enjoy yourself.We climbed up Mt. Hayes steadily. I was enjoying the hike too - it was a nice change from the Whites where all we did was hop up and down from one rock to the next. This was hiking again. Actual hiking! It was a tough climb but it was really pretty and we were moving. It seems that overnight the leaves have started to change colors and line the trail. Spectacular.We then climbed up Cascade Mtn. and took a break. We didn't have much time to go too far today so we parked it at the Trident Col Tentsite. We got here around 6 p.m., did all of our camp chores, and even ate dinner before dark. Nice. It actually makes me miss the summer hiking - we would have plenty of daylight to hang out in camp or, if we wanted, to hike a few more miles. What a luxury that was....I can't believe I started hiking in the winter, hiked all through the spring, all through the summer, and today marks the first official day of fall. Holy frijoles.I've been thinking a lot about the end of this trip and reflecting on all of the fun it's been along the way. I'm a little sad I'll have to skip miles in Maine in order to finish at a decent time but that doesn't outweigh how I feel each day - which is tired, achy, and ready to be home to get started on new things. I do have a wedding to plan (and a job to find, and a home to find). The trail has been an adventure and, for a while, felt like home. But I'm sure I won't have any regrets about the way I'm doing it. It feels the most right for me now.Tomorrow, I will wake up and if the weather and all else holds up, I will be in Maine by the end of the day. Can't even believe it. And, at my best approximation, in 20-ish days I will be done!It seems appropriate to note here that my left Achilles hurts, both of my shins hurt, my knees are sore, and my pinky toenails will probably never be the same again. But I will set out for Maine again tomorrow! And I will think about all of the times I've said, "are we in Maine yet?"- Very quiet except for the occasional leaf falling (which can seem quite loud when it's so quiet). Post Trail Thoughts:Well, I can tell you that both of my pinky toenails have since returned to normal. My knees on the other hand - not sure they will ever see normal again. But what a nice night this was. And very nice to be able to reflect before entering Maine.