Date: 2013-07-23
From: williMstown, ma. 

To: congdon shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Well, I'm back on the trail, fresh from four days of R n R. My nephew Michael married a beautiful young woman named Victoria and was truly the highlight of my weekend. This rest also gave me a chance to get my feet in shape and help Alison around the house. I brought my pack and my boots back to REI and traded them in for new gear. REI has a great guaranty, up to one year on all products. I was gonna try and exchange my old underwear but decided to just buy more boxer briefs, although they didn't stop the chafe today. I was dropped off by Alison last night and stayed dry at the motel while it poured out. This morning I woke up to a steadily improving weather system and of course, Dry! Hiked about 14.1 miles to Congdon shelter which is roughly 9 miles into Vermont. Sitting around the campfire with about 18 to 20 people that came into camp as a group. The coolest thing is they have been hiking together since Springer and have lost only one off trail. Ultimate Team Ethic working here as everyone is stress free and having fun. Tomorrow I will get up earlier than usual and do 18.7 miles I think ending at Kid Gore Shelter. My feet are finally feeling good with the new shoes and I think, at least for awhile, I've solved those issues. I did manage to get some chafe and that's never fun when you're trying to make mileage daily. You really have to think about the little things everyday and keep your wits about you in order to have a smoother routine. I have begun to add more clothing gear to my pack as the nights are starting to hit the 50 s and with a wet condition combined with colder temps, hypothermia is a possibility. I still am using the 45 degree bag but have thermals to wear which essentially turn it into about a 30 degree bag, perfect for now. I have a short term goal since returning this day to the trail to hike 207 miles to North Woodstock, NH. by the tenth of August so I can celebrate my fiftieth birthday with my wife. The Woodstock station will be hopping on that Saturday night! The way I figure it, I'll be half way to where I want to be in life with still plenty of adventures to live. This extreme form of mental and physical fitness I've ventured into has really transformed my mind and body from what I once was into a new person. I have Rid myself of twenty years of stress and strain from work and now have a game plan to get my wife out doing some fun, adventurous things with me. It's hard right now but things are looking better all the time. The hardest thing to do is give Alison a hug and say, see you in two weeks, watching her pull away and feeling a sudden loneliness overtake my senses. It's never easy but you soon put order to your thoughts and they become actions and before you know it, you're on your way again. 14.1 miles later, here I am, away I go! The time is 8:39 pm and I'm safely secured in my tent. Had to kill two Mosquitos that followed me in but now it's bug free in my sanctuary. I am adjusting my air mattress by laying in the fetal position and letting the air out until my hip barely touches the ground. By doing this step, I have created a soft cushion with contour support for my back without sacrificing comfort from the ground. Airing out my undercarriage to dry up my chafed areas so I can treat the fellas before the morning comes. 582 miles left to Baxter peak which, if I average 15 miles per day, will take me 39 days roughly providing I don't take any zero days. September 6th would be tough without resting. I'd better say four rest days so maybe the tenth or so of September. Monson around the end of August possibly would work if anyone wants to join me for some hundred mile wilderness adventure. Actually it's about 114 miles from monsoon to Katahdin. This section if the AT is the most secluded and toughest area to hike thru and you need to carry 7 to 10 days worth of food just in case you take that long to hike it. About seventy something miles in, you blow an air horn and a fella comes by canoe and picks you up and takes you to his hostel. I'll have to look up this place which is still weeks away. White House landing is the name of the place where you blow the air horn and they pick you up by boat and bring you to the hostel. It costs about 35$ pp and includes dinner if you're there when its being served if you're a guest, also includes breakfast. They have decent resupply and can get you the extra kick you need to finish. Wide awake at 3:51 am listening to the sounds of the stream near by and little creatures walking around outside my tent. Nearest tent is 40 yards away but the snoring sounds like its right next to me. Need another two hours of rest before its time to motivate again. Cool temps are here and a lot nicer than sweating in the muggy heat. I'll have to think about thermal layers in the not too distant future to keep warmer in this thin bag.