All: first off, let me explain/apologize for the lengthy delay. The single longest stretch of the AT where hikers do not encounter any towns- essentially the most remote section of the trail- is the 100 miles that begins 15 miles from the northern terminus (Mount Katahdin). The stretch is called the “100 mile wilderness” and the photo you see here is of the sign that warns hikers at either end of the 100 miles (this one is the one I encountered when exiting it to the south).

The remoteness requires added pack weight due to the need to carry extra food and fuel, and it challenges one on many fronts due to the enhanced risk associated with physical problems, broken gear, etc. I experienced both.
I made a poor decision to get new shoes a week before starting since I had worn down the pair I hiked in during May and June. The new shoes tore nickel sized craters on each of my heels, which I was forced to hike on for the full 100. Doing 15 mile days through heavy up and down trails, dodging roots and rocks with every step and slogging through the aftermath of hurricane Arthur made it a supreme physical challenge. Additionally, my water filtration system failed with 3 days left and I had to scramble to borrow replacent parts from others. I’ve included a picture of my heels, but don’t recommend viewing while eating!

Ouch

If any of you are interested in tracking progress on a map, I am writing from Shaw’s Lodging in Monson, Maine, 115 miles into my journey. I’ve got REI sending replacement shoes and will be holed up here relaxing until then. I’m watching the world cup at the hostel with a pair of German hikers! I’ll post a bunch more photos this afternoon…am just testing to make sure the upload features work as expected. More to come in a few minutes.

[The following post was written the morning of July 4th, just prior to entering the 100 mile wilderness].
According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, 90% of people who attempt the AT choose the northbound route. One of the reasons is that Maine is considered the toughest section and Katahdin (northen terminus) the toughest single day hike. The AT is long, but when you’re walking it, its simply a long series of day hikes-with very infrequent bathing showers but lots of rain showers.
So, in taking the SOBO route (Southbound) I tackled Katahdin first. It’s a 10 mile climb- not really a typical hike- and for the record, I’ll never do it again. So glad I have the biggest single-day challenge of the trail behind me.
Yesterday was another 10 miles through a mixture of dry land and swamp, with swarms of newborn mosquitos from the downpour of the previous evening. Had to cross 4 or 5 streams that ended up being calf to knee high wading. Huge downpour last night so I just packed up a wet tent for today, as I begin what is called “the hundred mile wilderness” and as it implies, I don’t think I’ll have cell reception during that time, so I’ll be out of touch for the next week to 10 days, depending on pace. Am nursing some serious blisters on my heels as the result of swapping shoes about a week before leaving. The new ones are much stronger, but rub my heels in new spots.

The picture above tells the story: Springer Mountain, Georgia is 2155 miles away.

Typical “White Blaze” marking the AT