The A.T. In New England

I’m writing this update in the Free Public Library in Dalton, Massachusetts. At this point I’ve completed 1578 miles of the trail and have 620 miles left to go. That is, I’m 72% done and have 28% remaining to complete. The rest of the hike will all play out here in the New England area of the U.S., in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and finally, Maine. It’s too early to speculate an actual end date since anything over a few miles of hiking can become impossible under any of a host of common problems, such as a badly rolled ankle, debilitating sickness, unhikeable weather, etc. But barring any of those concerns and as it stands right now, extrapolating from how things have gone thus far I’d estimate wrapping up some time right around mid-July. The hike still continues to amaze me for the fun I’ve been having and have added another great bear sighting (see the first video link below), a bunch more deer, a porcupine, frogs, a large snapping turtle, little orange lizards and many other woodland creatures.

Some of you may know that my original intent for this year’s hike was to attempt a coast-to-coast road walk. I planned the route meticulously for water sources, possible camping spots, etc. but ultimately balked at doing it because I was concerned about having to finagle sleeping arrnagements every night. My guess is that I’d end up staying in small town motels maybe as much as half the nights and that I’d have to hustle for favors everywhere (permission to tent in backyards, parks, fields, etc.) and that it’d distract from the walk. I’m still hopeful that I’ll muster up the courage and just for fun have dabbled in a couple of smaller road walks over the past few days (on routes that parallel the trail) during this section where the trail is moving through small town residential and farming areas. I’ve walked forest service roads, small town unpaved roads, paved roads, highways, etc. to get a feel for how that sort of walking would feel with a pack, on my feet, etc. My conclusion is that it’d be pretty hard on my knees and feet (compared to trail walking), but I still can’t seem to talk myself out of it. So perhaps this is a foreshadowing that if I feel up to another long distance walk in the future, a road-based journey may still be in the cards. Or not, we’ll see.

There’s a small town cafe/diner type place here called The Dalton Restaurant that opens at 5:30 a.m. and where I’ll be found tomorrow morning eating a plate of eggs benedict before hiking out of town early. I also retreived a box from Wendy at the local P.O. with new shoes, replacement trek pole tips and few items from home, including my electric razor which I used to trim down my beard (too hot and too many ticks!) and then sent back home with some other stuff.

Thanks again for your interest in my blog. I’ve also updated my YouTube Channel, so see the newest videos (101-115) there. All the best for a great summer- wherever you’re spending yours! Love, Max