We are currently in Monson, ME, taking a near-zero (nero) day at Shaw’s Lodging, an awesome hiker hostel. We have showered, eaten and are now catching up with the outside world. First of all, we want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, text messages, voice mails, letters, etc. We have had a great time and it’s awesome to know we have a support team!
Without further ado, I present you with a summary of our last 10 days.
The last shower we took was on June 5. Today is June 15. That is a very long time to go without a shower, let me tell you!
We summited Katahdin on June 6, as planned. It was a beautiful, clear day with temps in the high 50s at the top. Couldn’t ask for a better start to our trip
Paul and Kristen were super trail angels and got us up to Baxter State Park (Katahdin) safe and sound. Then they hiked with us for 5 days (59.7 miles of the AT, plus the extra 5.2 miles up Katahdin). We absolutely LOVED having their company and they are stellar hiking partners helping us push our limits. They really brought the good weather too because the rain didn’t start until they left!
Our schedule usually goes something like this:
Wake up between 6 and 7 (although the sun comes up at 4:30ish!). Hike anywhere from 11 to 16 miles, which takes us anywhere from 8 hours to 12 hours. When we get to camp for the evening, we do our chores: cook dinner, set up tent, purify water, hang food bag … It’s just a regular work day for us! We are usually asleep between 8 and 9. We have stayed in our tent most nights, but usually it’s near a shelter, and more importantly, a privy. Here are some pix of our campsites.
We are no longer Justin and Patrice! We officially have trail names! J is Deal; if you know him, you can guess the origin of that name. He never pays full price for anything!! And he loves to tell people about his “deals.” Plus, Deal is a Grateful Dead song, so perfecto! As for me, I am Steadee. This is because I have a pretty steady approach to hiking … My pace is slow and steady, especially on the uphill, downhill and on rocks. Okay, pretty much all the time! And I am spelling it with 2 es because I like to be different.
The buzzing in my ears has finally stopped. What buzzing you ask? The blood-sucking mosquitoes! They have declared a war on the human race in Maine and have asked the black flies and no-see-ums to join their army. Seriously, you can play a mean game of connect the dots on our bodies and come up with some pretty pictures. We have doused ourselves in Deet and wear headnets/goretex all the time, but they find a way to skin.
Okay, more to come later…must take care of town chores, like washing our stinky clothes!
Location:Tenney Hill Rd,Monson,United States
Yeah congrats for getting along so well! I love the trail names. Justin, the jacket looks great on you! I hope to talk to you guys soon. ~SILadventure
Awesome post, PR! I actually just sent you an email before I logged on to your blog, so hopefully you'll get a chance to read it before you guys take off again. It sounds like you are having a great time!
Glad to hear all is going well! We think of you often! Safe travels and we'll see you in WV! Love you!
So happy you're doing this blog and we can follow along! Good luck as you continue your trip and know you have a whole group of people in Danville cheering for you and sending great thoughts your way!! Love you guys!
WOOHOO! We were just talking today and wondering if you would be posting soon or if the 100 ate you! 😉 So glad things are well despite the bugss!
Got exited seeing shelters!
Hey, Deal and Steadee, I'd sure take an extra shower or two just to "stock up" since you might not get another one for a while! Plus, those mosquitoes might leave you alone if they can't "find" you as easily? I know…if only it was that easy. Safe travels!
Beth
I love keeping up with you guys! Keep up the good work!! Have fun and be safe!
Michelle
Just the fact that you two are together 24/7 and still speaking is an awesome achievement. "Bouldering" – I don't lke the sound of that. Live to tell the tale, please.