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Sep 7, 2024 : John Kriz Appalachian Trail

Off to a Good Start

Off to a Good Start!

I can’t believe it’s already time to kick off hiking SoBo! Because I’m starting so late in the year, I’m accomplishing some parts of the trail that have date dependent windows. Aside from Baxter State Park / Katahdin, this includes the Kennebec River crossing. After traveling 13 hours by car, we stayed the night st the Sterling Inn. It was very nice. The next morning, after breakfast, we headed out.

My 1st official steps on my SoBo journey were wet!

But in a fun way. GrayJay dropped me off at the trail head and we hiked South to catch the canoe ferry across the river. Despite being there at 0900, there were already 6 people waiting to cross SoBo and 8 waiting to come north. The ferry paddler had never seen the water so low…we had to wade in the water to board the canoe. I completed the 3 mile hike to the next road crossing (an hour drive for GrayJay, lol) and we worked our way up to Baxter State Park.


We stayed at Katahdin Stream Campground – 2 nights. The hike up Katahdin was difficult, extremely difficult. I left at 0430 and hiked to the tree line by head lamp. Despite hiking across the White Mountains and Presidential Range, I was not fully prepared for how hard this would be. Lack of trail legs contributed to the difficulty. It took me 11 hours to hike up and back.


I was moved beyond description as I approached the sign…


The walk across Tableland was beautiful – perfect weather and extensive views. I started hiking early enough and it was not crowded. Sitting across from the sign, there it was staring back at me…Katahdin… I was afraid to touch it, and it took me a while to finally approach and embrace the sign.

I’m on the clock now, no turning back, no excuses. I will accomplish the goal.

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John Kriz
Sep 7th : John Kriz
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John Kriz's Bio

Hi, I’m John Kriz (AlphaGal). Some just call me Kriz. 2024 will finally be my time to attempt a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Eight years ago, for our 25th wedding anniversary, my wife and I decided it would be fun to summit Mount Washington. Afterwards, we continued to hike different sections of the AT and since then, I’ve become serious about completing the whole thing. I’ve completed just over half…but I CRAVE the day I can just keep hiking. 2024 coincides with my retirement, and the opportunity to just keep hiking until I’m done. Somewhere along the way, I was bitten by a Lone Star tick and I became severely allergic to red meat and dairy, a condition known as Alpha-Gal allergy. Seven years later, I believe I’ve finally grown out of it. So, 2024 will also be a celebration of recovery…and with it a new trail name. Looking forward so much to the journey and sharing it with you.

Comments 6

  • Holly : Sep 8th

    Wow I’m surprised the river was so low after all that rain. I guess they are controlling the flow however. I look forward to enjoying some Fall pictures from your hike.

    Reply
    • John Kriz : Sep 8th

      Thank you!

      Reply
  • Craig : Sep 9th

    Yes, you WILL accomplish the goal! We have NO doubt!

    Reply
    • John Kriz : Nov 25th

      Thank you for your confidence in me!

      Reply
  • Wendy : Nov 24th

    I’m looking forward to seeing & hearing all about your hike!

    Reply
    • John Kriz : Nov 25th

      Thanks Wendy! I enjoy sharing the experience. 🙂

      Reply

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