SOBO Experiences on Katahdin and in the 100-Mile Wilderness

Miles One – 114.5

Climbing Katahdin

After a restless night at the AT Lodge, I was more excited than a kid on Christmas morning to climb Katahdin. I knew it was basically a jungle gym for adults filled with boulders, rebars, and lots of elevation. I went into the experience fairly humbled, but I still got my ass handed to me. Katahdin was a tough hike, and was made tougher when a thunderstorm rolled in as we began to descend. I’d never been in a thunder cloud before, and I hope to never do it again. For all that, Katahdin was fierce, beautiful, and awesome. I did manage to turn my knee in a not-so-pleasant way on the ascent, which later affected my time in the 100-Mile Wilderness.

 

100-Mile Wilderness/The Highs

After leaving Baxter State Park, we began some of the highest, hardest, and most fun climbs we have ever done. We were graced with gorgeous days for the most part. We went swimming three times in waterfalls and lakes. We sunbathed on shores using our Tyvek groundcloth as a beach towel. We summited peaks with breathtaking vistas like White Cap Mountain and camped alongside pristine ponds. I have never in my entire life looked out from a mountaintop and seen nothing but untouched wilderness as far as the eye can see from all angles. I did in the 100-Mile Wilderness, and I will never forget that. The only thing I haven’t yet seen, but really want to, is a moose. I know they’re out here because their poop graces the trail every few miles. Bullwinkle, I’m looking for you! In ways of gear, we put our Triplex through its paces and found out that it does great in the rain. It’s also the perfect size for both of us plus gear! P.S. we now have trail names. You can call me Wren and Brian is Gray.

100-Mile Wilderness/The Lows

I hadn’t really expected to post any lows when I started this trek, but I suppose when anything is hard there are bound to be a few tough moments. That same knee I twisted on Katahdin reared its ugly head while trekking through the 100-Mile. It started as a dull ache and gradually built to a tight and sharp pain. This obviously did not get better as I traversed mountain tops, so I’m here with Bri/Gray at Shaw’s Hostel and will be here for at least two days. We may stay longer if it means fixing this mess of a knee. All I know is that I’m pretty damn stubborn and will try any and all possibilities of saving my thru-hike. It’s still way too early, and I’m not ready to go home just yet!! With that, here’s to some much needed R and R, a decent shower or two, beer, and a knee brace ASAP!