The 100-Mile Wilderness (Day 157)

It was my second morning in a row eating the Shaw’s hiker breakfast, and it did not disappoint. I woke up a bit earlier today, so I easily snagged a seat inside and started on my first of many cups of their bottomless coffee. 

The Beginning of the End

After breakfast, I settled up, and Poet (the owner) shuttled the first group of us back to the trailhead. On the brief car ride, he shared a lot of good insight into what we could expect in the coming days. A former thru-hiker, he seems like a kind, thoughtful guy. You can tell that he has a passion for helping AT hikers. 

Just a few steps back into the woods, we passed the infamous 100-mile wilderness sign and officially started the last section of the trail. The terrain wasn’t too difficult today, but recent rains made simple rocks and roots much more formidable. Everything was slippery, and I moved slowly to avoid any tumbles.

Water Crossing

I stopped for lunch at Thompson Brook, and less than a mile later encountered my first real water crossing on the trail. Big Wilson Stream couldn’t be rock-hopped, and the water came up to my knees. It wasn’t too cold, and I changed into my camp shoes to avoid soaking my trail runners and socks. Easy peasy. 

A Push Before Bed

I arrived at the Long Pond Stream Lean-to around 5:30 PM, but I decided at the last minute to push a bit farther before setting up camp. The climb up Barren Mountain was pretty steep, and I finished about half of it before pitching my tent at a small dispersed site just off the trail. 

I’m eating my backpacking meal inside my tent and hoping it doesn’t get too cold tonight. I’m trying to conserve my phone battery as much as possible through the 100-Mile Wilderness, so I’ll be going to sleep early tonight (no scrolling permitted). This time next week, I’ll be on my way home.