Maine
Mahoosuc Notch
Baldpate Mountain, 3810 feet

"The man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it."

Journal Entry 7.25.00
"7pm at Full Goose Shelter. Only 9.6 miles today but it was long and I decided to end here early and do the notch tomorrow. The trail was up and down all day. My knees were hurting. Good weather today and good weather expected tomorrow so I'm hoping for an easy time weather-wise through the notch. It's important to take it easy now and not burn out on the last section. Everyone else I know is ahead and I'm actually kind-of enjoying being alone."

Journal Entry 7.26.00
"8pm at Baldpate Mtn. Shelter. 12 miles today. Did the infamous Mahoosuc Notch in 2 hours. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be! AND I did fine in my sandals. Everyone I've met in the last few weeks has been warning me and telling me that there's no way to even ATTEMPT the notch in sandals. Well it has been done, what can I say? I had lunch with Tin Man at Spec Pond Shelter and then continued on here. I have mixed feelings about being so close to the end. Part of me wants to slow down and enjoy these last few weeks. The other part wants to speed up and be done and go home."

Journal Entry 7.27.00
"7pm at Hall Mtn. Lean-to. 14 miles today. It rained last night and it was hard to get up this morning in the cold, wet dampness. But somehow I peeled away from the warmth of my sleeping bag and started hiking at 7:15am. The climb up to Bald Pate wasn't too bad but once I got above tree line it was BRUTAL. The winds were so strong and visibility was poor. It was really cold and I felt like I was going to be blown off the mountain. It was such a relief to finally get back in the trees and out of the wind. The climb down was steep and slow going on the wet rocks. After that the trail really wasn't too bad and even though it was cold, wet, misty, and foggy all day, the rain somehow held off. I got here at 4:30pm - the shortest day in a long time. I was happy to find room in the shelter - only 2 other people here. I'm running out of food BIG TIME so I will have to go into town either tomorrow or the next day. The weekend hikers in the shelter here are making a feast for dinner and it's torture to watch them eat and know they have so much extra food!!"

Journal Entry 7.28.00
"8pm at the Andover Guest House. I only hiked 4 miles today, to the road at South Arm, and decided spur of the moment to come here. I was nearly out of food and growing tired of rationing. Plus I was feeling that my clothes smelled more than usual and I was just wanting to get clean and rest. It was a good decision. This place is AWESOME - very clean and the hosts, Peg-Leg (yes that's his name!) and Sandy, are SO NICE plus they have a WHOLE TABLE full of People Magazines so of course I've been reading those all day. I ran into Two-Stepper and L'Escargot here and we went across the street for dinner at the General Store. We ordered sandwiches and then had one pint of Ben & Jerry's each for dessert."

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