Maine!!!!
9-24-2014
As we entered Southern Maine, we knew it was going to be tough, and it proved true. It didn't help that we both had started to get bad colds and that really took a toll. We have had a feeling of anxiousness to be done with the trail, spurred alot by the sudden cold weather. So when our colds only allowed us to go 8-9 miles a day for about 4 days, we had to just accept it. Lucky for us though, we took care of each other. We have shared a lot through this trip and as gross as it is, we even shared a snotty handkerchief. Thankfully, by the time we hit the Mahoosuc Notch, known to be the hardest mile of the trail, we were feeling better. The Notch is full of huge boulders that take some pretzel like moves and flexibility to reach from rock to rock. Some parts included going into mini caves, laying down, and army crawling through while pushing your pack through the tiny spaces. We kept thinking 'what is Dragonfly going to do?' Dragonfly is a lady on the trail. She is 74 years old and very petite and she is going for the record as the oldest lady thru hiker. We spoke to her after the notch and she said it was especially scary for her as she knew if she fell she would break bones. We stayed on top of Old Speck that night in hopes of seeing a good view of the sunrise. We got up just in time before the clouds and fog came rolling in to enjoy our meal with the view. Maine has really been something else, sometimes it is brutal and right when you start getting down, it gives you something great. One of the best feelings on the trail is when the sun starts beaming after a frigid day. Your fingers defrost and your whole body starts warming up, including your spirits. You take a moment and look around at the beauty of nature. It is hard to be out in the brunt of all the weather where there is no hiding, but on those good sunny days it seems there is nothing better in the world. Bullseye's favorite view on the trail has been the Bigalows, where you can see everything. One side is of endless trees in the valley which are overlooked by the Maine mountains. The other side is a spectacular view of Lonesome Lake that goes on for miles, and off in the distance we could just barely see the tip of Katahdin, where our journey will end. My favorite part of Maine is the marshes and bogs. When I walk over a boardwalk, I often stop and take in the beautiful fall colors of the trees against the dark green long grasses of the marsh. We have not yet seen a moose, but we have been close. A couple that was only 15 minutes ahead of us saw one walking down the trail. Hopefully in the 100 mile wilderness we will see on. It would top off the state of Maine for us. Right now we are in Monson, the last trail town until we are done. It's a bit of a melancholy feeling knowing this is our last time with many of our fellow hikers, as we all head into the last stretch. The hiker community is one like no other. After spending only one or two days with a stranger they become so close. I think the trail tends to strip people down to their most honest selves so it is easy to have so many genuine relationships. Bullseye and I both have had such a great experience out here, and while we are going to miss it we are ready to be winding down. Next time we write we will be finished....how surreal.