The Maine Thing....

Katahdin
Baxter State Park
Maine

The border of Maine is only a days hike away.  I think the reality of finishing is beginning to sink in. The trail to Baxter State Park and Mt. Katahdin is by no means an easy stroll through the woods, but it is the last stretch to conquer.  282 Miles of the Appalachian Trail winds through the state.  It is the most remote and wild section of trail. Known for unique wildlife such as Moose and Lake Loons. For hikers there are a couple of features that make this last trek rather daunting. 

 Mahoosuc Notch is considered the hardest mile on the trail!

That is a rather menacing distinction for a hiker who has just walked over 1800 miles of trail.

Maine is also notorious for it's number of river and stream crossings.  Some of these can be dangerous. The Kennebec River is the largest unbridged crossing along the trail and a ferry service is provided. The "service" consists of a 16 foot canoe for hikers to use. 

Then there is the "100 Mile Wilderness", a very remote area just before reaching the end of the Appalachian Trail if you are a NOBO (North Bound Thru-Hiker). 

This stretch of muddy, rocky, wet, buggy, remote wilderness will be the last great hurdle before Katahdin itself.

Silas is determined not to stop. 

With less than 300 miles to go, Silas should finish well before the end of September. 

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.

 -Edward Abbey-