Bye for Now

I had the pleasure of taking the fundraising check down to the Frazee Dream Center today.  Thank you to all those who contributed to the campaign.  We raised over $3,000 collectively.  The money will go to support the great mentoring, tutoring and role modeling that the Frazee staff and volunteers offer to inner city youth.

I have healed up nicely in the little over two months since I finished the hike.  I was actually very surprised that I felt as achy as I did when I finished hiking, since I really felt pretty good all the way to the end of the hike itself.  I guess my mind must have been "willing" my body to keep together through the end of the hike.  When I stopped hiking my ankles swelled and my knees hurt.  At any rate, I am pretty much back to normal now.  I have put my weight back on, plus a little extra.  I am gradually learning that I cannot eat everything I want to now that I have stopped hiking.

As I have put a little distance - time-wise - from my hike, I have grown to appreciate the whole experience.  Here are some thoughts that I hope to remember going forward:

• We tend to make life much more complicated than it needs to be.  We can carry everything we need to live in a 35 pound backpack.
• Getting outdoors - especially "way outdoors" away from the hustle and bustle can be incredibly healing.
• A good meal involves shared tasks, good conversation, and wholesome food.  (And I missed that often on the trail.)
• To the extent it is possible, do the tough climbs in the morning.  That probably applies to any task in life... do the tough one first.
• Avoid using the words "should have".  Live in the present.

Signing off for now. 

Hannah Swoap receives our contribution check from Tom

It Is Finished!

 

Wow... we did it! I have been home for about 24 hours now, amazed at the luxury of modern civilization.  I am reflecting on how grateful I am for the experience of hiking the AT and for all the support I received along the way.  Thanks, trail angel Anne, and Kevin, and Phil and family, and friends of all of us who supported me with your thoughts, prayers and advice.  Thanks to all the people who provided trail magic along the way, to keep me going when I was tiring.

It will take a while for me to process what I have been through, but I wanted to get this note out with thoughts I have for the kids at the Frazee Dream Center, and remind those of you who have followed along on my hike that you are invited to make a donation to the Frazee Dream Center if you share my desire to help provide positive mentorship to needy children in our city.  You can find directions for donations at the upper right of my blog at: http://mexbuki2014.blogspot.com.

For the kids at Frazee: I have realized for a while now, as I have been hiking, that a long distance hike is a metaphor for life itself.  That means that a hike can represent life itself in many ways. These are the thoughts that occurred to me about hikes and life.

• It is good to start with a destination in mind.  Know where you want to get to.  Don't be afraid to dream big.
• Once you know where you want to get to, start taking the steps that will lead you to that destination.  Keep walking - don't go backwards.  There will be pleasurable days where the steps seem easy (sunny days with gentle paths).  There will be hard days where you won't feel like walking (muddy days where the trail is full of rocks and roots, and hard climbs and descents). 
• You are stronger than you think you are.  Trust that spirit within you that leads to love, joy, peace, patience and self-control.
• Accept gratefully the help that people who want you to reach your goals, like your mentors, provide you.  (They are trail angels.)  Avoid people who are "dream killers" - who tell you that you cannot reach your goal.
• Enjoy the journey.  Celebrate when you reach a milestone - like a beautiful view at the top of a mountain.

I will be getting a few more posts out in the next week or two as I continue to process my hike.  For now, I'll just say it was great having Kevin join me for the conclusion of the hike and I am appreciative of Moose, Teton and Superman, who were the other three thru-hikers that were crazy enough to do the Katahdin climb with us on a gnarly weather day.  I have added a few more pictures below.



Just another beautiful Maine view

Kevin successfully joined me in the 100-mile wilderness

Kevin experienced some sunny days - here taking a swim









And of course he experienced some rain



Ironically, right after we got back off Katahdin the sun came out

 





Photos October 5-8 Tom and Kevin and notes

T

Kevin's first view of Mt Katahdin




At The Penobscot River



We did it! October 8, 2014 Mt Katahdin



The four thru hikers-Moose, Teton, Superman and Mexbuki

             Here are some things that Tom has told me about their time together so far.

 

The schedule was pretty aggressive from Sunday through Wednesday with 15 miles, 17 miles, 21 miles each day before making it to the location on Wednesday morning where they would summit. Mt Katahdin. Each of those days they hiked well past dark with headlamps on. The weather forecast was not good on Wednesday morning as they were leaving Baxter State Park but 3 other thru hikers also were eager to get going so they all hiked as a group. To their knowledge they were the only hikers to try and summit at all that day. There is a sign in and out register system set up by the park rangers to make sure each hiker does come back down safely. It rained so much that their phones got quite wet and Tom's phone with these photos has made a recovery; Kevin is going to try the rice bag trick and see if his cell phone  can come back to life. While they were at the very top I am told that the winds were so strong that Tom was pushed over twice while they were getting the photo.

They spent Wednesday night in Portland, Maine, enjoyed their dry beds, showers and a great breakfast before heading out to explore the area on Thursday. Both guys have pretty sore leg muscles right now. Once they have some better internet access they will be making more entries to this blog. As of Thursday October 9 they are in a hotel in Downtown/ Old Port- Portland, Maine exploring the city for a few days before heading home this weekend. I had Kevin promise to try to eat some lobster with butter dripping off his elbow. Perfect!

 Anne

Mt Katadhin in the rear view mirror Whoo Hoo!

Tom, Kevin and 3 other hikers made the climb up and down Mt Katahdin  today in a stinging  rain storm according to Tom. They decided to hike as a group. Tom his knowledge that was the total for the day that hiked to the summit.  Amazing! Can you believe it?  Several other hikers had decided to wait until tomorrow for a better weather day.


Photos will follow as soon as possible.
Tom called as he and Kevin and "Superman" were enjoying  cups of coffee in " to go cups" not  Nalgene bottles on the way to Portland, Maine to explore a bit in a car out of the rain. He called me on "Superman's" phone who also hiked with them today; his was the only phone among them that could get a signal and he also was going to Portland.  I expect the next few days these guys will be enjoying all that life can offer.
Anne

The Appalachian Trail Lodge for Kevin tonight

I have heard from Kevin and  his flights from Austin, Texas to Bangor, Maine went smoothly and his backpack made it as well. He was driving to the Appalachian Trail Lodge for the night and will meet up with Tom in the morning. The staff at the lodge shuttles hikers to and from airports and the trailheads in the area as well as offer lodging, a café,  laundry, showers and some supplies.

Appalachian Trail Lodge, Millinocket, Maine

The plan will be to summit Mt Katahdin on Wednesday or Thursday depending on the weather.

 

 

 

 

Anne



A text and call from the Wilderness!

I had not expected to hear from Tom at all during these few days and imagine my surprise when I receive this text,
"All good so far in the wilderness.  Crazy trail magic at the end of the day yesterday. A guy had seven of us over to his cabin with a generator and a well. He fed us dinner, let us sleep on his bunks and fed us a great breakfast this morning before we left!"
Wild!
Tom was on a peak and tried to call. We had a short conversation that dropped a few times .  Looks like a rainy weekend for Kevin's arrival he said.

Anne

Maine's 100 Mile Wilderness

If you look at the map below, Monson, Maine is where Tom departed October 1. The goal is Baxter State Park in this next week and soon he will be able to see Mt Katahdin off in the distance.



Mt Katahdin

 

It is estimated that 2-3 million hikers visit and hike a portion of the Appalachian trail each year. In any given year thousands begin the journey with the intention to hike a thru hike. Only about 25% actually are able to complete the trek in 12 months. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy recognizes any hiker that completes the entire AT in a 12 month period as a "2,000 -miler." The phrase originated in the 1970's after 10 people completed a thru hike. That year,  Ed Garvey published a book entitled, Appalachian Hiker: Adventure of a Lifetime, after his thru hike.

This year a record number of northbound thru-hikers have passed through the AT headquarters office in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Along with Tom, 1,267 hikers have registered at that midway point as of September 16, 2014, which beats last years total by 137 hikers.

In 2013 the  total number of hikers who completed a thru northbound hike was 875.

If you have an interest in the history or any further information this is the  web site,

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/

 

Anne

Monson, Maine September 30, 2014 -Mile 2070

Lakeshore House, Monson, Maine
 
The Lakeshore House  is the location that Tom spent Tuesday night, September 30, 2014.  There are 110 remaining miles in his hike!  Tomorrow the hikers will start hiking the 100 mile wilderness area. It is generally considered the wildest section of the Appalachian Trail, and one of the most challenging to navigate and traverse. This section of the A.T. is crossed by several logging roads and is maintained by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club.  Kevin will be joining Tom the morning of October 5.  It is likely that the next communication will be once Tom and Kevin actually are at the summit; which is Baxter Peak on Mt. Katahdin; Maine's highest mountain.   This is scheduled to be October 8 or 9 weather depending. Photos will be posted as soon as available.

 

 

Maine and over 2,000 miles complete!

Tom is trekking on and passed Stratton, Maine this week. He tells me that he was able to take the first shower in nine days! yikes!
He saw a moose this morning and snow was expected in some of the higher elevations. Kevin will join him on October 4.  I packed their hiker boxes and mailed them yesterday; Kevin's with some skittles as requested and Tom's with some chocolate bars.
Tom sounds actually energized and knowing that there are less than 200 miles to go is encouraging. The wireless signals are few and far between in Maine and I will hear an update again in about 5 days when he reaches The Lakeshore House in Monsoon, Maine. He tells me that many folks are on the trail now and the hikers are all trying to finish before October 15 when the end point, Katahdin, is closed for the season due to weather conditions.
I am posting his photos...the beautiful views speak for themselves.
Anne.

Hiking Mahoosuc Notch

Hiking the notch with Peter Rodegast



Trail Angel "Looney Laurie" gave me a ride back to the trailhead from Rangeley but wanted to show me Small Falls first

Scrambles, who I had not seen since Gatlinburg!

Into Maine !!

Just a little excited as Mexbuki enters Maine Sept 18, 2014

Tom's Update Wednesday September 17, 2014

Just wanted to fill you in briefly on my first week back on the trail while I have access to a computer.  Coming back to the White Mountains, generally considered to be the toughest part of the trail, was both a challenge and extremely rewarding.  I just completed the Whites yesterday with a 21 mile hike that ended at 8:30 pm in the dark with my headlamp on. Right now I feel like 'toast' but also feel that I have experienced my favorite part of the hike.
What makes the difference is being above the tree line. They say that if you are fortunate enough to experience a clear day at the top, you have views that are unparalleled. Well...after being socked in at the top of most of the mountains early on, I was gifted a day and a half of perfect weather for my ascent of Mt. Washington and many of the presidentials. I hiked with a Bostonian for an hour or so descending from Mt. Washington.  He is a frequent hiker and said of that afternoon," it never gets like this" referring to the sunshine with no wind. The caretaker at Madison Spring Hut the next morning said in giving the day's weather report ," I have never heard of forecasted visibility of 120 miles before". My pictures will give you some sense of what I experienced although they cannot begin to do justice to the magnificence of the views.
I am struck with all the non-coincidence associated with my trail experience. I have mentioned some of them before. Brother-in-law George having access to his sister's house in Lincoln, New Hampshire, which was exactly the little town I needed to get to in order to resume my hike. The first shelter I come to after resuming the hike being named Eliza Brook Shelter which is the name of my new granddaughter that I had just gotten off the trail to visit. That inspired my Ode to Eliza.  Passing Fishing Jimmy Trail at the end of my first day back...when Fishing Jimmy is the person that I have dedicated this hike to. Bumping into a little grey haired 72 year old  lady as she was leaving Zealand Falls Hut one morning and then ending up at Crawford Notch just as she was arriving and having her pass along some food that she had not eaten, saving me a trip into town. And the stories go on and on...
A quick note on the huts in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I had really expected them to be mostly a non-factor for my hike. I thought they were mostly for the short section hikers. I popped into the first one morning just out of curiosity and the crew offered my leftover breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, pancakes and  oatmeal. Then as I approached the Zealand Falls Hut I thought I would ask about a work for stay option, just to have had the experience. It turned out that they took me on, and I got a great dinner and a warm dry place to stay in return for me scrubbing some pots and pans. After doing that I thought I should save those work for stay options for the hikers on a really tight budget. But as I approached the Mizpah Hut the next night the weather had taken a turn for the worse; cold, windy and raining. I weakened and asked if they had a work for stay option available which lead to another great meal and a place to stay in return for sweeping out and cleaning out the bunkhouses. Finally, the next night after going over Mt. Washington I approached Madison Spring Hut in the dark. It was 8 pm when I arrived and  I thought it was so late it would not hurt to ask as no other hikers will be coming later. The crew said "yes" and so I stayed three consecutive nights in huts.
I am nearly done with New Hampshire, should be arriving in Maine tomorrow!
Tom

Ode to Eliza Mae written by Mexbuki ( Grandpa)

Deep, deep in the woods there is a mountain brook that bears your name. The brook is sunny and happy, just like you. Hikers passing through the mountains stop at the brook to drink and fill their water bottles in order to satisfy their thirst.  You, Eliza, satisfy a thirst-a yen-deep in your Grandpa's heart.

Eliza Brook, New Hampshire

Loving people built a shelter alongside Eliza brook. The shelter is new and beautiful, just like you. The people who built it selected only the best logs, hand carved them, and fitted them together with special care. God knitted you together in your mother's womb with special care, using the best parts of your mother and father.

Eliza Brook Shelter, New Hampshire

Hikers come to the shelter to find comfort, to sleep, and to be protected from storms.  Your mother, father and big brother comfort you and will protect you from life's storms as you grow up and become an adult.  When you are grown you will be strong and able to protect yourself.  Then you will be able to offer protection to others when they are engulfed by the storms of life.

May the God who formed you continue to watch over you all the days of your life. Your grandpa-and all of your family love you very much.

Photo journal September 9-15, 2014

The following photos were sent today from Tom's camera. He has been right on track as far as where he wanted to be and enjoyed a wonderful sunny day when he was on top of Mt Washington. He is staying at White Mountains Lodge tonight and will slack pack tomorrow 21 miles and then he will be out of the White Mountains. Slack Packing is used when a hiker does not hike with their full 30-40 pound pack on their back. A day pack is a welcome change and then they meet back up with their belongings later that day. He expects tomorrows hike to take 11 hours and he will be using his headlamp before returning to the lodge.

He was surprised to find this section of the trail his favorite. As you can see from the stunning views the White Mountains do take your breath away.

The huts have also proven to be great. He has worked for stay three times now and his work involved some help with meal preparation or washing up dishes in exchange for dinner and breakfast and a room.

Eliza Brook Shelter

Eliza Brook

Fishing Jimmy Sign

Fishing Jimmy trail

Great view while hiking the White Mountains




White Mountain views



White Mountain Views



White Mountain Views



More great views



Warning posted for Mt Washington

 

Outside Lake of the Clouds

 

Cog Train for Mt Washington



Tom at the summit of Mt Eisenhower



Hiker Hermes finding a cell signal on the way to Mizpah



The sun pops through on Twin Mountain

Tom on Mt Washington summit



The view down Mt Washington toward Madison Springs Hut

After dinner at Madison Springs hut.



Morning dawn from Madison Springs hut.



Mt Lafayette behind Mt Washington ahead Saturday September 13, 2014

I spoke to Tom this noon. he is finding that wireless signals are few and far between in the White Mountains. He sounds energized and loving every day. His first day back hiking was cool and sunny. He passed Eliza Brook Shelter and Fishing Jimmy Trail as planned. He tells me he wrote an Ode to Eliza ( our new granddaughter ) when he was there. The photos and story will be passed along when he will reach the White  Moutains Lodge in 3 or 4 days.
New Hampshire has a number of huts in the White Mountains that have meals provided and rooms for rent. They are a big step above the shelters that he has come across so far along the trail. Sept. 10 he passed by the Lonesome Lake Hut mid morning and was able to refill his water but also enjoy a hearty breakfast of eggs and pancakes.

Trail near Lonesome Lake

After hiking Mt. Lafayette yesterday and finding 70 mph winds at the summit he was able to work for stay at Zealand Falls Hut last night.



Mt Lafayette, New Hampshire

 He tells me that the last 2 miles of the hike was above tree line and reminded him a great deal of the summit area of Pikes Peak in Colorado. All you Camp Pike folks from Coppell will know exactly what he means. The staff along with some hiker volunteers at Zealand Falls Hut provided a meal including chicken, rice and homemade bread. After staying in a warm room for the night he had enjoyed a great breakfast this morning. The normal fee to stay in one of these huts in Maine runs about $100.00 average so if a work for stay slot is available that is a great find.

Zealand Hut Exterior

Zealand Hut Interior

Tomorrow he will tackle Mt Washington...that summit is known for having the highest wind speeds ever recorded. I see today they are posting wind speeds between 69 and 28 mph. When you add in a temperature of 41 degrees and that makes for a big adventure.
I spoke to Kevin today and he is beginning to gather the items that he will be bringing for his part of the hike. Hiking poles, a warm fleece and a good Gortex jacket are at the top of the list.
Anne