My friends Jan and Chip continued hiking on into southern Maine after we “crushed” the Presidentials. I had to shuttle ahead (about a three hour drive) to start my solo hike through the Maine hundred mile wilderness. It’s the final portion of of the northern AT before the final ascent of Mt Katahdin. There are no public roads through this final portion of the hike, so in the past you had to carry enough food to last for the entire trek. Since I planned a reasonable “old man’s goal” of about 10 miles a day, that’s a lot of food. Fortunately, now there are private adventure companies that can meet you in the middle on one of the many logging roads and give you a prearranged food drop. That was my plan for day five.
Ready to begin :
Here are some views of the first few days. A bit disappointed that I didn’t see any moose but I did have to fight off a killer 3 foot toad climbing up a tree along the way.
One of the more memorable stops was camping on Jo – Mary Lake on Antlers campsite. I went swimming, fishing and woke up to a beautiful sunrise.
Five more days in the Wilderness :
Finishing up with katahdin in the background :
I ended the 100 mile at Katahdin Stream Campground, hitched a ride into the nearest town, Millinocket, which was about an hour away. There, I was to meet my boys Ed and Ben to plan are ascent of the big one :Katahdin.
Wednesday morning we left Millinocket at 5 AM to be ready to start at the base of the mountain by 7 AM.
This was by far the biggest physical challenge of my AT hike. I was certainly glad to have my boys help their dad up, down and around some of the tougher climbs. Here are some views and moments:
I’m home two days now writing this post. Still with assorted aches and pains, but not unexpected. Great to be back close to family and friends. I’ll follow up with a post shortly to share some general thoughts and “insights” after my initial three months on trail.
Appalachian Trail Adventure 
Congrats!!! How much weight do you loose? Will catch up you. Sam
Sent from my iPhone
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Lost 20 pounds!
See you soon
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Congratulations…and welcome home…you were missed.
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Mike – MAZEL TOV and CONGRATS on doing what you planned & set out to do!!! A fine accomplishment, especially escaping the “jaws of death” from that MONSTER toad!!! Your entire family & all friends should be extremely proud of your trip; and the boys should be doubly proud since they witnessed your successes & struggles first hand. All the best and I can’t wait to follow your adventure the next time!! Regards to all – Ken.
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These pictures made me laugh. Loved the toad too!
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great adventure you’ve engaged in and involved so many others too…congratulations, Mike!
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Great to see the view and the accomplishment glad it was good for you. Glad you made it back safe hope work is ok miss you all. Take care keep in touch tell Dr. Edmonds I said hello.
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Fantastic Mike, Fantastic
Lou >
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