Time for something New (like Hampshire)

(A reminder to look back at the pictures we couldn't post last time as the alpine zone is gorgeous)

Well, this update comes to you from Gorham, New Hampshire - yes New Hampshire! After three weeks of hiking we finally made it out of Maine.  Hard to believe, in some ways this is moving by so quickly.  Will remember Maine for all the wonderful water (so cold and clear), the rugged terrain and the Alpine zones above the tree lines.

After leaving Rangely, we hiked five days to get to Gorham early and take a zero day.  Not sure the rest is worth the extra effort but it rained all day Thursday so good day to be resting.  It rained several nights this past week as well, though after we had settled in.our shelter.  (So many small miracles and tender mercies have accompanied us on this trip). 

Southern Maine has some of the toughest terrain, with average daily grades over 15%. Luckily our trail legs have finally come (though the feet and joints still hurt every day).  In addition to some additional 4Ks, we hiked the famed Mahoosuc Notch and Arm and finished the week with a long 21 mile stretch into Gorham.  We stayed at the Rattle River Lodge and were thankful to have a full day to recover before starting into the Whites this weekend.

Day 19 - we hiked 18 miles out of Rangely.  Though long, this was actually the easiest day as the trail was gentler with few big climbs.

Nix and Pothos (Erik and Scott) ready to leave the Hiker Hostile and return to the AT

We rang the Bombay Bell when we arrived and departed from the Hiker Hut in Rangely

Watch out for those hikers . . .

A scenic overlook as we crossed Maine Route 17 heading South 

Trail Magic! These nice people left snacks for hikers.  Nothing like a cold ginger ale to lift the spirits late in the day - thank you Gregg and Geri

Erik relaxing on top of Bemis Mountain

Many NOBO purists say the trail is meant to be hiked Georgia to Maine. However,  note the official emblem says "Maine to Georgia" which is SOBO ;)

A little break toward the end of a long day

Day 20 - we hiked a 13 mile section from Bemis to Hall Mountain that has the steepest full day grade we will encounter (steeper than Katahdin).  Everything was straight up or straight down.  Brutal on the joints and a tough day.

Rainy day so we found a little mushroom popping out on the trail (in lieu of a flower)

Old Blue was not a 4K but the trail was steep on both sides

Like, you need a ladder steep ;)

See the steep rock cliff face? We hiked down that today:(

Looking down on South Arm Road

Looking back on where we have been including the Saddleback and Bigelows 

Day 21 - we hiked a 14 mile section from Hall Mountain and ended on the Bald Pates.  Big climb to end the day but felt good (trail legs are finally here).

Another new flower

And, pond lillies

We find idylic places like this almost every day

Headwaters of Dunn Falls

The Dunn Falls and Notch

Berry bushes just in bloom (Peggy already eating our berries back home)

On Bald Pate (note how trail legs lead to happier pictures at the summits:))

Bog Bridges across an Alpine meadow

Still steep today, southern Maine is the start of the ROUSs.

Every once in a while the canopy breaks and a gorgeous view unfolds

Panorama from Bald Pate. You can see how it gets its name.

Day 22 - today was only 12 miles but it ended with the famous (infamous?) Mahoosuc Notch and Arm.  Some say it is the toughest mile on the AT though all agree it is the slowest mile.  Either way, It is more bouldering than hiking and we had a blast.

I love the many ways the AT is marked

Another fun waterfall as we start our climb

There is a sense of progress as previous climbs slowly recede in the distance

A new flower almost every day

The ROUSs attack as we enter the Mahoosuc Notch

There are caves in the notch where ice forms and never melts

This is untouched snow hiding in the Notch

In the Mahoosuc Notch the trail goes under, over and through the caves and boulders

The ice and snow remain year round 

A full moon shines down on camp

We took the side trail to Table Rock. Across the way is Old Spec, our big climb for the day.  When you look across you get a sense how tall 4000+ feet is

Fire tower on Old Spec

Panorama from the Fire Tower on Old Spec

Looking back.at where the day started 

Day 23 - What was supposed to be an easy 10 mile day turned into an epic 21 miler (with over 10,000 feet of elevation change) as we pushed through to Goram to earn a zero day. As a result, last few miles were in the dark and I took a big fall in the rocks that could have been the end of my hike.  Thanks for all those prayers as it resulted in just a few bruises (mostly too my ego) and we managed to get to Gorham about 10:30 PM.

Sun rises at 4:30 AM and this one was beautiful.  (PS - I do NOT get up at 4:30 AM)

Another steep section as we move from Southern Maine into New Hampshire 

First Mountain climbed in New Hampshire is Mount Success- seemed fitting

We crossed from Maine to New Hampshire today - a real Giddy Up moment after three weeks in Maine

Trail stays exciting as the ROUS's keep coming 

A long and tiring 21 mile day.  Trail legs or no, with so much elevation change your body feels those miles.

Gorham in the distance as we push through to get there. 

Signing off from Gorham. Tomorrow we head into the Wildcats and then into the Whites.  We are in AMC huts most nights but will still be contending with steep climbs (like Mount Washington) every day.  Excited as we will be above tree line for six straight days and expect some additional bouldering and amazing views.  Praying for sunny, dry days (raining today in Gorham). Not sure about signal up there so next update will likely be on the other side (in about a week).

Thanks again for all the well wishes and prayers.  Things happen every day that remind me we are being watched over.

Now to conquer the rest of the ROUSs and then push on to Vermont.  

#AppalachianTrail #SOBO #HikerHut #RattleRiverLodge