Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Sprained ankles to Katahdin

Shaw's Hostel in Monson, ME.
At Shaw's we got a package with sweet goodies from Raindancer
 The half-gallon ice cream challenge is traditionally done in Pennsylvania, but I postponed it until Maine. I got about a pint down before I gave up. Just not worth it.
 
 Here is Pink Floyd freezing from the inside after finishing half a gallon of ice cream in 29 minutes.
  
We started walking on roads to Katahdin, this is Kokajo, population 11.
The first view of Katahdin.
Handstand and I had a deal to hike the last mile in only underwear.
 This is me powering up without clothes on.
 On top of Katahdin.



 That night.
I got a ride from Pink Floyd's parents to Boston, here we found out just how hurt we were and how close of a bond we made.

In San Diego with my niece. My whole fam is here as well. Happy times.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Katahdin

3 days after arriving in Monson, MA Comedy Central was back together. I was preparing myself to say goodbye to my friends because I did not have enough time to go into the 100 Mile Wilderness. My plan was to go to Katahdin via a hitch or two and do it by myself so that I can catch my plane to San Diego.

The weather had a different idea of what I was to do; starting with Irene there had been so much water that had been dumped on Maine that some of the river fords were very dangerous. Because we didn't want to die Pink Floyd came up with a genius idea; a road walk.

We walked from Monson, Ma to Baxter State Park. I was pumped that we would be able to summit Katahdin together, but had no idea how rough a 66 mile road walk would be. At the end of 2 1/2 days we arrived with destroyed knees and feet. Turns out walking on hard pavement for a long time can hurt you pretty badly. At one point all four of us were on pain killers because that was the only way we could keep walking.

At Baxter Park we only had 10 miles to the bottom of the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail; Katahdin. It was exciting getting to shelter that night because tomorrow the adventure would come to an end.

We woke up to freezing temperatures the next morning, but there was a lady and her friend doing trail magic for Thru-Hikers so it got our spirits up. The climb was decently challenging, but after walking for months it was easily overcome.

Handstand and I decided that we should hike the last mile in our underwear even though the top of the mountain was freezing. The top was filled with emotions but I was so happy to be there.

This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Everything about the trail has made me a better person.

Currently I'm in San Diego spending all of my niece's waking time with her. I will be here for the next 3 weeks and will put up pictures, videos and more post analysis of my adventure.

Stay tuned.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Cankle @ 1000

I have a cankle, after a thousand miles on the trail.

Yes it has come to that.

About 4 days ago I got to the section of the trail that was easier than what I have started getting used to in the Whites. It was refreshing to be doing 2.5 to 3 miles per hour, I forgot what that felt like.

I was blasting, HARD.

And then I got blasted. I stepped on seemingly flat ground but felt a sharp pain in my ankle and dropped down to the side. I screamed in pain and instantly was afraid about the future of my hike. After being down for a minute in pain I felt my endorphins hit me and I felt bliss. I kept hiking for 4 miles to get into town.

In town I took off my shoe and checked, it was swollen but I decided to keep hiking.

Yesterday I did the exact same thing. My ankle hurt worse this time around so I hitched into town and have been here ever since.

It sucks to be holed up in a hostel not being able to hike. I'm OK, I'd just rather be hiking.

My plan right now is to stay here until Comedy Central arrives tomorrow night. We will drink and be merry. The next morning I will hitch to Katahdin, summit and somehow make my way to Boston. In Boston the first part of my journey ends, and a new part begins.

See you there.

Good ankle.

Cankle

2000 mark pictures

2000!!!

UFO

Pink Floyds Blasting Zone

Hotel Hiker EXXXXPLOSION

Cog on top of Mt. Washington (6288 ft). I hiked it, NO BIG DEAL!

People on the Rocks

Lakes of the Clouds and Mt. Washington...also my bust

Handstand Terminator BoKnows - Beautiful people

Bowling, Bro!

Oh the Joy of the Whites

Lafayette Yoga


Mount Lafayette with Pink Floyd and Handstand

Cold Times on tops of peaks


Lunch in a Firetower