Sorry I gave you the wrong address
Try
ezandgravity.blogspot.com
Training at Independence Oaks
7 weeks from today we hit the trail
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
September 15
Our first day in the wilderness. Light rain and slick slate rocks and roots everywhere. Sparky fell and gashed his hand. My feet slid out from under me but had a safe fall on my pack. Had to ford a couple rivers. Then trail magic....lobster, steak, brats, corn and cold drinks. Had our fill, hiked another mile to a river campsite.
As much as I love it out here, I am ready to finish. The legs are ready for a break. We are excited to finally be in the double digits. 99 miles to go. Can't wait to see Robin and John on Tuesday and then Rosanna and Bill.
As much as I love it out here, I am ready to finish. The legs are ready for a break. We are excited to finally be in the double digits. 99 miles to go. Can't wait to see Robin and John on Tuesday and then Rosanna and Bill.
Friday, September 14, 2012
September 13
Hit the trail with a two mile uphill to summit Moxie Bald Mountain. The sun was shining and the view was clear. EZ spotted Katahdin in the distance, how exciting!! We spent over an hour enjoying the morning. We had an aggressive chipmunk try to join us for breakfast. It was very cute. Each moment we know is putting us closer to the end. Sparky and Passion Flower joined us and we savored the moment together.
The rest of the day was gradual ups and downs with rivers to ford. The toughest one had a rope to help you across. It has been dry so we know we are lucky with these fords. Two southbounders told us the water at the rope was dangerous. They had some rain. The water can be as high as your waist.
We hiked into town and met Dawn. She and her husband, Dick, own Shaw's Hostel here in Monson. They neighbor in Florida with our neighbors, Dom and Louise Maudi. They were full so they offered us the home their kids stay in next to their home on the lake. So generous and kind of them. They had great things to say about Dom and Louise including a story about a black snake and trying to be heroes. It is something to have couches and a kitchen. We don't know how to act. We were walking around last night with our headlamps.
Pictures and additional blogs will be at our new address
EZandGravity2012.blogspot.com
The rest of the day was gradual ups and downs with rivers to ford. The toughest one had a rope to help you across. It has been dry so we know we are lucky with these fords. Two southbounders told us the water at the rope was dangerous. They had some rain. The water can be as high as your waist.
We hiked into town and met Dawn. She and her husband, Dick, own Shaw's Hostel here in Monson. They neighbor in Florida with our neighbors, Dom and Louise Maudi. They were full so they offered us the home their kids stay in next to their home on the lake. So generous and kind of them. They had great things to say about Dom and Louise including a story about a black snake and trying to be heroes. It is something to have couches and a kitchen. We don't know how to act. We were walking around last night with our headlamps.
Pictures and additional blogs will be at our new address
EZandGravity2012.blogspot.com
September 12
Hit the trail this morning under beautiful blue skies and temps around 70. We are so thankful for the weather conditions and it looks good until Sunday with 30% chance of showers.
Spent most of yesterday and last night in Caratunk at a lodge/brewery. A very cool place that attracts hikers, fisherman, rafters/kayakers, quads, snowmobilers and hunters. We enjoyed some good food and hot tub.
Did not have the energy for pool volleyball like the younger crowd but was fun to watch.
My knee is doing much better with more tame terrain and acti-patch treatment every night thanks to Robin Walker. I feel confident that I can finish this with minimum discomfort.
Our hike was awesome today. Had a few good views, a swim in the lake and a challenging river crossing that I rock hopped and Gravity waded with her water shoes. Maine has been spectacular and I would really like to come back someday for a fishing/hiking trip.
We have a campsite next to a flowing stream. Enjoyed the evening with Sparky from Arizona originally from TN and Passion Flower of FL originally from Utah. Built a fire, ate our dinner and did some star gazing. Trying to savor these last few nights with only about 10 before it is over.
We will have a full hike Thursday then half on Friday before hitting our last town of Monson before entering the 100 mile wilderness that takes us to our final climb.
We ran into Razor a ridge runner we met way back in Georgia. He is hiking southbound the entire state of Maine. He told us to not race through but enjoy this last bit of the journey. All the hikers are getting excited about being only 10 days or so out from Khatadin. I'm told the final climb can be very emotional foremost and that is what I am expecting
Thinking of our family and friends everyday.
EZ
Spent most of yesterday and last night in Caratunk at a lodge/brewery. A very cool place that attracts hikers, fisherman, rafters/kayakers, quads, snowmobilers and hunters. We enjoyed some good food and hot tub.
Did not have the energy for pool volleyball like the younger crowd but was fun to watch.
My knee is doing much better with more tame terrain and acti-patch treatment every night thanks to Robin Walker. I feel confident that I can finish this with minimum discomfort.
Our hike was awesome today. Had a few good views, a swim in the lake and a challenging river crossing that I rock hopped and Gravity waded with her water shoes. Maine has been spectacular and I would really like to come back someday for a fishing/hiking trip.
We have a campsite next to a flowing stream. Enjoyed the evening with Sparky from Arizona originally from TN and Passion Flower of FL originally from Utah. Built a fire, ate our dinner and did some star gazing. Trying to savor these last few nights with only about 10 before it is over.
We will have a full hike Thursday then half on Friday before hitting our last town of Monson before entering the 100 mile wilderness that takes us to our final climb.
We ran into Razor a ridge runner we met way back in Georgia. He is hiking southbound the entire state of Maine. He told us to not race through but enjoy this last bit of the journey. All the hikers are getting excited about being only 10 days or so out from Khatadin. I'm told the final climb can be very emotional foremost and that is what I am expecting
Thinking of our family and friends everyday.
EZ
September 11. Should we stay or should we go???
As we are eating our patriotic pancakes made with apples, raspberries and blueberries, we are trying to decide if we will stay in town tonight. There are three more towns and our adventure is coming to an end. We hear Monson has some good live music on Friday night. We could still be to Millinocket on the 20th which is ten miles from the base of Katahdin.
Four mile hike along a gorgeous stream known for trophy size trout. The stream flows onto the Kennebec River which many through hikers have attempted to ford only to be swept down river. The town hired Hillbilly Dave to canoe hikers two at a time across the river. What a morning. As we crossed the river, we finally decided to go to the Northern Country Brewery to enjoy a hot tub and dinner with our friends. We've had a wonderful day.
Starting to feel the pull of life at home. Wanting to hang onto every minute left of this lifestyle we have been living. Not sure how the two worlds will come together. Six months is a long time to have such a drastic change. We are comfortable in the woods. We sleep well in our tent. We are accustom to our daily hike following the white blazes almost every single day. As we shared dinner with six other hikers, we laughed and reminisced about encounters with wildlife, trail magic, crazy weather, starry nights, full moons, our wipe outs and on and on. There is a culture here that we are a part of. A bond with people you barely know because you have traversed the same 2000 plus miles. After Katahdin, it's over. Hard to believe we are so close.
Off to sleep, need to just stay in the present and let tomorrow take care of itself. Life is good!!!
Four mile hike along a gorgeous stream known for trophy size trout. The stream flows onto the Kennebec River which many through hikers have attempted to ford only to be swept down river. The town hired Hillbilly Dave to canoe hikers two at a time across the river. What a morning. As we crossed the river, we finally decided to go to the Northern Country Brewery to enjoy a hot tub and dinner with our friends. We've had a wonderful day.
Starting to feel the pull of life at home. Wanting to hang onto every minute left of this lifestyle we have been living. Not sure how the two worlds will come together. Six months is a long time to have such a drastic change. We are comfortable in the woods. We sleep well in our tent. We are accustom to our daily hike following the white blazes almost every single day. As we shared dinner with six other hikers, we laughed and reminisced about encounters with wildlife, trail magic, crazy weather, starry nights, full moons, our wipe outs and on and on. There is a culture here that we are a part of. A bond with people you barely know because you have traversed the same 2000 plus miles. After Katahdin, it's over. Hard to believe we are so close.
Off to sleep, need to just stay in the present and let tomorrow take care of itself. Life is good!!!
New blog address
I can no longer post pictures on this blog so we will continue our blog on this new web address
EZamdGravity2012.blogspot.com
EZamdGravity2012.blogspot.com
September 10
Ahhhhhhh.....the Steep elevations have subsided for now. We walked 16 miles by 5PM. There were rocks, roots and mud but pretty flat. Our knees are relieved
We had an interesting obstacle in our first mile. We came to a river that was too deep to ford. It had some logs floating in the water with two bog boards going about 10 feet across the river. EZ went first, as he does when the situation makes me nervous. He did fine across the logs but as he stepped on the big boards, they sank and his boot went under water. We backed him out and evaluated our options. There was no way to cross up or down stream that we could see. We put on our water shoes and tried again. The boards sunk to over our ankles and we had to inch our way across these wobbly boards. We both made it. We took a picture of Sparky going across after us.
The other day we came to a two by four connected to two boulders that crossed about 10 feet above the water. The scary thing was the board was very flexible. Hard to believe some of the obstacles out here.
I loved our hike today. The air is cold and crisp. We walked alongside several lakes with the water tossing from the wind. Pine trees surrounding us. It felt like Michigan. Tonight we are right on Pierce Pond It is cold and the wind is howling. We are all snug in our sleeping bags. EZ is trying to overcome the chill he got from waiting too long to put warm layers on. He will be warn soon.
Tomorrow we are going to a gentleman's home for 12 blueberry and strawberry pancakes, two eggs and sausage. He loves to cook for the hikers and is a quarter mike off trail. Then we head into Caratunk. Our plan is to sneak in and out. Some of our hiking friends are staying in town at the brewery with a hot tub. Temptation. We only have three more towns before we finish. Well see how it goes.
Sadly a hiker died here in the beginning of the season when his muscles cramped up as he was swimming. Heart breaking. His picture and story are here in the shelter.
We had an interesting obstacle in our first mile. We came to a river that was too deep to ford. It had some logs floating in the water with two bog boards going about 10 feet across the river. EZ went first, as he does when the situation makes me nervous. He did fine across the logs but as he stepped on the big boards, they sank and his boot went under water. We backed him out and evaluated our options. There was no way to cross up or down stream that we could see. We put on our water shoes and tried again. The boards sunk to over our ankles and we had to inch our way across these wobbly boards. We both made it. We took a picture of Sparky going across after us.
The other day we came to a two by four connected to two boulders that crossed about 10 feet above the water. The scary thing was the board was very flexible. Hard to believe some of the obstacles out here.
I loved our hike today. The air is cold and crisp. We walked alongside several lakes with the water tossing from the wind. Pine trees surrounding us. It felt like Michigan. Tonight we are right on Pierce Pond It is cold and the wind is howling. We are all snug in our sleeping bags. EZ is trying to overcome the chill he got from waiting too long to put warm layers on. He will be warn soon.
Tomorrow we are going to a gentleman's home for 12 blueberry and strawberry pancakes, two eggs and sausage. He loves to cook for the hikers and is a quarter mike off trail. Then we head into Caratunk. Our plan is to sneak in and out. Some of our hiking friends are staying in town at the brewery with a hot tub. Temptation. We only have three more towns before we finish. Well see how it goes.
Sadly a hiker died here in the beginning of the season when his muscles cramped up as he was swimming. Heart breaking. His picture and story are here in the shelter.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
2000 Miles and Counting
We slacked pack 17 miles today. It looks like the toughest terrain is now behind us with just over 170 miles remaining.
I am still struggling with knee pain. Today started out good but after about mile 14 the pain returned. It is very frustrating to have gone this far with no on going problems and now this. We are trying to manage it but seems like it never fails at the end of the day the pain kicks in.
Great views again going over the Bigelow mountains. Lots of water in Maine. We stopped at East Flagstaff road around 5:00 and waited till 7:00 for our packs to be delivered.
Enjoyed a fire as we ate our pepperoni and cheese sandwhiches under a cool starlit sky.
EZ
I am still struggling with knee pain. Today started out good but after about mile 14 the pain returned. It is very frustrating to have gone this far with no on going problems and now this. We are trying to manage it but seems like it never fails at the end of the day the pain kicks in.
Great views again going over the Bigelow mountains. Lots of water in Maine. We stopped at East Flagstaff road around 5:00 and waited till 7:00 for our packs to be delivered.
Enjoyed a fire as we ate our pepperoni and cheese sandwhiches under a cool starlit sky.
EZ
Saturday, September 8, 2012
September 8. Can't stop
We spent the day in Stratton to avoid the storm coming in. We tried to get a group to slack pack with us this morning but we had no takers. Choice B: Zero day. We discovered this absolutely delicious restaurant at the White Wolf Inn. Everything is locally grown and homemade. We are on our third meal with dinner tonight. After dinner we had two desserts...amazing. After we paid our bill, EZ got to thinking he should have ordered the prime rib. So... We placed another order. As we wait for another dinner you should have seen the waitress surprise EZ summed up the day. "The wheels have come off the wagon".
We met Mark and Kerry earlier in the lounge. Had a fun conversation. They both have a place here on Maine where they spend several weeks a year. I sure understand why. They were a pleasure to talk with. Thanks for the conversation and the drinks!
Solo, and the two of us are planning to slack tomorrow and head nonstop to Monson. Weather is suppose to be great this week.
We met Mark and Kerry earlier in the lounge. Had a fun conversation. They both have a place here on Maine where they spend several weeks a year. I sure understand why. They were a pleasure to talk with. Thanks for the conversation and the drinks!
Solo, and the two of us are planning to slack tomorrow and head nonstop to Monson. Weather is suppose to be great this week.
Friday, September 7, 2012
September 7
We keep seeing their tracks as we walk through the muddy trails. There are many hoof prints and their waste. The best time to see them is in the evening or very early morn. We start kidding about tracking one, then we hear something large moving. We both spot the moose. It was exciting to see it move so quickly away. How does that large animal move through this thick forest so smoothly?
We are in front of a large stream. Usually you can see a clear line of rocks to walk over to the other side. This time it is not so clear. We know we will have to ford some rivers and here is our first. EZ decides to walk the obvious rocks and step on some that are under water. He takes one of the trekking poles for balance and support. This looks too dangerous for me so I put on my flip flops, and decide to walk in the water. EZ makes it and watches. After about six steps I lose my balance and dog paddle a moment to get back on my feet. I lose one flip flop and a trekking pole and am soaked. I know you are picturing rushing water very deep but the truth is the water wasn't as high as my knee and very little current. I have failed my first ford. Here I am trying to play it safe. I feel ridiculous!
We finish 22 miles to get to a road that is 8 miles from the town of Stratton where a resupply and some REI gear is waiting. I am starting to get use to hitching a ride. You really have no choice when the town is so far away. Thankfully, it doesn't take long for someone to stop so we can jump in the back of their pick up.
I just ordered some water sandals because I know that flip flops are not the right shoe for river walking. We also ordered some headlamps after the disaster of our first night hike.
It was a long hike and our feet are tired. We will take it easy tomorrow.
We are in front of a large stream. Usually you can see a clear line of rocks to walk over to the other side. This time it is not so clear. We know we will have to ford some rivers and here is our first. EZ decides to walk the obvious rocks and step on some that are under water. He takes one of the trekking poles for balance and support. This looks too dangerous for me so I put on my flip flops, and decide to walk in the water. EZ makes it and watches. After about six steps I lose my balance and dog paddle a moment to get back on my feet. I lose one flip flop and a trekking pole and am soaked. I know you are picturing rushing water very deep but the truth is the water wasn't as high as my knee and very little current. I have failed my first ford. Here I am trying to play it safe. I feel ridiculous!
We finish 22 miles to get to a road that is 8 miles from the town of Stratton where a resupply and some REI gear is waiting. I am starting to get use to hitching a ride. You really have no choice when the town is so far away. Thankfully, it doesn't take long for someone to stop so we can jump in the back of their pick up.
I just ordered some water sandals because I know that flip flops are not the right shoe for river walking. We also ordered some headlamps after the disaster of our first night hike.
It was a long hike and our feet are tired. We will take it easy tomorrow.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
September 6. The Saddlebacks and The Horn
Hiking up up up today with some wet, slick downs. EZs knee doing good. Today I feel like I have had enough hiking. Love the views, the camping, being with Mark, the fresh air but a bit tired of the hike. I may feel different tomorrow.
We are resting on top of Saddleback Junior in the sun with a 360 view. So quiet. Not a sound other than the slight breeze and a grasshopper here and there. The heat from the sun is ideal. If we could just stay right here. We will have to hike on soon.
6:30pM. In our tent. We have been watching the leaves fall. They make quite a lot of noise I am realizing that fall is coming and we have been out here a long time. I will miss this when we go home.
Mark is thinking when we finish, he would like to spend some time at Turtle Island. You can learn more about it on the History channel.
1973,1 down. 211.1 to go.
We are resting on top of Saddleback Junior in the sun with a 360 view. So quiet. Not a sound other than the slight breeze and a grasshopper here and there. The heat from the sun is ideal. If we could just stay right here. We will have to hike on soon.
6:30pM. In our tent. We have been watching the leaves fall. They make quite a lot of noise I am realizing that fall is coming and we have been out here a long time. I will miss this when we go home.
Mark is thinking when we finish, he would like to spend some time at Turtle Island. You can learn more about it on the History channel.
1973,1 down. 211.1 to go.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
September 5. Rangeley, Maine
Wow! We landed in an incredible town. Took two naps today. It rained heavy last night and most the morning. Made for a good day to rest.
Tonight we took Sandy's kayaks out on the lake for the sunset. A sea plane came right toward us. I was so surprised how close it came, I could not get my camera out in time. The sky and the mountains just took our breath away. We saw some llama in one of the yard that looked like very large poodles
Tomorrow we will head up to Saddleback mountains, then The Horn. Up over 4000 feet. Marks been icing his knee so we are hoping it will go well.
Tonight we took Sandy's kayaks out on the lake for the sunset. A sea plane came right toward us. I was so surprised how close it came, I could not get my camera out in time. The sky and the mountains just took our breath away. We saw some llama in one of the yard that looked like very large poodles
Tomorrow we will head up to Saddleback mountains, then The Horn. Up over 4000 feet. Marks been icing his knee so we are hoping it will go well.
September 4...Moose
Got up in the dark so we could see moose at the pond. We stood and stared hoping for some luck. Nothing....let's hike.
EZ has started to have pain in his left knee. The trail was relatively easy today but atill hard on his knee. After 10 miles we stopped for lunch. I could tell he was really struggling by the body language. He is not as out with it as I am. It's 2:00 and we heard it was suppose to rain today. Along comes a man named Victor who tells us we are about to climb a difficult but beautiful mountain and they are calling for big rain tonight. He said we should wait until Thursday when it clears to hike it. EZ asked him if he was going to Rangeley and he said yes. An unexpected change of events once again.
We are staying at a B & B owned by Mr Sandy and Miss Barbara. It sits right on the lake and has a covered front porch to relax on in the rain it sits on some public property with tennis courts, a pond with a beach. I'd love to enjoy it here on a sunny day. This town is worth coming back to. Quaint and friendly.
We asked Sandy what the difference is between a pond and a lake. He said size. Most of these ponds are much bigger than our lake.
Sandy offered to take me out moose hunting. I was so excited. EZ connected with King of the Hill and some others at the local pub. Sandy drove me to a place where there was a momma moose with her little one. A few minutes later another set. It was great to be able to watch them for a while. I can't believe how long and thin their legs are. Their body seems so largely out of proportion to the rest of them. The little ones cute and awkward. I think God had a good chuckle when He created moose. What a treat. Thank you Sandy and Barbara!!
EZ has started to have pain in his left knee. The trail was relatively easy today but atill hard on his knee. After 10 miles we stopped for lunch. I could tell he was really struggling by the body language. He is not as out with it as I am. It's 2:00 and we heard it was suppose to rain today. Along comes a man named Victor who tells us we are about to climb a difficult but beautiful mountain and they are calling for big rain tonight. He said we should wait until Thursday when it clears to hike it. EZ asked him if he was going to Rangeley and he said yes. An unexpected change of events once again.
We are staying at a B & B owned by Mr Sandy and Miss Barbara. It sits right on the lake and has a covered front porch to relax on in the rain it sits on some public property with tennis courts, a pond with a beach. I'd love to enjoy it here on a sunny day. This town is worth coming back to. Quaint and friendly.
We asked Sandy what the difference is between a pond and a lake. He said size. Most of these ponds are much bigger than our lake.
Sandy offered to take me out moose hunting. I was so excited. EZ connected with King of the Hill and some others at the local pub. Sandy drove me to a place where there was a momma moose with her little one. A few minutes later another set. It was great to be able to watch them for a while. I can't believe how long and thin their legs are. Their body seems so largely out of proportion to the rest of them. The little ones cute and awkward. I think God had a good chuckle when He created moose. What a treat. Thank you Sandy and Barbara!!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
September 3. Moxi Pond 231.9 miles to go
Honey made us eggs, sausage, cantelope, and blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Then she told us the story about how they met Earl Shaffer when he hiked the trail at the age of 79. They adopted him and took him food. They set up the CBS story with him and they became very good friends.
Honeys brother, Bob Cummings, played a large roll in having the AT pass through the peaks of Maine rather than the valleys. When I Mentioned to Honey that I noticed there are no switchbacks, she told me that Yankees believe if you are going up a mountain there is no point in messing around. I could of listen to Honey for days.
Amazing views today. Came across Hwy 17 and a view of Mooselauk........ Would love to come back someday and spend time in this water. Seeing the beginning signs of fall. Can't help but think back of so many memories with the kids getting ready for school. Lots of pine trees. Terrain has eased up for now.
Getting up early tomorrow to look for moose on the pond at sunrise.
Honeys brother, Bob Cummings, played a large roll in having the AT pass through the peaks of Maine rather than the valleys. When I Mentioned to Honey that I noticed there are no switchbacks, she told me that Yankees believe if you are going up a mountain there is no point in messing around. I could of listen to Honey for days.
Amazing views today. Came across Hwy 17 and a view of Mooselauk........ Would love to come back someday and spend time in this water. Seeing the beginning signs of fall. Can't help but think back of so many memories with the kids getting ready for school. Lots of pine trees. Terrain has eased up for now.
Getting up early tomorrow to look for moose on the pond at sunrise.
September 2. Honey Bear
It was interesting to wake up in a shelter area that we could not see the night before. We were so thirsty when we arrived but could not figure out how to get to the water in the dark even though we could hear the stream. The trail was a couple feet from our tent. We headed out hoping we might be able to do 15 miles today. The trail was wonderful the first several miles. More like what we would consider "normal" for the AT. It rained a bit but we didn't mind seeing that we weren't climbing with all fours. When we came to the road for Andover at the 15 mile mark, we decided to go to town. The road walk was enjoyable until someone offered us a ride.
I took a picture of Tarzans shoes because both Tarzan and Jane are wearing the same shoes they started with. I don't Tarzan will have shoes left they are so torn up. He is determined to climb Katahdin in them
We ate until our bellies were full, picked up salami, cheese, bread, cliff bars, trail mix......resupply for five days. We met John and Lisa and enjoyed talking with them. They have a camp a mile from the trail that they offered us to stay at before the 100 mile wilderness. Lisa is planning a through hike in five years. She will let me know so I can cheer her on. Thanks for the offer and the company.
We called the Cabin for a nights stay The Cabin is owned by Earl and Marge Town. Best known by the trail names, Honey and Bear. They are an 80 year old couple who have been running a hostel in their home for 18 years. They made us a delicious spaghetti dinner with salad and garlic bread. We had brownies and ice cream for dessert. They had a private room for us. We were ready for our showers and laundry. We ran into Solo at the hostel where he had been for three days.
They will drive us to the trailhead in the morning
I took a picture of Tarzans shoes because both Tarzan and Jane are wearing the same shoes they started with. I don't Tarzan will have shoes left they are so torn up. He is determined to climb Katahdin in them
We ate until our bellies were full, picked up salami, cheese, bread, cliff bars, trail mix......resupply for five days. We met John and Lisa and enjoyed talking with them. They have a camp a mile from the trail that they offered us to stay at before the 100 mile wilderness. Lisa is planning a through hike in five years. She will let me know so I can cheer her on. Thanks for the offer and the company.
We called the Cabin for a nights stay The Cabin is owned by Earl and Marge Town. Best known by the trail names, Honey and Bear. They are an 80 year old couple who have been running a hostel in their home for 18 years. They made us a delicious spaghetti dinner with salad and garlic bread. We had brownies and ice cream for dessert. They had a private room for us. We were ready for our showers and laundry. We ran into Solo at the hostel where he had been for three days.
They will drive us to the trailhead in the morning
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)