Two thru-hikers in the making.

August 17, 2015

Happy anniversary to us! Danny and I have been married now for 35 years. We’re not that old. I don’t know how it can be 35 years. Hopefully, we’ll make another 35. However, if I don’t hurry and finish this trail, we might not make it to 36 (just kidding–NOT–no really, just kidding). I had originally hoped to be finishing my hike with him on Katahdin today, but since I was off schedule by a few days anyway, I’m glad I was able to be home.

I had planned to return to the trail last Wednesday since my knee had improved, but on Tuesday night, I was sick. So—-I delayed my return until I could get well and now’s the time. I’m leaving in the morning to head back to Maine. I’ve decided to finish my hike with a little flip-flopping. I hope to catch up to my group, who will summit Katahdin on the 22nd, and hike the last 3 days with them before they summit. I’m not going to summit with them, however. After I leave them, I’m going back to the beginning of the 100-mile wilderness and finish it. Then, I’m jumping back to Rangeley where I left off on Aug. 4th and head north, getting as far as I can by August 28. On August 28, Danny is flying in and I’ll pick him up at the airport. He is going to climb Katahdin with me, so we’ll watch the weather and choose the best day between 8/28 – 9/1 and summit Big K. He has to leave on the 2nd, but I don’t think I can be done with all my miles by the 1st, so I’ll stay and finish what I hadn’t been able to complete. I’m thinking I’ll have only 2-3 days of hiking to finish up after he leaves. So, my plan is to complete the 2,189.2 mile Appalachian Trail by Sept. 5 and fly home on the 6th. I’ll keep you posted.