I only just discovered this thread today, and have been following my friend NORTS' progress these past few months on a big wall map with his regular email updates to family and friends. I am sure that he would not mind my sharing his latest update here. Photo from July 24th on top of Mount Moosilauke.
Thursday, 7 August 2014 7:24 AM
Subject: AT Update 5 August
Lying in my tent listening to rain and thunder. I am tired, really tired. It has been 3 weeks since my last zero(day with no walking). I am planning on one on Saturday, hopefully it will be my last zero for the trail.
Struggling to make good miles at the moment, too much climbing and descents. 9 hours of walking today and only made 12 miles.
Oh yes I am in Maine. The last state, I have now walked from Georgia to Maine.
Lots of groups of children on the trail over the last few weeks, mainly from summer camps, some are scouts. They are all carrying large packs that look like they weigh more than mine. Always very polite, and call me sir, why do Americans call people sir?
Met a couple of young blokes thru hiking, I think they have been stoned the whole way from Georgia. Offered me some on top of a mountain today but I said I was high enough!
Went through Mahoosuc notch yesterday, "most difficult or fun mile of the AT" as the guide book describes it. Lots of boulders. There is still a big block of ice down there, at first I thought it was quartz rock.
Tomorrow,probably when I get to send this email, I plan to go into Andover to do a small resupply. It is a small town about the size of St Marys. It is a 8 mile hitch into town, I am hoping to get into a hostel for the night. I need a shower. Trouble is I have to walk 14 miles first. Could be a long day if no one wants to pick up a dirty,smelly hiker..
Only 261 miles to go?
Roger (Norts)