Appalachian Trail

August 21, 2024
AT miles: 3.7
Ascent: 25’
Descent: 345’
Weather: gorgeous
High points: the shower at the hostel

August 14, 2024
AT miles: 11.7
Ascent: 1120’
Descent: 2400’
Weather: gorgeous
Sightings: a mama loon and her four babies
High points: sitting for an hour on a rock while bathing my feet in Cooper Brook and listening to the waterfall after hike

August 13, 2024
AT miles: 14.5
Ascent: 3919’
Descent: 3049’
Weather: another perfect day
High points: the views from White Cap Mountain were spectacular

August 12, 2024
AT miles: 14.7
Ascent: 3880’
Descent: 2889’
Weather: Perfect — low 70’s and sunny
Sightings: a pitcher plant and an orchid
High points: arriving at camp for the night. I hiked 12.5 hours — it was slow going.
I overslept and had to scramble to leave with everyone else — because of the long day we left camp at the bright and early hour of 6:00 am!
Today was just a long day. They were definitely some high points – the views were stunning, the pine forests were fascinating, and we walked through a bog (on bog boards!) and saw some orchids and pitcher plants. But overall, the hike was a long, hard struggle.
Water was everywhere — rivers, streams, waterfalls, puddings, and mud — lots and lots of mud!

August 11, 2024
AT miles: 14.7 or 8.4, depending on whether or not you count the part of the ACT that was basically shut because of high water from Hurricane Debbie
Ascent: 1042’
Descent: 1592’
Weather: sunny and perfect
Sightings: one kangaroo mouse and lots of red squirrels
High points: The water everywhere