Day 173
Start: US Route 2, Gorham, NH
End: Page Pond Stealth Site
Miles Hiked: 7.9
Miles on AT: 1906.8
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This was the first day of the rest of the trail! I woke up bright and early, ready to leave Gorham and get back on trail. After running a couple of errands and grabbing lunch, I stuck my thumb out and waited for a ride. Only 2 minutes later, I saw someone get out of a silver car and wave me down. I squinted and realized who it was. SheRa! SheRa always showed up in the most random places but was always happy to help me.
Checking both ways, I ran across the road and stuffed my pack in the back. SheRa was doing some work-for-stay in town along with Tilly and Tilly’s Mom, who were in the back seat. Smiles flew around the car once I got in and, of course, we had to catch up with all that had happened since I’d seen them last. The trail wasn’t too far from town, so we didn’t have a lot of time to exchange stories, but it was good to chat nonetheless.
“I’m sure I’ll see you guys again further down the trail!” After retrieving my pack from the truck, I waved to SheRa and Tilly’s Mom and took the first of my final footsteps toward Katahdin. Man, did it feel good to be back. The fall weather was definitely starting to set in, with a comfortable chill in the air. It was perfect hiking weather and a perfect day to get back at it.
Before heading into the woods, I was summoned by another thru hiker as I passed The Quantum Vortex hostel. I didn’t know this hiker, but he was another black hiker, so of course I had to take advantage of this rare opportunity and say hi. Turns out he was a flip flopper and was heading SOBO. We chatted about Maine for a bit before I went into the backyard of the hostel to see who else was around. And, lo and behold, 3Cheeks and Gripper were there. The last time I had seen them was in Whites, but now they were vortexed at the hostel (which apparently was very well-named).
After a few minutes, it was time for me to really get back on trail. I didn’t want to get vortexed myself! I didn’t have to do a super long day today because I wanted to set myself up to do Mahoosuc Notch first thing in the morning the day after tomorrow. So, I took my time and enjoyed the cool fall air. It was still a little early when I reached the pond and found my stealth site, but why push it when I didn’t have to? Instead, I enjoyed a few leisurely moments by the pond and a nice dinner.
As soon as the sun started to set, the air turned from cool to cold. It got dark so early, leaving nothing else to do but crawl into my tent to warm up. I missed the long evenings of summer when I could hike and enjoy camp for longer. But, I was also happy to experience late season hiking and the turning of the seasons. That night, I went to bed pretty early, tired from a day full of the excitement of getting back on trail again.
And that’s day 173.
A version of this post originally appeared on TheTrek.co.