"Hitch-hike a thousand miles to find...

...The Hesperides that's on their mind. "  – W. H. Auden


June 15, 2001


Now, I turned my face about.  Yesterday, I faced north toward the peak of Katahdin.


Today, I turn south.


And it was hot!  My brother was at this time in Gainesville, FL, and he said it was in the 80's down there.  Up here in Maine?  The 90's.


KSC to Abol was good 9.9 miles.  Abol to Hurd Brook Lean-to was bad 3.4 miles.  Too hot!  Too many mosquitos!  I was about to collapse, just drop my pack and walk so I prayed to God and said “if ever You hear me let it be now!  Somehow give me energy or accelerate me straight to the lean-to!  I need a miracle like Ann [wanderer at BMS] did.”  Lo and behold I took three steps, looked up, and there was the shelter.  I hurt, but I’m here.

Met Suzanne today.  Passed her near end of BSP.  She is nice and taking it slow.  Matt (Slowride), Peter, and Dominique are all here.  Matt came 15 minutes behind.  P. and D. much later - we didn’t think they’d make it.  I have doubts if I have enough food.  Ate lots tonight.  I pray I will have strength for tomorrow (God is with me - He will assure that.)  Must rest up.


On the second day of a Southbounder's hike, one enters the famed "100 Mile Wilderness".

Love the irony of foreboding tone followed by "Good hiking!"

Oh! I hitchhiked for the first time today!  10 miles to a phone and ten miles back to Abol.  It was easy and fun.  Left a message for mom and dad since I didn’t get to call at 6 am like planned.