What is this blog about?

My name is Lori. In August, 2014, I plan to hike the Camino de Santiago trail. Feel free to join me on my adventure by following me on this blog.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

It is so hard to believe that I am in New Hampshire! When planning this trip, I really wanted to be able to finish, but I never really knew if I could. I didn't really think I would last longer than a month. Here I am now with just over 400 miles to go. I will start hiking the white mountains in a couple days and am both excited and nervous about it. They are difficult and at times technical climbs, and we have heard warnings about them from the start of the hike. At this point, we have all switched into our cold weather gear to prepare for the unpredictable weather to come with high elevations. We are all complaining about our added pack weight. Weather is considered the most dangerous part of the whites, so at least our heavy packs can give us the peace of mind of being prepared. 
I mentioned in one of my blog posts that New York wast favorite state thus far. Vermont now holds the gold medal! It has been beautiful hiking! It has become more mountainous, but it seemed that each tough climb had a prize at the end. Sometimes we were gifted with a great view, sometimes a field of ripe blackberries, and sometimes just the awesome scents at the top of the forest were enough to make the climb worth every step. 
I was able to meet a special trail angel this past week. Anyone who has anything to do with long distance hiking on the AT knows Miss Janet. She is one of the AT's biggest angels. She travels along the trail by car, offering help and rides to hikers. She helped us by shuttling us one day as we did a day of slack packing. It was rainy weather, so it was nice to hike with a lighter pack, and then go stay a second night in the hotel we stayed at. Putting away a wet tent in the morning from rain isn't fun, and adds more weight to your pack. In fact, I will be doing that tomorrow morning, as it is pouring outside this very minute. Luckily, we stayed dry all day while hiking. 

The first town we came to as we crossed the New Hampshire border was Hanover. It's a cute little town, and the home of Dartmouth University. It's a very hiker friendly place, in fact several businesses give free stuff to hikers. There is a list of host families who take hikers in for the night. I had arranged to stay with one of the families, but at the last minute, decided to go with Sparky to his friend, Dave's house. I grabbed a free slice of pizza from a nearby pizzeria, and jumped in Dave's car. We spent two nights with Dave, making it a very relaxing zero day. Dave was a great cook, and he spoiled us the whole time! It wasn't easy to leave there today, that's for sure!

Thanks Dave! Also thanks to Sparky for sharing your buddy with me! It's good to have people who have people. :)
Of course, thanks Miss Janet too!


6 comments:

  1. 400 miles? amazing. That will be done in no time. Way to go. You said up there was the best, don't forget Ga and NC...TN...After you finish we all want to know DETAILS :) Best of....

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  2. I can't believe how far you have hiked so far! Katahdin is just over the hill!!! You have done amazingly well, I am so very proud of you! Keep hiking safe all of you!
    I LOVE YOU
    Love you TONS
    Mom

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  3. Just stumbled upon your blog last night. As a 35 year old woman with a life goal of thru hiking the AT (though it's probably at least 10 years off with two little ones at home)...you are an inspiration. Just incredible. All the best, and I look forward to reading about the rest of your journey.

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  4. Did Miss Janet trade in her Buick for a White Van? She helped us out in Erwin on those snowy days. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Wingwing is due back tomorrow from a 4 day hike. 2 nights at Galehead Hut & Zealand Hut tonight. Take care & enjoy the White's. Just take your time & be careful. Zigzag

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  5. Lori, it was great meeting you. It took me 4 days to go from Crawford Notch to Pinkham Notch - 1.5 hrs to do only 1/2 mile on Mt. Madison! There is nothing that compares to this. I had fabulous weater in the Whites. Enjoy
    Judy - HeartFire

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  6. Hey Lori...i mean Passion Flower!! Im glad I got a chance to pamper you and Al for a couple of days!! Hope you guys are doing okay...you must be in maine by now!! Tell my buddy Al I said hi...your ALMOST done!!!

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