Day 117. I’m back! To say it felt weird being off-trail these past few days is quite the understatement. I had a great rhythm going these past few months: wake, hike, eat, blog, sleep, repeat. But I haven’t hiked in 4 days, and even more odd, I haven’t journaled in that same time. So now that I’m back among the Appalachian mountains, I’m ready to jump back on the trail and close out these final chapters of my incredible thruhike journey.
Although not very relevant to my thruhike blog (nor of much interest to readers), my weekend off was both relaxing and stressful. Bittersweet, if you will. It was great to spend time with my wife and friends, and the wedding was a beautiful affair all around. But, it also felt very odd being in big cities again. In the past 4 days, I spent time in NYC, Philly, and Boston … you can’t get more “in the city” than that. I had a great time, but I did feel quite out of place. I yearned to be on the trail and sleeping in the woods while among civilization, and I’m glad to be back in “hike mode” again here in Lincoln. There is a peace of mind you experience along the trail that is instantly gone when sitting in traffic or standing in restaurant lines. However, my body was definitely strained after last week’s hiking, so the extended rest was warranted either way.
Tomorrow I go back to the trail, meeting my sister’s family at the AMC Highland Center before hiking through the Presidential Range together (or “prezzies” as the locals call it) over the next few days. It will be a nice slow transition back to the trail, which my feet and knees will appreciate.
Tonight though, I am staying at an amazing hostel in Lincoln called “Chet’s Place”. It is my first time doing what is called a Work For Stay (WFS). This is common with some hikers, as it allows you to stay for free at a hostel or lodge in exchange for performing household chores at the facility. Hikers on a strict budget are often interested in this, as it can significantly help to offset the expensive costs of a thruhike, when available. It is also very popular at the White Mountain huts, which are at least $75 a night and regularly offer 2-3 hikers a WFS per night to help them get through this difficult section. There are not many other sleeping options on the trail between Lincoln and Gorham, and any desired tent sites require you to hike down the mountain to an official campsite below the tree line. I may do a WFS at a hut after leaving my family, but for now, I’m getting a small taste of the experience at Chet’s Place tonight.
Chet (trail name, “One Step at a Time”) is an amazing individual, and only takes WFS or donations for his equally amazing hostel. The garage at his home is converted to a hiker lounge, and remodeled to also include a large bunk room building behind. He offers every amenity you could need, and eagerly welcomes hikers each year to join him at his residence for a night or two. Chet himself used to be an avid outdoorsman and hiker, until a horrific camping injury (a stove explosion) nearly killed him, and leaves him without full use of his lower body still today. Chet’s story is incredible. He spent 9 months in a drug induced coma while doctors attempted to save his life after sustaining 3rd degree burns to over 80% of his body. But he has the heart of a lion and the will of a giant, recovering faster and further beyond everyone’s expectations. Today, he is still limited to a wheelchair, requires an uncomfortable supply of medicine, and undergoes dialysis and other medical procedures regularly … but his spirits are ever high and he loves being a part of the community. And, looking around the hostel to the countless letters of support, admiration, and love posted on every available surface, it’s clear the AT community loves him too. (My favorite being the many signs like highlighted above).
There was not much work to be done, but I helped clean up the laundry room as requested, and offered to do anything more he thinks of before I leave tomorrow. There are a couple other hikers here as well, but overall it’s a pretty quiet night. With some time to kill, I went into town, saw Jurassic World at the local theater (eh), grabbed dinner at a local brewery, then finished last week’s video recap (will post tomorrow). I’m hitting the hay early to try and catch up on some missed sleep this weekend, and then excited to be walking among the mountains again tomorrow.
Hello Neiman (Sharkbait)
- Start Mile: 1817.8
- Start Time: 0:00
- End Mile: 1817.8
- End Time: 0:00
- Miles Hiked: 0.0
- Miles to Go: 373.1
- Lodging: Chet’s Place
Hello Neiman! 
Your back, all is forgiven. Actually it was good for me. I staffed a SW Comm Ed canoe trip and was away my connection. Now we are both back on track. HAPPY Trails
LikeLiked by 1 person
A canoe trip sounds great right now! I haven’t used any upper body strength in months, haha. Glad you enjoyed the time off too 😄
LikeLike
As much as you’re going to have trouble adapting back to the real world, readers like me will suffer from withdrawal too – I can’t tell you how much I enjoy and look forward to your posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s going to be tough, but fortunately I have a few other activities planned to help me “transition” back slowly. I’m so happy you still enjoy it! I hope Miriam enjoyed her break from the dinner table conversation too, lol.
LikeLike
Sharkbait!
Happy here :),
All is well in tropical Minnesota – a little rain, a few chores, a bike ride or two, but my pack is beginning to whisper sweet nothings in my ear. I resumed my prep walking and am currently re-organizing my gear & supplies for Montana. I ended up picking up some Mountain House meals, and I probably will supplement my soups with some Ramen. There is, of course, the possibility that we won’t be able to get backcountry reservations, but I’m banking on something opening up for us… we just won’t know until we get there. We will, however, enjoy some fantastic day hikes which won’t require walking up and down steep grades with boulders… yet, I know how much you enjoy the challenge of that trail environment on the AT. I can identify the feeling you had being in a “city” environment. I shared a similar experience on my 1978 trip to Glacier. One day I was on the Dawson-Pitamakin Pass watching the mating ritual of two eagles, and 30 hours later I was on the Nicollet Mall listening to jackhammers ripping up the street. It was a very strange juxtaposition.
It sounds like your update about Chet’s Place left a real mark on you. It’s so strange to have an unexpected event (I can identify with that) completely upend your life. I marveled at Chet’s resiliency given the horrendous suffering he must have experienced – an inspiration of his spirit and tenacity. I’m sure that few people could even begin to cope with how he suffered, and yet, there he is creating a whole new supportive lifestyle to others… incredible.
Okay – that’s it for now. I’ve enjoyed sharing my story with others of being on the AT with you – it seems, despite the “challenges” I faced, I can at least laugh about it now (okay, maybe some occasional sobbing at night :). Keep on truckin’
xxx
mom & Happy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great to hear dad! I’m sure you’ll get at least one backcountry night on tire trip to enjoy. Perhaps a 15 mile ascent over Stoney Indian Mountain, for old time’s sake? Haha, just kidding.
Yes, Chet is a marvelous person and I’m so “happy” I got to meet him on this journey.
LikeLike
What?!?! You were in Boston and you didn’t come visit me?!?! How COULD you?! 😜
Jack/Starman just crossed into Maine a few days ago!
Happy hiking!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome! They are moving fast, it will be over before they know it! I did see he stayed here at Chet’s also. I’m curious what he thought, as he’s one of the only names I recognized. Happy Feet too.
I couldn’t get out of Boston fast enough!
LikeLike
Good to get back to the trail, Mike. Have fun hiking w/ your sis and the kids in the Presidentials, and enjoy the ‘huts.’ -they do make that section a treat. Here’s hoping for good weather, but I’m sure everyone has their ‘ten essentials, including their rain gear, packed away! I guarantee everyone will enjoy the food!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi there! My sister-in-law Anne Hope turned me onto your journey and it has been so much fun to follow. I live north of Boston and spend a ton of time where you are now. I’m guessing the AT books talk about the White Mountain Cafe in Gorham, NH. It’s worth a stop while you’re walking by as many people pre-pay food on their Karma board for thru hikers. I wish I was going to be there before you, it would be fun to leave you breakfast on the board. In your honor, I certainly will leave something the next time I am there. Thanks for keeping this blog. It’s been a lot of fun. Safe and happy travels!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great, thank you so much! I’ll definitely check it out and appreciate your kindness for future hikers.
LikeLike
Saw your mom at a bridal shower over the weekend – we had a nice catch-up. I’d imagine what you are experiencing is a more severe version of what it felt like to have a weekend off (and at home!) when working at camp.
LikeLiked by 1 person
100%
LikeLike