The penultimate weekly video had some tough memories. Southern Maine kicked my a** and left permanent scars (mostly emotional). But it was also the gateway to some of the best hiking yet to come, and necessary to appreciate the majesty of the 100-Mile Wilderness waiting in tow.
And in that regard … I am finding it reeeeeeally hard to leave Maine. Sure, I finished my thruhike 2 days ago, but I’m just not that ready to leave this beautiful state quite yet. It’s unfortunate that the weather is only this nice a couple months a year, but I’m originally from Minnesota, so I think I’d be ok with the winter here as well. Of all the states I visited, walked through, and witnessed on my journey … this one leaves the most lasting memory. Some good ones, some bad ones, some horrific ones. But oh those good ones … it would be a dream to build a “camp” on any of the remote lakes I walked by, and live an off-the-grid lifestyle in my twilight years. New bucket list item? Hmm….
For my last full day in Maine, I spent the time in Bangor with a cousin of mine. She took me on a whirlwind tour of Acadia National Park, Echo Lake, and Bar Harbor. Everything was gorgeous and an extra bonus to the already incredible sights I experienced for the last two weeks of my hike. In Bar Harbor, you can eat whatever you want, as long as it’s lobster.
I fly out tomorrow afternoon and finally re-enter the world as I knew it for good. No more living the wanderer’s life, no more hiding in the green tunnel, no more eating without consequence. Time to get back to life. Lots to look forward to of course, and lots to be excited for … but still, I’m finding it hard to say my last goodbyes to the adventure.
Hello Neiman (Sharkbait)!
Hello Neiman! 
Yes, ‘parting is such sweet sorrow’… or, maybe ‘the good, the bad and the ugly!’ You’ve had it all for nearly five months, Mike -24/7. The video was great, btw. You had me on the edge of my seat as AC/DC queued up in the video with Thunder Struck, as Moxie Bald Mountain appeared on the screen… and you scooted away, off the mountain. You the Man, Sharkbait!
After climbing Katahdin, I picked up my wife in Bangor and we headed for Acadia and Bar Harbor. That must be kinda common out there! 😉 And after spending a week in Acadia/Bar Harbor gorging on steak and lobster, then more lobster, even I didn’t eat lobster again for at least a year!
I’m confident, that in the years ahead, you’ll recall the Whites and a dozen other memorable locations, moments, along the Appalachian Trail. No, you’ll never find yourself far from the AT. You may even find yourself talking to yourself about the trip, or those places… or maybe, just -the Whites!
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Thanks Mike! It’s going to be hard to stop talking to myself now, haha. I caught myself doing it at Echo Lake for a brief moment.
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Maybe a Tiny House on Wheels for you & family is in your crystal ball
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Sharkbait , snowman here , if you enjoyed Maine in the summer , I’m inviting you back in the WINTER if you want to experience it in the other season , hence the name snowman .
I have all the gear to take you in the winter to places you can’t imagine and it’s only a reply away.
Call 207 784 194six and leave a message if interested for a snowmobile trip in MARCH 2019
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Snowman, it was a pleasure meeting you guys a couple weeks ago. Thanks for the great magic … and be careful what you offer, I may take you up on it. Thanks!
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I’m serious with the invite , have the snowmobiles and gear , you just need to get to Portland and we’ll pick you up at the airport , it’s all on you.
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Congratulations on completing your amazing journey.
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