AT: Second Half Recap

We just got back to Tucson after the long drive back from Maine. Made even longer by having to recover from what I first thought was bad lobster, then thinking it was some strain of norovirus and finally treating myself for Giardia. I’ve been carrying Tinidazole in my first aid kit for years because I’ve had the “beaver fever” before. I must have picked it up in the 100-Mile Wilderness despite treating my water. Anyway, much better now but 40 pounds lighter. A few highlights and “best of’s” of the second half of the AT.

Best day of hiking: Hard to beat the last day’s hike and finish on Mt Katahdin on a gorgeous day and later, a reunion with Mrs. Haze and Ellie. Another standout day was the slackpack of Maine’s Bigelow Mountains. 360-degree panoramic views of mountains and lakes on a brilliant day.

Best week of hiking: Hands down, New Hampshire’s White Mountains, 90 miles from Kinsman Notch north to Mt Moriah near Gorham NH. My favorite sections being Franconia Ridge and up and over Mt Washington to Mt Madison and down to Pinkham Notch. Lots of rocks, mud, tree roots, steepness and windy/rainy at times, but the best views on the AT.

Best sunsets: Two come to mind, both among the best I’ve seen on any trail. One from Bromley Mountain in Vermont and the second from Lakes of the Clouds Hut below Mt Washington.

Best breakfast: No question, the eggs, bacon, potatoes, and all the pancakes you can eat at Shaw’s Hostel in Monson ME, so good I stayed an extra day. Poet and Hippe Chick also put on a great July 4th BBQ!

Best hostel: For me, the Hostel of Maine near the Sugarloaf Ski area. The nicest, cleanest, and most comfortable hostel I have stayed at, good breakfast and nice, helpful staff.

After all that, was the AT my favorite trail? Nope, I much prefer the views, vistas and climate of the west and southwest. But I did appreciate the AT’s differences, the challenges, the great water and lighter food carries, the culture and history, and met some great people along the way. Plus the finish was something special and so worthy of a Triple Crown celebration.

So after 11,000+ miles of thru-hiking, what’s next? I don’t have to wait too long. Mrs. Haze and I are heading to Scotland later in the summer and will hike a good portion of the West Highland Way. The Pacific Northwest Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail are also high on my list. Thanks for following along!