Made it to Millinocket

I'm happy to report on this cool and crisp Wednesday morning that Matt and his hiking partners have made it safely through the 100 Mile Wilderness and rested comfortably in a motel room last night in the town of Millinocket, Maine. While there was some debate last night as to whether or not they would attempt to hike Katahdin today, he wanted to report that all was well and that they were staying warm. He told me on the phone last night that he would call this morning if they chose to attempt Mt. Katahdin today; they were debating whether or not to hike the nine mile approach trail or obtain a ride before attempting the five mile hike from base to summit. Haven't heard from him yet this morning, though I'm sure we'll hear soon!

As I spoke to him last night, he was in the midst of cooking what he called a "big sausage feast" for himself and his hiking partners. Using a notorious cooking pot that has doubled as his hat over the past couple of months, he was in high spirits and excited to "be done with Maine." While Maine has offered some of the "most beautiful hiking on the Trail," the 100 Mile Wilderness was flat, very boggy, and cold. Due to the cold and rainy conditions over the past couple of weeks, the hike through the wilderness took eight days for the group. Unfortunately, the hikers had anticipated and packed food for only five days worth of hiking, and so had been pretty miserable and hungry while eating smaller rations.

Matt reports that the foliage is all down now. Peak foliage was seen in the beginning of Maine. The views have been spectacular, but it's nearing the end of the hiking season up north, and he has already experienced some snowy conditions on the Trail. Brrrrhhh! Additionally, he did not feel the earthquake that rocked Southern Maine yesterday evening; in fact, he hadn't even heard about it as of 9:15pm last night.

He continues to hike with a large group that have been together throughout the Northeast, and wanted to mention new friend Far East Coast, a fellow thru-hiker whom will become - according to Matt - only the second person from Singapore to hike the AT once he completes Katahdin.

Looking ahead, he plans to "take a few days off" after completing Katahdin before making his way south via bus. I hope to meet with him here in Rhode Island before he meets with longtime hiking partner, Houdini, whom has gotten back on the Trail and is hiking south through Connecticut/New York. Check back in soon for a final update regarding Katahdin. AT for CZC continues!