Greetings from Maine.

The end of the trail is near. All the hikers, me included, are making plans for Katahdin. The general consensus is that none of us are going to quit, but we are ready to be done.

The finish line brings its own set of emotions. I’ve been in the woods for so long, fitting back into society may be a challenge. The daily world may bring sensory overload. So take it easy on me. I may need time to adjust.

I’m happy and healthy. I can’t say “nothing hurts'” anymore. The mountains and miles are taking a toll. My fall count is up to 22. Thankfully, the new additions resulted in no long term injury. The minor scrapes and bruises don’t slow me down.

My right elbow that I smashed into a rock still looks goofy. It doesn’t hurt, unless bumped. One of the falls tweaked my right shoulder. It aches a bit and has reduced mobility. It interrupts my sleep more than anything. The steep and punishing downhills are straining my knees. Thankfully the braces are doing their job. The pain and injury are part of the hike. I just need to focus and push forward.

The weather is beautiful. Here in the North, it feels and looks like Autumn already. The air is crisp and chilly. It’s great for hiking…but where did the summer go? Have I really been gone that long?

Tomorrow I depart for Monson. It’s a five or six day hike. It’s the last section of Trail that includes big climbs. After Monson, it’s the 100 mile wilderness. Another five or six days. Then I’ll be in Baxter State Park.

I plan to summit September 11.

Cellular and wireless have been spotty. My electronics motivation has also been sketchy. I apologize that the updates are not more frequent. I’m doing my best to manage my time and energy.

Seventeen days and 220.4 miles stand between me and my goal.

I got this!