Well, I thought I would have a giant revelation to report, but I don't think I've realized it yet. I've been finished and home for over a week now. It's kind of a weird feeling, and interesting how quickly I have relapsed back into "normal" life. I'm caught up in distractions, which are mostly electronics: phones, computers, TV, etc. Unfortunately I am already focused and worried about money. I have realized, though, that I cannot work a pointless job for the sole purpose of making money. My job must have purpose in itself and create change.

As far as the trail goes, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I had so many memorable experiences I can't begin to list them all. It wasn't about the miles, it was all about the smiles. Many of the best times occurred off the trail in town, usually from the gracious people I met. I was reminded that there are truly selfless people still out there. Many times I wanted to be done and just go home, and often some trail magic from a nice person came along, and it gave me just the push I needed to continue on. My journey will always be something important that I did, and I believe it will lead me on to great things.

I want to thank all of you that have followed my journey and provided support, especially my family. Thanks to my donors as well, I am nearing my goal, and will keep the lines open until October 15, when Katahdin officially closes for the year. Each and every one of you was an integral part to my success.

Living in the woods was the most freedom I have ever felt. Every day was a challenge, physically and mentally, and also a reward. Five months is a very long time, though. A dose of "civilian" life every now and then was quite necessary. To anybody thinking about a thru-hike, commit to it and get yourself to that trailhead. From there you'll be surprised how far one foot in front of the other can take you.

Springer: March 26, 2012 -- Katahdin: September 6, 2012

I DID IT!! It's hard to believe what I've accomplished, and I'm sure it will all sink in over the coming days. Look for a final post in the next week.

Well folks, I'm all but done. As of yesterday I hiked everything except for Katahdin. I was at the foot of it yesterday, and the thing is BIG. I will be spending two days in Millinocket, before summitting Thursday, weather permitting. My parents are coming up tomorrow night, which I am very glad for, and this weekend, at long last, I will return home.

5.2 extremely tough miles remain. It is a 4,000 foot climb, mostly above treeline, with 3,000 feet occurring in just 2.3 miles. Seeing the sign with 'Northern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail' on it is all that matters. It will be an emotional time. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you all.

Katahdin from Abol Bridge. The peak is covered in clouds, as it often is.
(by the way, I camped my last night where those boats are)

I saw Katahdin today. It was epic.

In Monson, which is not much of a town, for the day and night. This is the last town stop, and is located right before the 100 Mile Wilderness. This is the most remote part of the trail, being located many miles from any town. On the other side lies Katahdin and the end of my journey. It should be an exciting and emotional time. Tomorrow I go dark. I'll see y'all on the flip side.

220 miles left. In Rangeley, then briefly stopping in Stratton and then Monson. Then begins the 100 mile wilderness, and on the other side is Katahdin, the toughest climb on the AT. There's a bit to go, but it will all be over soon. We are feeling better and hoping the skies remain clear, as our journey comes to a close.

I think the Noro Virus has caught up with us. Spending some time in Rangeley, at a nice place at least. So ready to be done at this point. My body is shot.

I'm in Maine but have had wet feet everyday. Planning on summitting September 6. Almost there!

I have made it through the White Mountains, and it was by far the most physically challenging week on the trail. It was also rewarding, and the mountains were very beautiful. The trail went above treeline for the first time, which is only about 4400 feet up here, and we were blessed with good weather. It rained 2.5 inches the night before we climbed Washington, but the skies cleared for us when the sun arose. The trails were very treacherous at times and we only got hit with rain above treeline once. The trail was so steep and slick at times it was nerve-racking, and there is definitely a sense of relief being done with it.

I am in Gorham, NH, which is our last planned zero day. Tomorrow evening we plan to be on the Maine state line. There are 5 town stops from there and 280 miles to Katahdin: Andover, Rangeley, Stratton, Caratunk, Monson, and through the hundred mile wilderness to the end. This should take about 3 weeks. This coming week will be very difficult still, but then things smooth out.

Yesterday upon entering our "old-fashioned" motel room my body just shut down. I was running on fumes. It will be adrenaline that pulls my body through this. The end is just about in sight, and it is quite hard to believe. I have been filling up on food, specifically fast food. Apparently there is none in Maine. In fact, I don't think there is much of anything in Maine, except water. I will try to keep up on here. Maine is said to be the most rugged and remote state on the trail.

Thank you all for following. I really do appreciate it. It helps to keep me going.

In Gorham, New Hampshire, finished with the Whites. Zeroing here tomorrow. Look for a good post to come.

...and they are brutal...and treacherous...and a sight to see.

Into the Whites...

Another great series of trail magic and a night out at Dartmouth. New Hampshire begins today. It's the beginning of the end. :)

On the train north back to the trail thinking to myself, am I actually headed home? It's going to be a bittersweet finish.

My last big break is coming to an end. Tomorrow I will be on the train back to Vermont. Breaks are always good and bad I have found. It's great to rest your body and see family and friends, but it can be difficult mentally to start back up.

Thursday I will enter into New Hampshire beginning the 2nd to last state and according to many the most difficult. NH comprises the White Mountains which are the most beautiful, difficult, and dangerous mountains on the trail, often being above tree line. Mt. Washington is in this range. From there is Maine, which is said to be the most rugged state. I will be fording waters and hiking through some very remote areas.

It is back into the wilderness and cell service may be scarce, so posts may be limited, but I will do what I can.

The last leg is upon me and is what I have been looking forward to for four months. Bring it on.

So the train isn't as fun as I'd anticipated, but it is better than Greyhound. Passed by Bear Mountain and the Hudson River bridge there, I hiked weeks ago.

In Rutland, just saw the movie Ted. Good times. On the train tomorrow, home for the weekend. The last few weeks have been tough on the body.

75% complete. Vermont is very beautiful and peaceful. We seem to be going ski slope to ski slope.

11/14 states will be completed today. Going into Vermont. Kind of hard to believe. Taking the AMTRAK home for next weekend.

Slackpacking south from North Adams to Dalton. 23 miles over Mt Greylock. Staying in Tom Levardi's hiker house.