Brett called me fairly late tonight, exhausted and DONE.
Brett said that the hike to the top of Katahdin was the toughest 5-mile section on the trail. It was a good challenge, worthy of the ending of the Appalachian Trail. Brett said that it was quite a scramble climbing up, and equally difficult coming back down.
However, Brett didn't feel the difficulty of the climb. He was so full of emotion he couldn't feel anything. The weather was a perfect day for being at the summit, but Brett doesn't remember any of the views.
Brett spent a couple of hours at the top. After climbing back down, Brett went to Millinocket with Coconut and Tailwind where they are staying in a hostel tonight. Tomorrow they will set out early to finish hiking the 10-mile section they skipped in order to summit on a good-weather day. Brett said that Coconut and Tailwind wanted to go back, and because it is an easy and flat section they should be able to finish hiking around Noon. Then they'll be heading south by car.
Brett will spend Tuesday getting cleaned up and reorganized. He said he was even planning on going to the store to maybe buy some clothes. He'll start looking for a flight home and with luck, should be home on Wednesday.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
(Sun. 8/19/12) Katahdin, ME
My e-mail to Brett today:
Dearest Brett,
I can’t stop thinking about you this weekend. This is it! You are at Baxter State Park
Apparently, Brett tried calling me while I was at church. (I hate missing his calls!) His cell phone is out of juice, so he was borrowing someone else's. He was able to get in touch with his dad who let me know that Brett was at the top of Katahdin. Brett's dad said that Brett was very emotional as he finished his six-month, 2,180-mile hike of the Appalachian Trail. I don't doubt it. I don't think any of us have the faintest idea of what Brett's experience has been. I think you would have to be on the trail for a solid month to really have a clue. I will admit to being clueless in my understanding of Brett has gone through to make it to Katahdin. But I will reiterate what I wrote to Brett: I am so proud of him. I never doubted that he would finish.
And now I can't wait to have him back.
(Thu. 8/16/12) White House Landing Wilderness Camps, ME (phone call)
Knowing that Brett was in the Hundred Mile Wilderness, I really didn't expect to hear from him again. Brett surprisingly had some cell service and was able to call home. He just doesn't have a way of recharging his phone. He is staying in a hostel in the middle of nowhere which has no electricity. They cook and run everything (including lights and refrigeration) on propane gas. The hostel is right on a lake. You blow an air horn when you get to their dock, and they come by boat to pick you up.
Brett said there are lakes everywhere. Katahdin may be only about 15 miles as the crow flies, but the trails twists and turns around the water. You see planes flying everywhere.
Brett hiked 3 miles to the hostel, leaving him only 46 more miles to go. The weather is terrible. Brett said that it has rained five of the last seven days. "Even my bones are wet." Brett, and quite a few other hikers (the hostel is full with 12 people), welcomed a chance to get out of the rain and stay in a hostel. Brett plans to hike the summit of Katahdin on Sunday, weather permitting. Sunday had the best forecast, and Brett may have to skip up to 10 miles in order to be at the top in decent weather--a sacrifice that Brett will gladly make.
The plan for Brett's return is that Coconut and her dad (whose name I finally discovered is Tailwind), as well as fellow hiker, BP, will drive down I-95 and drop off Brett in Kittery. Brett said he is ready to go home and sleep.
I asked Brett about Buzzkill, who started hiking the A.T. when Brett did, and whom Brett has kept up with almost the entire time. Brett saw Buzzkill a few days ago. They talked about summitting together, but Buzzkill got ahead of Brett and was ready to be done and get home.
Brett came into the hostel with an almost empty food bag. The hostel has a pantry for hikers to resupply. After this there may be one more "supply pantry". But Brett is starting to throw away some of his food containers now as he finishes them. He has only about one more meal on the trail. Then one last guilt-free meal in Millinocket (the town closest to Katahdin where Brett will probably stay after he summits).
Brett has only one more page of "The A.T. Guide" left. This is the book that has given him all the details of the trail along the way. He would rip out one page at a time, keeping it in his pocket for easy reference as he hiked. Then, when he finished that section he would throw it away and tear out the next page to carry. Now all that is left is one page.
Brett said that he is ready to be done. He is ready to be home. But, he is still enjoying this last section of trail. I hoped that Brett wouldn't be so focused on getting it over with, that he missed enjoying the finish. It sounds like he will enjoy the finish as well as being finished.
Brett said there are lakes everywhere. Katahdin may be only about 15 miles as the crow flies, but the trails twists and turns around the water. You see planes flying everywhere.
Brett hiked 3 miles to the hostel, leaving him only 46 more miles to go. The weather is terrible. Brett said that it has rained five of the last seven days. "Even my bones are wet." Brett, and quite a few other hikers (the hostel is full with 12 people), welcomed a chance to get out of the rain and stay in a hostel. Brett plans to hike the summit of Katahdin on Sunday, weather permitting. Sunday had the best forecast, and Brett may have to skip up to 10 miles in order to be at the top in decent weather--a sacrifice that Brett will gladly make.
The plan for Brett's return is that Coconut and her dad (whose name I finally discovered is Tailwind), as well as fellow hiker, BP, will drive down I-95 and drop off Brett in Kittery. Brett said he is ready to go home and sleep.
I asked Brett about Buzzkill, who started hiking the A.T. when Brett did, and whom Brett has kept up with almost the entire time. Brett saw Buzzkill a few days ago. They talked about summitting together, but Buzzkill got ahead of Brett and was ready to be done and get home.
Brett came into the hostel with an almost empty food bag. The hostel has a pantry for hikers to resupply. After this there may be one more "supply pantry". But Brett is starting to throw away some of his food containers now as he finishes them. He has only about one more meal on the trail. Then one last guilt-free meal in Millinocket (the town closest to Katahdin where Brett will probably stay after he summits).
Brett has only one more page of "The A.T. Guide" left. This is the book that has given him all the details of the trail along the way. He would rip out one page at a time, keeping it in his pocket for easy reference as he hiked. Then, when he finished that section he would throw it away and tear out the next page to carry. Now all that is left is one page.
Brett said that he is ready to be done. He is ready to be home. But, he is still enjoying this last section of trail. I hoped that Brett wouldn't be so focused on getting it over with, that he missed enjoying the finish. It sounds like he will enjoy the finish as well as being finished.
(Fri. 8/10/12) Monson, ME (phone call)
I expected cell phone service in Maine to be terrible. It was still hard for me not to hear an update after Brett told me about his black and broken foot. I was finally able to hear from Brett and get an update.
Brett said the part of his foot that is broken is the bump on the outside of his foot right below his little toe. He said it hurts, "but what can you do?" [The answer that comes to my mind is "see a doctor".] Although it hurts, it doesn't sound like his foot has really slowed Brett down. I hope that Brett will have it looked at when he returns home, but I know he does not want to think about that yet.
Brett said that he had only about a hundred more miles, about one week, left on the trail. Monson is the last town near the trail before the "Hundred Mile Wilderness." Brett's pack is heavy with all the food that he will need. This was essentially his last resupply. I am sure that at this point Brett will be noticing many "lasts".
The weather in Maine has not been very good to Brett. It sounds like there has been a lot of rain.
Brett has continued hiking with Coconut and her dad since Andover, ME. I'm really grateful that I was able to meet them in Gorham, NH, the day I dropped Brett off. They seemed very nice, and I'm glad that Brett has some good companions.
Coconut and her dad even offered to give Brett a ride back to my parents' house. They will be picked up at Katahdin and will be driving down I-95, which goes right through Kittery and Portsmouth. I was given an assignment to start checking out flights. Brett should be home in less than two weeks!
Brett said the part of his foot that is broken is the bump on the outside of his foot right below his little toe. He said it hurts, "but what can you do?" [The answer that comes to my mind is "see a doctor".] Although it hurts, it doesn't sound like his foot has really slowed Brett down. I hope that Brett will have it looked at when he returns home, but I know he does not want to think about that yet.
Brett said that he had only about a hundred more miles, about one week, left on the trail. Monson is the last town near the trail before the "Hundred Mile Wilderness." Brett's pack is heavy with all the food that he will need. This was essentially his last resupply. I am sure that at this point Brett will be noticing many "lasts".
The weather in Maine has not been very good to Brett. It sounds like there has been a lot of rain.
Brett has continued hiking with Coconut and her dad since Andover, ME. I'm really grateful that I was able to meet them in Gorham, NH, the day I dropped Brett off. They seemed very nice, and I'm glad that Brett has some good companions.
Coconut and her dad even offered to give Brett a ride back to my parents' house. They will be picked up at Katahdin and will be driving down I-95, which goes right through Kittery and Portsmouth. I was given an assignment to start checking out flights. Brett should be home in less than two weeks!
(Mon. 8/6/12) Maine (text)
I am truly grateful for you as well. I do think of you often and how lucky I am to have you. I love you, Hun.
Welcome words to hear. But how are you walking on a broken foot?
Welcome words to hear. But how are you walking on a broken foot?
(Sat. 8/4/12) Maine (text, e-mail)
While out and about I received this text from Brett:
Tough days. I have broken part of my foot from a trip and fall. Will update when I have service where I can make a call, but it may be a while.
Later, I received this e-mail:
Feel better from being sick--100 percent recovered. However, I took a fall and think I have broken a part in my foot. It's totally black, and I can barely get a shoe on. I am making slow progress but still going. I have been hiking with Coconut and her dad since we have met up again. No cell reception anywhere. I am slow but still pushing on. Thinking around the 20th.
Nothing like having bad news with no way of talking to Brett!
Tough days. I have broken part of my foot from a trip and fall. Will update when I have service where I can make a call, but it may be a while.
Later, I received this e-mail:
Feel better from being sick--100 percent recovered. However, I took a fall and think I have broken a part in my foot. It's totally black, and I can barely get a shoe on. I am making slow progress but still going. I have been hiking with Coconut and her dad since we have met up again. No cell reception anywhere. I am slow but still pushing on. Thinking around the 20th.
Nothing like having bad news with no way of talking to Brett!
(Wed. 8/1/12) Andover, ME (phone call)
Brett called on Tuesday morning to say that he was feeling a little better and was going to try to eat something. Brett called me back on Wednesday afternoon to say that he was feeling better and was pretty much over the stomach bug. I asked him if he was up to 70/80% healthy-normal. He said that was functioning at 95%. That was great news. I was happy to hear that it was a fairly short illness.
Monday, July 30, 2012
(Mon. 7/30/12) Andover, ME (phone call)
I got a surprise phone call from Brett fairly late tonight. We only talked for a few minutes--just long enough for him to tell me that he was miserable and that Maine was killing him. I immediately thought it must be sore muscles or blistered feet. I was sad to hear that Brett, along with a large number of other hikers in that section of the trail, has come down with a stomach virus.
Brett said that it hit him at 4:00am. He went in search of some lodging and found a bed and bathroom at Pine Ellis Lodge. Brett said there are five other hikers in the hostel with the same symptoms he is experiencing (including Coconut, whom I met in Gorham, NH, and her dad). The hostel right by the trail in Gorham is full, with some sick hikers. And there are more sick hikers in the hostel north of Brett.
Brett had told me before that hikers don't often get sick, because germs don't get passed around the same way that they might in a community with more people. It is unusual for this many hikers to get sick. It makes you wonder if there's something in the water.
Whatever it is, I hope that Brett isn't miserable too long. I hope he doesn't lose any more weight from being sick. And I hope that he gains his strength back quickly. Brett said that he planned on taking a zero day tomorrow (Duh!). I hope that he is able to rest his body back to health.
Brett said that it hit him at 4:00am. He went in search of some lodging and found a bed and bathroom at Pine Ellis Lodge. Brett said there are five other hikers in the hostel with the same symptoms he is experiencing (including Coconut, whom I met in Gorham, NH, and her dad). The hostel right by the trail in Gorham is full, with some sick hikers. And there are more sick hikers in the hostel north of Brett.
Brett had told me before that hikers don't often get sick, because germs don't get passed around the same way that they might in a community with more people. It is unusual for this many hikers to get sick. It makes you wonder if there's something in the water.
Whatever it is, I hope that Brett isn't miserable too long. I hope he doesn't lose any more weight from being sick. And I hope that he gains his strength back quickly. Brett said that he planned on taking a zero day tomorrow (Duh!). I hope that he is able to rest his body back to health.
(Sat. 7/21/12 - Fri. 7/27/12) Kittery, ME (Family Visit/Break From the Trail)
I picked up Brett in Gorham, NH, as previously arranged. I got there early and hiked down the trail a little bit. I found a perfect spot by the creek that followed the trail for a bit and sat on a rock with my feet in the water while I waited for Brett to come down the trail. I was so happy to see Brett after so long (four months since Spring Break) that I cried. It took me a while for my eyes and emotions to get back to normal.
Brett has lost 50 pounds on the trail. He is skin and bones compared to what he was before. For the first few days, every time I saw him or put my arms around him it took me by surprise. It took about five days for me to look at him and not immediately think "He's so skinny!"
Brett also has an almost fully gray beard and looks "so old". Brett is fairly proud of his beard. He says it easily identifies him as a northbound thru-hiker, and he is respected by southbound hikers (who haven't been on the trail that long) or section hikers he meets on the way. I think Brett's beard is one small way to measure everything he has done so far.
It was so nice to have time with Brett. Brett's two goals for his time off were to spend time with the family and rest. So we spent most of our time at my parents' house just hanging out rather than going out or sight-seeing. (Being around crowds is the last thing Brett wants right now!) It was good to be together as a family again, although it may have made it a little harder for Brett to get back on the trail. My parents live on the water, and being on the water also made Brett realize how much he missed it.
Brett took care of some gear issues while he was here. He had a new pack shipped because the frame in his old one broke. He had to do some sewing to make minor modifications, just as he did with his previous two packs. He had to replace his hiking shoes, because sole on one of his shoes started separating. He also had to replace his pillow which wasn't holding air like it should. And of course, he unpacked, washed, and aired all of his gear out. Evidence of Brett was seen in many rooms of the house as well as on both the front and back porches.
I'm hoping the first few days on the trail weren't too tough for Brett. I had thought that the White Mountains in New Hampshire were the toughest part of the trail, but Brett said that the first 100 miles of Maine were supposedly the toughest. So Brett has just begun a very difficult section of the trail with new shoes, muscles that need to be worked back in, and a twinge or homesickness after spending so much time with the family. I know that he will get back into the swing of things soon. I am proud of him, and continue to be amazed at what he has done.
Here are a few Brett photos from our time together. First, a photo of Brett and his shadow (i.e. Ryan) hunting for treasure by my parents' house in Kittery, Maine.
The only tourist-y activity we did: stopping by the fisherman's memorial in Gloucester, Mass., on our way back from a trip to REI (new shoes).
Mending a small tear in his shorts.
First, we watched the lobster boats unload their catch from my parents' house. Then we went and bought the fresh, live lobsters (only $4.00 a pound!). Then Brett played with the lobsters. Later, Brett washed and steamed the lobsters (with no help). Finally, we all ate the lobsters (with step-by-step instruction from my parents).
Following our family tradition, we all wore our "Support Daddy Tie-Dye T-Shirts" on our first day with Brett, on our family outing to REI and Gloucester, and on our last day together.
Only three more weeks 'til Katahdin. We're proud of you, "The Dude".
Brett has lost 50 pounds on the trail. He is skin and bones compared to what he was before. For the first few days, every time I saw him or put my arms around him it took me by surprise. It took about five days for me to look at him and not immediately think "He's so skinny!"
Brett also has an almost fully gray beard and looks "so old". Brett is fairly proud of his beard. He says it easily identifies him as a northbound thru-hiker, and he is respected by southbound hikers (who haven't been on the trail that long) or section hikers he meets on the way. I think Brett's beard is one small way to measure everything he has done so far.
It was so nice to have time with Brett. Brett's two goals for his time off were to spend time with the family and rest. So we spent most of our time at my parents' house just hanging out rather than going out or sight-seeing. (Being around crowds is the last thing Brett wants right now!) It was good to be together as a family again, although it may have made it a little harder for Brett to get back on the trail. My parents live on the water, and being on the water also made Brett realize how much he missed it.
Brett took care of some gear issues while he was here. He had a new pack shipped because the frame in his old one broke. He had to do some sewing to make minor modifications, just as he did with his previous two packs. He had to replace his hiking shoes, because sole on one of his shoes started separating. He also had to replace his pillow which wasn't holding air like it should. And of course, he unpacked, washed, and aired all of his gear out. Evidence of Brett was seen in many rooms of the house as well as on both the front and back porches.
I'm hoping the first few days on the trail weren't too tough for Brett. I had thought that the White Mountains in New Hampshire were the toughest part of the trail, but Brett said that the first 100 miles of Maine were supposedly the toughest. So Brett has just begun a very difficult section of the trail with new shoes, muscles that need to be worked back in, and a twinge or homesickness after spending so much time with the family. I know that he will get back into the swing of things soon. I am proud of him, and continue to be amazed at what he has done.
Here are a few Brett photos from our time together. First, a photo of Brett and his shadow (i.e. Ryan) hunting for treasure by my parents' house in Kittery, Maine.
At a rest stop in the White Mountains on the way to dropping Brett back off on the trail (before the emotional good-byes hit). The peak of Mount Washington was covered in clouds. We had rain on the three-hour drive there, but I think most of it had passed by the time we got to the trail.
Only three more weeks 'til Katahdin. We're proud of you, "The Dude".
(Fri. 7/20/12) White Mountains, NH (Text)
Can you make it tomorrow?...You can pick me up and bring me back for a few days.
Can you be in Gorham, NH at 3:00?
I will try to be at the trail crossing at 3:00.... There should be a parking area. Do not be late.
[I won't! So excited to see Brett!]
Can you be in Gorham, NH at 3:00?
I will try to be at the trail crossing at 3:00.... There should be a parking area. Do not be late.
[I won't! So excited to see Brett!]
Friday, July 20, 2012
(Thu. 7/19/12) White Mountains, NH (Phone/Text)
I finally got a phone call from Brett, but it ended up being a very frustrating one. I had sent him a few texts and e-mails this last week with almost no response. I was thrilled to hear his voice, then crushed when the phone cut off on us. We were only able to talk long enough to make a tentative plan to have me pick him up on Sunday.
Later that evening he was able to follow up with a short text:
Should be Sunday afternoon near Gorham, NH. I will update soon.
[I hope so!]
Later that evening he was able to follow up with a short text:
Should be Sunday afternoon near Gorham, NH. I will update soon.
[I hope so!]
(7/15/12-718/12) White Mountains, NH (E-mails)
Sun. 7/15/12 E-mail:
What is your parents' address? I need to get another pack sent to them.
[This would be his third backpack!]
Wed. 7/18/12 E-mail:
I should summit Washington tomorrow am. No cell coverage at all. I am thinking of having you pick me up late this weekend. I will finish the Whites by then.
What is your parents' address? I need to get another pack sent to them.
[This would be his third backpack!]
Wed. 7/18/12 E-mail:
I should summit Washington tomorrow am. No cell coverage at all. I am thinking of having you pick me up late this weekend. I will finish the Whites by then.
(Wed. 7/11/12) Smarts Mountain, NH (E-mail/Phone Update)
I got an e-mail from Brett on Wed. 7/11/12:
I am unable to call. I should be in Glencliff, NH tomorrow early afternoon. It should be about 2.5 hrs away. What time will you be able to be there? I will need long john bottoms, wool long sleeve shirt, down jacket, and clothes to wear for the day.
Brett called me late that night from the top of a fire tower where he had some reception. I believe it was the fire tower on Smarts Mountain. Brett said he was there alone, sleeping on top of the tower. The wind had woken him up and he was a little cold. That was when he decided to call, knowing that I would still be awake. I had just flown in to New England from Utah and was still getting settled though it was almost midnight. Brett said he would be in Glencliff, NH the next day. We made arrangements for me to meet up with him.
The next morning, Thu. 7/12/12, everyone here slept in. The boys were still asleep at 10am. I ended up taking too long to unpack from my trip, to pack what I needed to take to Brett, and get ready to go. I spent too long talking to my mom and figuring out my route to the Whites. I ended up leaving about two hours later than I had planned with Brett. Brett called to check on my status, heard that I had only just left, and suggested that I go back home and we would find another place to meet up. Needless to say, we were both disappointed.
Brett continued hiking through the White Mountains. The Whites are one of the most difficult sections on the trail. I think that Brett decided to just keep pushing forward through the Whites with a plan to meet up with me when he finished.
I am unable to call. I should be in Glencliff, NH tomorrow early afternoon. It should be about 2.5 hrs away. What time will you be able to be there? I will need long john bottoms, wool long sleeve shirt, down jacket, and clothes to wear for the day.
Brett called me late that night from the top of a fire tower where he had some reception. I believe it was the fire tower on Smarts Mountain. Brett said he was there alone, sleeping on top of the tower. The wind had woken him up and he was a little cold. That was when he decided to call, knowing that I would still be awake. I had just flown in to New England from Utah and was still getting settled though it was almost midnight. Brett said he would be in Glencliff, NH the next day. We made arrangements for me to meet up with him.
The next morning, Thu. 7/12/12, everyone here slept in. The boys were still asleep at 10am. I ended up taking too long to unpack from my trip, to pack what I needed to take to Brett, and get ready to go. I spent too long talking to my mom and figuring out my route to the Whites. I ended up leaving about two hours later than I had planned with Brett. Brett called to check on my status, heard that I had only just left, and suggested that I go back home and we would find another place to meet up. Needless to say, we were both disappointed.
Brett continued hiking through the White Mountains. The Whites are one of the most difficult sections on the trail. I think that Brett decided to just keep pushing forward through the Whites with a plan to meet up with me when he finished.
(Sat. 7/6/12) Killington, VT (Phone Update)
Brett was staying at The Inn at Long Trail, near where The Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail split. Brett said it had rained all day and he was tired. He decided to share a hotel room with another hiker, Gun Runner.
I asked how Brett's Fourth of July celebration was. He said it was a bust. He got a rider to a soccer field in town to participate in the festivities. They had a nice presentation before the fireworks but they had to delay the fireworks because of a big lightning storm the next town over. They delayed again. And again. Then there were reports of hail the next town over, so they had to cancel the fireworks altogether. Brett had to walk to meet back up with his ride and ended up soaking wet. Bummer.
Brett said he crossed the point where there are less than 500 miles left to go. He still faces mental challenges every day. Every hill is still a challenge.
Killington is the first 4,000-ft. climb since maybe VA. He met up with four college kids were there hiking Killington as part of a reunion. He climbed with them and talked the whole way. Brett said it was nice to have the company while climbing. It made it go by faster and easier.
I asked Brett if he could feel that the uphill climbs were easier now that he has been hiking for over four months. Brett said that every climb is tough. But the recovery after a climb is quicker and the breaks are shorter.
We talked about wildlife on the trail. Brett had not seen a moose, but he did see moose turd. He saw a porcupine in New York. And he saw a bear in Mass. Brett was a switchback down from the bear. The bear came down from a tree, sat on the trail, and walked off.
Brett said that he hasn't been hiking with many other hikers. There was a section hiker, G-Paw (?) that Brett had been enjoying hiking with. But he broke his wrist and was now off the trail. Brett said he is about two weeks ahead of the pack. Brett left in mid/late February, and most set off in March. Brett said he "had my lonely fill" and would be okay with some more people.
I asked how Brett's Fourth of July celebration was. He said it was a bust. He got a rider to a soccer field in town to participate in the festivities. They had a nice presentation before the fireworks but they had to delay the fireworks because of a big lightning storm the next town over. They delayed again. And again. Then there were reports of hail the next town over, so they had to cancel the fireworks altogether. Brett had to walk to meet back up with his ride and ended up soaking wet. Bummer.
Brett said he crossed the point where there are less than 500 miles left to go. He still faces mental challenges every day. Every hill is still a challenge.
Killington is the first 4,000-ft. climb since maybe VA. He met up with four college kids were there hiking Killington as part of a reunion. He climbed with them and talked the whole way. Brett said it was nice to have the company while climbing. It made it go by faster and easier.
I asked Brett if he could feel that the uphill climbs were easier now that he has been hiking for over four months. Brett said that every climb is tough. But the recovery after a climb is quicker and the breaks are shorter.
We talked about wildlife on the trail. Brett had not seen a moose, but he did see moose turd. He saw a porcupine in New York. And he saw a bear in Mass. Brett was a switchback down from the bear. The bear came down from a tree, sat on the trail, and walked off.
Brett said that he hasn't been hiking with many other hikers. There was a section hiker, G-Paw (?) that Brett had been enjoying hiking with. But he broke his wrist and was now off the trail. Brett said he is about two weeks ahead of the pack. Brett left in mid/late February, and most set off in March. Brett said he "had my lonely fill" and would be okay with some more people.
(Tue. 7/3/12) Manchester Center, VT (Phone Update)
The text that I received from Brett on Mon. 7/2/12 is typical: "I should be able to call tomorrow. Terrible cell coverage in VT." Of course, we traded texts back and forth on Tuesday trying to figure out when we would be free to talk. I was spending the morning with family at a hot air balloon festival when he called. Brett was in the middle of eating lunch when I returned his call. We traded a few more texts working out our schedules and finally talked that afternoon.
Brett said the Green Mountains in Vermont were really nice. He had a few tough days of exhaustion where his muscles just didn't seem to want to work any more. So he planned on taking it easy and resting a bit.
He was staying at Green Mountain House Hiker Hostel in Manchester, VT. He said it was a really nice place. In fact, it was the nicest place he has ever stayed in on the trail. They give all of their guests a free pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
My parents were able to meet up with Brett the day before. They went out for dinner and took Brett to a grocery store to resupply. I asked Brett if they said anything about his appearance. I had told my parents that Brett had not cut his hair or shaved his beard, that he had lost a lot of weight and generally looked homeless. Brett said my mom's words were, "I just didn't expect it to be this extreme." Brett said he has a whole mountain man beard. My mom took one snapshot of him which I have now seen. He really doesn't look much like the man I last saw four months ago.
Brett said that he is "seeing the light". He is getting more enjoyment out of the hike, though he still has a lot of hard hiking ahead.
There was a tragedy on the trail a few weeks ago. Brett said that this far along on the trail, all the thru-hikers know of most all the other thru-hikers for that year. They may not have met them all, but they are aware of most of the AT Thru-Hikers Class of 2012. One of the thru-hikers in the class, a younger kid named Parkside died 50 miles from Katahdin. He dove into a lake, and the word is that his body instantly cramped up and he drowned. Five fellow hikers left the trail to attend his funeral. They were now carrying his ashes the rest of the way to Katahdin. He said the tragedy was felt strongly by everyone in their "class".
Brett said he can't really feel his big toes anymore. They are almost totally numb. He also thinks he'll always have a lingering limp from stress of the trail. And he has really big calf muscles. I asked Brett if having minor, but permanent damage to his body would be worth it in the end. His response was, "Totally".
Brett said the Green Mountains in Vermont were really nice. He had a few tough days of exhaustion where his muscles just didn't seem to want to work any more. So he planned on taking it easy and resting a bit.
He was staying at Green Mountain House Hiker Hostel in Manchester, VT. He said it was a really nice place. In fact, it was the nicest place he has ever stayed in on the trail. They give all of their guests a free pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
My parents were able to meet up with Brett the day before. They went out for dinner and took Brett to a grocery store to resupply. I asked Brett if they said anything about his appearance. I had told my parents that Brett had not cut his hair or shaved his beard, that he had lost a lot of weight and generally looked homeless. Brett said my mom's words were, "I just didn't expect it to be this extreme." Brett said he has a whole mountain man beard. My mom took one snapshot of him which I have now seen. He really doesn't look much like the man I last saw four months ago.
Brett said that he is "seeing the light". He is getting more enjoyment out of the hike, though he still has a lot of hard hiking ahead.
There was a tragedy on the trail a few weeks ago. Brett said that this far along on the trail, all the thru-hikers know of most all the other thru-hikers for that year. They may not have met them all, but they are aware of most of the AT Thru-Hikers Class of 2012. One of the thru-hikers in the class, a younger kid named Parkside died 50 miles from Katahdin. He dove into a lake, and the word is that his body instantly cramped up and he drowned. Five fellow hikers left the trail to attend his funeral. They were now carrying his ashes the rest of the way to Katahdin. He said the tragedy was felt strongly by everyone in their "class".
Brett said he can't really feel his big toes anymore. They are almost totally numb. He also thinks he'll always have a lingering limp from stress of the trail. And he has really big calf muscles. I asked Brett if having minor, but permanent damage to his body would be worth it in the end. His response was, "Totally".
(6/2_ /12) Great Barrington, MA (Phone Update)
Ugh. I was able to chat with Brett for a while, but I was so busy taking notes of his activities that I never wrote down the date of this phone call.
Brett had pushed himself the day before, hiking 26 miles. He said it was too much and he was hurting because of it. He had blisters from his new shoes. He hiked only a few miles and arrived at a hostel that morning-what they call a Nero day (near zero). His goal was to hike 20 miles the next day.
He was spending the day at the hostel taking care of errands-phone calls, laundry, and a shower. He planned on ordering pizza for dinner.
Brett said he hiked all through Connecticut without really seeing other hikers. He was in kind of a weird bubble. Some hikers were about a day ahead, some about a day behind, but he was really hiking alone.
They had record heat the previous weekend. Brett said the smell has gone up to a whole different level. He sat in a creek pouring water over his head to cool down his core temp. He said to himself, I could handle some rain. Not much later he was stuck in a thunderstorm with hail the size of a cherry or grape, with nowhere to go. It was June and there was an inch of ice on the ground. He from hot to freezing in about 15 minutes. The hail was smooth and round, making it difficult to walk over. Brett said you have to be careful what you wish for. Brett said it was raining again; another grey day.
Brett was in Massachusetts and said that the mosquitoes were the worst he's ever seen. They continued biting even while he was moving.
On the positive side, Brett said there were wild blueberries all over the place. He was out of the range of the wild raspberries, and the huckleberries weren't ripe yet. He passed by a small, out-of-the-way, but busy creamery. I told him folks know how to do ice cream in New England.
Brett was in Great Barrington, MA. He planned to resupply in Lee.
I didn't hear much about it, but Brett was able to have visitors along the way. His friend Nancy and her sister were able to hike with him for a couple of days. Although I think Brett had to significantly slow down his pace, it's worth it to be able to have good company for a little while.
Brett had pushed himself the day before, hiking 26 miles. He said it was too much and he was hurting because of it. He had blisters from his new shoes. He hiked only a few miles and arrived at a hostel that morning-what they call a Nero day (near zero). His goal was to hike 20 miles the next day.
He was spending the day at the hostel taking care of errands-phone calls, laundry, and a shower. He planned on ordering pizza for dinner.
Brett said he hiked all through Connecticut without really seeing other hikers. He was in kind of a weird bubble. Some hikers were about a day ahead, some about a day behind, but he was really hiking alone.
They had record heat the previous weekend. Brett said the smell has gone up to a whole different level. He sat in a creek pouring water over his head to cool down his core temp. He said to himself, I could handle some rain. Not much later he was stuck in a thunderstorm with hail the size of a cherry or grape, with nowhere to go. It was June and there was an inch of ice on the ground. He from hot to freezing in about 15 minutes. The hail was smooth and round, making it difficult to walk over. Brett said you have to be careful what you wish for. Brett said it was raining again; another grey day.
Brett was in Massachusetts and said that the mosquitoes were the worst he's ever seen. They continued biting even while he was moving.
On the positive side, Brett said there were wild blueberries all over the place. He was out of the range of the wild raspberries, and the huckleberries weren't ripe yet. He passed by a small, out-of-the-way, but busy creamery. I told him folks know how to do ice cream in New England.
Brett was in Great Barrington, MA. He planned to resupply in Lee.
I didn't hear much about it, but Brett was able to have visitors along the way. His friend Nancy and her sister were able to hike with him for a couple of days. Although I think Brett had to significantly slow down his pace, it's worth it to be able to have good company for a little while.
(Fri. 6/15/12) Perkins Memorial Tower on Bear Mtn., NY (Phone Update)
This was one of the few days that I was able to actually talk to Brett for a while. He was on top of a mountain looking at the New York City skyline off in the distance. Brett said he hoped to walk 12 miles to a campsite that was supposed to have a good view of the skyline. He said that having a shorter day of hiking should be worth seeing the city skyline at night. Brett said he got a little emotional looking at the skyline. He was looking at a big spot on the map, a place that everyone knows and he walked all the way there.
Brett was at Perkins memorial Tower and said he would cross the Hudson River the next day. He would also be hiking through a zoo (Trailside Museum and Zoo-the trail goes right through it, so there is no fee for hikes just passing through). He would hike about 12 miles to stay in the field by a monastery (Graymoor Spiritual Life Center).
Brett was at Perkins memorial Tower and said he would cross the Hudson River the next day. He would also be hiking through a zoo (Trailside Museum and Zoo-the trail goes right through it, so there is no fee for hikes just passing through). He would hike about 12 miles to stay in the field by a monastery (Graymoor Spiritual Life Center).
(Tue. 6/12/12) NY (Phone Update)
I apologize for those who may have been waiting to hear updates from from Brett for the past month. I have not had easy access to a computer during that time. In addition, I have not had very much communication with Brett. Most of the problem has been cell phone reception. But Brett also may not have called as much because he did not want to interrupt my time with family, and finding time when he was not hiking and when I was at home to talk to him without being surrounded by family was a little difficult.
During this short phone call Brett did not let me know his location. He crossed into New York two days before. He was staying in the basement of a church with a kitchen and was taking a walk to the grocery store to get some snacky food. He decided to take a zero day. Brett said he was ready for one; besides, it was going to be raining all day.
Brett said that there were no more outfitters around for him to easily get supplies. He asked me to start looking for some things for him. He second pair of shoes were going out. I ended up shipping him a new pair of shoes, sock liners, hiking pole tips, and a smaller pair of underwear.
Brett has lost 45 pounds and now weighs close to 195 pounds.
During this short phone call Brett did not let me know his location. He crossed into New York two days before. He was staying in the basement of a church with a kitchen and was taking a walk to the grocery store to get some snacky food. He decided to take a zero day. Brett said he was ready for one; besides, it was going to be raining all day.
Brett said that there were no more outfitters around for him to easily get supplies. He asked me to start looking for some things for him. He second pair of shoes were going out. I ended up shipping him a new pair of shoes, sock liners, hiking pole tips, and a smaller pair of underwear.
Brett has lost 45 pounds and now weighs close to 195 pounds.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
(Sun. 6/10/12) High Point State Park, NY (Phone Update)
Brett called fairly late (for him) from High Point State Park. The park is actually located in New York, but the trail is not quite done with New Jersey. He should cross the official NJ/NY border soon and spend about a week hiking New York. This was, sadly, a very short phone update. I think Brett was started to fall asleep on the phone. He's working hard!
(Fri. 6/8/12) - Sunfish Pond, NJ (Phone Update)
Brett called me while stopping for lunch on the trail. He found the perfect place to stop and enjoy the view at Sunfish Pond in NJ. I was told it was the southern-most glacier-formed lake (in the U.S.? on the trail?). Brett said it was an absolutely beautiful alpine lake. He found a nice boulder to sit on. What started out as a lunch stop turned into an hour-long (at least) break of enjoying the scenery.
A few other other hikers stopped by while Brett was on the phone, and I was able to say hello to Hawkeye and one other (I can't remember now who it was). It sounds like Brett has met a few nice guys who have continued to pass each other (leap-frog) and keep up with one another since they started in February.
A few other other hikers stopped by while Brett was on the phone, and I was able to say hello to Hawkeye and one other (I can't remember now who it was). It sounds like Brett has met a few nice guys who have continued to pass each other (leap-frog) and keep up with one another since they started in February.
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