10/20/08: One-hundred-sixty-nine miles to go. The weather is changing rapidly. Crampons is in my immediate future. Most mornings are in the high teens or low 20s. I’m hiking on fumes, and my body is rebelling but onward I push.
10/07/08: “Five to one Baby one to five, no one gets out alive.” Jim Morrison must have written those lyrics after hiking the White Mountains in New Hampshire.
While beautiful at times – when there was no rain – the Whites are rugged. My knees, or at least what’s left of them, were brutalized. And now the hard part starts.
I am 14 miles from the Maine border and 21 miles from the infamous Mahoosuc Notch. The Notch is one mile of house-sized boulders that you have to crawl up, down, and under, and it looks like I’ll be doing it in the rain. Oh joy.
Since my last update, I have continued to meet some incredible people, like George at a shelter in Vermont who makes sure people act right at a shelter near his home.
Chuck and Orla Loper who loaded me up with Cliff bars, soda and water.
Shizuko, who is perhaps the most incredible hiker so far. She hikes all over the world and carries a pack that is only 2 pounds lighter than mine. After meeting her, I felt compelled to finish my hike in a dress! She called me “baby-faced grandpa.” I gave her the trail name “Jiffy Pop” after seeing her sleep under a foil thermal blanket.
And then there was the “Connecticut Four,” a group of women I met in the Whites. Jean, Jennifer, Sherrie, and let’s not forget Dominatrix Debbie who barked orders at me to “hurry up” when I began hiking one morning. Thanks again for the ride ladies.
Healthwise, considering what I am doing, things are good. Biggest issue continues to be the knees.
I am definitely at the tail end of the north bounders. The south bounders are dwindling as well. I am beginning to see the light at the end of the trail, but the hardest miles lay ahead. Keep the well wishes coming, they do matter.
Hiking on!
- Hell on Bad Wheels
Deluxe hiker accomodations
Four peaks
How considerate of the trail maintainers
I thought podunk was mythical
Sadly, it’s not a bar or a band.
A scenic view
6 responses so far ↓
Berf // October 25, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Hell on Bad Wheels you are an inspiration! I know you’ve had a lot of trouble with your knees but you’ve chosen to press on.
Looking forward to the next time we meet.
Scout // November 5, 2008 at 3:01 am
Hell on Bad Wheels! I hope you are doing well! I know it’s cold, but you seem to be sooo close to the end! Keep it up! I was just thinking about you and wanted to send some good vibes…the real world isn’t all it’s cracked up to be! Good luck!
MacGuyver and Lemur // November 14, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Congratulations for a job well done! Way to persevere through the toughest parts and finish what you started! You’ll have such good memories… it seems like forever since DE Water Gap, huh? Hope all is well!
Ross Wagner // November 17, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Great going JD and congratulations on a hell of a tough hike. I hope your body recovers after this long journey and will allow you to continue on another one.
Stillivin // November 20, 2008 at 6:22 pm
I don’t know you but your feat amazes me! I’m in remission and used to whine about having cancer. I got over it from meeting and hearing about people like you. You remind me of what living is all about! God bless you and thank you! You are good.
Jim Wagner // December 16, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Great job John!!! How are the knees? You might need to rest them before the next hike…JW