The wind on the top of Bigelow Mountain was incredible! It was blowing so hard I could barely cling to the trail at times. 45 mph winds blew my beard sideways and made the last 4000-footer before Katahdin one to remember!

I hiked the first 10 miles alone today and had a great time thinking about things I want to do when I get home: how to restart my web development business, how to run the setter-training part of my volleyball practices and more. The climbs & miles flew by and the views were great. Mist was dancing amongst the peaks but a good expanse of mountain ridges were still visible in most directions.

Tonight I’m chowing on all my remaining food. Rockhound & I will be hiking 14 miles to the Kennebec River ferry tomorrow, then staying in Caratunk. I spent an hour last night & this morning planning the rest of the hike. It’s looking like Heather will be meeting me on August 12th to summit Katahdin. My friends Tim & El are expecting their first baby right about then, so I’m hoping to time things just right so I can visit without showering first!

OK, I’ll shower. I’m going to keep the beard for a little while though!

Oh yeah—I crossed the 2000 mile mark today! Yay!