Trekking poles with cork chewed off one by a porcupine.

Porcupine World War

I woke up at 2 A.M. and heard a gnawing noise. Still groggy, I listened a bit more. Yep. Gnawing noise coming from the rock next to me. I grab my headlamp, turn it on, and there’s a porcupine butt in my face.

Sunset highlights a distant storm.

Storms and Cow Ponds

Cresting a mountain top, I was surrounded by multiple storms. Rain and lightning all around me. But I had to push on. I had to find drinkable water.

Horny toad.

Mustangs and Horny Toads

After my last heartbreaking post, I wanted to post a more upbeat message. Like one about horny toads, lemonade stands, and wild mustangs.

The hut on top of Parkview Peak.

Loneliness on the CDT

I stood there, watching her walk away, not knowing what to do. It felt surreal, like I was an observer watching a movie that suddenly took an unsettling twist. I was powerless to do anything about it, so I just sat in my seat, cringing as I watched the movie unfold. It was the loneliest day of my life.

Fuck Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park was a nightmare just trying to get access. So bad that I skipped that section of the CDT.

Continental Divide Trail marker.

Continental Divide Trail: Starting at Copper Mountain

Started the Continental Divide Trail right after I finished the Appalachian Trail. I’m doing a “flipflop”, starting in the middle at Copper Mountain and hiking north to the Canadian border, then returning to Copper Mountain and hiking south to the Mexican border.

Bennett Lee at the summit of Mount Katahdin.

Summiting Katahdin!

I finally summited Mount Katahdin on June 27, 2023, and completed my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I was thru-hiker #5 signing up at Amicalola Falls State Park and #31 at Baxter State Park.

It’s been an amazing journey. I hope you all who have followed me are inspired to have your own amazing journeys. Live your life to its fullest!

Mahoosuc Notch sign.

Mahoosuc Notch: The Most Fun on the Entire Appalachian Trail

I crossed into Maine. Last state! Finished with White Mountains, then through the most fun section of the Appalachian Trail: Mahoosuc Notch. It was a blast! Like caving above ground.

Also, I did something I’ve never done before on this trip… I planned a schedule. Crazy! My projected date to summit Mount Katahdin is June 27, 2023.

Tread coming off. Leather splitting from sole.

New Shoes

I finally had to replace my shoes. Most shoes only last 500 miles on the AT. I got 1,500 miles. Unfortunately, due to pinch blisters, I need a very specific shoe.

Katahdin 500 Miles

Less Than 500 Miles to Katahdin

Less than 500 miles to Mount Katahdin. Just crossed into New Hampshire. 12 states down, just 2 more to complete the Appalachian Trail. Unfortunately, the Whites in New Hampshire are probably the toughest section.

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