Do you remember playing on a jungle gym? Or, finding your way through a corn maze, with each step trying to maneuver
your way around the obstacles?
Well, that is exactly what Nana and Pops did this past week. We are in Maine and made our way through the Mahoosuc Notch.
The Mahoosuc Notch is called, “the hardest mile on the Appalachian Trail”. The notch is a deep ravine between two mountain peaks filled with boulders that create the notch. It is difficult to put in to words just how hard it is. For two hours and forty five minutes, we climbed over and under and around boulders with thirty five pounds on our back. After completing the notch, we then climbed “The Arm” up 3,200 vertical feet. To gain perspective, I encourage you all to Google the Mahoosuc Notch.
Some have asked why we are hiking the Appalachian Trail.
In addition to wanting the experience, there is a personal reason for Nana. In 2013, Nana and her hiking partner, Inch Worm, hiked the. Trail. While in Main, Nana had to leave the trail to head home due to our daughter breaking her ankle. Inch Worm, Gerry Largay, continued on her hike. She soon got off the trail and was lost. To make a long story short, she survived 26 days before she died on the trail. Rescuers did not find her until two and a half years later. Her story is documented in the book, “When You Find My Body”. Nanna wanted to return to the trail one more time in memory of Gerry and to celebrate her life.
Now, after more than 550 miles on the trail, our bodies are exhausted. We have decided to end our hike. The experience has been a once in a lifetime experience. The people we have met, the places we have been will be with us for the rest of our lives.
We want you to know how grateful we are for each of you following along. Your words of encouragement have given us strength when we needed it.
So, Nana and Pops are off the trail and will spend the next month traveling toward home, stopping to see the sights and creating new experiences.
Thank you for sharing this adventure with us.
Stay present and be encouraged.
Nana and Pops
