Travel Day - 6/28/24 – The Flip Flop Begins

6/28 Travel to Millinocket Maine

I spent the last few days back home in Miami, mostly recovering and packing. I did have the chance to go out with some friends and to go to one cross country team practice, which was really nice. I got to wash my hiking pack, which was much dirtier than I realized. I also aired out my tent and sleeping bag and added a few colder weather items to my pack as I head out into the mountains of New England. I decided the break from the trail was as good a time as any to start the flip-flop and go up to Maine.

Sunset on the way to Millinocket, ME

So today, my dad and I flew into Boston and drove up to Millinocket, Maine. The drive was absolutely gorgeous as we crossed lots of the rivers and lakes that give Maine its characteristic rugged beauty. Tomorrow, I’ll start my south bound adventure with a day hike of Katahdin. Then, I’ll go right into the Hundred Mile Wilderness the following day. I am very excited to start hiking in New England, along the most iconic sections of the AT, but I’m also a bit nervous. Maine and New Hampshire are notorious for the difficulty of their terrain and the unrelenting steepness of their climbs. On the other hand, those challenging climbs offer some of the most spectacular views along the whole Appalachian Trail. 

Beautiful view, including this lake on the way to Baxter State Park