Day 14: Rangeley, ME. 220.4 miles from Katahdin, 1965.5 miles from Mt. Springer

Does hiking up and down the rock falls of a 4000+ foot peak at least once a day sound like fun to you? Ankle twisting, knee-popping, back-breaking adventures, for free? Come to Maine! 

The AT claims to have the elevation change equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest 16 times. Maine wants to get its share in. We have made it to what AT hikers call "Southern Maine" (it looks a lot like western Maine on a map). We are summiting steep peaks everyday, only to descend and do it again. Forrest has sprained both his ankles (he says he's "fine"). I have bent both my trekking poles, and mourned their wounds much more than Forrest did his own flesh.

We are pretty happy with our gear choices, except I have changed shoes. I went from a lightweight running shoe to something with a sole to combat the rocks and roots. Unfortunately, when you upgrade to a hiker sole, there's usually a waterproof feature. If you want to have wet feet at the end of the day-- wear waterproof shoes. Ask anyone who's ever worked in rubber boots.

We crossed the Kennebec River, which is the only assisted crossing (by canoe) on the AT. (All other rivers you just take off your shoes and wade.) 

After crossing the river, we joined the path that Benedict Arnold used to invade Quebec during the Revolutionary War back in 1775. One third of his troops deserted along the way, but we are still at full strength, probably thanks to more lightweight backpacking materials developed in the last 240 years. Oh, and maps.

We're 10% done. Onward to the infamous Mahoosuc Notch and the New Hampshire state line.