Tough Lashers and Maine in sight

Two weeks ago my good buddies Matt and Nate came out to get a taste of the trail. And boy did they get a taste of it. They got a full thru-hike experience shoved into 4.5 days. First they found me in a tiny town hanging out with trail angels that have been opening up their home for hikers  for the last 13 years. I had luckily showed up when they were pulling steaks off the grill, which they happily shared. From there we headed out for a tiny 4.5 mile hike to our first campsite. The next morning the A.T. thru-hike boot-camp began.

The first day they got to experience multiple trail magic snacks and coolers along the road which took us across the VT and NH border. We then hiked through Hanover, NH took a super quick glance at Dartmouth and hunted down the pizzeria that gives free slices to thru-hikers. 

The rest of the days were filled with tough miles and rough terrain as the trail gets more rugged in NH. They even got to endure an entire day of hiking in the rain. And on the last day we hit the Whites and went up and over Mt. Moosilauke. A tough day that had the reward of ridge walking above tree line, it was a little windy and cold but an epic end to a great hike with my bros. I probably pushed them a little too hard but they'll now be able to tell their kids about the time they crushed mountains on the A.T. in NH.

As of now I'm chilling at a hostel in Gorham, NH after finishing the Whites. Tomorrow I'll be crossing into Maine and finishing my adventure in early September. This might be my last blog post as it sounds like phone service and overall amenities are cut down in rural Maine, especially in the 100 mile wilderness. But it's been a blast and I can't believe I'll already be in the last state tomorrow. Happy trails everyone!