For my last two hikes before starting the AT on June 23 I wanted steeper, higher and farther than my previous outings. The Mt Defiance trail climbs about five miles from the Columbia River to the summit at 4954′. The wonderful view of Mt. Hood is not altered by the constant, low level hum of the communication tower equipment. No worries…I was there for the conditioning and not a wilderness experience.
Next, the last training hike was on my favorite loop trails in the Columbia River Gorge. In two days I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail up to Benson Plateau and down along Herman Creek. I felt quite good while walking 16 miles while ascending the fire scarred forest for 5,200′. It is encouraging to see that the foliage has grown and spread this spring, but new tree growth is virtually non-existant after almost four years since the tragic Eagle Creek fire of 2017.
I am ready to climb Mt Katahdin on June 23. Will the Appalachian Trail be kind to me?
Sending you good luck blessings on this trip!!
You’re going to kick ass out there! Enjoy the blackfies and mosquitoes! Maine is 90% water!
Looks to me like your training hikes were more than adequate. The elevations on the AT are considerably lower. Good luck with Mt. Katahdin.
Wishing you a wonderful adventure. Looking forward to your updates.
Hope you ascend Mt. Katahdin on a beautiful, clear day
Just get through Maine whatever way you can. Don’t even think about what mileage you are doing. Maine is just hard. It all gets easier after that. The beauty will knock you out. I’m hoping you have great weather. All my Katahdin climbs have been clear and wonderful. I’m so jealous of what you will experience. Looks like I may be doing that last bit in August. Cheering you on. It will be a treat to mentally walk with you.
All the best
Marmot
Hi Roger.
Congratulations it looks fantastic.
Best wishes to you from Belgium!
Good to hear from you, Steve! It’s very nice having former colleagues checking in from anywhere, especially Belgium.