The AT north of Jo-Mary Road in Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness is wet and muddy this year. Our first day of eight miles or so was hard enough, recalling faded memories of Maine’s roots and rocks from two years ago. Off and on for some weeks prior to this trip, there had been rain in this region, swelling the streams and rivers, and making a bog of much of the famous footpath through these woods.

On our first day we met some of the strongest of the northbound thru-hikers, all of them young men, dirty and as thin as rails. They did not seem elated that their goal was now within reach. Rather, they looked only tired. They had a dull look in their eyes, one of profound fatigue. I felt as if they were partly somewhere else. These boys soon sped away from us on their way to Katahdin, bearing their packs and our congratulations.

It is meeting these long-distance hikers and seeing the wear and tear on them that hints to me that I might never attempt another thru-hike. In the comfort of my living room, it is easy for me to grow nostalgic for the Trail’s many freedoms and the adventure of it all. Seeing again some of these battered young men after 2,100 miles in the mountains now gives me pause. Could I do this again?

*****

Handyman waited for my nephew Dusty and me at the baggage claim area of the airport in Manchester, NH. He is much as I remember him from the 2007 AT hike, but does not wear the beard that grew so wildly during his thru-hike. He remains trustworthy, supportive, slightly entertaining, a good planner, and a perfect hiking companion. We discuss at great length our 2007 hike, its memorable characters and places. I tease Handyman occasionally about his legs, for which he was sometimes complimented by women during his hiking days two summers ago. We also speak frequently of our sore muscles and stiff joints. The tough hiking in this part of Maine punishes our bodies.

My nephew Dusty is now known on the Trail as Dust Buster. He was able to purchase his gear only a week before our trip, but luckily he has experienced no problems with his boots thus far. We lost one of his new water bottles at a rest stop during our first day of hiking, but we are more careful now to scan the area before we leave a rest stop or campsite.

*****

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