Day 136, Pond Shelter

Today we had a big push to Speck Pond Shelter 14.7 miles and more than 5000ft of elevation gain. Today we also crossed the border into Maine woo hoo- the last state and got to do the most difficult mile on the AT the Mahoosuc Notch. The Notch is a valley surrounded by cliffs on both sides where huge boulders have fallen into the valley that we had to climb over, under, and around natures obstacle course. This mile is either hated or loved by thru hikers there is no middle ground here. I loved the Notch I put away my hiking poles and bounced down the trail. Once thru the Notch I pushed hard up the next Mountain to reach the shelter and secure a tent site for myself and Lazarus who arrived about 40 minutes after me. When I arrived there was only one site left for two tents which I got. We had dinner around 930pm and got to our tents by 10. I was glad the day was done and we were heading into Andover on the 28th and a much needed upcoming zero day.