A hike well done!!
MacGyver and my adventure this year on the AT was another action-packed whirlwind of "ups and....more up"! Last year we didn't know what we didn't know but this year we tackled the AT with a vengeance ready for anything. Sure there were definitely some challenging parts whether it was the bad storms, the excruciating miles, long climbs and descents, the insects/bugs or the 20+ mile days but we never lost our excitement and enthusiasm. Because we knew that just around the corner or at the top of a mountain there were going to be some breathtaking views that made us speechless. And we were never disappointed.
We hiked over 280 miles in three weeks surpassing the goal we set. BTW, we learned of a new term for section hikers that hike alot of miles: LASHERS (Long Ass Section Hikers). So we be LASHERS!
We also met some of the most memorable people one could ever meet, all after that same dream and euphoric feeling one gets taking on a challenge like this.
But what made this so much easier and more fun than one should be allowed to have was hiking with my brother MacGyver. What a treat..…and what a team! We always had each other’s back every step of the way whether it was keeping each other from falling off the edge of a cliff to assuring we both had enough water and food. Thanks for the memories Bro!
So what is our encore going forward??
It may have been the wine and beer (or the Pappy Van Winkle whisky) talking but next year we are considering a 4 week adventure, picking up where we left off. That would put us near the 1,000 mile marker…or maybe we should push right thru to the half way point?? Stay tune:)
Happy Trails,
Survivor and MacGyver
P.S. In keeping with the name of my Blog, A Bucket List Of Adventures!, don’t be surprised if I post other adventures I may go on……..from my “bucket list”. Join me if you want!!
Comments
JoAnn Aurand Pobocik
30.04.2020 23:38
Wow, Steve! This was fascinating to read about. I'm in awe. Good to see your face after so many years. Look forward to reading about more adventures!
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Stephen Ortiz
13.06.2020 15:14
Hey JoAnn, Many thanks! It certainly has been some years since we saw each other. Yes, my adventurous spirit has not gone away :) Helps keep me young....at least in my mind! Our next hike begins soon!
Jack R Hughes
20.08.2019 21:05
Great documentation of your trip. That takes work, too. Thanks for sharing.
Ken
15.08.2019 14:19
Steve, you did an outstanding job capturing and helping all our friends and family live our AT hike with us. You are amazing to hike with and look forward to next year.
Love you Bro
Latest comments
27.09 | 17:20
Hi Possum! MacGyver and I finished up on Sept.7th with 351 miles in this year. False alarm on MacGyver taking ill. He was dehydrated but recovered in about 2 days. Was great to meet you this year!
27.09 | 17:16
Hey Pinnacle! Great to meet and hike with you also! And great advice on the next section we did. Thanks!
06.09 | 16:10
Great meeting you and your Brother at Eagles nest.
06.09 | 16:07
It was great meeting you and brother at Eagles nest
Pinnacle
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Great views from the top of South Twin Mtn!
Okay....starting on June 21st we decided to do a bit of "Platinum Blazing" at the AMC Huts. It was not the plan at all in the beginning for various reasons.....but the bad weather we are experiencing and lack of camp sites in the Whites; it made a lot of sense :)
Stayed at the AMC Highland Center June 21st and it was quite a place......and we celebrated MacGyver's Birthday!
On day 11, on the way to "Lake Of The Cloud" Hut, we had some good views around, of, and on top such mountains as Mt. Webster, Mt. Jackson, Mt. Eisenhower, Mt. Franklin.....and a pile of snow!
Day 12, June 23rd's highlight was summitting Mt. Washington. Its legendary for having very unpredictable, sometime dangerous weather but we hit it on perfect day...and definitely perfect compared to what we have already been thru in New Hampshire!
From the summit of Mt. Washington to the Madison Hut (where we stayed tonight) was only another 6 miles but the rock scrambles down were brutal...but the Hut they had Veggie Pot Pie for dinner!
Day 13, June 24 we hiked up, over and down Mt. Madison! Pics to follow shortly but let me just say that this was one of the toughest descents so far. Jagged black rock proved very difficult! Made it to Gorham for the night...thinking about the pending "Wildcats" ahead!
Day 14, June 25 we did the Wildcats. That first day wasn't too bad but that did change! This is MacGyver and I enjoying our first summit......forgot to mention that the Wildcats had 4 summits! But also, some good views
Stayed at Craford Notch Hut after the Wildcats for a much needed, inside a building, rest! Also met NOBO Thru Hiker "Big T" from Mississippi.
Well....the weather had been generally bad the whole hike; but things got much worse the next days (June 26 and 27).....dangerously worse
This is not a picture that we took (because we were too busy trying to stay alive!) but almost like one of the crossings we made (but ours was in deeper rapids). We crossed a flooded Rattle River several times with one crossing getting worse than the other. Made us pause a bit.......
June 27th we slipped and limped, soaking wet to U.S. 2 in Gorham and stayed at the Barn Hostel managed and owned by Paul. But about 2 miles or so before we reached U.S. 2 we passed by the Rattle River Shelter....and it looked like this....
Of course, our initial reaction, cold and tired, was "What Kind of Long-Distance Hiker" would violate so many unwritten rules of hiking etiquette!!!
Then we found out that those staying in the shelter (for multiple days at a time) were AMC trail volunteers and State Park staff helping out to shore up the trail as best they could during the unprecedented flooding that was going on.
MY TOTAL APOLOGIZE for jumping to conclusions without know the facts. Thank you for what you do!!
Okay...coming back to The Barn Hostel.....MacGyver and I fell in love with it at first glance! Growing up in the 60's and early 70's, this Hippy vibe that we saw and felt, made us feel right at home :). In fact, I think I stayed at a place like this when I hitchhiked to Southern California in 1972! :)
Best laid plans??