Warm days and green tunnels

Our stay at the Merry Inn Hiker Hostel was a wonderful experience. We felt well rested and ready to get back on the road when we woke up. We had arranged a shuttle back to the visitor center trailhead with the lodge the night before. Unlike the hearty breakfast we had in Damascus before heading back on the road, we opted for more reasonable portions at the Downtown Pioneer restaurant. It was delicious! Our shuttle driver, Phoenix, was waiting for us by the car when we returned. We put our bags in the car and headed to the trail.

Spring is starting on the way

It was a great day for a hike! The kilometers passed quickly and the sun was shining. The first signs of the ‘Green Tunnel’ began to emerge. We walked for miles under the partial shade of budding trees. We look for signs of flowers preparing to bloom. Chatfield Hut was a perfect place to have lunch and relax for a while.

The trail followed small streams and fields with tall grass. It passed over a railroad track, which a train passed over less than a minute after we crossed it. The sound of the train joined the growing roar of the nearby interstate. I didn’t realize how noisy everyday life is until I spent weeks in the woods. The train and traffic seemed much noisier than I remembered. As we approached the noise of traffic, we passed a cow pasture, a large barn with the AT symbol on the side, and fields with mountainous landscapes framing them.

taking a break

We left a small wooded area at a crossroads with heavy traffic and multiple gas stations. We walk to the nearest one. I went in first while Cody stayed outside with our backpacks and Turk. With drinks and snacks in hand, we settled on the ground leaning against the side of the building, appreciating the shade.

1/4 of the trail behind us

Finally we picked up our backpacks and continued. Shortly after we left, we came across a small wooden sign that said 1/4 ready. A quarter of the way to Katahden! What a feat! We celebrated our progress by giving each other a high five and taking a selfie! We have walked so far and we have many more to go. Forward!

The rest of the afternoon was hard work. Our legs worked every mile as we walked past the first rhododendron blooms of the season. We are so excited to see the different native plants blooming! Dogwoods, azaleas, mountain laurels, hydrangeas, rhododendrons and many more.

Set up camp

We arrived at an unmarked campground after finishing 18 miles. Johnny Walker had already set up his tent in the same camp. We stayed in the frigid spring as long as we could bear to put ice on our sore feet. That night we checked ourselves for ticks before going to bed. Spring brings colorful flowers and an increase in insects, especially ticks. We will have to be attentive to control ourselves every night.

The morning zoomies

The next morning we got up early to walk another 18 kilometers a day. Every day, we increase our mileage. And that day, Turkenna was bursting with energy! He continued running and running through the forest at every smell or small noise he heard. She was a little more unruly than we would have liked. So he ended up being on a leash for a few miles just to keep his energy in check. She doesn’t know we have to walk 18 miles.

The trail passes over barbed wire fences as we walk through different pastures. Turk was just going under the fences, but without being asked, he climbed one of the large A-frame stairs that go over the fences. She looked very proud of herself on top of that A-frame.

Magical path without a name

The magic of the trails comes in different forms. Sometimes it’s people parked at a road junction handing out snacks. Other times people cook hamburgers or hot dogs. They have served us chili and homemade cookies. This day we passed by a simple box of Little Debbie snacks left along the trail for hikers. There’s no one to thank, but that trail angel gave us a little boost on a big mile day. Thank you trail angel!

Lunch and shelter

Nap time after lunch

We usually like to find a shelter for lunch, but since there were no shelters on this stretch of trail, we found a spot next to a stream. It was perfect. They took off their shoes and their feet went into the stream. Turkenna found him a place under a rhododendron to lie down and take a nap.

We continued walking during the afternoon. It was pretty hot, but with plenty of breaks and taking it easy, we finally made it to the Chestnut Knob Shelter that night. The refuge has been one of my favorites we have stayed at. This is an old ranger cabin converted into a trail shelter. Having a completely enclosed shelter was a great luxury! And the shelter was at the top of a bald spot overlooking green fields and mountains. The sunset was exquisite from the shelter.

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