Introduction

About Pathways

Appalachian Trail

Why Walk?

Make a Pledge

Hiking Schedule

Journal

Photos

Links

Acknowledgements

September 7, 2001

I stealth-camped by a brook about 90 miles from Katahdin with Fender. We arrived on top of Third Mountain to see the last glow of sunset and the first star appear. My body is worn down from many days of late starts and fast hiking. The amount of food I'm carrying will last at a slower pace. In fact, the weight has been dictating a slower pace. Plus, my body is uncomfortable in its state of womanness. On top of all that, I think I have the stomach flu. So why push miles to get to the end? To see my friends one more time. All of the people who have made this trip memorable for will be summitting then.

The other night I walked in late afternoon rain. That evening the sky shone with amber coloring. Gorgeous. Mice here are insane. One tried to crawl right into my pot full of mac-n-cheese sitting at my feet.