I went over the contents of my pack one last time. Tomorrow morning, I would begin one of my bucket list adventures. I had requested two weeks of vacation from my job to hike the 100-mile wilderness section of the AT trail in Maine. I was an avid thru-hiker and an outdoorsman. When I was not hiking or doing something outdoors, I doubled as a Territory Sales Manager for Safeco insurance. I hated my desk job and anytime I had an opportunity to hike, I did.
The name of the trail said it all. It was an arduous hike over mountains, past lakes, in the remote northern section of the Appalachian Trail. I had spent months training for this adventure. I gave himself 10 days to complete the hike but planned for 14. Arranging all of the proper preparations, I was not keen on carrying two weeks' worth of food, so I had arranged a resupply about halfway through. I wanted to go ultralight. Besides, I was bringing my camera and fishing gear. Some of the best fishing Maine had to offer was along this trail. I planned on taking photos for my social media and fishing along the way.
The sign at the beginning of the trail was ominous and it made me almost second guess this adventure. It basically stated that if you didn't have 10 days worth of food on you, do not enter the trail. Having done all his research, I knew how serious this hike was. It is the most rugged stretch of the Appalachian Trail. As far removed from civilization as one might get.
Hiking along the first miles of the trail was beautiful. I stopped at Little Wilson Falls, a beautiful slate waterfall, and had lunch. Most of the first half of this adventure was going to be a grueling alternating up and down an adventure. I wanted to soak it in. Most hikers averaged 15 plus miles a day. I planned on stretching the adventure out by doing about 10 miles a day to stop and appreciate it all.
The days went on and on like this. As I was taking his time to fish and photograph the...