2023- AT Year 13 Section -Grafton Notch Hwy 26 to Andover, Me South Arm Road- 20.4 miles

AT Year 13 - Grafton Notch to South Arm Rd

Thanks for your patience as I have finally gotten around to putting this together. This year marked the second year in a row in which I had to abort my hike. In year 12,  it was a situation at home with my parents. This year it was a personal health issue, which turned out to be unexpected problems with my heart. The bottom line is I apparently suffered a major heart attack while on the trail, and may be lucky to still be here. The good news is I am being treated, and am green lighted to resume hiking, just no longer in a solo capacity. I will give a few details here. 

I went on the trail with high expectations.  I always feel bit excited and nervous at the same time, and felt physically and mentally prepared.  I took two days to drive up to Shaw's Hiker hostel in Monson, Me. From there, I would be shuttled to Grafton Notch (about 150 miles) to begin my hike.  I purchased a few needed items at the hostel outfitters, and consulted with a representative of Appalachian Trail Conservancy about trail conditions and what might be needed to enter Baxter State Park next year when I hoped to ultimately complete my AT adventure.   I spent the night at the hostel, and prepared to be shuttled the next day. 

Day 1 -June 5 -Grafton Notch to Frye Notch Lean-To - 5.8 miles.

On the morning of my shuttle, I ate a huge breakfast, prepared by 'Poet'. He and his wife, 'Hippie Chick', are co-owner/proprietors of the hostel. It was a cold, rainy day, typical of Maine weather in June. It always feels good to be going 'home' to the trail, and this day was no exception.  I was shuttled by 'Buddy', the same knowledgeable, friendly driver who shuttled me on my year 12 trek. We had a good visit and conversation during the longish trip to Grafton Notch. 

Foggy Bald Pate Mt.

Another View Towards the Summit

The day began with a big climb up Bald Pate Mt, which has two peaks. I made good progress and passed the cutoff to my originally intended destination for the first day.   As I approached the foggy, rocky bald summit of the west peak, I somehow lost my camera for the second year in a row...ugh! I continued over the east peak, and descended to the shelter, arriving around 4:30. So far, I had not  encountered any other hikers, and had the shelter completely to myself.  Tomorrow would be a longer hike to the Hall Mt. Lean-To, the next shelter on the trail. 

Day 2- June 6 - Frye Notch Lean-To to Hall Mountain Lean-to- 10.5 Miles

Frye Notch Lean-To

This day was a bit of a longer slog, and the terrain being very difficult, which makes it feel longer than it actually is.  The weather was also cold and rainy, which making it more treacherous. After a slow, all day hike, I finally arrived at the shelter around 5:30 p.m.

Pond View

Scenic Waterfall off Trail

I was working to get my 'trail legs back'. Since I was a day ahead of schedule, I decided I to take a 'zero day' at the shelter to recoup, gain energy, plan ahead, and hope for a change in weather. I knew that the terrain ahead would not get easier.  

Hall Mt. Lean-To

Day 3 - June 7 - Zero Day at Hall Mountain Lean-to

I spent the 'zero day' just resting in the shelter, reading my book and snoozing. It was cold and rainy, so it felt very nice just to snuggle inside my warm sleeping bag most of the day.  

Day 4 - June 8 - Hall Mountain Lean-to to South Arm Rd - 4.1 miles

I awoke early, packed up, and ate a breakfast of thick oatmeal topped with freeze-dried strawberries. I tanked up with water at the source, and visited the privy. My stomach began to hurt, with a dull, persistent pain in the upper right quadrant of my abdomen. My gall bladder had been surgically removed the previous year, and this pain felt exactly like it had before that.  I naturally assumed this pain was also related to the stomach and/or liver.

I broke camp, hoping the pain would ease, but it continued to worsen as I headed down the trail. My athletic career has taught me to pay attention to my body. I've learned to ascertain what kinds of pain can be ignored and what can't.  Somehow, I knew I shouldn't ignore this pain, and began to consider stopping at a hostel at the next road crossing - about four miles down the trail. The pain increased on the last big climb, and I was having to stop every two minutes   I still believed it related to the digestive system, but the pain subsided when I stopped to rest. It momentarily dawned on me that this could be heart related. Heart disease runs in my family.  My ego wouldn't let me accept this possibility, however, as I've long considered myself something of an athlete, at least in my age bracket. 

While slowly struggling up the last hill, I encountered my first hiker in three days.  I was humbled to discover that he was six years older than me, and already on his fourth complete thru-hike. Nevertheless, I was grateful to stop and converse a little. I finally made it to the top of the hill and called the local hostel for a shuttle and overnight stay.  I considered the possibility of visiting a local clinic or hospital, but the nearest one was thirty miles away.  I continued to feel bad after arriving at the hostel, and mostly rested in my room. I decided I would call for a shuttle back to my car in Monson for the next morning. I thought I might be dropped off at a clinic if necessary, and/or drive myself if I felt better.  I felt much better the next morning, so I made the decision to return home and get an appointment with my personal physician.

Summary: This was a VERY disappointing hike. I always have high hopes whenever I get on the trail. The bottom line is that I am fortunate to be here. I apparently suffered what is known as a 'widow maker' heart attack. My cardiologist was clear that if I hadn't been in the shape I am in through my years of running, hiking, and working out, I probably would not have survived. This was initially hard for me to accept, but I am still here, still active, and still determined to complete the trail. As always,  thanks for reading my blog- even these hard parts.