Returning to Katahdin: An Appalachian Trail Dream

We always planned to have this final episode, so it was great to catch up with Bruce in such good spirits after his epic journey. He'd been home for a month and was starting to absorb what he'd done, yet his stresses from "normal" life were piling up once more. We spoke about what he'd learned and how he felt after his journey, with some words from Cheryl to give another perspective. I couldn't be happier that we followed Bruce. Like Jessa, last year, he was an interesting person who articulated the ups and downs of life on the trail. Also like Jessa, he had had moments of doubt that needed to be overcome. We're now two for two. Let's hope that I can make it three for three next year. Thanks for listening. Your support has meant a lot to both of us.

As all things must do, the end was in sight as Bruce set off into the 100 Mile Wilderness last week. I didn't hear from him again until Saturday evening when he had summited Katahdin and fulfilled his 44-year dream to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. There is plenty of time for Bruce to draw his conclusions of a journey that had kept him occupied, away from his beloved family for half a year. This episode is going to follow the pattern of all the others, with his stories on the trail, his thoughts about aspects of hiking the trail and, of course, his epic retelling of his final day on the trail. I'm full of admiration for Bruce's tenacity and vulnerability and the way he has managed his expectations along this pathway. He hasn't always been frank with how tough it has been, yet he has always projected a positivity that surely carried him to the top of Katahdin. At the end of the day, it was the finish he wanted. We hope that you take the opportunity to support our sponsor, Trailtopia, when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out their wide variety of meals. They have assisted greatly in bringing this show to you and I'll always be grateful for that support. One last thing which has often been buried under the news of Bruce's progress. He has been raising funds for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, an organization dedicated to making the trail accessible to all. If you've loved this podcast I'd urge you to make a donation to the fund that Bruce is personally matching out of his own funds. Click on the link and support the ATC. http://www.rtkchallenge.com/support/ Thanks for all your support.

Bruce is now within a week of Katahdin, at Monson, preparing for the 100 Mile Wilderness. By the time you hear this show, he'll be in the wilderness and out of touch, reflecting on the beauty he has seen. He and his buddy, GBolt have decided to load up six days of food and enjoy the wilderness without interruption or food drop. It is hard to believe that the journey is almost over, yet the culmination of Bruce's 44-year dream concludes next Saturday, September 1 as he climbs Katahdin with Cheryl. We also say goodbye to our great sponsor, Trailtopia, who has been with us all the way. We hope that you take the opportunity to support Trailtopia when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out the wide variety of meals that are on offer. We hope that you come back next week to hear how this epic journey comes to an end.

With just a couple of weeks left on the trail, Bruce reassesses his difficulty rating after his New Hampshire and Maine experience. Recon has sustained an injury that forced him from the trail, leaving Bruce and Gbolt together as they contemplate the 100-Mile Wilderness. They intend to use their time in the Wilderness to reflect upon what they have achieved so far. We also got a great question from Patrick Sackrider about how impactful a thru-hike might have been on Bruce and me had we done it in our 20s as opposed to our 60s. It made us both think and speculate. We hope that you take the opportunity to support our sponsor, Trailtopia, when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out their wide variety of meals.

Bruce is in the last state–Maine. He has already gone through the Mahoosuc Notch, a kind of rocky jigsaw puzzle, where you work out the best route as you move through it. The pictures in these notes are taken by Bruce and feature his two hiking compadres, Gbolt and Recon. He felt the need to hike with other people, partly out of safety reasons but also because he wanted to share his hike with other people. Many hikers team up with a trail family, or "tramily," for the majority of their journey but Bruce has rarely hiked with others for more than a day. He intentionally considered and prayed for hiking partners and he met and teamed up with his current friends the following day. He speaks about his faith and how it has helped him on the trip. Shout out to Jeff and Tracy for sharing their home with Bruce and other hikers simply out of the goodness in their hearts and their fascination with the stories from the trail. Also, thanks to GBolt for asking Bruce his question. He's already sent his address to receive his two Trailtopia meals We hope that you take the opportunity to support our sponsor, Trailtopia, when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out their wide variety of meals.

Bruce has been in one of my favourite parts of the trail; The White Mountains in New Hampshire. As always, he has researched his subject and knew what to expect. Consequently, he has had a tough time that he knew was coming. The weather doesn't always cooperate–and it didn't for Bruce–but the scenery, when you find it, is hard to beat. He even had fairly decent weather as he crossed the second-highest point of the trail, Mt Washington. With the Whites pretty much now behind him, he is looking forward to the last great test before Mt Katahdin; Southern Maine. We had an excellent question this week about thunderstorms from David Braxton, so make sure that you send me your address, David, so that I can get two of Trailtopia's yummy meals sent to you. We hope that you take the opportunity to support our sponsor, Trailtopia, when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out their wide variety of meals.

With twelve states in his rearview mirror, Bruce has started New Hampshire. As he alludes to in the show, this is a moment that makes you bring Katahdin into clearer focus and, in of itself, it is a huge achievement. For a man who REALLY plans, he hasn't considered his sleeping arrangements in New Hampshire, a critical consideration due to the expensive system of AMC Huts. I was able to send Bruce a link to those stealth sites. If you'd like to see them, click here. https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbackpackinglight.com%2Fforums%2Ftopic%2F86526%2F&h=AT3dlpE85FAl6JMiJk97mu9BWwrwETI6GHSGug1qXhsyUu4eUNdoogQg1-fuIXyDCBK1-97iKR6G_FhbJI2WkLy4vRLAlzCnOOl7aqHomjrtallVKPS6jGh82LyaJteTEcdrVqecTNcv-FGkFJ5O2btGWg He was also regretful at having missed sunsets and sunrises, an error I made back in 2014. Next year I'll be seeking them out assiduously. We hope that you take the opportunity to support our sponsor, Trailtopia, when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out their wide variety of meals.

With Bruce hiking in the lurking shadow of Mt Killington and Vermont, we caught up this week. His mood had turned around from his "Banana Pudding Moment" and, probably critically, he was hiking in more conducive weather. The oppressive heat of the previous week or so had dissipated and he was well back on track. We had a great question from Barb Oelschlegel about what constitutes the optimal trail magic and Bruce revealed his bug strategy which is, to say the least, surprising. We hope that you take the opportunity to support our sponsor, Trailtopia, when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out their wide variety of meals.

This past week, Bruce put up a post on his blog that, for the first time, revealed some of the insecurities that can come with a long-distance hike. While we spoke about his latest progress on the trail–he has just passed Mile 1600–we also looked at that "Banana Pudding" moment that almost derailed his hike. The post can be found at this link. http://www.rtkchallenge.com/2018/07/11/week-19-my-banana-pudding-moment/ When I asked him if he would have made any changes to his preparation for the hike, he mentioned that he had changed his camp shoes to Hounds, a Crocs knockoff. They can be found here. He did say that they were $9 but these are $14. Either way, it seems like a deal to me. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hounds-Men-s-Ultralite-Shoes/147128585 With New Hampshire and Maine just over the horizon, I also promised to add a link to my own experiences in those glorious states. I hope that you love the music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgWXN7C7Te0 We hope that you take the opportunity to support our sponsor, Trailtopia, when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out their wide variety of meals.

Bruce spent several days off the trail this week. He has family in Connecticut and spent a couple of days with them, then a day hike with his daughter Amy and a family member. Though not in the interview, he also shared with Steve the extent of the damage that the rocks of Pennsylvania and, to a lesser extent, New Jersey and New York, had done to his psyche. This is a subject we will discuss in next week's show, though I'm aware that the main reason he probably "confessed" to this is that these days in Connecticut have revived him and, once the hot weather subsides, he'll be hiking with a renewed vigor. I took the chance to also chat with Amy, his younger daughter once she had returned to New York. We hope that you take the opportunity to support our sponsor, Trailtopia, when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out their wide variety of meals.

Bruce and his daughter, Brook, shared a couple of days hiking in New York this week. So, after chatting with Bruce, I also had a word with Brooke about her father's almost serene progress. Water has started to become more scarce, with planning vital to avoid a parched six or seven miles. Bruce has found great value in the Guthooks Guide on his phone, with updates on where water can–and can't–be found. He also realized that the rocks weren't quite finished yet! Eric Tomorrow came up with this week's question about unexpected places Bruce had discovered. The timing couldn't have been better as Bruce found one the day before we spoke. Don't forget, Eric, we need your address. Send it to steve@hikingradionetwork.com and Trailtopia will send you two of their delicious meals. By the time you hear the show, our man will be into his 10th state. We hope that you take the opportunity to support our sponsor, Trailtopia, when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out their wide variety of meals.

Hoping for somewhat of a respite from Pennsylvania, Bruce had a tough time in one of the New York sections, skipping it temporarily when the forecast showed 100% chance of rain. As always, his instincts seemed spot on, and he has made it up and over Bear Mountain, one of the bigger climbs in New York. We discuss the differences between hiking the AT now and hiking it back in the 40s and 50s, prompted by a smart question from one of our listeners. Then, in a couple of quickfire questions, Bruce came up with his best and worst moments, and places, so far. We spoke again yesterday (Sunday) when Bruce confirmed my recollection of a horrendous climb down from Arden Mountain. I knew I hadn't been making it up!! We hope that you take the opportunity to support our sponsor, Trailtopia, when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out their wide variety of meals.

Bruce invited yet another guest hiker to join him on his journey. The only problem might be that Pennsylvania isn't the easiest place to get your trail legs. Further, combining the climb up out of Lehigh Gap AND the Knife's Edge isn't exactly Amateur Hour. As always with Bruce, his preparations and expectations were geared towards this and he handled it all really well. Having successfully maintained his hike through Pennsylvania, Bruce got an early taste of the unexpectedly beautiful New Jersey; still rocks but glorious views all around. He also spent an idyllic time by and circling the gorgeous Sunfish Pond, one of my favorite sights on the AT. We hope that you take the opportunity to support our sponsor, Trailtopia, when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out their wide variety of meals.

With Bruce deep into Pennsylvania, Steve was expecting this week to have been especially challenging for him. However, just as he's faced every adversity in the past, Bruce has managed his way through the rocks and reached Port Clinton. He's even seen more wildlife. While he is nowhere near finished with the state (or, perhaps, the state has nowhere finished with him), he has invited a buddy to hike with him on the notorious Knife's Edge and the exciting but challenging climb up from Lehigh Gap. I forgot to thank Samuel Cutshall for his interesting question for Bruce on faith. As always, you got a considered answer, Samuel. Please let me have your home address so that I can get Trailtopia to send a couple of meals your way. Don't be like me and forget–to follow Bruce's journal and YouTube channel. We hope that you take the opportunity to support our sponsor, Trailtopia, when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out their wide variety of meals.

Now back into the swing of things, Bruce has passed the halfway mark and is into Pennsylvania. He hasn't been fully tested by the rocks yet but has had a few early "tasters" to give him some idea of what is to come. He has at last seen some wildlife, so Bruce and Steve discuss the beauty of animals in the wild. From the sublime to the ridiculous, he also took part in the time-honored tradition of the Half-Gallon Challenge. Thanks to Annie Chavent for her question about how, or whether, Bruce chooses his distractions on the trail. Make sure you get your address to me to take advantage of the free Trailtopia meals. Remember to catch up with Bruce's blog at RTKChallenge.com and don't forget to take the opportunity to support our sponsor, Trailtopia, when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out their wide variety of meals.

Bruce breezes past the 1,000-mile marker and reaches Harpers Ferry, the traditional halfway spot on the AT. He and Steve discuss returning to the trail the compartmentalization of his hike and his home life. He continues to drop weight and the picture below really pushes that home. Looks like a new pair of shorts will soon be needed. Bruce also realized that too long away from the trail in the middle of a through hike is not a good idea, and he was ready to return after a week at home. Still, as you'll hear at the end of our second conversation, he doesn't always find the right place to sit!! We hope that you take the opportunity to support our sponsor, Trailtopia, when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out their wide variety of meals.

Bruce and Steve took the opportunity this week to reflect on his journey so far. He has been home for a week for his daughter Brooke's graduation and used the time to rest, spend time with friends and make changes to his pack. We discuss Bruce's choice of start date and the weather that he faced, the prospect of adding an umbrella to his gear, and the true meaning of Trail Magic. We hope that you consider supporting our sponsor, Trailtopia, when you consider your next backpacking trip. Go to https://www.trailtopia.com/ to check out their wide variety of meals.

This week, Bruce had a shorter time on the trail, leaving last Friday to return home for his daughter's graduation and Mother's Day. He spent part of the week hiking in Shenandoah National Park with a buddy from home. It was an easier week than most, but he heads home with more than 900 miles hiked and his plans going as he'd hoped. Bruce will return after a week or so at home, so next week's show will have his reflections on those first 900 miles. If you'd like to follow more of Bruce's story, why not watch him on his YouTube channel, Bruce RTK Matson. Thanks to those of you who have been checking out Trailtopia's great offerings at their site, Trailtopia.com.

Bruce continues to shed weight as he pushes past the 800-mile mark with his boundless enthusiasm and positivity. Having come to his home state of Virginia, he is joined on the trail with Cheryl, his wife, along with a few more friends. They recently hiked together up to the iconic MacAfee Knob, taking in Tinker Cliffs as a wonderful extra bonus for the day. You can see the weight loss on Bruce in this great shot with Cheryl. A few miles further along, after MacAfee Knob, the wonderful Tinker Cliffs afford you a magnificent panorama as you hike close to the edge. I loved it there, as did Bruce. We had a bit of a technical issue on Sunday morning, so I ended up chatting with Bruce in the configuration below. I do not recommend it. Don't forget to support our great sponsor, Trailopia, when you plan your next trip onto a trail. Bruce reminded listeners how they can contribute to his goal of raising funds for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Click on the link below to go straight to the page set up for these donations. https://fundraise.appalachiantrail.org/atc2018/donation/Individual/RTK

Bruce seems to be gaining strength from losing weight and gaining his trail legs after 700 miles on the trail. He is even making his friends give him a double take when they come and visit him. This week, he and Steve share their experiences at Dragon's Tooth, with the dreaded climb down a strong memory for Steve. Bruce seemed to take that in his stride, though he talks of the previous couple of miles and the angular rocks that he encountered. With Cheryl and some friends visiting him this weekend, he is set for a warm week ahead and the iconic Kodak moment at MacAfee Knob, probably the most sought-after photograph after the one at Mt Katahdin. Last week, in Pearisburg, Bruce got Trail Magic from one of our listeners, Eliza Suzanne. Thanks so much, Eliza, it's hard to put into words how wonderful it is to get visitors on the trail. You can keep up with Bruce's blog at http://www.rtkchallenge.com/ and follow his YouTube channel at Returning to Katahdin. While you're online, we hope that you'll consider supporting our sponsor, Trailtopia.