Cookie Outdoors

I did it! Day 159 I opted into Shaw's breakfast special for the bottomless blueberry pancakes. I often struggle with breakfast on trail. Waking up hungry and wanting to eat is easy; digging into my snacks less than 2 hours later because I don't stay full for long, is the problem. A cautionary sign - only enter the 100 mile wilderness if fully prepared  Today I set off into the Hundred Mile Wilderness (not an actual designated wilderness area). This stretch of trail does not cross any public roads or come near any towns/places to resupply for 100 miles. However, that doesn't mean it's as isolated as it seems. There are gravel access roads that serve private landowners, logging companies, assorted state parks, and recreational users for the many navigable ponds in the area. There is cell service more often here than in other parts of trail, and day hikers can access the AT in several locations. It's still Maine, so even if NOBO thru hikers describe the tra

Penultimate musings Day 151 My parents and I went out for breakfast before dropping me back at the trailhead. I had barely hiked an hour when I happened upon trail magic! This couple hiked in from the closest access road and were doing a full cookout at the shelter. Since I passed on the moose burgers, I had a tomato and cheese sandwich and relived my Girl Scout days roasting fantastic golden marshmallows. The patience pays off - not a fan of burnt marshmallows myself I saw ANOTHER moose on trail, this time a flash of movement as the startled moose ran further away into the underbrush. This occurred within 100 yards of the appropriately named Moose and Deer Creek, which made the perfect lunch spot. There used to be an Instagram hashtag called "outside pizza" where people would tag photos eating pizza in scenic outdoor places. I would recommend anyone to try carrying leftover pizza on their next adventure. Gallon bags of leftover pizza are the move The big feature today was hi