It turns out everything from day 112 was a bit worse than I had expected. The caterpillar sting had swelled up and required antibiotics and the heat exhaustion had led to my being unable to stomach food for much of the last few days. But, after 2 days off, this morning I woke up feeling ready to go. Not 100%, but definitely good enough to walk. 

After being cooped up in a hotel room for 2.5 days (which I get isn’t a lot, but it sure felt like a lot), I was practically giddy to get back to the trail. I was still 10 miles away and wasn’t sure yet how I’d get back. But I figured I’d go to the local coffee shop, get a bagel (plain, butter – keep it easy on the stomach) and then figure it out from there. 

But when I walked out of the door to my motel room, I saw a guy I’d never seen before but was clearly a hiker. And I saw he was standing next to a car. “You heading to the trail?” I asked. And when he said he was, I asked if I could tag a long. He introduced himself as Rod Stewart (not that Rod Stewart though, that would’ve been a way cooler story) and told me to hop in. So much for my bagel idea. 

It turns out rod was getting a ride from the motel manager. She drove us towards where we had gotten off trail, stopping along the way to pick up another hiker who was standing on the side of the road with his thumb out.

She dropped us off at the Pinkham Notch Visitor center which just so happened to have an all you can eat buffet for breakfast. While the other two gorged themselves, I tried to will down a few bites of eggs and potatoes. My stomach was still in rebellion because I had dehydrated it so badly. 

I left the buffet with not as much food in my belly as I wanted but excited to be back none the less. Though not necessarily excited for what came next – Wildcat mountain. Home of the steepest mile on the whole trail. What a welcome back from sick leave. 

The trail was as steep as expected. It was more of a rock climb than a hike at many times. I was constantly pulling myself over rocks and using my hands as much as my feet. It was slow going. But, it was fun. And it required my full attention so I wasn’t able to dwell on how I was feeling. I just had to push on. And so push on I did. 

By the time I reached the top, I was exhausted enough that I was able to eat two uncrustables before my stomach remembered it wasn’t in the mood for food. I considered that a win! 

Also a win were the views. From the top of wildcat’s many peaks were incredible vistas as far as the eye could see. We could see the entire presidential traverse perfectly. We could see where we were going next as well as into Maine. There were mountains everywhere you looked. It was fun to look at some of the mountains towering in the distance and know that just a few short days ago, I had climbed over them. 

A few miles later, I tried to eat a cliff bar. I was able to keep it down but my stomach made it clear that I was not to try that again. and so I moved on, without much food in me. Starting the feel the impact of barely eating over the last 3 days. 

Exhausted, I found a beautiful campsite by myself at the top of Mount Hight. I’m a 0.1 mile walk from the summit which again provides 360 degree views. I ate dinner up there and stayed to watch the sun set over mount Washington. There are times where it hits you that this whole AT thing is pretty cool. And sitting atop of your own personal mountain, watching the sun set is definitely one of those times!

Key stats:

Miles: 8

Elevation gain: 4500 ft

Mile marker: 1887

Always remember to: stay hydrated