9/6/12 – 1937 miles
Only ten more miles today. The roads are few and far between up here in Maine so it is tricky to pick up sections that cover descent mileage. This will be the last day to slackpack for awhile, our trail angel has to go back home. Tomorrow we will put on full packs and set out for Stratton, ME.
It seems like the trail today was extraordinarily rooty. We have to be extra careful not to step on slanted roots, especially after a rain. You can fall so quickly you will still be smiling when you hit the ground. The other day I slipped on a root and bent my leg back under me as I went down. It was sore this morning but limbered up quickly.
Maine has several rivers that you have to ford. Just as we were getting to the road we came to a swollen stream that I could have rock-hopped across but decided to wade for the sake of cleaning my feet. When I got to the other side, I noticed what I thought were pine needles all over my foot. They were leeches! It took me forever to get them all off. They were even sticking to my crocs. Yuck!
Well, that’s about the grossest thing you’ve encountered so far. Nasty little things. That makes me think of that movie Stand By Me, only the kid had them on his body — back and chest. Yuck!!
I never saw a leech. You probably didn’t take a picture when they were on your feet, did you? Do they carry any disease?
I’ve never heard of that many leeches attaching all at once. You must have found the mother lode. I agree with your assessment. Yuck!
I wish I had had my camera. They must have been baby leeches.
Did you not have your phone?
Looks like you’ll be done with the AT in a few weeks. What are your plans after this? Going to SOBO it?
It reminds me of “The African Queen” (Humphrey Bogart: “I hate the little buggers!”)
I bet you will be rock-hopping the next stream.
I met you on the Approach Trail back in April and have been following your journey ever since. Best of luck to you as you near the end of your journey!