Klauks to Katahdin: White Mountain National Forest

Day: 134 (August 6)
Starting location: Smart Mountain Fire Tower
Ending location: Ore Hill Shelter
State: NH
Miles today: 12.4
Miles total: 1,773.1

Last night we had a great night sleep. The Smart Mountain Fire Tower was above 3,000 feet and it easily got into the lower 40s. We find that we always sleep better when it is cooler and we are able to stay comfortably in our sleeping bags.

Today we offically entered into the the White Mountain National Forest. The White Mountains are something that thru hikers have looked forward since Springer Mountain, GA. The Whites are considered the most amazing section of the entire trail but also the most challenging. After 1,700 miles we both are in very good shape. With that being said, we know that we are about to seriously get our butt kicked by the White Mountains.

We met Warren Doyle today. Mr. Doyle is a 16 time thru hiker of the AT and actually holds seminars on thru hiking the AT. Many people attend his seminars to listen how he has been so successful on thru hiking when normally over 75% fail to complete the trail. We mentioned to him that before setting out on the trail the most we had ever hiked was 1 night and 2 days. You could tell he was a bit surprised at our success thus far but explained to us that we must have the right temperment for the trail. Maybe he is right.

I also want to elaborate a bit on what Kristen said about why we are slowing down. On the trail you often hear the saying, "It's not about the destination it is about the journey." Our blog may be named "Klauks to Katahdin" but our trip has never been about Katahdin. Often times people get so consumed with Katahdin that they forget to enjoy the journey and all the moments in between. I am very proud of how Kristen and I have done our journey thus far. We have never lost track that this trip is for us and not about reaching some end. We have always hiked our own hike and enjoyed every moment together both the good and the bad.