Day 30 - An unexpected problem

Hrrm. Broken pole. Almost at the summit of Baldpate Mountain East Peak.

My plan was to hike for the next couple of days over the mountains and pull off at Gorham. But it was going to be a tough slog due to weather. Having only one pole has made me realise how I've become accustomed to having 4 points of contact, using only one pole makes me feel like I'm "limping" somehow.

I can reach Maine 26 (a main road) today. Potentially get the pole repaired or replaced. But I don't think there is much civilisation around there. Will need to do some research.

Update - Talked to some other hikers (Tinkerbell and IMAM). They said there is as sweet gear shop in Bethel (reachable via Maine 26). Decision made. Going to Bethel.

Update 2 - Trail Magic!!! I met Maine Rune, he did a thru-hike in the 90s and now does easy sections here and there. He hands out apples and home-grown cucumbers to other hikers. I was dehydrated which made the cucumber taste amazing. He has also offered me a lift back to Bethel. Incredible.Read more