Search For Missing Maine Hiker Now Focuses On Trail Near Stratton, ME
The Associated Press reports that the search for a missing Maine hiker now focuses on a short section of trail near Stratton, ME:
“The Maine Warden Service is narrowing the search area as it tries to determine what happened to 66-year-old Geraldine Largay of Brentwood, Tenn. She contacted her husband on July 21 from the top of Saddleback Mountain but failed to meet up with him as planned the following day. Authorities are focusing on a 14-mile section of the trail in Carrabassett Valley, but believe the best chance of finding the missing hiker is in a nine-mile stretch between Lone Mountain and a dirt road west of Sugarloaf Mountain.”
Largay was last heard from on July 22nd and the search is now focused on a steep section of trail near Caribou Valley Road. I know this area well because I hiked it with my son only three weeks earlier during a trip to Maine this July.
Steep section of the Appalachian Trail near Caribou Valley Road
It is a very rocky section of trail that makes a steep descent and is quite challenging. My son fell numerous times, and it's plausible that Largay could have done the same. Rescuers say they are baffled by her disapperance and have had help from Maine Warden Service aircraft, Civil Air Patrol, Mahoosuc Search and Rescue, Franklin County Search and Rescue, Acadia National Park Search and Rescue, and the Maine Search and Rescue.
Caribou Valley Road near Sugarloaf Ski Resort
Largay was an experienced hiker that had carried a backpack from Harper's Ferry, WV. to this area near Sugarloaf Ski Resort. So she would be better prepared than most to wait out a rescue, but nearly a week in to the effort her fate remains unknown.
Tough Week For Hikers In Maine
Maine is a tough place to hike – and many expereienced backcountry explorers know that, but this week was exceptionally merciless. On Tuesday, two women and their dog were rescued at dusk on a backcountry trail at Roque Bluffs State Park, then as they headed home the true tragedy struck. The Kennebec Journal reports…
“Two women hikers who had been rescued after getting lost at Roque Bluffs State Park on Tuesday night drowned in their minivan a short while later apparently after taking a wrong turn while trying to leave the park and driving off a boat ramp into the ocean. The women were found in the back seat, probably because the van would have sunk front-end first, and the back would have been the last area to fill with water. The dog, a pit bull mix, also died. It’s possible the van’s electric windows and automatic door locks stopped working once the minivan was submerged.”
One of the women was five months pregnant, which makes this event especially tragic.
View from Sugarloaf Mountain, near Carrabassett Valley, Maine
And if that isn’t enough … a 66 year old Appalachian Trail thru-hiker went missing near Sugarloaf Ski Resort in Maine and has yet to be found. A 130+ volunteer search party is currently combing the area looking for the missing women:
“Search crews spent Friday looking for a missing hiker behind Sugarloaf Mountain in Carrabassett Valley. Geraldine Largay 66 is missing along a stretch of Maine’s Appalachian Trail. Game Wardens believe she spent Tuesday night inside a trail-side shelter with another hiker but no one has seen nor heard from her since. Rangers in aircraft wardens and volunteers on foot spent a second straight day searching a roughly 25-square-mile section of the Appalachian Trail. They are pretty sure Largay of Brentwood Tenn. somehow veered off the trail. Largay’s husband George last saw his wife Sunday morning near Rangeley when he met her to drop off supplies. He had planned on meeting her along Route 27 near Carrabassett Valley Tuesday evening.” From WMTM News 8
Even Hollywood Stars “Rock” Each Other's Backpacks
It seems that even Hollywood movie stars get their backpacks “rocked” by mischevious friends. During the filming of Monuments Men which also stars John Goodman and Bill Murray, Actor George Clooney tricked his 'Monuments Men' co-star Matt Damon in to carrying a backpack that was filled with rocks during a gruelling hiking scene.
Realbollywood.com reports that per Clooney's request the props guys filled Matt's backpack with solid metal bricks, which weighed about 50 pounds:
“The other people's packs had lightweight padding but Clooney told them to act as if they felt super heavy.
By the end of the day Damon was sweating profusely and after the scenes were canned, he dropped his pack, opened it and everyone burst out laughing when the metal bricks tumbled out. (ANI)”
So apparently you don't have to be a backpacker to enjoy that gag. What's up next … the old “left handed smoke shifter” trick?
Nicely played, George!
Reese Witherspoon Set To Star In Wild, A Story Of Discovery On The Pacfic Crest Trail
Wild, a best-selling book of Cheryl Strayed’s journey on the Pacific Crest Trail is about to become a movie staring Reese Withersoon. HollywoodReporter.com reports that …
“Fox Searchlight has acquired worldwide rights to Wild, a screen adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s best-selling memoir that will star Reese Witherspoon. The film is scheduled to begin production in the late fall once a director is chosen and will be overseen by Fox Searchlight Pictures president of production Claudia Lewis and senior vp production David Greenbaum.”
Photo by: Jason Merritt/Getty Images
The book recounts how Strayed, after the dissolution of her marriage and the death of her mother, decided to a hike a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, alone. It rocketed to fame and became a New York Times best-seller with help from Ophra Winfrey’s book club. It is the second major film that has been optioned after a major U.S. long distance hiking trail.
You might recall from earlier this year that Robert Redford decided to direct and co-star in an adaptation of Bill Bryson’s A Walk In The Woods that chronicles his adventures on the Appalachian Trail. The project was originally set to start filming this year but has yet to begin production.
Thru-hiking circles frequently note that neither author actually completed these 2000+ mile National Scenic Trails, but sometimes the best trail tales are those with unfinished business.
THE END OF AN ERA: SHAW’S BOARDING HOUSE “FOR SALE”
Nearly 20 years ago, I saw this sign while hiking northbound on the Appalachian Trail that directed me
(via a blue-blazed Trail) in to the town of Monson, Maine.
Here’s how it looked back then with the fall foilage near peak and my hiking companion Harry
(Delta Force) contemplating the two mile side hike to town.
I spent two nights in Monson at Shaw’s Boarding House before hiking the 100 Mile
Wilderness, and another night here after I summited Katahdin. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw ran the
hostel and were incredibly kind. Each day they served up generous helpings of food
at breakfast ($5) and dinner ($8).
When Mr. Shaw found out that I hadn’t photographed a moose on the hike, he immediately
loaded me in to his truck and took me down the road where – sure enough – a moose stood
grazing near a stream.
Unfortunately, Mr. Shaw died a few years ago and Mrs. Shaw passed away this spring. Both are
greatly missed by The A.T. community.
I was hiking in Maine last week and went by their house once again. It looked much like it did when I passed
thru on the A.T. nearly 20 years ago – but this time a “For Sale” sign hung in the front yard.
The Shaw’s hosted thousands of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers since they opened their doors to hikers in the
1970’s and it is truly the end of an era.
Bless you Mr. & Mrs. Shaw
The Ultimate Summer Roadtrip – Part Two (Coming Soon)
Had a chance to record a podcast with Mackie recently for “The Ultimate Summer Roadtrip – Part Two”.
It's in the editing room right now and should be ready for release by the end of this week.
In the meantime, check out “The Ultimate Summer Roadtrip – Part One” if you haven't already.
It will get you primed for Part Two and recaps a cross-country hiking/backpacking trip I did with Snyder (aka The Ox) two years after my 1996 trip with Mackie (who is shown above at our interview in Richmond, VA).
Popular hiking destinations in the UK
There is an abundance of natural beauty in the landscapes across the United Kingdom and many with unique aspects that are truly spectacular as well as a challenge to walk and hike which can make it difficult to choose the destination that is right for you so here are some of the most popular hiking destinations around the British Isles that you should consider as your next trip –
1. The Lake District, England
A perfect location for hiking where you can enjoy astonishing views wherever you turn the Lake District consists of hundreds of miles of walks some suited to experienced hikers whereas others are accessible to everyone. The main places to go within the 450 mile national park, especially if you want to make the most of the natural wonders available are Scafell Pike which is the tallest peak in England, the deepest lake; Wastwater and the biggest; Windermere all of which are stunning to see with plenty of walks for everyone, but if you want a challenge; The Old Man of Coniston provides a tough uphill walk but with spectacular views at the top. You can also walk parts of the Lakeland Trail Marathon when it’s not an active event especially around Lake Coniston for a stunning view of the peaks all around you and the lake itself. Many of the routes are mapped and some are guided making it easy to plan out where you want to go.
2. The Coleridge Way, Exmoor
This 36 mile hike will take you from Nether Stowey to Porlock on the South West Coast Path and along the way you will come across varied landscapes and terrain like woodlands, farmland, moorland, heathland and wooded valleys making for not only a challenge to walk but a chance to see beautiful English scenery. The route has villages along the way so if you decided to do the full hike in one go there are plenty of places to stay the night, it is one of the best ways to see British heritage and scenery and if you want to further your trip then it’s easy to join the South West Coast Path and the West Somerset Coast Path for truly spectacular coastal views and walks you won’t want to miss.
3. The Pennine Way
If you want a challenge then the Pennine Way will certainly give you that, covering a staggering 268 miles between Edale and Kirk Yetholm it takes you along a route that traverses the Pennines the ‘backbone’ of England by way of the stunning Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, Hadrian’s Wall and into the Cheviots. On average it takes 16-19 days to hike the full length but it can be broken down into smaller walks, especially with the many towns and villages you cross by and the beautiful views and varied landscapes on offer from the misty peaks of The Pennine Mountains to the diversity in the flora and fauna of the Yorkshire Dales. It is recommended to start south of the route so the strong winds are at your back all the way.
Besides these there are many other hikes and walks throughout the United Kingdom that offer challenging routes to amazing landscapes all filled with rich heritage and culture so wherever you choose to go you won’t be disappointed. Check out Nightgear.co.uk for military style walking equipment.
Popular hiking destinations in Europe
Planning any hiking trip can be difficult even if you have years of experience behind you simply because there are so many possibilities to choose from. All over the world there are guided walks and forgotten trails that not only provide a challenge but give you the opportunity to try unfamiliar terrain underfoot and see the most stunning and invigorating views so you might not know where to go next, so why not try some of the most popular hiking destinations Europe has to offer? While there are arguably numerous favourites here are some you may want to try first:
1. Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Unquestionably one of the most beautiful places in the world; the Swiss Alps provide a haven for hikers of any ability with a number of routes and mountain ranges to choose from. Some of the popular areas like Zermatt which lies at the base of the iconic Matterhorn where you can walk trails near the local villages and themed historic and cultural trails if you want something easier and informative, but for a challenge there are over 400 kilometres of marked trails to explore going up to 3,000 metres above sea level. Other areas like the Jungfrau region with the north face of the formidable Mount Eiger are a must for hikers too.
2. Tour du Mont Blanc
Hiking Mont Blanc provides different options depending on your abilities or time constraints as there are single day routes between Les Houches and Argentiere or the full Mont Blanc tour which is 100 miles long. The views around the routes are truly incredible and give some of the most astounding natural alpine vistas of Italy, Switzerland and France and are best walked in the summertime when the climate tends to be more predictable and less likely to change. On average the hike can be done in 6-10 days with either a full contingent of camping equipment, water, food and orienteering equipment or you can use the hotels, huts and vehicle support along the way.
3. Jotunheimen, Norway
The Norwegian national park; Jotunheimen is an area of mountains covering a staggering 2174 miles and features a mix of waterways, peaks, glaciers, valleys and indigenous flora and fauna like reindeer, elk, lynx and wolverine which you won’t want to miss. While it is favoured for numerous types of adventure sports, it is one of Europe’s best spots for hiking with routes and trails that you can enjoy as a stroll or several day hikes. A particularly favoured route is the six to eight hour trail from Memurubu to Gjendesheim that provides exquisite views of Lake Gjende and Lake Bessvatnet as you journey along the Besseggen ridge. There are plenty of campsites in the area to pitch up in or enjoy one of their lodges after a long day’s hike.
Whichever hiking destination you choose whether it is from these three or one of the many others around Europe or even the world you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the natural wonders and challenges each journey provides. If you are looking for walking equipment for your next trip then check out Blackleaf.com for top brands
The John Muir Trail documentary movie – free thanks to PBS and UNC-TV
Just heard about this documentary that was shot on the John Muir Trail. It’s #1 on my list of long trails to do and traverses some spectacular scenery in Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks.
The DVD was released in April 2012 and follows a group of students from the Southeast as they walk the 220 mile Trail in the High Sierra of California.
But you can watch it here for free … thanks to PBS and UNC-TV:
Watch High Sierra – A Journey on the John Muir Trail on PBS. See more from WUNC.
Or you can listen to a podcast that I did with the Helmet and Doughgirl about the John Muir Trail. They thru-hiked the JMT in 2006 and talk about their preparations, planning, logistics, gear and favorite stops on the trip.
Tragedy at Trail Days!
The annual Appalachian Trail Days festival was disrupted this past weekened when a vehicle plowed in to a crowd watching the hiker parade as it passed down the main street of town. Some people were trapped under the car and seriously injured and flown to nearby hospitals. Here’s a recap from USA Today:
“DAMASCUS, Va. (AP) — About 50 to 60 people were injured Saturday when a driver described by witnesses as an elderly man drove his car into a group of hikers marching in a parade in a small Virginia mountain town.
Washington County director of emergency management Pokey Harris said no fatalities had been reported.
The injuries ranged from critical to superficial, he said. Three of the victims were flown by helicopters to regional hospitals. Another 12 to 15 were taken by ambulance. The rest were treated at the scene.
“The status of the driver wasn’t released. Multiple witnesses described him as an elderly man.
Authorities are still investigating, but Harris said they believe the man might have suffered a medical emergency before the accident.
It happened around 2:30 p.m. during the Hikers Parade at the Trail Days festival, an annual celebration of the Appalachian Trail in Damascus, near the Tennessee state line about a half-hour drive east of Bristol.”
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/05/18/car-strikes-parade/2319279/