Click Here to see Post #1 in this series.
Click Here to see Post #2 in this series.
The Appalachian Trail crossed into New Hampshire, and so did Richard Galluzzi.
Posing by the sign marking the Maine/New Hampshire border.
Dear Family:
Hurricane came blowing in. Missed New England but sent storm clouds skittering across the trail. I made the crossing into New Hampshire in a full storm. I hiked ten miles or so wet to the bone, came to the road and was lucky enough to get a hitch into Gorham, NH.
The rain has broken up some now, but the rocks, the trees, the roots, everything are soaked through. I walk each step slow and careful. You meet people here who have taken a hard fall. These are the lucky ones: red scabs running up legs, cheeks, duct tape wrapped around sore wrists, deep purple bruises on arms. They’re “lucky” to still be walking.
You don’t even see the unlucky ones. Their injuries–broken toes, wrists, legs, branches through the torso, deep cuts–force them off the trail for good, or at least until their bones knit. If they can, they walk out to a road. If they can’t, they hope someone shows up to carry them.
I’m staying the night on the slope of Mt. Madison in a hut owned by the Appalachian Trail Club (AMC). We’re above the tree line so the wind is blowing cold. Inside though, it’s warm. This place is a sort of wilderness hotel. Weekend hikers come in, pay $60 and get a meal and a bunk. AT hikers work for an hour and get a meal and the kitchen floor. It’s not such a bad deal.
Much love,
Richard
P.S. Like the letterhead? Got it at a warming hut atop Wildcat Mountain where I squatted for the night.
Editor’s Note: The letterhead said “State of New Hampshire, House of Representatives, Concord.”
Filed under: Camping, Eagle Scout, Hiking, Troop One Alumni Tagged: | Camping, Eagle Scout, Hiking, Scout Story
