Backpack through a remote region.

“Shortly after crossing a dirt access road, Crescent Pond emerged through the woods. I had read in the AMC’s guidebook that this was a favorite spot for locals, even though it wasn’t marked as a campsite on any of our maps. I followed the trail as it circled the shores until I came to a suitable spot with good water access and dropped my pack as the sun was disappearing behind the trees. I chugged some water and soaked my feet, looking forward to dinner and a good night’s rest. A few minutes after Nick showed up, a moose emerged from the woods for a drink and a snack next to us on the shore. She sized us up and edged closer a few times – only a few paces away at one point – before scampering back up and over a ridge.”

“When I reach 290 miles, the trail leaves the wilderness area and I cross the first power lines I’ve seen since I started hiking three weeks ago. There’s a yurt next to them, and it feels so out of place that I stop and stare. Down in the valley, there are houses. I can hear the highway (that hikers will hitch off of into Lincoln) echoing up through the trees. Why are cars so loud? Even on the AT, I’d never been that long without seeing the signs of civilization pass through the areas where I’d hiked. The realization of how remote and how incredible it was shocked me and humbled me. How amazing it is that we have such places and that I had the opportunity to walk through and experience it.”