The Perfect Job in Maine

A couple days ago my dream came true. I was offered, and eagerly accepted, the position in Maine of the Appalachian ridge runner for the Maine Appalachian Trail Club.


Starting in Mid May, I'll live and work on the AT and will be there until the end of September or early October. Stay tuned. This blog and my other one, http://thefemalesurvivalist.blogspot.com with be updated as often as possible. Unlike my current job in remote Montana, writing about my daily life and experiences will be allowed.


Many thanks to all my friends and family, supervisors and  readership who helped to inspire me along the way. The competition was stiff. The vetting was thorough. I'll do my utmost to make to make the MATC proud they chose me.


I know it's not the kind of job everyone might consider perfect. There will be storms, cold and wind, black flies and mosquitoes. I'll eat my own cooking, from an ultralight soda can stove, and sleep in a tent most of the time (except on my days off when I'll explore the coast and who knows, maybe hike alternate trails!)


Once an ultralighter, always an ultralighter.


 Before I head to Maine, I'll be hiking on the CDT, starting at the Mexican border, working my way to at least Pie town. Good news. There is now a shuttle to the remote Crazy Cook southern terminus:


Announcing CDT Southern Terminus Shuttle
Dear Interested Thru hikers, Section Hikers and CDT Supporters,

Attached is the information sheet on the CDT Southern Terminus Shuttle.  We will begin taking reservations on Thursday, February 27 at 9:00 a.m. MST.  We encourage you to select one preferred date and a second alternative date in the event that your first choice is already filled.  We will do our best to accommodate groups and will work with you to support making this happen.  We also wish to inform you that CDTC will be moving operations to Silver City, NM between April 6- May 9, 2013 in order to better support the shuttle service and the big push of thru hikers and section hikers.  

Please take a moment to review all of the information included in this info sheet prior to making your reservation.  

Teresa Ana Martinez 

DirectorContinental Divide Trail Coalition

Board Member, Partnership for the National Trails System

Continentaldividetrail.org

Cell: 540-449-4506 / Fax: 303-838-2949
Connecting people to the Trail, each other, and the land.

Update From Montana Boonies

Sorry for such a time lapse between postings. Bottom line, I live on a private ranch that has a secrecy policy that I have sworn to uphold. Not sure if saying that violates the secrecy, but that's the current situation.

Come April, I'll be on the trail and updating more hiking adventures. New Mexico's CDT is on the agenda. I have the maps and gear, looking forward to serious sunshine. 

Today I loaded up my camo fanny pack with bear spray, water bottles, camera, binoculars, wallet and drivers's license. I can't ski on location. Its fenced and off limits to employees. No problem. After a short whiteout wind squall, I hopped in the Geo and headed down 89 South towards Yellowstone Park. 

Right after mile marker 38, there's a turn off to Mill Creek. Head down that road 6 miles to get National Forest Land access....no fees.

I had been doubting there would be enough snow, but once I hit the back road, sure enough, higher elevations gave me enough pack to go for it. I had thought there would be a trail. Not so. I skied back a couple miles, but cabins and posted land bordered the road. I stayed on the snow packed road, loving the gorgeous scenery. It fed my soul.

Along the ditch I saw this sole remnant of a deer. The end has been chewed, probably coyote or wolf. Can't tell what the deer died of. I buried it in the snow and headed on. 

Mill Creek is a tributary of Yellowstone River. It is amazing. A few trucks and cars passed me while I skied. All  waved.

Self portrait heading back in the afternoon. I always wear a long fleece scarf because it has so many options for breaking wind on neck and face.

Happy Trails. May all your adventures feed your soul!