When I was staying at my friend Martha’s home, I focused on recovery from food poisoning by resting, doing mild exercises, and eating food that was gentle and healing for my guts. A week later, I was back to normal and felt ready for the bike trip.

Martha took care of me so well by providing what I needed: high-quality food, time, and a home where I could rest and relax. What comforted me the most was her warm, welcoming energy and good sense of humor. She made sure I didn’t leave until I felt ready and recovered. I am grateful for her generosity and open heart, and for Carla, her wife, for taking me to the ER. It illuminated that my journey is possible only because of my friends. Without their big heart and support, I would not be able to reach my dream. My friends are my treasure, and I often feel very fortunate and grateful for them.

One day while I was at their sweet home, I saw a magazine titled “Long Trail” on their dining table. I remembered that the southern 105 miles of the Long Trail (LT) overlap with the AT. I read the magazine and learned that only 166 miles were left to finish the LT at the Canadian border.

I finished the AT with such poor health, and I was very disappointed with how it all ended. I thought the universe was connecting me to the idea of thru-hiking the LT as a way to end the hiking portion of my journey on good terms. I finished the AT much earlier than I originally planned. Even hiking the remaining LT, I would still be ahead of my biking schedule. I reached out to a few friends for logistical support. My friends were on board. I was thrilled.

My new plan is to begin my bike journey where the AT and the Northern Tier Bike Route cross at Kinsman Notch in White Mountains. I would ride Section 11 of the route and go to my friend Steve, who lives near the trailhead where the northern 166 miles of the LT begin. I would return to his place after reaching Canada on the LT and pick up my bike to resume the rest of my bike journey.

Martha gave me a ride to Wiscasset in the morning. After we said good-bye, I hitched four rides to Kinsman Notch. The first ride was with a travel nurse, the second with a family who was on a weekend trip to White Mountain, the third with a couple from Connecticut who were spending the weekend in White Mountain, and the last one with a local who often gives rides to thru-hikers. I enjoy making random connections, and I thanked the universe for the chance to receive kindness and build instant relationships with people whom we often view as “strangers.” In my mind, there is no such thing as strangers. I enjoyed and resonated with how my Gwich’in friend opened her speech by acknowledging the audience as “all my relations,” including all living and non-living things, our lands and Earth.

When I arrived at Kinsman Notch parking lot, I saw a thru-hiker waiting for a ride from The Notch Hostel, my favorite hostel in Woodstock. A trail angel was providing trail magic to thru-hikers. I felt comforted by the familiar scene, and they asked me to join and enjoy some treats. After chatting and having a cold drink, they wished me luck, and I started my ride.

The bike trip is fast and fun. I enjoyed my first day riding through White Mountain, following Wild Ammonoosuc River to Bedell Bridge State Park on Connecticut River. The next day, I continued west and entered Vermont (Yes, already!). It started to rain hard when I descended to Sharon. Knowing I would see my friend Megan and spend a night at her home, I felt at ease and didn’t worry too much about staying dry. Megan picked me up and took me to her home. She and her husband took me to their favorite Vermont Creemee place for a treat. We hadn’t seen each other for over a decade, and yet, it was like yesterday when we caught up on life, an indication of a good friendship. The next day, she dropped me off back on the bike route, and I continued to Brandon. On my way, I made a steep ascent to Brandon Gap where the LT crosses the Northern Tier Bike Route. I stopped and was excited about hiking across the point again in a few days.

In Brandon, my friend Steve’s wife picked me up and brought me to their home. When I was thru-hiking the AT, I stayed with them, and I was happy to see them again. Without Steve’s family support, I won’t be able to hike the remaining Long Trail. Again, I had a moment to recognize that my friends are my treasure, and I feel very lucky and grateful for them. My journey is possible only because of my friends.

I left my bike in their garage and opened the package that I sent to Steve. There, I saw my familiar backpack. The pack has so much wear and tear from hiking 7,800 miles over the past 4 years. I hugged the pack, praying for it to tolerate one last trip before I ship it out for repair.

I’m looking forward to the bonus thru-hiking along the Long Trail, and I hope you’re too!