From the Bread Loaf Section’s Summer-Fall Newsletter:
Congratulations to Cecilia Elwert on the successful completion of her solo Long Trail end-to-end trek on June 18th! Starting on May 23rd after much detailed preparation and planning, her itinerary included a list of “sherpas” (resupply people) as well as a party with friends and supporters at App Gap!
Reportedly all went well and (mostly) according to plan. One pleasant surprise occurred on Bread Loaf’s Trail Work Day, June 4th: According to Trail Manager David Morrissey, “Funny thing… we bumped into Cecilia coming through the Bread Loaf section on her thru-hike. She was ecstatic to see us and we were able to give her some sandwiches, fig bars, pictures and someone to talk to. She hadn’t seen anyone in three days! It was fun and I think she appreciated the friendly faces!”
Cecilia’s overall experience of hiking end-to-end was “wondrous” as she carefully observed every step (“every step mattered”) and the smallest wildflower. An end-to-ender gains a unique perspective and appreciation for the Long Trail from Massachusetts to Canada; each mountain, valley, stream and how they all connect. Cecilia also expressed sincere admiration for GMC’s work as evidenced by the blazes, shelters, outhouses, ladders, and bad weather bypasses where needed, signage, and of course the trail itself.
Before she started out, she said, “it was 42 years ago that I first hiked the Long Trail, so I’m long overdue for another round! Thank you Sherpaguru, Sherpas and back-up Sherpas, I couldn’t do this without you!” Now Cecilia has plenty of stories to tell, and it’s obvious that she enjoyed the journey immensely.
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