My first, faltering days back from illness led me to Mahoosuc Notch on Day 3. To be frank, I think that I should have stayed another day or two with Gary and Cathy as I clearly wasn't ready to get back to it.

That said, Maine has continued to wow us and is very much not a disappointment after the wonders of New Hampshire.

There is an interview with Michael Thorp and his dog, Fecteau. If his story moves you and you'd like to help out with a donation, go to www.pawws.org