One early
spring day, Sam Ducharme set out on a 2180 mile, 14 state backpacking trip from
Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin Maine. During his six month journey he documented the
rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the wildlife, the hardships
encountered on the trail, as well as the people, culture and humanity at its
finest. On June 14 at 6:30 pm, at Milford Library, 57 New Haven Ave., join him
as he takes you through the trail towns, over the mountaintops and through the
backcountry. The images and stories will leave you with a renewed awe of the
beauty of our country and its people.
See his
gear, how he cooked, and hear what it is like sleeping in
a hammock for six months, through three seasons.
You will
also hear how Sam returned to the trail the following year, connecting with
aspiring Thru Hikers, paying it forward, and his return to the summit of
Katahdin one year later.
Sam Ducharme
is a retired K9 Officer and is a lifelong resident of Connecticut. He has two
adult sons, both serving in the United States Air Force. As an avid outdoorsman,
and finding the nest empty, Sam decided to buy a backpack and a plane ticket to
Georgia. From there, he started walking north. With no prior backpacking
experience, he learned on the trail. Gear,
trail nutrition, enduring the elements, and the logistics involved in a long
distance backpacking trip were hard lessons. After 20 years working within
Connecticut’s prisons, the search for a positive recharge resulted in a life
changing journey.
This program
is free and open to the public. It is
funded through the generosity of the Friends of Milford Library. Parking is limited; please consider parking
at Lisman’s Landing.
