Tom Jamrog will discuss physical and mental preparations for longer hikes and share knowledge about adaptations in modern equipment that will assist aging hikers with their own experience of extended engagement in nature.
This program will take place at the Camden, Maine Public Library on Tuesday, December 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Picker Room.
Tom is the 278th person to have completed unsupported thru-hikes of the Appalachian (AT), Pacific Crest (PCT), and Continental Divide Trails (CDT), and was awarded the “Triple Crown of Hiking” by the American Long Distance Hiking Association-West. He is a Licensed Maine Guide and past President of the Maine Association of School Psychologists.
Tom recently completed his fifth backpacking adventure through Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness (the northernmost, remote, and last segment of the Appalachian Trail from Monson to Katahdin.) In April of 2025 he backpacked a 260-mile portion of the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
Tom will also have signed copies of his book for sale, In the Path of Young Bulls: An Odyssey on America’s Continental Divide Trail, detailing his unsupported, five-months-long, 2,500 mile trek over the Rocky Mountains from Mexico to Canada.
At 75, I’m still breaking personal records (PRs) on Strava—and half the time it has happened on days I almost stayed home.
After decades of hiking and biking outdoors and the Triple Crown of Hiking behind me, you’d think my PRs would dry up. But consistency, smart (longer) recovery, and my love for the feel of lateral acceleration move my “go” needle.
You don’t need to be young to get faster. It might be enough to just keep showing up.
Here’s to surprising ourselves—one ride, one hike, one segment at a time.
Riding in Thomaston Town Forest
I’m not racing anyone but my past self.
And some days, I’m still catching him.
You don’t have to be young to improve.
Keep showing up.
3 Personal Records in Camden Hills State Park
Your next PR might be waiting on your next walk or ride.
Water came up again in my morning in my daily I Ching reading—number 47; an image of a lake without water.
I’m counseled to accept this situation. Not to give up hope, but to ride out the bad times until things get better. To hold on to a faith that things will improve. A positive attitude will be my greatest ally in dealing with the fluctuating levels of water in my well. I am counseled to remain in faith and hope, when everything seems to be disintegrating.
The Crisis: In the past month only 2.5 inches of rain have fallen at my house.
Pat priming the pump
Although that has brought some relief to the severe drought that has plagued the mid-coast area of Maine over the Summer and Fall, I was totally shocked yesterday to lift open the concrete well cover to find 8 feet of water in my shallow well! (The bottom of well itself is only 11 feet below the surface of the ground.)
Two weeks ago, my well went dry when the foot valve at the end of the 1-inch plastic pipe became exposed.
Making it happen
I was forced to go to the laundromat to wash my clothes. And to wade into Levenseller Pond with 20-gallons worth buckets and pails to garner enough water to get me through the week. I belong to the local YMCA, so I took up showering there. I found paper plates and bowls to cut down on my washing of dishes. No one appreciates the convenience of opening a faucet to obtain hot running water until there is zero water in your pipes.
Signs of Recovery: One factor that may have helped restore my well was that my tenant, who was living in my basement apartment since April just moved to a larger rental he’ll now be sharing with his girlfriend.
Understanding the Science: Air temperature is the key player in reducing evaporation rates, including shorter days and lower sun levels in New England. Summer evaporation rates can run 5 to 10 times higher than winter rates in many areas of North America. Cooler temperatures and shorter days in the Fall significantly reduce evaporation compared to summer months. Combined with the recent rain and reduced water usage my tenant moving out, these factors likely all contributed to my well’s recovery
Looking Ahead: This is really good news, however, this spring or summer I plan to have a deep well drilled that will mitigate the chance that I’ll be without water in the future. Also son Lincoln has been advising me to invest in a traditional drilled well.
Shallow wells are vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations and drought conditions, so, having a more reliable water source will provide me real peace of mind. A drilled well typically reaches much more stable water tables that aren’t as affected by surface conditions and weather patterns.
Full Circle: So, the I Ching reading I received—the image of a lake without water, with counsel to maintain faith and hope during difficult times—seems particularly apt for my situation. I’ve lived through exactly that metaphor, forcing alternative actions for two weeks, when I retained a positive attitude and implemented practical problem-solving.
I just received a phone call from a well drilling service that let me know that his company has successfully drilled a half dozen wells close to my property. He sending me an estimate. I am taking steps to ensure more stability going forward, which is both pragmatic and hopeful!
Tom Jamrog's Weblog 