ALLAGASH WILDERNERNESS WATERWAY (AP) — A New Jersey paddler is nearing her goal of becoming the first woman to complete the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail on her own.

Cathy Mumford, of Colts Neck, N.J., started her solo trip on June 19 in Old Forge, N.Y., and paddled through Vermont, southern Quebec, New Hampshire and Maine. As of Friday, she had 80 miles to go before finishing in Fort Kent on Monday.

The 50-year-old Mumford was inspired by another New Jersey paddler, Mike Stavola, who set a speed record last summer by completing the canoe trail in 32 days.

Red tape nearly thwarted her. Her kayak didn’t meet regulations for Maine’s Allagash Wilderness Waterway. She’s now paddling in a borrowed kayak.


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