Pictures: me on the big mountain, the crew I summited with, rainbow over Katahdin the night before we started up the mountain, moon rising near Moxie Bald Lean-to, me at the unofficial 2000 mile mark, the boys (Remix and Stash) and I after hitting 2000!!, view from Pierce Pond, and entering Maine.
So, I made it to Katahdin - the greatest mountain. What an experience, what a journey. The pictures don't quite do it justice. Sorry for not being able to update anybody but no computers.
After coming out of Stratton, we headed up to Horns Pond Shelter. Me and Stash were able to take a quick dip in the pond. Nothing better after a horribly sticky day on the trail. The water felt amazing. Crazy storm blew in that night so we all decided to wait it out in the shelter that morning. Coffee, radio and rain. Not a bad way to spend the morning. But the Bigelows were calling our name so off we went. Did 27.5 miles over the Bigelows. Long day but we hit our 2000 mile mark so life was pretty good. I also ran into Missy and Reuben Stugart (now Solar and Lunar) and their dog Violet. They are friends of mine from Atlanta. It was really good for me to see somebody from home. Really pumped me up. I was a bit jealous as I was saying goodbye. They have their entire hike ahead of them and here I am, ending. The rain cleared up and it turned into a gorgeous evening. It cooled down a bit and threw off some of those mosquitos, thank God. Beautiful sunset over Pierce Pond. One of my favorite evenings on the trail.
The next day we head toward the infamous Kennebec River crossing. Before getting there, we stopped at Harrison Camps for a 12 pancake breakfast. If that doesn't get you up and over a mountain, I don't know what does. I finished probably 8 of them with three eggs so I was okay with that. The boys ofcourse had no problem finishing theirs. Crossed the Kennebec via canoe ferry, the "legal" way to cross the Kennebec. It is about six feet deep in the middle and they strongly recommend you take the canoe across. As I am pretty short, no objections there from me. A couple climbs today but not too bad. Really enjoyed Moxie Bald. I had the mountain all to myself and I just sat up there, taking it all in. It was powerful.
Headed into Monson, Maine, our last town stop. Crazy to think that this is the last time we will stay at a hostel, last time for town food, last time for resupply for the trail. Things are moving too quickly for me. I had a wonderful time in Monson. Got to see Tau and meet Traveller, had a great dinner x 2 and just really relaxed. Definitely what I needed before heading into the 100 mile wilderness.
The 100 Mile Wilderness wasn't quite what I expected. You are told in all the guide books that it is the most rugged section of trail maybe on the whole trail. Roots, rocks, slippery terrain and still a few mountains. So the first night, I saw probably 30 people - 20 of them being kids from summer camp. And the terrain wasn't bad at all. Maybe I have a different perspective as I have been out here awhile. I really couldn't believe how many people I saw over the course of the first few days of the wilderness. Several camp groups, day hikers especially near Gulf Hagas area. Took a little adjusting but met some great folks nonetheless. Some of my favorite spots in the wilderness were Screw Auger falls right around Gulf Hagas where I took a nice little swim, Whitecap mountain where we got our first pretty decent view of Katahdin in the distance, and mainly just being able to slow down and enjoy my surroundings. I did a lot of solo hiking and spent time contemplating my trip and recapping all the highlights, everything pretty much. Talked to a lot of southbounders and even some northbound sections hikers. It was also great talking and spending time with all of my thru-hiking friends. The last week was definitely one of my favorites. Maine is gorgeous and I hope to be able to come back and spend more time here.
The boys and I decided to push it to Abol Bridge the night before rolling into Katahdin Stream so we could do a little celebrating. It rained off and on for us but turned out to be an alright day. The next morning cleared up and we got a fantastic view of the greatest mountain from Abol Bridge. It was hard for me to believe we were only 15 miles away. Took our time that morning as we only had 10 to do. We thought about summiting on Friday because it was so nice out but we all decided to wait for our friends that were meeting us at Katahdin Stream Campground. I took a lot of time reflecting at the Birches ( a camping area where many thru-hikers stay the night before the summit). I was sad to be ending but also excited to finally climb Katahdin and reach that sign. There was a rainbow over the view of the trail to katahdin that we thought was a good sign the night before the summit. My friend Jeremy showed up with a surprise guest, my friend Bridgette with enough hotdogs to feed a small army. Had a great time hanging out with my hiker friends and my friends from home. Remix and Stash's friend Joe also arrived. I was a bit anxious all night for the big day, hoping for decent weather.
7/7/07 The day I had been walking towards for some time now. It was foggy and a bit chilly when we awoke but decided to head up regardless. Jer and Bridge headed up at 4 am so they could be up there when we all summited. I left around six and caught them before the top (go figure :)) What a crazy climb up the mountain. A little more steep than any of us expected, esp. Bridge and Jer but boy were they troopers. I was really proud of them both. They just kept trucking. Once we got above treeline, it got really windy and you couldn't see hardly anything in front of you due to the clouds. This turned out to be a good thing for them as they couldnt' see how far they were really climbing up. As we neared the summit, the wind picked up considerably but the clouds moved out of the way. 360 degree views all around. It was incredible. I saw the sign from the distance and literally jogged up the the rest of the way. Jer got it all video. I was so excited, let out a whoop and teared up a bit. It was 32 degree on top with 45 mph wind gusts, resulting in a 14 degree wind chill. But I certainly didn't care, I was literally on top of the world. Somehow we all timed it right and Tau and Traveller showed up right behind me and then Remix and Stash. I can't express in words how incredible it felt to be on top of Katahdin. 2175 miles to get here. I wish I could have spent a bit more time on top but I was pretty chilled despite all the adrenaline. Me, Jer and Bridge decided to start our descent. The boys stayed up awhile drinking some celebratory beverages. I had mixed emotions traversing down the mountain. I savored every minute because I knew it would be awhile before I can be out here again.
After coming down the mountain, it just felt surreal. I am not sure it hit me that I was finished. Three days later and I am still not sure. I wish I was still out there where everything is simple. But for now, I will get my hikes in when I can and live vicariously through my other friends who are still hiking. I already have plans for my some other large hikes in my future. I can't imagine the AT being my last long distance trail.
The AT is probably the toughest thing I have ever done but also the best. The people I met, the mountains I climbed, the terrain I travelled, it couldn't have been a better experience. Thanks so much for all of you that have supported me along the way in various forms. Your encouragement and support got me through. And thanks in advance for listening to my stories over and over again and for helping me transition back into society. It will be rough.
I am planning on putting all of my pictures online so you can all see and will keep everybody updated on where that will be.
Until my next hike,
much love
Kentucky Blue
