Date: 2023-08-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Woke a little later -5:30 am. and immediately knew I had no more miles left in my bodies Tank.  Very sore and slow moving.  Sipped on Coffee and watched the rain fall, so happy to be indoors and not in the elements!  Recon rain to McD's and picked me up an Ice Tea!  I took Advil and Tylenol to try and get my aching under control.  Recon found the Bear Article in the Trek so I was able to see the polished story from two nights ago.  Very well written and interesting.  Soon we were packed up and had our stuff thrown into the back of the car and were on our way.  Rather than go the way we came on the interstate, Recon is cutting back through Maine on the same path that we shuttled to start our adventure.  It is nice not to be going slower than the chaos of a freeway.  My mind is free to wander and reflect. Definitely feeling Blessed to have had great weather, safe hiking despite the rigors of the section and the past wear and tear on the body, as well as being a part of Recon's Journey. I truly appreciated the beauty of the trail and enjoyed the views, flowing streams and being enveloped by the Woods more than any other time.  While I still hated the Uphills, I did enjoy the pace of life on the trail.  It is very freeing and allows a peace and calm to bath the body and the soul.  I really enjoyed knowing what to expect and what laid ahead both going up and coming down Katahdin.  It was like visiting a distant, yet familiar friend.  As for the sign, it is still a place of Honor and Reverence. It was thrilling to Video Tape Recon's walk up and the ultimate touching of the sign.  That's special in so many ways that words can't explain.  The actual climbing on the sign for the typical Summit pic is actually anticlimactic and the moment has passed. However, it was very special for me to walk up and touch the sign while fist bumping Recon!  A shared Journey and Experience that has come full circle since a chance meeting all those miles and months ago on Mt Albert at the 100 mile mark of the AT.  Recon was always the strongest hiker I knew and had a gear that could easily leave me in his dust.  Yet, he always backed off and allowed me to catch up and usually with a sly grin and a one liner that would get me laughing inspire of the discomfort I was in at the moment.  His tenacity and ability to stay committed and overcome so many obstacles put in his way is truly inspiring. He truly Reconned the best outcome of all.  It was very special for me to be able to climb up on the sign on the Fifth Year Anniversary of my Hike. I feel totally fulfilled, without any void or uncertainty. The Trail (and God) provide. In this case, a chance to reset the speed of life. Our world and new technologies are wonderful; but it can bombard our mind and soul. Surrounding us with such commotion that are senses become dulled and we are just washed down the stream into rapids and shallows not of our choosing.  I am grateful that once again, I will get to choose my speed of life, taking with me the idea that it truly is the smiles not the miles.  It's the people brought together by the common thread of humanity that we all share.  Finally, there is no place like Home, wherever that may be.  I can truly relax and know that as long as I Keep the Faith and Keep Living,  it is well with my Soul.  Thank you Recon for allowing me this ending to the Appalachian Trail Thru Hike.