Date: 2018-09-06
From: Katahdin Stream campground

To: Mt Katahdin Baxter Peak
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke up to cloudy skies after a short night of sleep. We chatted until after midnight and then I was woken by what sounded like a man vomiting from the next site over where there were a group of 6 hikers who are summiting today also. We all packed up dry tents and were almost done with breakfast when the rain started falling and we headed for the covered picnic table to finish up. With our gear stowed in the SUV and our day packs ready we all piled in for the 2 mile drive back to the campground and the trail. But I'll be honest, I think Baxter State Park has their trail and road mileage a bit off and it's more like 3 miles. The rain had stopped by the time we arrived at the rangers office where River, Galaxy and Songbird left their packs. If they make it back to the ranger's station by 3:30 they'll take the shuttle to Millinoket. If not we'll bring them because we're planning to spend the night there and drive home Friday. It was 7:37am when we all left the trailhead together. We hiked the first mile together and separated at the falls. Brian and I were slower because he's not conditioned like we are and thus it'll take him longer. As I hiked I thought of the Penobscot tribe and I thought about how sacred this mountain is to them, almost feeling like a trespasser. They don't climb the mountain. The trail became increasingly steeper and more technical we rested more and hiked slower. At the steepest parts we discussed the time and considered turning back. My cutoff time was 1:30. If we couldn't summit by then we'd need to go back and I'd have to summit another day alone. But Brian pushed through after consideration and assessment of his ability and we made it to the summit where we met with River, Galaxy and Songbird as they were descending. It was 1:30. I'm so proud of Brian and he was so happy to complete this milestone with me. We walked side by side the last few feet to the sign and I was overcome by emotions. I kneeled in front of the sign and held onto it. Brian teared up too and we embraced sharing a very special moment. There was just one other couple at the summit and we each took photos for the other. The clouds blew in and out exposing beautiful views but the wind was cold and we retreated after just a few minutes where we stopped to fuel up with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before tackling the rest of the descent. The AT ( Hunt Trail) is how we ascended but we chose to descend on the Abol Trail. It was 3.4 miles instead of 5.3 and descending is difficult. We'll need to be down by 7pm and either hike the road back 2 miles to the campground or hitch a ride. It doesn't matter how we descend, only the miles to the summit count anyway. When we arrived at the steep boulders Brian chose to tackle many of them on his butt, wearing holes in the seat of his shorts but it's how he felt safe and there's no shame in that. These Trails are very steep and dangerous. Around 6:15 we arrived at Abol Campground and spoke with a camper there. She didn't offer us a ride so we moved on. I stopped to use the privy and Brian continued walking running into a ranger who was headed to Katahdin Stream campground and scored us a ride in the bed of her pick up truck. Yay Brian!!At Katahdin Stream I didn't see River, Galaxy and Songbird. No note on our SUV or at the ranger's station so we thought they'd caught a ride. We agreed to take a hiker named Donny Darko to Millinoket and save him the $60 shuttle fee. As we were driving out the main road we found River, Galaxy and Songbird waiting on the road for us. Oops! We crammed 4 into the back seat and had some great laughs on the way. I don't think anyone cared that they were crammed. We stopped at the gate and Brian said a short hello to Katrina who works at the park and he served in the Navy with but hasn't seen since 2004. Within 30 minutes we were in town and I dropped our gang off at the first restaurant we saw and drove Donny Darko a few more miles to a hotel before returning to dine with them. After dinner we drove to our hotel where Sara met us and took River, Galaxy and Songbird to Lewiston. I was so exhausted we checked in, showered and fell into bed. I haven't slept well for 3 nights in a row but I bet I break that cycle tonight! It was a memorable and wonderful day and I'm just going to marvel in the thought of it all night.