Date: 2010-09-07
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Baxter Peak
Miles today: 5.2

Mission Accomplished!We got up around 5 AM and prepped for the final assault. It had rained through the night and it appeared that the upper half of the mountain would be enveloped in clouds. It was a Class 2 Day, which means that hiking above tree line is not recommended. By 6:50 AM we were signing in at the Hunt Trail which would lead us to the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail atop Baxter Peak on Mount Katahdin,We were passed by Aikido Joe, Sherlock, and Saguaro just before reaching the log bridge at Katahdin Stream Falls. I wished them well and hoped that we would see each other at the summit for the celebration.The climb seemed endless. We finally emerged above tree line and were whipped by a wind from the northwest. The climbing became technical and the wet rock didn't help. I knew that Ground Control was struggling, and felt guilty about encouraging her to come along. The dense fog may have provided some comfort as she was unable to see the sheer drop offs on either side of the trail. A slip here would result in severe injury at the very least. We finally gained the table lands, but the winds increased in intensity and the temperature was dropping. I tried to encourage Ground Control to move faster in order to keep warm, but this backfired. I kept moving ahead in the near zero visibility to give her space, but then realized that Kevin had caught up to me without his mother in tow. I said that she should not be left alone on the mountain in these conditions and headed back for her. Kevin said he would go back instead and that I should continue on with my summit bid. I passed Aikido Joe, Sherlock, and Saguaro as they head back down the mountain, and congratulated them as graduates of the Thru-hiker Class of 2010. Aikido Joe assured me that I was only fifteen minutes from the summit. I finally arrived and kissed the sign marking the end of this incredible odyssey. I made it! I asked someone to snap a couple of pictures of me standing on the sign and then sought refuge among the boulders to drink my bottle of root beer and have some lunch. I saw Trashman and Ohibro reach the summit and then Boo and Scout. I heard someone calling for me. It was Ground Control and Kevin! After drinking her root beer, GC had gained some strength and decided to head for the summit. The friendly encouragement from Aikido Joe also helped. We huddled among the boulders and finished lunch. Kevin took some additional photos of me at the sign. It meant so much for me to share this moment with my family.The way down was difficult as expected. We did have gravity in our favor, but the wet rock increased the risk of falling and we moved slowly. The clouds parted some as we were approaching tree line and we were rewarded with some views of neighboring mountains and the lakes of the Hundred Mile Wilderness. We finally got to the bottom of the Hunt Trail at 5:30 PM. But the work was not done. We headed to our campsite and broke camp and packed up the car. It was 9:30 PM before we arrived in Millinocket. I was looking forward to my first shower after spending over a week on the trail.Vinchero!How many times must a man look upBefore he can see the sky?-Bob Dylan