Date: 2008-09-07
From: Birches Lean-to

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

What a final day. After 6 months of hiking in all kinds of weather, I find myself still debating whether to wear rain gear. It is almost a comedy to watch as I go back and forth, finally settling on my usual hiking uniform of shorts and t-shirt. We head to the Ranger¢s station and swap out our regular packs for day packs. I load my rain gear, water, snacks, and phone in the day pack. I actually feel as if I am betraying a loyal friend by leaving my regular pack, which has been my constant companion (except one other time) for the day pack. However we have been strongly urged to go light for our final climb.Hammer, Piper, Dust-in-the-Wind, her husband and son, and I start on the final trek up Katahdin. The rain has stopped, but it isn¢t long before we are all generally soaked due to sweat and the moisture in the air.I am still wondering where my excitement is, why I am not giddy with the thought of finally heading up Katahdin. My mood seems to be one of just getting this last hike over with so I can head home. I also am still a bit surprised at the challenge today¢s hike is presenting.The first mile is pretty easy, and then we start our ascent, which is about 2 miles before we get above tree line. Then the work really starts. A fair amount of boulder climbing, rock hopping, and using built-in hand holders to pull ourselves up.For the first time in the whole hike, the thought of stopping and going back down enters my mind. It is when I have to reach up and grab the first hand rail. I cannot see where I am pulling myself up and I can only assume it is safe. My fear of heights seems to have taken over and I push that away and tell myself it will be okay, and to not look down, but to just climb. That settles me down and the quitting thought is gone, gone forever. The climb lasts about a mile before we come to a relatively flat area and the signs say the peak is 1 mile away. One more mile and I am done (subconsciously I know I have to go back down the way I came up, but that is later). That mile seems to be closer to 2 miles and I have to remind myself it is really just a hike and to continue forward. Again, I am not feeling my excitement or sadness, just that burning desire to be done. The infamous Katahdin sign seems to be in view in spite of the fog; it is about 50 yards away. And it happens. I am almost transfixed. Nothing else is apparent to me, nobody else seems to be on the mountain, I am in a complete tunnel vision mode as I focus on the sign and I move closer. I am about 10 yards from it; my sticks seem to slide out of my hands as I get within feet of it. My body seems to want only to touch this Holy Grail of signs. The moment it is within touching range, I collapse on it, hugging it, crying, and knowing I have actually made it. It is moment where time changes, where the past 6 months seem to fly through my mind, where I am in awe of what has happened. I have put myself through in incredible challenge and with help from so many, I have finished.I whisper thanks to Susan, Vince, and Alex, to my siblings and, fellow hikers, friends, and to all who have been with me, to all who have given me that strength to ¢hike my hike¢.I step back and stare at the sign for a few more moments, then step aside so Piper and Hammer can have their time of reckoning the end of their journey.