Date: 2007-10-12
From: Abol Bridge Campsite

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: moderate rain

Here's what I wrote in my Pocketmail for this day:Rain! Rain! Rain! Rain! and more rain! Cold, wet, soaked to the skin, literally, sloshing through rivers of water on the trail up over the tops of my hiking shoes, for 4 hours! That was today's hike...the worst day, coldest day, wetest day on the whole trail. Miserable doesn't begin to describe it. And it was supposed to be one of the nicest sections because it goes by several waterfalls and ponds, but Pickwick and I were not stopping to enjoy the view, that's for sure. The only shelter from the rain we found during that 10 miles was a large privy, and that's where we grabbed a quick bite to eat, while we stood there dripping.But there was not much of a respite when we got to the campground (which is at the base of the mountain)...we stayed in the ranger's office for over an hour in all our wet clothes warmed only by the 2 gas lights in the place. Then The Hobbits, girlfriend Marie, and southbounder Tom picked me up as pre-arranged and shuttled me in to town. Bigby and Moon Pie arrived at the campground in the same miserable state as we had only they and Pickwick were all staying there and summiting Mama K tomorrow. No warm shower for them. The bunch of us came in to Millinocket and had a late lunch at the Appalachian Trail Cafe...great spot! Thanks Tom! Then I checked out the hostel, but decided to go to the Econolodge where Dana and Dennis met me about 9 pm. All plans came together well!After a hot bath, clothes washed (I was walking around the hotel in a towel and down sweater), fish fry, and Pretty Woman movie, I felt almost human again.I couldn't believe it when I heard Mr. Talkerman and half his town were summiting today. The ranger said he was quite worried about someone getting injured. When I stopped in at the hostel I heard that he had only made it to treeline, about 3 miles, and had to turn back. The last 2 miles are along an exposed ridge. He lives here in Maine and is going to come back next week to attempt to summit again.Here's hoping this nor'easter which dumped record amounts of rain today passes on through and Saturday and Sunday (my summit day) are sunny and clear!!!ENTERED BEFORE:I'm updating this journal myself from a computer at the Appalachian Trail Cafe in Millinocket, Maine. I will add the omitted journal entries from previous days after I get home, but I wanted to let everyone know that I have reached THE MOUNTAIN! Dana and Dennis got here last night after a long drive (and fly) in the rain. Today we will zero and do trail magic for all my friends that are summiting today. Then tomorrow, up the the mountain we will go!!! And up it is...5000 feet of elevation, nearly a mile over 5 miles. What fun we will have...I can't wait. After we summit, I will post my summit photo here using this same computer...for you all to see. The weather has gotten colder, windier, and rainier, but we are hoping for a fairly decent day tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for us. I still can't believe I'm here, after 7 months of putting one foot in front of the other...I've gotten to Katahdin!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay tuned.Step lightly