Date: 2008-08-20
To: Descent from Katahdin - Back Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

You probably noticed that there are no pictures attached to this entry, nor is there much detail provided. When I got to the top of Katahdin my hike was complete and finished. It was kinda like what Forest Gump said after jogging across the nation several times: "I'm tired, I think I'll go home now." I just wanted to get home. I was pretty tired of the day-in and day-out hiking routine. Enough was enough. I had accomplished what I had previously attempted and failed at - a slippery, elusive northbound thru-hike.Now I have to concentrate on some important issues - who Obama will pick for a running mate; getting back to work; celebrating Trail Boss's upcoming birthday (it's August 21st - feel free to wish her a "Happy Birthday"); and heading out on a 7-day cruise the first week in September (Carnival Valor to the western Caribbean).Since I officially finished my thru-hike when I summited Katahdin, this (and any future) journal entry goes into the "conclusion" Trail Journal entry type. 8/15/08:The descent was uneventful. Yes, going down the large boulders was both scary and a challenge. As in the past, I reverted to my tried-and-true method of scooting my butt down the rocks. Weather remained excellent.Got down to the campground and signed back in. I got a ride as far as the main gate but then could not find anyone leaving the park. There were plenty of folks coming in, though.I began hiking towards Millinocket. Once before I had to hike almost the entire 20 miles to the town. It looked to be the same thing this time. Only vehicles my way were park or ranger-related - and I don't thing they are allowed to give rides.Close to an hour later a vehicle stopped and gave me a ride. Looked like a husband and wife and they appeared to have just had a really bad fight over something. Bad enough that they said they cancelled their weekend plans at Baxter and were returning home. I just kept my mouth shut and watched the view pass by outside the window. Got into Millinocket and offered them five dollars for the ride. They took it.Got a room at the Heritage Motor Inn for the night. Called Trail Boss with an update and final travel plans. I'll leave in the morning for the trip back home.8/16/08:Took the traditional Town Taxi to Medway. Got some breakfast at the restaurant where the Cyr Bus stops. Then a nice ride down to Bangor. A quick cab ride to the airport and about a 3.5 hour wait for my flight (that's okay - better early than late). American Airlines to Baltimore, via a switch in New York City. If there are any direct flights we hadn't been able to find them.We live closer to Washington, DC, but Baltimore isn't that far. Trail Boss picked me up. You may not believe this (and don't laugh) but I was so happy to get back that I almost forgot to get my pack from the checked baggage. By this time it was almost 9pm and I was exhausted. Back to the house and called it a night. My gear smelled so bad that I just threw it out on the back deck.8/17/08:Spent most of the day cleaning and washing all my gear - getting everything put away. No plans to hike anytime soon, but still need to take care of the gear that took pretty darn good care of me.I'll post several other journal entries in the next few days. I want to first do some thinking about how the hike went in general, mistakes, what worked, what didn't. I'll post some of those resulting thought processes (or feeble attempts there at) in some upcoming entries. It goes without saying I really appreciate the support that all of you showed through your guest entries. If possible, I'll try to email back accordingly. If anyone has any questions, suggestions, etc. about the hike, feel free to email me at: markogle5@yahoo.com. Any email I receive I will definitely respond to.A special thanks to StormenNorm and WaterBear for allowing me to tag along through Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvannia. There were more than a few times in those states that I considered calling it quits. Norm & Jen, you two constantly put a smile on my face and kept my feet stepping forward. I well might not have finished without your assist. A sincere "thank-you."But the biggest thanks, without a doubt, goes to Trail Boss who supported me logistically, spiritually and emotionally throughout this long endeavor. I would not have made it out of Georgia without her love and care. Although my hike is over, she and I are just starting our life-long "hike" together.Give me a few days and I'll knock out some final entries regarding the past-six months that should make you wonder, or laugh, or maybe even get you in the mood for your own thru-hike in the near future. Good luck!