Date: 2003-08-26
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Baxter Peak, Katahdin Terminus
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Final Day 166 Avg Mls/Day 13.1Weather: Cloudy morning thru midday then Partly sunny. The Peak was mostly socked in with clouds/fog...about 40 yards visibility. Cold on top warm below.Today's Nature: Baxter PeakFalls: Today 0 Total 13Well, I did it.This is a difficult entry. I feel whatever I say won't express how I feel...I'm not even sure I know how I feel but I'll try to tell you how the finish came down.I woke up before Lost n Found. Slowly ate some breakfast and started putting my pack together. Took out a number of items that were not needed to be considered a full pack to Katahdin. Took all my clothes, food bag (only a few items left), sleeping bag & pad, platypus, Aquamira bottle, Handbook and a few other items.   Oh yeah, the "rcck" I carried all the way from Springer...the "large" one Noname Dave selected for me.Lost N Found and I signed in on the the Trail Register at 6:45. We hiked together all the way to the top. Ramon & his brother; Carolina Scout and Honey Boy had already started their hike a half hour earlier. We passed them on the way up.   Hiking Viking and The New Zealander passed us on the way. They stayed at "the Birches" last night.The Trail was not real difficult...gradual at first; some steep climbs, and a few difficult rocks to get around or over. We reached the clouds around 3/4 of the way up. We were mostly "fogged in" with some misty moisture. There were a few instances of passing open spaces in the clouds.   On the way down the sky began to clear and the temp rose.The weather really didn't matter. Yes, we were chilly (I even put on my gloves for awhile) but I was focused on being atop Baxter Peak, Katahdin! I can't tell you exactly how I felt...I thought I might shed some tears, but didn't. I thought I might cry out loud, but didn't.   It's a personal thing with everyone who does it. I was happy..very happy, but already concerned with "missing the Trail" after today.We took pictures of each other over and over; next to the sign, atop the sign, kissing the sign, next to the rock pile, with our packs, etc.Carolina Scout and company arrived. we enjoyed sharing their moment as well. I'd say about a dozen others were just sitting around Katahdin enjoying their's and our accomplishment. Many were congratulating those of us who had completed the AT with this final climb.   They also helped take the pictures of us with our own cameras. It was nice.After an hour and 15 minutes Lost N Found and I started down. It wasn't long before we separated and I pulled ahead. I wanted to get down...and signed out at 2:45. There, next to the sign in sheet was a note from my Mom...they were in the parking lot waiting.Before going to the motel in Mellinocket, we needed to take Lost N Found to his truck parked at Abol Bridge Campground. We were also giving Hiking Viking and New Zealander a ride into Mellinocket.At Abol Bridge I saw Mousebait and B Rock who just arrived. Then a real surprise...Bob, Mike & Bob. Hadn't seen them since PA somewhere. Had a nice little reunion. Great guys.I'm going to do a couple of post hike entries. One will be my review of my gear. I found Blaze's review so helpful last year that I thought I do it too. I will also post some pictures.The other will be my personal opinion and feelings about the hike. Something I feel that is needed to bring closure to this journal.Many of you were kind enough to send guestbook entries. It may take some time, but I will be getting back with all of you that provided an address.Special Thank you to my wife Julia and parents for their support!Thanks again to last year's Trailjournalists for their journals.Thanks again to all my followers and supporters, if you can make it, I would love to see you on the 7th. If you aspire to do the Trail, DO IT! I can't tell you how it makes you feel inside.Hike On!Thought for the Day: Katahdin!