Date: 2003-10-06
From: Katahdin Stream Campground - Mt. Katahdin

To: Katahdin Stream Campground - Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Katahdin Stream Campground - Mt. Katahdin5.2 miles (2172.6 total miles)I didn't sleep well going into day 195, but no one did. There was a lot on our minds, and we were worried about getting up on time. I was out by about 5:15. The moon was so bright, I didn't need my headlamp. I broke down my tent for the last time, and ate a bagel and a power bar. I went to the ranger station to leave all my gear.We signed onto the trail at 6:07am. It was just starting to get light. The first mile was mostly flat, but had enough roots to keep me stumbling in the dawn. The next mile and a half got slowly steeper. We stopped for a water break, and met up with Indigo and Cruiser, who were right behind us. We had met them briefly a few times before, but had never really talked to them. They were so much fun. It was amazing that on our last day we met such good friends. It was a great experience to end the trail with, although I wished we had met earlier.The trail took a sudden steep turn up. It was a rock scramble. There were bars to hang on to, and to pull ourselves up. It was a fun and challenging climb up the ridge. We got to the tablelands, and stopped for a break. It was about 1.5 miles to the top. We had water, a snack, and talked with our new friends. We could see the summit. The trail had flattened out. Without our packs, it was an easy climb. We walked closer and closer, seeing our final destination just above us.Cruiser and Indigo rushed to the sign and let out a shout. Willow and I were right behind. We touched the sign. I had completed the Appalachian Trail. Wooo-Hooo! We took pictures in all different poses, with different sets of people. Thru-hikers behind us started to show up. We'd yell out their names as they got close. Riff Raff, Scabs, and Monk were already there. Viking showed up next. A few minutes later Last Minute touched the sign and let out his rebel yell. Wildfire and Wounded Knee showed up, completing their 4 year section hike. Chilly Willy and Kilroy hit the summit. Finally Lion King came limping up with his film camera in his hand.Everyone celebrated in their own way. I had lunch and drank my coke. A few people lit their cigars. Someone brought uo party noisemakers. Some people were excited because they could go home. Others saw it as the completion of a lifelong dream. For me, it was just 5 more miles than I had done before. But it marked the end of an amazing adventure. I left my rock from Springer Mountain on top of Katahdin. We took a few pictures of the whole group. We hooted and yelled and congratulated each other. Hugs and handshakes went all around. I walked up and gave the Katahdin sign one last touch. Then I headed back down.The hike down Katahdin was long and tough. It was hard on my knees. I couldn't believe the amazing weather we had for our last day. This may have been the rainiest season ever on the AT, but it was perfect when I needed it. We trudged down, and met up with family members. We had some food, and hit McDonalds on the way home. Then it was a 3 hour car ride back home.Six and a half months from when I started, I sit on a couch in a climate-controled room. My jeans are too loose and my shoes are too tight. I am a completed AT thru-hiker. Who would have imagined? I wasn't one of those people who hiked the trail to find answers, but I come back with more questions than when I left. After so much time of hiking, you'd think I would have thought of what to do next. I can't begin to explain what this trip has meant to me. I am so amazed by the kindness of so many people. I sincerely thank all the trail angels out there who have helped me along the way. I will miss all my trail friends very much. Last Minute, Cuba, Slaughter, and of course Willow, you all are amazing. I couldn't have done it without you! Thank you all so so much! Miles left to Katahdin: zero.